Do monsters have more compassion than humans do?

I have mixed emotions about this season and I'm not sure how to feel about it. I was completely immersed in the first two episodes because they were amazing and emotionally wrecked me. I think the reason for this was the emotional attachment I felt towards the characters from the first season, which was very strong even though I watched it three years ago. The characters and their stories made the first season fabulous, and that's what I missed in this season. I was disappointed by the lack of emotional connection.

I loved how the monster's perspective was presented in the show, which ironically made them more relatable than the humans. It kept me guessing about who was on the right side and who deserved to live and thrive. Instead of answering questions, this season left me with more confusion and questions. I disliked almost every new character introduced and they annoyed me. The story's pace was off in the middle of the drama, and almost nothing notable happened in between. Then, too many things were thrown into the mix all at once.This season had less blood than the first season. I remember my dad dropping the show after the first episode because of the amount of blood lol.

I missed some characters terribly, and that was a downside of the season.

The acting, music, and CGI were great, as expected from Netflix.

Though it didn't live up to first season, but it was enjoyable... if I just see it as an individual drama than the drama having a great first season. Some twists were really great and left me wanting to know more. Deifnitely waiting for next season as now I have wayyy many questions that needs be answered right now.

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And the life goes on....

I'm pretty disappointed... it wasn't that bad but maybe I was expecting more. I adore Shin Hye Sun she always brings her best and lives her character but she couldn't save the show for me.

The main problems would be scriptwriting, characterization, and timing. For me the story wasn't engaging enough, so many things happened at the wrong time which didn't leave you any time to digest it. I didn't like the characterization of the leads at all... it almost felt like they had no depth especially considering Ban Ji Eum's character who supposedly lived 19 lives. Still, you see the no ounce of maturity that she should have from the get-go her character was so unlikable, clingy, and even unbearable at a time I was legit feeling second embarrassment through the screen. For Seo-Ha he was just uninteresting, there's literally nothing that stood out to me from 12 episodes, and don't bring why there should be something? coz after all it is drama so I expect that I should feel emotionally connected at least to the leads.... and with this duo romance was boring as heck... the chemistry was missing. I didn't even feel that anticipation of them getting together.

On the other hand, I quite adored the relationship Ji Eum had with the sister and niece it was heartwarming. Their interactions gave that warmth and depth to relationships that have. I think the overall romance was quite bland and the second couple was the worst of all times. I couldn't find a single reason why these two people like each other, seemed like the writer wanted to have a secondary couple and was left with no options apart from these two? so let's just force it upon us without any context and build up and expect us viewers to accept it coz we are dumb, right?

I would have appreciated it if her past lives were shown often rather than just some snippets here and there. They seemed way more interesting than the present. After watching the whole thing I still don't get why Seo-Ha was special to her apparently, the writer left that upon us to imagine and speculate.

I really hate when the first half is lousy and then we reach the rushed second half same thing happened here, there were so many things thrown in the last episodes and just too much going on... basically, the story lacked consistency.

Being tvN and Netflix production the cinematography, music, and sets were top notch just what you expect from such dramas... so there's nothing to be impressed of.

Shin Hye Sun did a great job, and Ahn Bo Hyun acted decently too, there was nothing wrong with the actors' performances just writing failed to give them that charm. And just my opinion and I didn't like them as a couple maybe visually (but that comes down to my preference).

At the end of the day... I'm not left with anything special to share about this drama. Everything was to say about what I thought could have been better... that's why it was just okayish drama... definitely not a must-watch or anything remarkable just another fantasy among dozens of the same genre.

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What a waste!

I'm so amused at how I finished this trash, but I did well. And I'm so frustrated at this point. How is this even tagged as romance... there were just bits of pieces of it, which left a bitter taste in my mouth.

This tested my patience level every bit... I was waiting for the moment that it would get better. With the character arcs, their decisions, and most ridiculous not needed twists, it almost had nothing good to offer. The main leads were the worst... specially ml, he doesn't have a thing called the backbone, bro can't you just take a stand for once? rather than crying wailing... acting like ahh, I have to do these things for the sake of the greater good, I'm so done with these types of tropes, and the never-ending cycle of amnesias.

The only good thing about it was the side characters... some of them were good and way more interesting than the leads... but no, they were just thrown out of the plot and killed for convenience or I'd say to keep the story going as I don't think they had anything more to offer.

Ju Ying Yi... I'm so tired of seeing her in the same attire, the same makeup in literally everything and the thing is she's not that good of an actor too, to make the matter worst.

The chemistry between leads felt flat, so even with the little sprinkling of some sweet moments, romance was unsatisfying. The flow of the story was inconsistent. They had all the bad cliches of all xianxias I've seen till together I hated what they did with the ending... so in the end everything was for nothing?

Never thought my review after ages would be a rant but here you go... I guess all I needed to relieve my frustration towards it! And you better not watch it for your own good.

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I was fully immersed in drama from the start, as I was impressed by the introduction. Although wuxia elements were very typical but sufficient to keep me engaged, and the extremely likable female lead from the very start... mysterious male lead, action-packed sequences... everything sold it out. Then episode by episode I started to love all interactions between leads, development in their relationship, sizzling chemistry, cuteness overload moments, and before I knew romance was the only thing that kept me around... as apart from it everything become quite a lot of mess in the end.

Drama can be categorized into three parts politics, the martial arts world, and war. A huge ounce of the drama revolves around politics (of course its title has 'rule' in it) that shouldn't be a problem but it's not clever or even smart, kinda illogical at some points over the top, and repetitive. I was bored by schemes circling one after another with the most annoying, bratty characters with a lot of screentime. My most beloved part in the martial arts world (expect the tianshuang sect *if you know*), it has thrill, excitement, and interesting enough concepts to keep one stick but to the disappointment, it's too brief, I would prefer it over boring politics 100 times... then comes the war part: most condensed one, with choppy editing, dizzy camerawork, inconsistent transitions, and not bad CGI. Everything is rushed here, many things don't have proper closure... no explanation at all, we just have to imagine many things in our head to reach the conclusion given the situation.

Apart from terrible CG at some places, it's high budget production.. aesthetics, costumes were beautiful, and sets were extravagant. Keeping spinning fight scenes... cinematography was impressive, love the grandness... yet simplicity whenever needed.

Have to say Bai Feng Hei Xi has become my most beloved couple in c-dramaland... firstly they both are extremely likable as individual characters, they compliment very well, they are very well aware of each other's needs, and they have 'conversation' (damn isn't it very unlikely when leads talk with each other in dramas)... though their story has some stereotypical elements it stayed a mile away from stupid misunderstandings, noble idiocy, greater good... blah blah blad, thus romance brightens everything.

Nonetheless, drama is the victim of crappy writing in some arcs, screentime distribution doesn't give justice to everyone except Yang Yang, there's less Zhou Lusi in some parts, where annoying, spoiled characters get loads of time to annoy us to death but interesting characters whose arc should have been way more interesting with good setup given a pinch of screentime that they don't get flushed up. Some characters appear and vanish as per the convenience of the storyline and it is so bothering.

After a long time, I can really say that BFX is an example of a strong female lead, whose intellectual doesn't come and go as the story needs.. who is consistent throughout the drama. Lovable, carefree, bright as the sun, smart... and I love she's a foodie. Literally, there wasn't a single moment where I didn't like her.

I hoped they should have kept little darkness in HFX's character from the book... firstly it confuses as hell viewers BFH's attitude towards him in the beginning, secondly he's just too perfect, fitting in that 'I don't have any cons' mold accurately, which brings us two nothing but perfect leads which don't really lead to any character development in them.

And damn that identity reveal was so underwhelming considering I waited for it a long time, it was bland as water.

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Take a interesting character give his amnesia then make him with most boring persona. Voila!

I waited for this one... for a long time, ever since iqiyi released that special, and when it came out, I watched the first episodes, I thought it was worth it. Even though it starts with pretty much shitty CGI the overall look, story, pace, characters, acting... acting in acting was very good in the start.

I was fully enjoying both the historical-modern parts, the traditions between then almost perfect.. and of course Jeremy's antiques, reasonable characters, budding romance, their interactions, chemistry, relationship dynamics everything was going so well, I was immersed and impressed just till it went boom to bluff.

Somewhat reasonable characters become unreasonable, chemistry almost non-existing, bombarding of cliches and annoying characters (I mean who likes bitchy sfl thrown in the mess in the middle of the drama who's supposed fashion designer with horrible fashion sense).. and the story eventually turned up boring and draggy... it could easily become 24 episodes drama than stretching it to 30 episodes.

As I was aware of amnesia having a large chunk of drama from the synopsis but was disappointed as MLs original persona came as much more interesting than his amnestic persona who was very typical 2-d character almost bland for my taste, Ming Wei's character isn't much of fun either that's why their pair was one of the most boring things that's why their tons of cute moments weren't heart-fluttering to me... and I mean if I can't even feel the main cp what's the point of the whole thing.

Though the acting in acting part was well done... but damn two prominent actors in the industry falling for the newbie female lead in her debut drama while starring with her isn't a bit.. or a lot lacking professionalism lol but then course FL should be the most beautiful and interesting person in the world as everyone ends up liking her. I adore the second couple... they were cute with a kinda typical but interesting and entertaining buildup.

I like Jeremy.. especially after the autumn ballad, he has his charm, his unique expression, and the eccentricity he adds to the character he plays.. but sometimes he outdid himself to the extent that it felt like overacting with repetition of the same expressions again and again, but excluding that overall, it was a good performance. But I missed his voice... production team did dirty by dubbing him. Zhou Jie Qiong did better than I expected but then Ming Wei wasn't a very complex character to play.

The production quality is very good, the sets, styling/costumes, and cinematography are well done, I liked the osts too not brilliant but pleasing.

It's well-produced but poorly executed... it had a lot of potential but lost due to repetitiveness... first episodes are good but don't raise expectations based on just that coz you'll end up getting disappointed as me. But if you like female lead getting treatment as princess throughout with many shinning armors saving her grace this it for you.

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The rock start.... with lost potential at the end.

Having watched almost every adaptation... I'm not here for the story, that's decades old, and filled with almost every trope that dramaland can have. We love cliches, don't we? poor girl/rich guy, enemies to lovers, the bad guy turning good guy, kinda then kinda not love triangle (or rather square), some bitchy characters thrown in the mess, the iconic 'power of love.'... and course some extremely good looking people, who wouldn't want to watch bromance between four hot guys (is that even a question).. so yes here I am to test, how much can endure this story that I've been through soo many times.. and been frustrated a lot.

Warnings for the future viewers:

~The bullying in the first episodes is extreme, it's dark as it should be.
~Too much screen time wasted here and there.
~Gorya's screaming and beating never get better.
~Just don't watch it for romance.
~They say it's not that toxic but it's still toxic.
~Last episodes are all over the place.
~Thyme is the most adorable idiot.
~Ren is charming as hell.

It's the same but at the same time, it's not. The main arcs and their basic structure isn't changed... what changed is the execution and direction in a good way. Almost every antagonist of the story has given their share of story that makes you sympathize with them sometimes feel bad for them, they are not just one-dimensional side characters who do bad things coz-I-am-just-bored-and-have-nothing-to-do-with-life. From the entire history of Hana Yori Dango, I felt FLs parents were somewhat relative, her family genuinely looking like a family... little over the top but not too over the top. There was a bond between this f4, their friendship was raw and natural.. not just some hot four guys hanging together coz why not? they cared for each other and every guy got the screentime they deserved.

Gotta say I got a bunch of memories that I cherish... most adorable run of Thyme after-you-know-what, Kavin's charming bar fight (Damn it's not common that I replay fight scenes lol), Ren's fire alarm (or should I say every time he smiled), MJ was cool and best boi in the whole thing lol, and how can I forgot meow meow.

The focus of the story was more about the development of characters and how to put all arcs in just 16 episodes, they were successful BUT it also kinda ruined many things. A lot of time was given to the side stories of side characters than leads just so we could sympathize with them and though I did I'm unsatisfied coz damn that's not really why I'm watching this right? They tried to put almost every arc in a short amount of time (I mean let's take an example of the Japanese version, as jdramas tend to be of 10 episodes they had to make 2 seasons+movie to add all things) and as expected everything was condensed, fast-paced, too many things happening, simply put it messed up with the pace. The third thing it lacks is romance... I mean it, just don't expect too much screen time of lovey-dovey moments from the main couple coz 1) they get together for a very short time. 2) most of their couple moments are Gorya beating Thyme coz-that's-what-she-loves-to-do.

As this is 2022 they had to do something with toxicity like they can't expect z-gen viewers to take decades yrs crap (though we kinda do).. they did remove some of the most toxic moments, I'd say it might be the first try of making ML a bit likable like-genuine (the only ML I liked from this franchise was from J-version def not for a character it was all Matsumoto Jun he was freaking adorable dork I'd say)... well Thyme isn't all jerk all the time, he takes his time, he has his moments where he shines. sometimes (many times) he's cluelessly stupid... but def, not the hatable type.

From the start, I liked Gorya, a modern and real strong female lead... but it didn't last till the end, coz I believe she didn't have her character development as she should, she was still the same. Like bruh, many times she's hypocrite like you are the who's always like violence is a bad thing and blah, blah, blah but all time she does with Thyme is beating him.. even when he's badly injured on the hospital bed, like girl what are your principals in real?

I'm not fully convinced by Bright's performance, he was good but not the best... Thyme's character had a lot of potential with a large spectrum of acting but Bright's acting wasn't up to that point, he was cute, adorable, and extremely good-looking at many moments but the emotional scenes, the outburst moments weren't well done. Though I'm happy with Tu and Dew considering that it's their debut... both were charming. Course Win and Nani had their moments, but I'm just so impressed by Cindy a.k.a Roselyn.. she was remarkable her presence and aura. On the other hand, her character was unlikable but her charm almost made it hard to do so, the perfect casting I'd say. But her redemption arc was bluff smh

The cinematography is stunning so is the music.

I loved the first half... Saturdays become my favorites I've never done this one-week one-episode thing but I was willing to be that patient coz I was enjoying the flow of the show, reading discussions and theories after each episode, it was fun... then it fell out off the cliff the second half was such letdown (for me), the pace was out of the place, many things were just bombarded, somewhat realisticness that was there was all gone... and I'm extremely unsatisfied with the outcome I mean we deserve more after many tortures, frustration.

I'll probably conclude I have a love-hate relationship with this drama... there are times I enjoyed it and many that I was annoyed, frustrated, and wanted to knock sense into the characters... it's good but not good enough.

*Still my rating is subjective, objectively it could be less than this:')*

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I'm curious,

Why waste PMY in such a way? Why 'romance' is listed as the main genre? Who the heck wants to watch that cheating couple overcoming their problems given a heck of screen time? (sometimes I even felt they got more scenes together than the main cp did) and the most important: Why does this drama even exist?

When the whole romance, getting into relationship part was in bullet speed, I tried to understand. Fine they going differently, elsewhere first there's good development then leads get together but it's okay if here it's vice versa, but no lol, that development never existed so the chemistry.. first their relationship was bombarded then they 'love' each other onto us, why they do? I think the writer left that question to viewers... other than the addition of boredom there's no purpose so we have some questions to solve, right?

When I was bored more than enough from their bland and tasteless love story, it wasn't enough as we have a whole weather forecasting plot... that does give vibes is this a thriller drama? I never knew weather forecasting has that impact on common people's lives... okay I get it there are some fields where it's important, but I'm talking about common folks from my personal experience no one gives a damn to weather forecast here... some even say proudly that their predictions are always opposite to outcome. Or is this is thing is SK? or as usual glorifying every profession, it seems later case to me

It's a Netflix drama so, with their usual production quality and cinematography, I didn't give attention to osts, see if a dish is a disaster you don't care whether the parsley used for garnishing is of top quality or not.

What writer was trying to tell... I never got to know till the end, was it noona romance? (would be most bland ever), Thrilling experiences while forecasting, How to keep bitchy attitude even though you cheated... maybe it's another example of putting all random stories, most uninteresting characters (including leads), with most boring scenario.. together to form a thing called drama.. and yeah garnished with annoying... unbearable characters. Voila!

I actually have a lot to rant about but I really don't want to waste more words for ranting.. so I'll stop here, definitely not recommended. Maybe if you need to watch something that'll bore you to death then you should.

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"Journey is more important than destination itself".... but is that true? Not always

"I hate her, she's unreasonable and annoying me to death, I don't care if the writer put any redemption arc, I'm sure I'm not gonna like her at all"

*few episodes later*

~I'm sobbing, bawling for the very same her.

Caution: My essay has unhealthy amount of length.

Friendly suggestion: You can assume it's ending is at 13th episode, for your own satisfaction.

Heck yes, this drama destroyed me... made me miserable, I loved every aspect of it... it was near perfection, I couldn't see any flaws (you see love is blind) and even if there are I'm happy to ignore them with my all heart (the whole 9/11 arc)... but then it messed up, hence my ratings came from 10 to 8.5. You know when creative writer try to be overcreative, and ends up creating mess. Ignoring that big mess (not exactly ignorable) everything is all mess.

Although I'm not fond of grown up's posing as teens much... I'm sold for 31 yrs KTR as 18 yrs NHD, she's the one, perfect match! the energy, confidence, optimism, and playfulness of NHD, a little immature yet very mature character... it's been ages I've seen such a wonderful, very well-written female character... who's the hero of her own story.. not only but she brings light to other people's lives too! the bright sun, ready to shine with her amazing light and infinite energy. The way she looks at the world, ready to face challenges with her capabilities, fight for her dreams with her full might.. her journey of becoming more wonderful from an already wonderful person is remarkable.

The casting is excellent, apart from the adult Hee Do, she just doesn't give the young Hee Do vibes... you know the energy, and enthusiasm, while other casting choices are remarkable she comes off comparing.

You see her as a little childish but cute person collecting stickers, in some of her silly deeds, then her being strong skating whatever she has to reach her goals, encouraging other people, being a healthy competitor, a loyal fan. I can write an essay about her character... this much sophistication her character offers. In short, she's the best, period.

I was a little worried about NJH.. see I like him but not his acting very much, then it blew me up. The way he portrayed BYJ I legit see him as a real person... BYJ's character is complex, layered, you see him going through a lot throughout the whole journey, very different phases of his life, career.. and the way NJH can make BYJ alive through his acting, you can feel when he's happy, he's being an adorable dork, when he's sad, depressed, going through something... confused, jealous, uncertain as well as determined, mature and confident. BYJ is not a perfect kdrama male lead... just an amazing real person who deserves the world.

What Hee Do and Yi Jin had together was the most beautiful, pure relationship I've seen ever... maybe acquaintances, friendship, more than friendship, rainbow, scissors, love. Nothing was forced, fast forward of a slow burn but with perfect pace, taking enough time.. the relationship that doesn't need to be intimate physically to prove it to be intimate, they were light to each other, who brought the best out of them, soulmates! I don't freaking care if NJH and KTR don't have off-screen chemistry but from what I see on screen.. fire! I mean me who loves realistic, sad, bitter-sweet endings.. never wished for a happy ending to this extent, whatever they have is the most precious thing.
But there's another me who thinks... is ending really everything? No. The journey that was filled with all emotions, heart touching, fluttering, breaking moments... the time they spent together, the encouragement they brought to each other is most important... that's why the journey is more important than the outcome.

KYR, here comes she... the one *I hated* have to admit, at some point, I was almost done with her, none of her excuses enough to endure her non-sense, her being double-faced, then she grew upon me.... well a lot, that I even forgot that I hated her that much. Now this is an advantage of watching when it's airing Viewers, can say the same thing for binge-watchers whether they would be able to digest sudden 180-degree change in dynamics between KYR and NHD relationship (sometimes almost absolute cringe)
But I love her family, it kinda shows when you lack something (money), you've given something more amazing... her family dynamics.

Just if... if Yu Rim was a boy she and Hee Do make a perfect love story (you see gls are SK thing), enemies to lovers, then we've got obstacles with typical separation.. and Yi Jin being the third wheel, oops I shouldn't let my overimaginative mind wander, I love BYJ very much.

Seung Wan..*standing ovation* she should be a role model, I know I'm overusing this word, but she's amazing! she's super smart, she's best diaper buddy, bestest hoobae and she stands for herself, for wrong things... she's not afraid of letting her hard work go in vain for her principles as she has not learned to bend (yet)... then we see her little silly side, who just desperately want to go college (cute), on the side not I love her mom too, like daughters like a mother or vice versa.

I wanna applaud the writer for not messing diaper buddies by adding any sort of romanticism between, best friends just being best friends.

Ji Woong... our little stupid (not so stupid) entertainment pack. He is cool and a very committed lover, he's not any side character who's just there for timepass or just as a love interest. Though he's not given a big story arc as others he completes the group.. the last missing piece. And damn he's very us (or just me) praising the beauty of NJH lol xD

Now, these were the main characters... one special thing (among many) of this drama is none of the side/supporting roles are insignificant or filers, they hold an important position in the story.. and are well explored in a timely. Hee Do's mom could have been an evil mother figure, cold, aloof, and caring for her daughter, and very cliche: stay away from my daughter, but the writer has every intention of being unorthodox, which made me struggle (I actually have a similar experience with my mom) rationally, professionally mom's right, but then it makes my point of view wrong... damn gotta say I love writing when it legit challenges me on a personal level.

Then we have our coolest coach ever, who may come a little obnoxious in the starting but trust me, she's the best. Yi Jin's sunbae at work could have been any other typical egoistic senior, then a supportive confidant/friend. Even the bad (should I say more annoying) persons were reasonable and not over the top. And yeah Min Chae was representative of us viewers.

Within the same drama, we see 5 different relationships between daughter-mother, and son-mother, totally different (bitter/sweet/sour) from each other but still precious as they should be. Not just that but every relationship dynamic is awesome... whether friendship, relationship, family. not-really related still related, being friends with friends... the embrace of mother to the person who defeated her daughter in the match. Ji Woong's sudden change in attitude after learning his club senior... damn I have a long list of the unconventional but beautiful dynamics between all the characters.

Can just one episode give you absolute pleasure and satisfaction? Yes, yes, yes. Almost every episode was a roller coaster ride with all emotions and sentiments, many times I found myself crying, sobbing... then laughing loud at the end. When the whole gold medal drama made me super sad, miserable then the encouraging words of those grandpas brought me comfort, and yes river of tears.

The story amazed me with the depth of characters, their journey of growth becoming a better person, overcoming hurdles... it had that ounce of unpredictableness that threw cliches and stereotypes out of the window (then forgot it in very last episode). Making it a unique and one of the kind drama. It's the best youth drama I've seen in recent years, it's heartbreaking, thought-provoking, a slice of life, coming to age, heart-touching, rom-com with the most beautiful love story, and the best comic timing. Well it's a mystery, (damn I've seen fewer "theories" in the crime thrillers), it's suspense drama with its unpredictable plot... and maybe it's much more than this, it brings comfort to me.

Nonetheless... I still need answers, I need closure lol

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"Beauty is shadow of imperfections.... "

It's not perfect.... it lacks, in many ways. The plot isn't unique or out of the box, with the most uninteresting side couples (for me), annoying besties (whom suggestions suck, literally), very stereotypical second leads who don't know their place... ah, how can I forget bad dating advisors.. that you should stay miles away if you're interested in dating lol xD. Apart from this there are still some problems, but gotta say still I enjoyed it a lot.

The charm of the drama lies.. in the main couple, and how smooth Dr. Gu is, honestly from the description I was prepared for some icy-cold, aloof, super-serious doctor... which he was for a bit, but later bruh how could you say you're not romantic with your high-level flirting skills, I wonder. The process of their relationship development was raw, natural... you can exactly point out why would Gu Wei is interested in Lin Zhixiao who hasn't even graduated yet, they have 9 yrs age-gap... but she's like the bright sun who lightens up everything, energetic, optimistic, hardworking, ready to face problems... in many ways exactly opposite to Gu Wei who often try to hide from problems, and that's why they complement each other very well.

Their chemistry is on fire, their interactions, how comfortable they are in each other's presence are soothing to watch.. and finally, a couple who talks, has a conversation to sort out things and just don't brush off problems as if they never existed though sometimes a little late... have to admit there were many moments I wondered it's acting or it's real?

Yang Zi did great job as LZX, specifically with serious scenes... her emotional outbursts, sometimes cute while sometimes heartbreaking. Xiao Zhan's micro expressions... his expressive/teary eyes got the essence of the character.. and thank god it wasn't overdubbed. The little theatre after every episode was cherry on the top... can this get any cuter?

I usually skip opening theme (due to spoilers), but I never did with this one.. reason? ost! the soothing and perfect starting of each episode. I love entire sound track.. songs are catchy, meaningful and suitable for the temperament of drama

Though some support characters have very cliche characterization.. such as FL's bestie, both second leads... but I liked the characterization of the parents, in the start, they don't come out very likable but some time later we understand their concerns are genuine. From some comments, I got to know that LZX's relationship with her parents was good in the novel... but I actually prefer the way it's portrayed in the drama... not lovey-dovey, the bickering one.. there's a saying (or maybe I made it up) 'We fight most with the people whom we love most.' And it's coming from personal experience lol.

I was prepared for melodrama, some super serious arcs, or a bit of tragedy (the prior synopsis gave the vibes) but as a result, I got many heart-fluttering, peak comedy moments... and I'm satisfied with what leads delivered together.

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It started on a very strong note with the great performance of Choi Myung Bin. This story needed a good foundation with a background story and that's what the first two episodes served. And I thought wow, with this intense start this ride will be action-packed with surprises, a lot of tension, and game of thrones but then... it fell from the cliff, with every episode I was waiting for action, something big to happen, it'll get better.. something more than just fluff, and miserable humor when that moment comes 'Damn not the action starts' it just gets back on its fluffy track as an addition to my boredom.

The writer seems to have forgotten logic for most of the parts, or we viewers are taken as IQ like those naive FLs in CEO dramas. I'll just point out some parts.

~Identical Twins:
The most important part of the drama is biologically impossible. How on the earth twins with a different gender are identical? There is only one case possible but then girls always have turner syndrome. Oh, please don't tell me about sesquizygotic twins they only share 50% DNA so they can be half identical.. or identical as babies but not as growing teens. (Sorry for starting biology class here.) Though I was impressed by Choi Myung Bin I can't let it slide how illogical it is.

~Sexual Orientation:
First I do not have a problem with the concept of love without thinking of gender, or loving person/human. But I'm very disappointed how sensitive issues like this are handled carelessly in the drama. Ji Woon was more bothered that he fell in love with CP than the fact that CP is a man.. damn how can he not question himself for a single time that his first love was a girl how his preference change overnight.. then he starts to imagine Lee Hwi as a girl, but then says he likes her as a person, not gender.. damn what a mess? I mean we have seen Han Gyul (Coffee Prince) getting tormented in the twenty-first century... we like talking about Joseon Era, but no the male lead should be perfect he shouldn't question his love... even if it looks way unrealistic.

~Attack on CP:
In the envoy drama that happened, his guard u̶n̶intentionally attacked Lee Hwi and he just gets away with it.. okay it that possible? first, it was clear that the attack was intentional but even if it was unintentional how can a mere guard get away after attacking the CP of the nation... it's a very big thing.

The story itself is grand as cross-dressing is on a big level... it's not like she's dressing as a man to become Eunuch, or to get in school or university but as the future king of the nation which is a big thing.

Romance is bland, politics completely sucks... action, is there any? just some bits. The writing is inconsistent, it lacks substance. The king's affection is an absolute example of lazy writing with poor characterization. I was hoping for some great, well-written politics, mind games...Politics, what can I say? probably all budget went over a shot of Rowoon carrying flowers around the palace... as I have never seen court this empty with just a few ministers (sometimes it suddenly has a lot of ministers)... with only 2-3 who can talk. but not it has nothing to offer. I don't think this setup needed 20 episode format as most of the part feels like filer.. even the main thing romance. Love-pentagon most unnecessary thing, it doesn't even create that much tension it should have.

The most problematic character of the series is the male lead Ji Woon.. no it's not like he's a douchebag or something.... he's clueless, legit he has no freaking purpose for his existence other than being a love interest of Lee Hwi. He's a typical nice, goofy guy who does nothing but fangirl over Lee Hwi for half of his screentime. His character is written one-dimensionally... there's nothing particularly interesting in him that makes me root him with Lee Hwi lol

Lee Hyun is more interesting than Ji Woon.. at least he is three-dimensional with different shades, he's not that nice guy all time but can take action when it's needed. I liked Ga On from the very start he has that mysterial aura around him.. that made me take interest in him, generate curiosity about his back story.. and I was waiting for that BIG revelation all time, then when it happened it all goes flat. All mystery they tried to create.. and what was delivered is a disappointment, but I'm very glad they didn't drag him in love-pentagon to make it hexagon. I like So Eun but she has a very bad first impression... It took me forever to get warm with her due to it, but then I adored her. Ha Kyung clumsy, little stupid girl... she's the only person with whom I sympathies in the whole thing, coz she's nothing but an innocent, pure soul who got dragged into this mess... just coz she loved a man, who's not a man.

The best thing about the drama is Eun Bi, she's phenomenal... the Lee Hwi she portrayed was charming. Most of the time voice is neglected in cross-dressing dramas, but we can see Eun Bi also worked on her voice so that she can sound like a guy. This is one of the very few believable gender-benders where FL can pass as a boy... yes her weight, height is not ideal for the role but the body language, her presence, the way she acts... make her perfect for the role.

I adore and respect Lee Hwi, this character had so much potential (kinda wasted with romance)... there were many changes to how she can be a great, wise king but fewer actions prove that. The character growth was less explored due to induced fluff. In more than one half of the drama, she doesn't have a purpose why she remains as CP, king is a good person so power isn't in the hand of the wrong people... but her king gonna lead her grandfather to get power and her becoming pawn in power play. And it's not like that many people's lives are on skate as other than Eunuch and Court lady no one knows her secret. When she gets purpose... as the story forwards it's already too late coz drama has lost its charm.

Music is forgettable... it's high-quality production serving great visuals but the color scheme is bright, not ideal for watching on the big screen as it's too bright.

Don't bother if you are expecting great Sageuk with the realistic portrayal, action as most of the time it's just filer romance with lack of chemistry (I just don't feel anything for this couple) and try to disguise with some bits of action here and there splattered. Apart from Eun Bi and her Lee Hwi, nothing is amazing or mesmerizing... it's only grand with the name and set up but everything is just mediocre.

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What is Happiness? just feeling of joy or satisfaction of getting what we seek for?

Happiness is irony... title suggests something, drama itself never really follows the same path. Thinking about it, happiness is a vague concept... maybe like love. So not for everyone but the enjoyment, characters, the story provides might give happiness, not all-time but little glipms. It wasn't on my radar... honestly I jumped on the train without even reading synopsis or tags just for HHJ and PHS. And yes I was tricked as zombies were the last thing I was expecting from 'Happiness.'

It's not horror...at least I wasn't scared, there aren't many jumps scary moments as I found zombies a little funny (or it's just me who's weirdo). The story is pretty basic which doesn't give 'HELL! what happened?' moments, as most of the part I found pretty predictable even the biggest 'twist' I saw that coming miles away, so in the department of suspense, it's not that great. There are soooo many irritating, dumb characters (more than likable characters)... annoy you to death, will make you want to strangle, punch, kick their ass (well don't worry about this department our FL is master in it). Leads aren't 'perfect' so their decisions aren't always right, sometimes very reckless, they make a lot of mistakes. These are some shortcomings of the drama, if you have less endurance for any of these this isn't for you.

Happiness serves many very classic drama tropes, with done right! Lacking in some departments it gives more than what was promised manages to surprise even with cliches. With very less likable characters.. it makes you get emotionally invested in them, rooting for them, getting charmed by them.

The romance was the last thing I was expecting... honestly I'm no fan of forced romance in thrillers when it's just there for nothing other than a drag. But I'm completely sold for this couple... Gosh, the way they look at each other, their caring gaze, holding hands, hugs, I'm satisfied more than enough... I don't need big proposals, confessions, kisses, them just doing anything, talking with each other, fighting with zombies together being normal is satisfactory. And them being so natural... is the chemistry that I seek even in rom-coms.

As I said leads aren't perfect, they have their limitations/shortcomings. Sae Bom comes as very cool at the start, I loved her in prior episodes.. but then her characterizations aren't according to her profession as much I love strong female leads who can fight well... I get a little irritated by actions without consequences and the 'I think I'm doing always right' attitude. Even though I love her coolness and personality but, indeed, it's not true to what she should do as special forces are well-trained, very disciplined... so recklessness is the last thing you expect from 'special force officer' coz for god's sake they are trained for sensitive, life-endangering situations.

I loved her in action scenes, at a times she was more practical than Yi Hyun which was needed.. and yeah she's cool throughout. Yi Hyun is an almost ideal guy sweet, nice, sticking to morals, loving husband.. who can become a bad cop for his wife. He's so precious.. he's the lead guy where you won't get SLS (oops sorry I forgot it's a thriller, not romance). But he's being just being morally right wasn't always pleasant (that gave me 'Boy you don't have to be nice always' moments)... I loved when he gets angry and does things that viewers crave (satisfactory).

I'll admit I'm charmed by Han Tae Seok who's undoubtedly my fav character of the series, I have a soft corner for grey characters and he's total badass he's that person who doesn't give f*ck to right or wrong.. but still do things right, the only guy who can situation in the right way. He's interesting charming, with a good foundation of back story and with desperation.

might not be the greatest thriller... but it's satisfactory, entertaining, and keeps you on the edge of the seat even with the ordinary plot but interesting characters giving you happiness.

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I never thought 33 ep long ep drama would be short for me... that I crave for more. I want more! it's not enough... I want to see more competitions, the growth in Zheng Yi and Bei Sheng's relationship.. them getting married (lol I'm even making fantasies. Little stupidness between Le Le and Qu Zhi. a coffee date between Zhuang Yue and Li Min, Le Le and Zheng Yi's sismance continued.. the more of Bei Sheng followed Zheng Yi's mom around... maybe some sweet moments between Zhuang Yue and Bei Sheng.

So, in short, I'm not satisfied.... but it's not anyone's fault just I'm too demanding lol as it's already satisfactory sometimes even more than enough. Not only does it manage to provide great romance, but awesome friendship with some really interesting entangled relationships.

I laughed, cried... I cheered. I was glued to the screen finding myself emerge in the race though I knew it's not even real and who's gonna win is predestined. It was the characters' and whole premises that made it feel so real. Not being very familiar with some technical sports terms didn't affect much (not well explained in the drama itself)

Story is nothing ordinary but characters is what makes it more interesting. It's not all-time sport-oriented but it is when it's needed. Romance is a slow burn: it's slow and burning... but very soothing and refreshing, even when they aren't officially together the time they spend with each other is precious with many 'Oh gosh, this is soo sweet' moments. The romantic development, the relationship dynamics are natural and very relatable. The thing is everyone is just so cute here... even the second couple, me who likes to skip the second couple all-time found myself rooting for them and taking interest in their story.

Friendship, sportsmanship, teamwork have big roles. The mother-son, father-daughter, mother-daughter dynamics are cherry on the top, sprinkled with some frenemies. Have to say I love Zheng Yi's dad wasn't a moment where he didn't make me laugh. Comedy is on point: not bland, not over the top, not cringy. There are many comedic peak points. There are some annoying, at a times very annoying characters... but with many likable characters, it gets balanced up.

My first time seeing Song Zu Er but I'm sure it's not last, I'm sold for her performance. Song Zu Er isn't conventional beauty... but she has that unique charm in her. Zheng Yi was tailor-made for her, coz she just perfectly portrayed her liveliness, cutesy, silliness, maturity, breakthrough, her setbacks. Her acting was really natural: she was just like any other 18 year adorable girl. I'm quite familiar Wang An Yu, and he's perfect for such roles.. a confident, sweet, cheerful, little (?) narcist young guy. I can't see Bei Sheng without Wang An Yu.

I absolutely adore Zheng Yi: her spirit, cheerfulness, hard-working nature. How mature she's for her age but same time silly as any teenager. Bei Sheng is the sweetest chocolate boy.. though there is some moments 'Boy why don't you get it but very few. Zheng Yi and Bei Sheng are cute little puppies, they rock even their bickering/fights are enjoyable, they have oozing chemistry with overflowed cuteness, it's THE couple where cringy moments aren't cringy... cliche isn't cliche as they just create such refreshing environment. There's only one little rough patch between them but apart from it... it's the healthiest relationship.

I was emotionally invested in characters as their stories never felt superficial.. apart from leads, leads relationships with other characters, subplots were interesting enough.

to sum up you get everything: Romance, comedy, friendship, a little slice of life, family, excitement, and the cutest couple that you want more and more...

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Okay hmm, flashbacks as a start... I don't like them but it's fine, they aren't taking much time.

WHAT? wow, that's the first meeting of them. Toilet not pleasant place writer chose for the first encounter of our destined to together lead. So I don't read the synopsis but it seems rich girl and boy from an ordinary family story.
Lmao, I never thought I would lose my mind in the first five minutes of any show.. who does that? dancing wearing that costume in front of the whole college of your bf's graduation is so embarrassing lol. Okay at this point I was enduring it... but wait now I lost it she asked him to propose to her, girl this isn't the way to do this.. ah I don't think he is yet ready but how can he refuse in front of all people lol. Right after graduation isn't the right time to marry.. don't you have a career that will help you to have a stable life? Now it seems for FL marriage is the ultimate goal of her life #richspoiledbrat
10 minutes into the show.. damn FL is going overboard with her acting. Great! at least Yi Tian isn't cold this time, I was worrying that he might get hypothermia by his coldness every time (Please ignore my bad humor.. coz it sucks lol) well good to see he's smiling and yeah not stereotyped ML ops I forgot to mention he loves money.
OH NO, but I see that coming... his friend lend him a suit as he is going to meet her father of course something is going to happen right? his attire is ruined.. now someone fainted on road, how can we expect him not to help? even if there are dozens of people around just watching not even calling the ambulance.. wait is this person I see is he her dad?
Daebak! my instincts were right... it's her dad. Ah, misunderstanding a bad first impression as a future son-in-law lol.
He lost his friend's suit... I'm feeling bad for his friend lol. Poor him he used his whole year's savings to buy it... lmao I guess his friend isn't lucky he just helped a guy to confess to his girlfriend, I'm cracking up everyone now eating together after that mess and happily xD
LOL, the ending of the episode.

Okay so my thoughts after the first episode, as this was live commentary lol.

Starting was sure whole mess, they had a series of misfortune in just one episode. It's my first time seeing FL not that impressed by her acting but I'll let it pass as it's just one episode. Talking about Yi Tian it's good to see him out of the coldness as I said before. Well, we are missing all processes of falling in love, as the story direct jumps on the proposal. I'm foreseeing many misunderstandings and breakups plus 47 episodes making me worried lol at a first glance this doesn't seem to be my cup of tea, better not continue anymore.

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How's the story: does it exist? I don't think so,

Jung Jin Soo is creepy, monsters are funny (literally), Min Hye Jin is reckless but cool (But what's the use?), Kyung Hoon is... wait what's his role? lol. My brother is annoying, Oops sorry this is unrelated. Well, so is the show apparently.

"When one person suffers from delusions, we call it a mental illness. When the society suffers from them, we call it being normal." -Anonymous

One of the few things done right is the portrayal of society and its mindset lol... I'd rather won't comment on how religious things are shown... but the whole setup of how people (normal people not the crazy dudes) think... was relatable.

For 50×6=300min (approx), I was staring at my laptop screen, was legit for nothing coz this drama is just so random. Some random characters with some random backstories, with their random purpose put together and bunch of super annoying characters are thrown...wait, that explains poster well. Drama ends up being a hot mess that doesn't serve justice to anything, anyone... characters, actors-their acting.

I'm curious what's the writer trying to show actually...Story is like some scattered pieces joined together without giving proper time to explore any character well. I didn't the webtoon to I've no idea abt the background story.. but just judging from the drama. It lacks in many ways, it's confusing, writing just sucks, editing is choppy, the whole cult thing is crazy, why some characters exist... then they just vanish in a thin air. Other than Jung Jin Soo's purpose everything has loose ends, should I call it a Netflix thing so they can create seasons per season.

I do not have a problem with bad CGI even though it made me laugh at the monsters... they legit look funny, or even cinematography. They can have a small budget it's understandable... but what's wrong with lighting? Okay, I get that Netflix is been trying this for a while now... making dark lighting and cinematography to suit the theme of thrillers, but that doesn't mean it should be this bad that I had to check the brightness of my device two times. With bad color grading, it's weirdly dark.

The acting is spot on. Yoo Ah In legit gave me chills... but he doesn't look himself and if he's the sole reason if you want to watch the whole thing, you'll be disappointed he's dangling carrot. I appreciate Kim Hyun Joo's performance too. Park Jung Min and Woo Jin Ah slayed in a very small amount of screen time given.

I think the main problem with it is they just tried to do many things together is a small amount of time. Trying to put many characters... many things happening at the same time. But this season is just meant for the introduction and things are explained in later seasons... I may ignore it but right now I'm just thinking of it as an individual drama.

It doesn't have many surprising, thrilling, action factors. I didn't find it the least bit scary nor any jump-scaring moments. It's gory, disturbing at times...you might get disgusted on many occasions but I won't call it a good horror.

It doesn't bother to explain anything, just wreck your brain on your own. Nothing is impressive... nothing. I admit it's different but not in an extraordinary way. It's just normal... might be good as time pass, as I'm the least bit entertained and thrilled. I just hope the second season (if it's gonna happen) will prove me wrong and this is just a build-up for it.

Am I being harsh? yes. I should be.

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The fact is it is a mixture of a lot of things... romance, comedy, mystery, a bit thriller.. with angst. Usually, this sort of blend ends up making a lot of mess, but it's not the case. Why? because the romance just works perfectly.

The best execution of opposite attracts. Da Li and Moo Hak are not just different from each other, but polar opposites in almost everything family background, education, nature, personality, the way of thinking, legit nothing is common. Still, they are like two pieces of the puzzle fitting perfectly with each other, their oozing chemistry is worth craving more.

I can't express in words how much I adore Moo Hak, he's one the best characters I've seen in dramaland. He may be loud, uncultured, silly sometimes stupid... but most mature, considerate at the same time most adorable person. A looot better than people who claim themselves high-educated and cultured. I love how many shades he has... and throughout the journey with exploring different parts of his nature. Now one may think its character development is, I strongly disagree. I think it is how he was in first place. The more I go deep into his character the fewer flaws I can see, I respect his perspective and being a realist... And thinking what life he has been through... where he worked hard to get where he is I don't consider him as money-grubber nor stingy, coz he's the person who knows worth of everything, then whatever it is: Money or People. He knows his priorities clearly and behaves as per.

Da Li may be a bit oblivious, idealistic.. and doesn't have much knowledge about how the world works she's definitely not spoiled princess. She's hardworking, she can face every problem with courage, she can take a stand for herself. I love her straightforwardness... she's a girl who can kick ass if it's needed. Finally, someone who acts as per their age lol... and not a teen who's in love for the first time, she's comfortable with physical intimacy as an adult.

I've seen a lot of secretaries, (I mean ofc everywhere is CEO lol) but Moo Hak's secretary is the best. She's not only a secretary but a very loyal friend, who can even threaten her boss's girlfriend. She's just COOL. And I love his hotel staff too lol... who can work as gangsters but also can give adorable reactions after seeing Moo Hak's fully smitten state.

Whenever each episode ended... I always felt unsatisfied, after thinking I got it why. Though it's not noticeable compared to the rom-com (not the multi-leads ones) this one has relatively less screentime of leads being together but I won't complain coz it's realistic.. people do have things-word to do other than dating, so when they aren't together they are doing work which needs to be done. It does have many.. many, a lot of annoying characters that you would love to FF.

Aesthetically it's simply stunning.. the sets, costumes, cinematography. And finally, both leads have amazing dressing sense, where Da Li legit feels like someone who knows about art.

It's cliche at the same time it's not...the tropes don't feel unnecessary. It does break many stereotypes. I really want to thank how they didn't pull Won Tak to love square. Girl and Boy can be just friends not every time a guy ends up falling for a girl. No stupid misunderstandings.. even if there are any 'Conversation' exist in their world.. and it's noble idiocy free!

As rom-com if fills its purpose fully.. having many peak moments of comedy and couple you want more and more.

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