Childhood friends turned lovers
This was such a lovable and wholesome drama. The holy trinity – Choi Seung Hyo, Bae Seok Ryu, and Jung Mo Eum – were a joy to watch.I appreciated that the story didn’t focus solely on the two main leads falling in love; it also highlighted Seok Ryu’s illness and its impact on her, as well as her relationships with her mother and friends. I enjoyed the emphasis on Seung Hyo’s job and the struggles and successes he faced. I felt that Jung Mo Eum faded a bit into the background towards the end. Still, I loved her relationship with Kang Dan Ho and his daughter; that story arc was the best!
The four mothers were also a delight to watch. I loved how the series depicted the evolution of their friendship over the years and how they have supported each other.
Overall, this is such a feel-good drama. It beautifully explores themes of family, friendship, love, and caring for those around you. The pacing is decent, the acting is solid, and the overall plot develops quite nicely. I would definitely recommend this drama!
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Has left me broken to pieces
Speechless. To me, this was absolutely devastating and kind of life-altering.The acting is stellar, complemented by beautiful plotlines and scenery, culminating in the most satisfying ending. I felt both empty and incredibly fulfilled at the same time.
I loved every second of it and almost wish I could erase it from my memory just to experience it all over again from the beginning. I cried, laughed, and screamed, as I was left on the edge of my seat at the end of every episode.
Bulgasal, an impossible-to-kill creature, is a mythical immortal monster that feeds on human blood. Based on Korean folklore, this drama beautifully intertwines a mix of emotions: hate, resentment, revenge, love – both familial and romantic – and obsession.
The storyline is quite convoluted and weaves together the characters throughout, which might seem confusing until the end. That didn’t deter me; I was very invested in uncovering the origins of the Bulgasal curse, and the revelation exceeded my expectations. Although some may consider the romance aspect unnecessary, I thought it was essential to the story and wouldn’t want it to be omitted.
Lee Jin Wook and Kwon Na Ra did an amazing job, embodying their characters with depth and authenticity, which was evident to the viewers. The supporting characters were also incredible; I don’t think the drama would have been complete without them.
Given that this is a supernatural drama about a monster that eats humans, it’s important to note that it is very gory and bloody. At times, it can be painful to watch, as it depicts self-harm, death, murder, and suspenseful scenes with shocking outcomes.
Overall, I thought this was a masterpiece. While the plot can be confusing, it is well-crafted, and the conclusion effectively ties up all loose ends.
Side note --> those OSTs! Immediately added to my playlist, they were so good!
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Healthy enemies-to-lovers
Oh man, this was incredible! The story, the tension, the relationships, the chemistry between the main leads, the soundtrack, the actors – all of it was so well-crafted and directed that it was truly enjoyable for the viewer.I wouldn’t change anything about how the action developed. The transition from enemies/rivals to lovers felt seamless, with little to no awkwardness between the main leads. This fluidity only made it more enjoyable to watch, as it allowed me to fully immerse myself in their journey.
Someone described this as a ‘breath of fresh air,’ and I completely agree! It wasn’t just entertaining; it felt genuine, almost as if I were witnessing two close friends navigate the complexities of love. It made the whole experience more relatable and heartwarming.
So, overall, I definitely recommend this drama!
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An absolute masterpiece
I am at a loss for words. The action, the slow burn, the second chance/redemption romance, the yearning – everything about it was incredible. The production quality was outstanding, and the chemistry between the characters kept me hooked and engaged throughout. It was exactly what I needed.Yin and War did such an amazing job, and I’m thrilled that I got into this! There’s something truly beautiful about Jack and Joke’s relationship. The way they kept coming back to each other, despite everything they went through together and apart, made it so easy for me to love them. They continually fought for their love, their dreams, and their life together, which was genuinely heartwarming to watch.
I can’t forget the secondary characters either; I ended up loving all of them! Tattoo, Aran, and Hoy were such fun to watch, and I was really pleased to see Hope redeemed because I was hoping for a happy ending for him and Save. I also appreciated that they didn’t tarnish Rose’s character – she remained genuine and good-hearted, even after Jack rejected her. I love that she stayed around to support the community!
Finally, I appreciated how deeply they explored heavy themes like wealth disparity, inequality, family expectations, and identity crises without dumbing it down or being overly preachy. This added much more depth to the story than if they had approached it in a dramatic way.
Overall, I had a fantastic time watching this series. I laughed and cried – sometimes at the same time – and I felt incredibly sad when it ended. I will definitely rewatch it over and over again!
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Toxic until the end.
While I enjoyed this to a degree, I have to admit this is a very problematic plot - we have coercion, deception, toxic dynamics, potential incest, a main character that can’t say no and another who can’t take no for an answer. All equals to a bad combination.From episode 1, I knew that I wouldn’t really root for them to get together in the end and that opinion didn’t really change by the time episode 8 rolled around.
Il Jo and Jeong Han aren’t a good fit for each other - even though poor Il Jo didn’t ask for anything that happens to him during this series, his silence and lack of respect for himself throughout made me really frustrated. And Jeong Han’s obsessive behaviour really put me off. While their intimate scenes were incredibly well made, I wasn’t a fan of how he treated Il Jo the whole time they were sleeping together - or all the other times after that!
Overall, I think the only characters that I enjoyed seeing were the doctor (Seung Jae?) and Su Hyo. Their support without conditions was really heartwarming to see, in the midst of all the forceful romance. But other than that, all of the other characters were kind of unlikeable to me.
Lastly, I was disappointed in the way the apprehension of Jeong In and the fall out between Jeong Han and his father were resolved. It fell so flat in comparison to the build up we had throughout the series, with them being set up to be the final obstacles standing between our MLs and their happy ending - all for it to be finished within one episode and behind the scenes. Not the best ending, in my opinion.
So, would I recommend this? Only if you’re up for the challenge. If instead you prefer fluff and romance, this might not be for you.
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Forever confused by how much I liked this.
Ever since the release of this series, I've seen so many videos of Johan-North and Hill-Easter. With Part 2 about to be completed, I finally decided to check it out for myself. Surprisingly, I fell in love with it – even if, in some ways, I was also disappointed.Plot-wise, the story is quite straightforward. It revolves around two couples who meet in university, showing their journey as they fall in love, discover themselves and resolve unfinished businesses. The romance is at the centre of the story, executed in various ways that left me feeling both in pieces and very underwhelmed, with just enough drama woven in to keep things interesting.
Regarding the characters, I have some thoughts. I've seen Earth deliver impressive performances in roles from Love by Chance, Until We Meet Again, and My Only 12%, so I was excited to see him again. However, his performance and Pond’s fell a little bit flat. I so confused as to why their characters came off so one-dimensional – between Ter and Hill, I struggled to identify which one had less personality.
By the end, I wished I could have liked Hill and Ter a bit more since they are the first couple and central to the overall story. Unfortunately, that just didn't happen for me. I know that Earth and Pond are talented actors, so I truly blame the script – it really didn't do them any favours this time.
On the other hand, Johan and North are, to me, the reason this series has received such high ratings. Their storyline is genuinely enjoyable. While their love story might be cliché and entirely predictable, it was a joy to watch them come together. Bas and Maxky delivered strong performances, with North being the kind of friend we all wish to have in our lives, and Johan representing the incredibly unrealistic fantasy boyfriend we dream of finding – honestly, I was so done with this man while being simultaneously in love with him, that it drove a bit mad.
Lastly, another highlight for me was the various friendships depicted in the series between the chaotic juniors and the charismatic seniors. Both groups had their own dynamics, but both were rooted in loyalty and strong bonds. It was heartwarming to see.
Overall, despite some issues, I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to watching Part 2!
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School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To
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A very sweet high-school J-BL
The relationship between Hioki and Watarai was very sweet, although it was once again fuelled by Watarai having been madly in love with Hioki long before they met.Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy plots where the characters already have feelings for each other – however, when all dramas follow this route, it becomes annoyingly predictable. While it didn't stop me from liking this one, I wished it had a bit more originality.
I appreciated that we got to see elements of the Four Heavenly Kings. Although most of them were secondary characters, they didn't fade into the background. My only complaint is – why do they always have such cringe-worthy nicknames?!
Lastly, I liked that none of these characters were gullible, fragile, or emotionally stunted. Even though Hioki took a while to recognise Watarai’s feelings, it wasn’t because he couldn’t process those emotions; he simply didn’t believe that someone like Watarai, one of the FHK, would actually like him. This was refreshing, especially considering how cliché the plot already was!
Overall, I thought this was really enjoyable. It’s also short and easy to watch, with a straightforward plot and likable characters that keep us engaged throughout.
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The biggest black flag in BL existence
Damn. I had thought Chi Cheng and Hua Yong were toxic and unhinged, but they pale in comparison to Fan Xiao – this man is the ultimate black flag!Here’s the thing: I loved the series overall. The plot is well-crafted, though I do question some decisions made in the series finale. The actors do an incredible job of portraying these very damaged characters with raw and vulnerable emotions. I was so invested that I could hardly watch anything else because I wanted to see the story through to the end.
I adored Yun Qi and Hao Yi Ran; they have amazing chemistry. Their characters, while making decisions I often disagreed with, were powerful, interesting, and immensely complex.
However, I couldn’t rate this series higher because, ultimately, I also hated it. As a romance drama, I expected it to touch our hearts, make us swoon, and serve as a source of comfort at the end of the day. Instead, To My Shore did the opposite. I felt stressed, triggered, and heartbroken throughout. By the end, I wasn’t rooting for the main leads to end up together; I wanted You Shu Lang to move on and leave Fan Xiao to his own devices – because that’s what he deserved.
We often romanticise negative aspects of relationships just because two people look good together. However, let’s not forget that Fan Xiao manipulates, lies, and hurts others without any consideration for Shu Lang’s feelings or boundaries. He takes everything Shu Lang holds dear and turns it upside down for his own benefit. That is not what makes a good partner!
Moreover, I was confused about certain characters and their roles. Was Shi Li Hua a friend or foe? What was the deal with Xue Bao Tian? Did Uncle Xu hurt the Fan family after the engagement fell through? How did Tian Tian’s mother reconnect with You Shu Lang? Why was Bo Wen even involved? By the end, I was left with many questions and no answers, just as the couple gets together again and the series concludes.
So, overall, I have mixed feelings about To My Shore. The series is good and definitely deserves credit for its production quality, and the actors have done a fantastic job that warrants all the praise. But did I enjoy it? Would I re-watch it? I don’t know! I’m uncertain if I would even recommend it, as I fear it might do more harm than good.
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Sweet, fun and only slightly frustrating
Ah, Hwang In Youp! I’m so glad he landed his main lead role, where he ultimately gets the girl. It’s well-deserved; he has such a main character attitude, and it was long overdue for him to have that opportunity.I thought the drama was quite good. It had strong plot development, amazing character chemistry, and some really funny moments.
The relationship between Kim San Ha, Yun Ju Won, and Kang Hae Jun was the highlight, of course. It beautifully depicted family by choice, not by blood, with a bond so strong that it never wanes, even when they are apart. It’s a really touching storyline that grips you, even if you prefer faster-paced dramas.
I also appreciated how the action was divided into three parts: the initial arc when they were kids, the middle arc during high school, and the final arc when they became adults. This structure allowed us to delve into the dynamics between characters and explore the story in detail rather than feeling rushed.
The friendship between Yun Jeong Jae and Kim Dae Uk, our dedicated parents, was a lovely plotline. It really showed that having someone in your corner during tough times makes life feel less burdensome. I was genuinely moved by how they raised the three kids together. I also valued the storyline involving the mothers and the reasons behind their abandonment. With Kang Seo Hyeon, I can forgive her choices, but in the case of Kwon Jeong Hui, I can’t help but think she deserved everything that happened to her. I wanted to feel sympathy for her since she faced hardships, but blaming your child for your misfortune never sits right with me.
Now, regarding the romance: while I enjoyed that San Ha and Ju Won got their happy ending, I found it a bit strange how their feelings developed. Even though it was apparent during the high school arc – at least in San Ha’s case – going from childhood friends to estranged to lovers felt rushed. It seemed like they wanted to include this relationship without knowing how to properly incorporate it into the storyline by the end.
Hae Jun and Dal, on the other hand, were adorable. While I wished Hae Jun had recognised Dal’s feelings sooner and handled them better, I thought the way they ended up together was really sweet. I was glad the drama had an overall happy ending for everyone involved (except for Kwon Jeong Hui).
In the end, I was really happy to have watched this drama. Family by Choice is the kind of show you turn to when you need a reminder that just because you were born into a particular family dynamic, it doesn’t mean you have to stay in it. You can choose your own peers and family – people who make you happy and lift you up instead of dragging you down.
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A story of companionship
Choo Young Woo and Won Tae Min deliver great performances in this drama.It tells the story of a dance student burdened by debt and the collector who abruptly enters his life. The drama captivated me with its stunning dance sequences, engaging soundtrack, and sweet romantic undertones.
While the narrative doesn’t feel like an outright romance – more akin to a bromance – I found the relationship between Song Si On and Jin Hong Seok beautiful in its simplicity and companionship. These two lonely men discover each other at very low points in their lives, which is a moving concept.
I would have preferred to skip the intimate scene, as it added little to the plot aside from confirming their physical affection for one another. But otherwise, I had no other complaints when watching this.
So, overall, I believe this drama is quite good. If you enjoy clear romantic scenes, you might find it somewhat disappointing – this was my initial reaction as well. However, if you can overlook that aspect and appreciate it as a bromance, it’s definitely worth watching.
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If only they solved the case, instead of making out
I love JoongDunk, and I want to start by expressing that. Their chemistry, intense intimacy, and beautiful relationship are always a delight to witness in any series featuring them. Unfortunately, I’m sad that this particular series turned out to be such a disappointment.The plot has an interesting premise – an unsettling series of murders shakes a group of university friends, while a deadly game of truth or dare unfolds behind the scenes. I was really excited about this one and had high expectations, but it didn’t even come close to meeting them.
While the murders were portrayed well, and the gore and suspense kept me engaged, I felt the motives behind the killings needed more development and connection to the overall plot. I was left with many questions regarding how everything tied together. The relationships among the friends were also shrouded in mystery, making them feel quite superficial – the conflicts were revealed too quickly, leading to an underwhelming experience since the buildup to these conflicts wasn’t substantial enough to grip me.
And then there’s the romance. Why does it feel so forced? Joong and Dunk have an incredible ability to convey emotion through their eyes – you can feel their connection and feelings just by them looking at each other. That’s why it’s disappointing that the script made their interactions seem awkward and contrived. Additionally, while I understand there’s a rom-com element, why were they making out while kids were dying? Going out on dates while they had a string of murders to solve made the plot feel superficial and weak, especially when it had such a strong start.
The ending was good, featuring enough gore and twists to add some excitement to an otherwise lacklustre experience. However, it didn’t save the plot. It had great potential but fell flat due to weak execution.
Overall, while I adore this couple, this series left me disappointed. I’ll still recommend and promote it because Joong, Dunk, Chimon, Ohm, June, Earn, and the rest of the cast deserve recognition for their efforts. I just wish the execution had been better.
P.S. The OST! I've been playing Dare You to Love on repeat – Joong’s voice is so addictive!
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Falls flat
While I appreciated some of the long shots, the soundtrack, and the food/cooking scenes, this drama was a bit disappointing overall.It’s supposed to be a romance, but it falls flat in that regard. The two chefs seem to treat their romance as an afterthought rather than the central emotion they should be experiencing. I felt that the actors didn’t commit enough to make the story believable on screen. The overall plot was intended to be one of enemies to lovers, but I didn’t feel that connection at all. They were rivals at best and then became friends, with a romance that felt like a lovely afterthought.
In the end, I’m somewhat relieved this series only had 8 episodes, as the time I spent watching it wasn’t too significant.
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Steamy romance but no cohesive narrative
This is a shorts series designed for viewing on a phone rather than a larger screen, with each episode lasting less than one minute – due to its different format, I was intrigued and decided to give it a try. I didn’t expect it to be amazing, and perhaps that’s why, while it wasn’t the best I’ve seen, I wasn’t entirely disappointed with the final result. My initial low expectations allowed me to watch it with a more open mind.The actors did a commendable job given the limited material they had, and the overall plot was straightforward and easy to follow. Although the execution could have been stronger, there is definitely promise in this series. I wish the production quality had been better and that we had more time to explore the characters.
Overall, while I wouldn’t recommend this to everyone, I believe it has merit and shouldn’t be dismissed solely based on its production value.
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I had higher expectations
While I love Boun and Prem, I had higher expectations for this series. Watching the first trailer (with Santa and Boss) may have shaped what I wanted from it, but honestly, I expected more.Boun and Prem have great chemistry, or at least I thought they did. Yet in this series, it felt like they were awkward with each other at times. There were moments when I genuinely sensed that they didn’t want to be near one another, and that had nothing to do with the vampire vs. human aspect of the plot.
Speaking of the plot, where was it heading? It felt like it lost its initial direction halfway through. I was also slightly disappointed that the series turned into a romantic comedy instead of sticking to the darker tone presented in the trailer. The script made characters like Ramil, Punn, and Methas appear silly in scenes where they were supposed to be tough fighters.
We did have some fun cameos (IYKYK), which I appreciated, but it wasn’t enough to redeem the plot for me. Additionally, the suggestion of a possible pairing between Aun and Pokpong was disappointing. I was truly invested! They had such great chemistry, and I felt let down that their storyline went nowhere.
Nonetheless, because I adore these actors and the story is not unbearable, I’m giving this drama 7 stars. I can’t rate it any higher because I was genuinely disappointed by the time I finished watching it.
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Another drama that suffers the being-too-long curse
Don’t get me wrong; I think this drama is really entertaining. Mun Ka Young delivers an amazing performance, and Cha Eun Woo and Hwang In Youp are absolute treasures to watch. However, I feel that this drama is a bit too long.It begins nicely, conveying important messages about bullying, beauty bias, and the impact of words on one’s mindset. The high school scenes are somewhat realistic, the family dynamics moved me in various ways, and the friendships throughout the drama brought me a lot of joy. I also loved the relationship between Hui Gyeong and Prof Han. Not only did they break the rules surrounding gender roles, but they also provided some of the best support in the drama – both as a secondary couple and as individual characters interacting with the main leads. They were definitely two of my favourite characters.
So, overall, I believe that for the genre of high school romantic-comedy drama, this show performed well, and I can understand the hype surrounding it.
But I must be honest – the plot loses momentum when the main leads admit their feelings for each other, followed by a time skip and a breakup that extends a storyline that should have been resolved already. And while I appreciated Seo Jun’s character, and ultimately wanted him to get the girl, it felt somewhat cruel to continue his struggles, especially since his role was clearly meant to be that of a secondary male lead. Their trial-dating didn’t seem to add anything substantial to the plot.
In the end, I found myself dragging my feet through the last few episodes because I genuinely wanted to see how the drama would conclude. I was simultaneously disappointed and delighted.
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