Editorials 
Charming Fantasy Romcom Alert
This drama is a delightfully enchanting fantasy romcom, full of likable characters and laugh-out-loud moments. You'll definitely develop a girl crush on both Lee Hyeri and her character, Lee Dam. Hyeri really shines with her well-written role, and what's great about her is how authentic she is. She plays her part with natural ease and isn't afraid to dive into the silly, embarrassing moments that others might shy away from. Her girl-next-door charm makes her totally believable as a college student, and it's easy to see why the male leads are so taken with her.Jang Ki Yong nails it as the 999-year-old nine-tailed fox, Shin Woo Yeo. His cold demeanor perfectly shows the weariness of someone who's been around for centuries. His chemistry with Hyeri is electric, capturing the classic "opposites attract" vibe.
The second couple, played by Kang Han Na and Kim Do Wan, is just as fun to watch. Kang Han Na is especially impressive as an air-headed former nine-tailed fox with a heart of gold. Her comedic antics and sibling-like rivalry with Jang Ki Yong's character add an extra layer of fun to the show.
Like many fantasy romcoms, the "forced separation" part got a bit dull, but it didn't drag on too long. All in all, this drama is a must-watch if you're looking for a mix of humor, charm, and enchanting fantasy. It hits all the right notes, making it a delightful addition to the genre.
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A Delightful Romcom That Will Steal Your Heart: A Review
This drama is an utterly delightful romcom, a treat for fans of well-executed romantic clichés despite the somewhat predictable "relationship in jeopardy" trope. While I'll delve into that later, let's first highlight the film's strengths. The two leads truly shine, especially Kim Se Jeong as Shin Ha Ri. She brings genuine authenticity and charm to her role, forging a deep connection with the audience. Her clumsiness never fails to elicit laughter, and her interactions with Ahn Hyo Seop as Kang Tae Moo are both endearing and humorous.I particularly enjoyed Ahn Hyo Seop’s embrace of the quintessential rich male lead tropes. It was delightfully old-school and silly, yet he delivered it perfectly. The supporting cast was equally amusing, from Young Seo's cousin's random English words to Tae Moo's grandfather's love of daytime dramas.
With just 12 episodes, the drama maintained a smooth flow with minimal fillers. However, towards the end, the unnecessary introduction of a "relationship in jeopardy" subplot, lacking strong writing and execution, detracted from the overall quality. This weakened the final two episodes, making the ending feel rushed and unfulfilling.
Overall, it's still a fantastic romcom for those interested in this genre.
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Chaos in Couture
This drama feels like watching four shows at once—fascinating, baffling, and chaotic. Entertaining, but embrace the unpredictability and let it surprise you.GENRE JUGGLING GONE WILD
The show's biggest challenge is its genre identity crisis. One moment, you’re chuckling at some dark comedy, the next you’re on the edge of your seat during a thriller sequence. Before you can settle in, it morphs into a mythical fantasy, then swerves hard into melodrama. It’s a wild mix that doesn't always transition smoothly. A huge shout-out to the actors, especially Kim Woo Bin, who navigate these abrupt tonal shifts with impressive skill, switching personas as fast as the show switches genres.
FASHION STATEMENTS OR COSTUME CONFUSION?
This sense of unpredictability extends beyond just the genre. The wardrobe department, for example, seems to have given the characters their own identity crises. Our female lead, played by Suzy and looking fabulous as ever, is a proclaimed psychopath running a repair shop in the countryside. One day she’s in a dreamy floral dress, the next a power suit, and then quiet luxury. Her incohesive styling feels more like a reflection of a multi-personality disorder than a psychopath’s quirk. The same goes for our Genie. He might appear in a preppy, Hamptons-ready Ralph Lauren look in one scene and a 90s club manager outfit in the next. The clothes are nice, but they don't help define who these people are.
HEAVENLY ROLES, EARTHLY QUESTIONS
The show's bold choices aren't limited to costumes. Casting Korean actors as characters with biblical and Arabic origins is a notable move, reminiscent of Hollywood’s ongoing debates about representation. The show gives a quick explanation, but it still raises questions about authenticity and intent. Honestly, it kind of mirrors the drama’s own identity crisis—bouncing between silly comedy and serious themes. These shifts are creative, sure, but they can feel a bit all over the place, leaving you to wonder if it all comes together or just adds to the chaos.
A VISUAL GRAB BAG
The same lack of cohesion crops up in its visual world. The settings feel like they were picked from a hat. We jump from comic book-style animations to a cheesy studio set of a desert that looks like it was borrowed from a daytime soap opera. Then, we’re thrown into a scene heavy with CGI, only to be pulled back to what looks like a slick tourism commercial. It’s visually jarring and makes it hard to feel grounded in the story.
SUBPLOTS PLAYING HIDE AND SEEK
This patchwork quality continues with the plot, which is a tangle of subplots. Some feel completely disjointed, while others disappear for several episodes only to reappear with a dramatic "ta-da, it was all connected!" It feels less like clever storytelling and more like a narrative scramble.
GRANDMA’S GREAT DISCONNECT
Even the heart of the story isn’t immune to this disconnect. Ga Yeong’s grandmother begins as a powerful presence in the story—her strength and warmth shine through evocative flashbacks, where she lovingly raises a child with a social disorder. But in the second half, everything changes: after the female lead wishes for her grandmother to become her own age, the character’s appearance and personality shift so drastically that it becomes hard to bridge the emotional gap. The two versions feel worlds apart, and this disconnect ultimately weakens the story’s emotional core.
THE IKEA EFFECT OF STORYTELLING
Overall, 'Genie, Make a Wish' is a tough show to connect with on a deeper level. It’s a beautiful, chaotic mess. But if you’re looking for pure entertainment and can switch off your brain, it’s a fun, unpredictable ride. Just don't ask too many questions and go with the flow. Watching this show is like assembling IKEA furniture without the manual—confusing, occasionally frustrating, and far from perfect, but not a bad experience overall.
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Mature Love in the Workplace
What sets this drama apart is its refreshing take on workplace romance between two mature adults. The relationship develops slowly and naturally, making it both relatable and heartfelt. Set against the backdrop of the human resources and recruitment industry, the show weaves the characters' professional lives into the narrative seamlessly. Each episode highlights unique stories of individuals finding their dream jobs, adding depth to the overall plot.The lead characters are portrayed with incredible nuance. Han Ji Min shines as Kang Ji Yun, a strong yet lonely workaholic CEO. Lee Jun Hyuk is equally compelling as Yoo Eun Ho, a devoted single father who always puts his daughter first. Their chemistry feels genuine and is complemented by a wonderful supporting cast, including a secondary couple with their own endearing storyline.
While the drama is overall a delightful watch, the last few episodes lose some of the spark. The "you-were-the-little-boy-my-late-father-saved" twist and the supposed villain arc fall flat, lacking the emotional impact or tension they aim for. The resolution of the rivalry with the competing agency also feels rushed and underwhelming.
Despite these minor shortcomings, this drama remains an enjoyable and easy watch, perfect for anyone looking for a more mature and grounded love story. It's a heartfelt journey with memorable characters and a touching message about love and connection, both in the workplace and beyond.
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When Soul-Swapping Turns into Viewer-Swapping
Starting with so much promise—an intriguing premise, a stellar cast, and the kind of soul-swapping shenanigans that Kdrama fans live for—it had me hooked. But somewhere around episode 9, I found myself staring at the screen, wondering if my soul had swapped with someone who just couldn’t finish this show. Don’t get me wrong, Kim Se Jeong is a powerhouse. Whether she’s Dal, the Crown Princess, or Crown Prince-in-Dal’s-body, she delivers every time. But let’s be real—she’s born to play Dal, not the Crown Princess. Kang Tae Oh? Halfway there. He nails the angsty, love-struck, spoiled Crown Prince, but his portrayal of Dal felt like a missed memo.The supporting cast shines, except for you-know-who (yes, the SFL whose acting is as infamous as it is consistent). But honestly, the real villain here is the script. Soul-swapping? Cool. Add in amnesia and years of living as someone else? Now we’re in a maze of confusion. By the time Kim Se Jeong’s character lost her connection to herself, I lost my connection to the show. And when a viewer can’t connect with the lead, well... let’s just say my remote found its way to another drama. It had me at the start, but somewhere along the way, it lost me.
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Sold Out on Logic
The biggest struggle I had with this drama is that the writing fails to create a believable or likable premise for both the story and its characters. While I can usually suspend disbelief for rom-coms, the setting here just defies logic in a way that’s hard to overlook.For anyone who’s worked in a big corporation or any industry, it’s impossible to believe that one person could make every decision on their own. Yet, the female lead somehow manages to be the spokesperson, seller, R&D, QA, procurement, customer service, and delivery person all at once—completely unrealistic. And who wears 4-inch strappy heel sandals to the countryside? Not only are they impractical, but they’re also out of place and far from trendy.
The leads are all frustratingly self-centered and self-destructive, acting as though the rules don’t apply to them. Even the male lead, despite his good intentions, justifies questionable actions as 'helping' the female lead or the villagers. The female lead takes it up a notch—she’s ten times more frustrating and, honestly, hard to root for. As for the supporting male lead, he feels flat and one-dimensional, with motivations that don’t add up.
Between the unrelatable characters, the illogical setting, and the lack of charm or emotional connection, it’s hard to find anything to enjoy or stay invested in.
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Rom-Com or Rom-Don't?
After watching this quirky rom-com, it’s clear that it heavily relies on familiar clichés. If you’re not into the genre, you might want to pass—think of it as the fast-food version of romantic comedies, missing the depth of a well-crafted drama.The plot is straightforward, featuring the classic tale of a working-class girl meeting her Prince Charming in a modern setting. However, the dialogue falls flat, and the love rivalry between the male lead and the supporting character, who has a one-sided crush, lacks excitement. Plus, those two coworkers can get pretty annoying—how does someone so self-centered and gossipy fit into a PR team at a big company?
The breakup between the leads drags on longer than necessary, and while the female lead starts off as smart and independent, she quickly becomes rather dull. As a viewer, I found myself caring less and less.
Interestingly, the most compelling character is the male lead's brother, who genuinely cares for his sibling and navigates his arranged marriage with a heart of gold. The mother also adds a unique touch; she’s not your typical “evil step-mom” or “evil mother-in-law.” Instead, she's a realistic woman balancing the roles of mom, dad, and a company chair.
With the right expectations, this drama can be an okay watch, even if it’s not one you’ll feel compelled to revisit.
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A Story of Two Parts: Drama Dips, Stars Shine, and Plot Fizzles Out
[ Disclaimer: I haven't read the webtoon, so my comments are based solely on the drama. ]I was aware that the plot's quality declined in the second half, as many viewers had noted. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a try because it featured my favorite duo from Mr. Queen, Shin Hye Sun and Cha Chung Hwa, along with many other talented actors and actresses. Unfortunately, the story began to falter around episode 7 and continued to deteriorate thereafter.
Plot:
The first half of the drama was quite enjoyable. It delved into the characters' backgrounds, especially Ban Ji Eum's growth despite her abusive father, and her integration into Moon Seo Ha's life. I was also deeply invested in the car accident storyline. However, as the plot progressed, it became increasingly underwhelming. I was particularly disappointed with the father character; if he knew everything from the start, his treatment of his son made no sense. And why keep that woman near his son? He could have paid her off to stay out of their lives.
The second part of the drama shifted focus to the characters' "first life," making the narrative feel disjointed and forced. Episodes 10 and 11 were especially problematic, with constant flashbacks that felt repetitive and unnecessary. The final episode seemed designed to evoke emotion over Ji Eum losing her memories of her loved ones, but it failed to do so and became a drag; I was relieved when it ended.
Moreover, the secondary couple was poorly written and monotonous, with the same conversations and actions repeating endlessly.
Leads:
Both Shin Hye Sun and Ahn Bo Hyun delivered strong performances in their respective roles. However, the chemistry between them seemed lacking, which somewhat diminished the overall impact of their scenes together. In addition, while I appreciate Ahn Bo Hyun's willingness to try different roles, this one didn't seem to suit him as well.
Final thought:
Overall, the drama had its highs and lows, with stars shining but the plot ultimately fizzling out.
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A Masterpiece of Romance and Fantasy
I started watching this drama because the premise seemed intriguing. Written by the same screenwriter behind "True Beauty" and starring Kim Hye Yoon, whose talent I appreciated in "Extraordinary You," I didn't have high expectations; I anticipated something similar to those other dramas. However, now that I've finished it, I can confidently say that it not only met but far exceeded my expectations in every category, surpassing even my wildest imagination.Story
What truly distinguishes this drama from other romcom, time-slip, and fantasy series is how the story unfolds over its 16 episodes. By weaving together multiple timelines, the narrative offers characters various meet-cutes, challenging situations, delightful montages, and enlightening moments, keeping viewers engaged and intrigued throughout. Unlike other romcoms that introduce a random killer midway, "Lovely Runner’s" entire storyline revolves around the villain's actions affecting the main characters, seamlessly integrating with the plot. Additionally, the writer ensures a balanced mix of elements in each episode, preventing viewers from enduring lengthy stretches of heavy plot centered solely on the killer. The pacing was executed perfectly, ensuring viewers neither felt rushed nor bored. Every scene was given just the right amount of time, culminating in a fully satisfying happy ending in the final two episodes.
Characters
All the characters were well-crafted, with even the majority of the supporting cast being three-dimensional. Unlike many other romcoms, where the comedic burden often falls solely on the actress and a few sidekicks, this drama distributes the humor evenly. Both the male and female leads, as well as the supporting characters, share an equal amount of comedic scenes.
Ryu Seon Jae: Who can resist falling in love with this character? He loves the main lead unconditionally and is willing to sacrifice his life for her time and again. Loyal, brave, and innocent (as his father says, "pure as oxygen"), he embodies all these qualities beautifully.
Im Sol: It's impossible not to cheer for our heroine as she bulldozes through every obstacle to rescue her love. She is loud, sweet, and a force to be reckoned with. Most importantly, she is strong; despite has lived with a disability, she faced a killer without fear, confronting the villain head-on to protect what she loves.
Kim Tae Sung: A second male lead who is not annoying or clingy, but a reliable friend to our main leads. It would be even nicer to know a little bit of his backstory.
Baek In Hyuk: A fantastic sidekick, always ready to deliver the best funny moments.
Acting
Byeon Woo Seok: To be honest, I've only seen him in "Record of Youth," but I fast-forwarded through 70% of that drama. Now, I question why I wasn't aware of this great actor earlier. His performance in this drama was exceptional. He effortlessly transforms from a 19-year-old high schooler to a 34-year-old idol. His expressions were so precise that you could feel the joy, sadness, longing, and countless moments of embarrassment. Additionally, his portrayal of an idol was incredibly believable, and he sang the drama's OSTs beautifully.
Kim Hye Yoon: It's difficult to distinguish Kim Hye Yoon from her character Im Sol because her performance was so convincing. What I love most about Kim Hye Yoon is her natural, sincere, and unpretentious demeanor. When she acts cute, it never comes off as annoying due to her genuine charm. When she portrays sadness, you can't help but want to cry along with her, and since she cried quite often in this drama, it was hard not to reach for the tissue box. When she passionately sings as a kpop fan, she perfectly embodies the fervor of someone you'd find at a concert.
Final thoughts
This exceptional drama sets a new benchmark for all romcoms, time-slip stories, and fantasy genres. The "Lovely Runner" team's outstanding efforts—from the director, screenwriter, and casting director to the editor, sound crew, and actors—deserve high praise. They have truly outdone themselves.
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When Robots Feel More Human
Watching Are You Human in 2025 feels surprisingly timely as AI becomes an everyday part of our lives. The drama explores the story of Nam Sin, an advanced AI robot built to replace his human counterpart, raising fascinating questions about technology, emotions, and what it means to be human.Seo Kang Joon shines in dual roles, masterfully portraying both human Nam Sin and Android Nam Sin. The story digs into what defines humanity, often with an ironic twist—the robot, with its loyalty and compassion, feels more "human" than the flawed people around it.
One of the drama's weaknesses, however, lies in its portrayal of certain characters. Many come across as selfish, spineless, or prone to frustratingly poor decisions, which only reinforces the AI's appeal as a more rational and empathetic alternative. Some choices, particularly toward the end, feel illogical, given the context of a story centered on brilliant minds and advanced technology. For example, the so-called AI genius often behaves recklessly, making it difficult to sympathize with her, even with her tragic backstory involving a murdered husband and a stolen son. Similarly, human Nam Sin’s cowardice and shortsighted decisions undermine his potential, as he uses the AI robot for personal revenge rather than strategic advantage.
The drama could have benefited from a tighter narrative, as the final episodes feel unnecessarily stretched with questionable plot developments. Still, Are You Human offers a compelling blend of sci-fi and emotional depth. Despite its flaws, it’s a thought-provoking series that challenges our understanding of humanity and the role technology plays in shaping it.
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Exploring Horror and History in an Engaging Drama
I checked out the first two episodes when the series premiered. While it was decent, I wasn't particularly eager to continue watching—especially with Part 2 releasing the following year. Now that I've finally finished Part 1, I can appreciate its intriguing elements. This fictional sci-fi horror drama draws inspiration from eerie events tied to a historical military unit known for its wartime experiments. Set in Korea during the Japanese occupation, the story unfolds in a fictional hospital where questionable experiments give rise to a terrifying monster.The cast shines, especially Claudia Kim as the villainous Lady Maeda—she's truly captivating! However, many characters could benefit from more development; their backstories are revealed gradually in the latter half, making it challenging to connect with them initially. Additionally, some of the dialogue feels a bit shallow, detracting from the overall experience. To fully grasp the character growth and plot twists, it's essential to watch Parts 1 and 2 back-to-back.
With heavy themes and the grim realities of war crimes, Part 1 isn't likely to make my rewatch list.
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A Heartwarming Journey Marred by an Unnecessary Ending
Honestly, I had no intention of watching this when it first came out. However, after seeing Byeon Woo Seok in "Lovely Runner," I couldn't resist his charm and decided to give it a go. This movie is a heartwarming coming-of-age romance, but inexplicably, the writer chose a sad ending. It felt unnecessary and out of sync with the film's overall tone and vibe.Both Kim Yoo Jung and Byeon Woo Seok were perfect for their roles. Kim Yoo Jung's character is irresistibly lovable, embodying loyalty, charisma, and charm; she instantly wins your heart. Byeon Woo Seok’s character is equally captivating, portraying a loyal, observant, caring, and reliable friend. There is no doubt these two are perfect for each other. In contrast, their best friends are a bit more selfish, especially Roh Yoon Seo's character, but not in a negative way.
The movie will undoubtedly stir feelings of nostalgia, taking you back to your high school days. Who was your first boyfriend or girlfriend? Did you ever help your best friend approach their crush? And remember all that old technology, from pagers to VHS tapes? It's truly a walk down memory lane.
As mentioned earlier, the sad ending felt unnecessary. I don't understand why the writer chose this route. It doesn't make the movie more poetic or artistic; it only creates a sense of dissonance from the rest of the film's direction and tone. An avoidable disappointment.
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The Drama That Went From Fantasy Fun to Melodramatic Mess: Taecyeon Deserves Better!
Never had there been such a letdown from deceptive marketing. Before its release, the drama was hyped as a fun, fantasy romantic comedy starring 2PM's Taecyeon. Fans, familiar with Taec's quirky and entertaining persona, thought this role was tailor-made for him. The first few episodes met expectations, but the series quickly lost its charm. It became mired in repetitive, dull plotlines. The worst part? It took a sharp turn into a melodramatic mess. I found myself asking, "What am I watching? What is happening?"Did the studio suddenly pull the funding? Did the writer vanish? Even the production value plummeted. The latter half of the drama was confined to a mansion-turned-B&B, a setting more suited to a daytime soap opera. The only redeeming aspect of the second part was the vampire gang—they were amusing, supportive, and loyal to the male lead. Beyond that, it was a chaotic mess.
Taec, you deserve better than this. Please be more selective with your future projects.
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A Lackluster Decline: When a Script Goes Off Course
I couldn't help but wonder if the writer experienced burnout halfway through the script or perhaps became overly medicated, leading to a loss of clarity. The quality of the script undeniably plummeted. We tuned in for an intricate revenge plot and got a hot mess of nonsensical actions instead.And let's talk about the female lead—what a letdown! Her performance was so lackluster, and her character felt like an afterthought. She had one expression the whole time, like a deer in headlights.
Here's hoping Lee Jae Wook picks a more promising project next time. We know he can do so much better!
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Flawed but Addictive
This revenge thriller hooks you early with sharp twists, a stolen slush fund, and intense stakes. It’s addictive and full of surprises—at first. But as the plot goes on, it loses steam, leaning on repetitive themes of greed, manipulation, and over-the-top action. Seo Dong Ju (Park Hyung Sik) surviving every wild scenario starts to feel more superhero than thriller. And the forgiveness arc? A bit much—he forgives the dad who killed his mom and tried to kill him multiple times. Really?Yeo Eun Nam (Hong Hwa Yeon) brings a fresh perspective, prioritizing avenging her father over romance. It’s a bold choice that might not appeal to everyone. However, the real scene-stealer is Woo Hyun as Cha Gang Cheon—a cunning chairman juggling dementia with brilliance. He’s easily the show’s most compelling character.
At 16 episodes, the pacing falters. A tighter 10-episode run could’ve kept the tension sharp. The ending, unfortunately, doesn’t fully deliver; the revenge arc feels incomplete, and some twists fizzle out. Still, Ji Seon U killing Heo Tae Yun is tragic but fitting—showing how greed consumes and destroys.
"Buried Heart" isn’t perfect, but it’s a chaotic, fun ride with plenty of additive drama. If you’re in the mood for messy thrills, buckle up and enjoy!
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