Monsters, Madness and Military : Sweet Home Season 2 Unleashes a Blood Soaked Journey

Sweet Home Season 2 seamlessly continues the thrilling narrative from its predecessor, skillfully extending the suspense from the first season's gripping conclusion. It dives straight into the narrative, offering a smooth transition for avid viewers and introducing new characters to enrich the post apocalyptic setting.

Unlike the first season, Season 2 expands its scope beyond the Green Home apartments, revealing a world in chaos with military involvement, additional survivors and a peculiar mad scientist that deepens the plot's complexity. However the abundance of new characters makes it a bit challenging to connect and the plot seems somewhat lost amidst the multitude. The pacing maintains intensity until EP 3 but afterward it settles into an average rhythm.

The shift in perspective towards the monsters particularly through Cha Hyunsoo's eyes adds a compelling layer to the overarching narrative. Hyunsoo transforms from a loner to a blood soaked hero becoming the bridge between humanity and monstrosity. However lead characters like Lee Jinuk's Ui Myeong & Hyunsoo himself feels relegated to cameo roles post EP 3 with other characters such as Eunyoo, Park Chan Young and Scientist Im taking center stage.

The ensemble cast led by Song Kang delivers standout performances. Song Kang's portrayal of Hyunsoo showcases a range. Lee Jinuk's return as Ui Myeong captures the ferocity and insanity that made Season 1 memorable. Go Minsi's portrayal of Eunyoo reflects a noticeable change in character resilience and Lee Siyoung's performance as Yikyung, a former firefighter seeking answers, adds survival instincts intertwined with the fragility of a broken heart. Her character introduces the biggest plot twist in the show.
Season 2 introduces Oh Jung Se as Scientist Im, providing a fascinating perspective on the apocalypse that adds an intriguing dimension to the storyline. The ensemble cast collectively breathes life into the characters enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Visually, Sweet Home Season 2 boasts impressive CGI. The expansive landscapes, intense action sequences and various monsters collectively create an immersive experience. Attention to detail from gunfire to explosive scenes further elevates the visual impact.

Deserving a solid 8.5/10, Season 2 stands as a commendable follow up installment in the world of apocalyptic horror Kdrama. It adeptly combines grit, gore, horror and heartache. The final scene delivers one of the biggest plot twists for Season 1 fans, leaving an insatiable desire for more.

In summary Sweet Home Season 2 proves to be a worthy continuation although it doesnt quite surpass the charm of the original. It successfully balances intense action with emotional depth, keeping viewers engaged throughout even though it falls short of perfection.

Read More

Curse, Kisses and Canine Transformations

Weird yet intriguing concept: Female protagonist transforming into a dog after kissing men and a guy with a fear of dogs. The story kicks off when the female protagonist kisses him, leading to an entertaining, funny and heartwarming journey.

The show is set in a school premise but the lead characters are not students; they are teachers. This is what makes this show very interesting for me. Its very rare to see teachers as lead characters in romance dramas.
The show expertly blends romance, comedy and fantasy, seamlessly transitioning from a lighthearted romantic comedy in the first half to a more serious tone in the second.

The characters were pretty interesting. Han Haena is a bubbly female protagonist whose family carries the curse of becoming dogs after kissing another person. Jin Seowon is an introverted, shy Math teacher who has been secretly in love with Han Haena for a long time but couldnt express it. He also carries some past trauma because of which he has a fear of dogs. Lee Bogyeom is a mysterious history teacher who carries deep resentment toward both leads.
I personally understand his pain and why he carried resentment toward the leads. Many will say he was stupid and whatnot but in my opinion he was not wrong at all when the female lead's past self was responsible for a big tragedy. I sympathize with him and also understand his longing and pain.
The show deviates from the webtoon but honestly, I found a few changes quite logical and a few were unnecessary. Still the drama pretty much does justice to the webtoon.

Acting wise, Park Gyu Young simply nailed the role of Han Haena with her dog like charm. Cha Eun Woo has really improved from his previous school/college dramas; here in sad scenes, he emotes really well. He was doing justice to his role. Lee Hyunwoo was perfect for the role of Lee Bogyeom; he really carried the required mysterious vibes in this drama.

The chemistry between the leads is outstanding, balancing adorability with sensational moments. Kiss scenes stand out as some of the best in kdramas.

One of my favourite character aside from the leads is Yul, cute highschool student who aids Haena in breaking the curse. His crush on Haena is handled with maturity considering the student-teacher dynamic.

The music was pretty okay. Although there were not many memorable OSTs, i loved the intro OST.

In conclusion i will say this was a pretty fun fantasy romcom. I will definitely remember it for a long time as its quite close to my heart.


Note: One thing that ruined the experience of watching the drama for many is the horrible weekly schedule. It definitely worked against the drama; many got bored and dropped it midway.

Read More

Borrowed Brilliance: My Demon's Struggle to Forge an Original Path

When this show started, i wrote a review stating a new iconic show was in the making. Little did i know that this show would end up copying every other fantasy drama each of which had carved its own place in viewers hearts.

In this show, apart from the chemistry between the leads and their visuals there is nothing to look forward to. Regarding the storyline there seems to be none, the writer merely copied scenes from various fantasy shows creating a mishmash of fantasy elements.

While watching, you will be reminded of every fantasy show made in Korea after Goblin. It starts copying storylines from Goblin, whole OST having vibes similar to Goblin's intro. The trope of a beggar lady turning out to be a god is another thing copied from Goblin and even in episode 15, the show replicates Goblin's ending by making Guwon disappear.

Now lets talk about Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. The entire storyline is basically a reversed version of SWDBS. Here ML Guwon becomes a bodyguard to protect FL CEO Dohee from her adopted family. This mirrors SWDBS, where FL Bong Soon becomes ML's bodyguard to protect him from his family. Both main characters have supernatural powers but the difference is that in SWDBS Bong Soon uses her powers when needed whereas here Guwon, even as a demon cant use his powers when its crucial. The serial killer plot was also entirely borrowed from SWDBS. While both tracks took different approaches they still induced a strong sense of deja vu when watching that specific storyline. The assistant character and the subplot with thugs are also directly copied from SWDBS.

Next is overused past life trope. Last year many shows applied this trope and while some were webtoon adaptations making it necessary, this show being an original one still included the cliche past life trope when it wasnt needed. The past life trope is borrowed from various shows like SYIM19L and Kokdu with a significant influence from Kokdu's version.

Adding to that, they didnt stop at copying fantasy shows, they even borrowed scenes from makjang shows like Penthouse. The way Noh Seok Min survives a massive fall is reminiscent of how Joo Dan Tae miraculously survived a building collapse in Penthouse. Additionally, the car blast involving Dohee seems like a throwback to Logan Lee's car bomb blast from Penthouse.

In addition to the above mentioned shows, this one also echoes/plays out similar plots to series such as Doom at Your Service, Heartbeat and Destined with You etc.

Now lets discuss the characters. They werent properly written. Firstly Guwon, the demon, couldnt use his powers when needed even against a mere human enemy for 14 episodes straight. Some may argue he lost his powers but even if thats the case, he could have utilized them with Dohee's help. Even after his powers returned he didnt use them to catch the villain. For instance, in a scene where they send Joo Seok Hoon to the main villain's house they could have easily gone there using Guwon's magic but they didnt. When Joo Seok Hoon returns without information only then do they go to the villain's house. However, by then main villain has removed the demon book and hidden it elsewhere. Even when the main villain's body disappears after falling from the clock tower, Guwon doesnt use his powers to catch him. Later main villain tries to kill Dohee and to save her Guwon sacrifices himself. The writing seems questionable.

Moving on to Dohee, the young CEO, she is generally good except for when she gave up the chairwoman position due to fear of the main villain. Its perplexing, having a demon by her side, yet fearing a mere human. However one could argue she is right considering the apparent uselessness of the demon's powers.

Joo Seok Hoon, SML of show, is considered by many to be the main villain but he turns out not to be. Unfortunately he ends up being most useless character in the drama merely serving as a love sick puppy for Dohee. Its puzzling why an actor like Lee Sangyi took on this role when there is little for him to perform.

The main villain, Noh Suk Min is another poorly written character. He is your typical negative villain with a backstory of being greedy for property. While i understand he is meant to be negative, the writer takes it to the extreme portraying him to the point of being willing to kill his own son. I also dont understand why he was even after Dohee when she willingly gave him the chair position. In the end, the way he survives a significant fall is one of the most illogical aspects of the show. Moreover his decision to burn his face for some unknown reason is also quite illogical.

Besides these four main characters, the others werent well written. For example the demon's obsessive lover, Jin Gayoung lacked depth. The office characters were mostly useless and brought in for lame comedy that hardly made anyone laugh. The love angle between Dohee's assistant and Guwon's assistant was also cringe worthy. It seems the writer aimed for humor but it ended up being more cringe than entertaining.

Cinematography is initially impressive but production values appear fake after a certain point. The portrayal of super rich characters offices does not align with the expected opulence of conglomereate's offices.
The music department fares decently with the main OST, True by Yaori being a standout.

In conclusion, the show lacks originality in both execution and writing with poor logic and character development. My disappointment led me to revise my original rating from 9/10 to 7/10 and that is solely for the chemistry between the leads.

Read More

Fates Rewritten: Kang Jiwon Seizes the Second Chance

Adapted from the web novel Marry My Husband (내 남편과 결혼해줘) by Seong So Jak (성소작) and directed by Park Won Gook, this show narrates Kang Jiwon's journey. Betrayed and killed by her husband and best friend, she seizes a second chance traveling back 10 years to alter her destiny.

From beginning to end, i thoroughly enjoyed the show, it was a profoundly gratifying experience. Beyond mere revenge it delved into themes of self growth and altering fates for survival. Each episode surpassed the last, conveying the message that second chances should be wielded wisely.

Each character was meticulously crafted with profound depth, both protagonists and antagonists shared an equitable presence. The antagonists stole the spotlight in numerous episodes, their characters exhibiting sheer insanity. What sets them apart is their unwavering consistency, unlike many dramas where antagonists change last minute, these characters remained true to their evil nature, escalating with each episode.

The narrative primarily revolves around three characters who overshadowed the rest: Kang Jiwon, the main protagonist and Sumin & Park Minhwan, the main antagonists. Kang Jiwon's character was intricately developed, showcasing significant self growth throughout the series, providing a truly satisfying arc. Her relatable flaws and insecurities stemming from past trauma added depth to her character. Park Minyoung's portrayal of Kang Jiwon was exceptional with her acting reaching an extraordinary level of intensity in this role.
Next is Sumin, she is undoubtedly going to be an iconic villain remembered for a very long time. Her character, a psycho with an intense obsession for Jiwon, escalates to new levels of insanity with each episode. She is the kind of character we all love to hate. That underwater scene of hers will remain forever iconic. Kudos to Song Hayoon for brilliantly portraying this character. She undoubtedly deserves all the awards for this role.
Park Minhwan, portrayed as a truly terrible husband. If this character had been played by any other actor, it might have been annoying but Lee Yikyung's comic portrayal of Park Minhwan, with his nasty personality makes it impossible not to find him amusing. His scenes are absolutely hilarious and the way his character ended brings both satisfaction and sadness simultaneously.These three characters undoubtedly carried the entire show on their backs.

Apart from these characters there were also endearing and lovable characters such as Jihyuk, Huiyeon, Baek Eunho, Yang Juran, etc. each making show equally memorable.
However Yura stood out as the sole annoyance, her character was consistently irritating from start to finish. My only complaint is that instead of her they could have developed Huiyeon and Eun Ho's love story. Nevertheless considering the drama's unfolding in the last episode, it seems she played a crucial role as a catalyst in bringing about the final track.

Although romance wasnt the main genre, the main couple's love story was endearing and their chemistry was quite soothing. However more than the romance, i watched this for the compelling drama and the captivating performances of the aforementioned three characters who stole the show.

The soundtrack, cinematography and production quality were outstanding. The background music and OSTs were fitting, the cinematography offered a fresh and visually pleasing experience and the production quality was top notch, ensuring it didnt feel like a cheaply made show.

In summary watching this show was a highly satisfying experience. Despite moments of frustration particularly with the annoying character Yura, if we overlook that it was a gratifying watch from start to finish.

Read More

Daily Dose of Sunshine - Finding Hope and Humanity in World of Psychiatry

Daily Dose of Sunshine, Netflix's newest offering, is an adaptation of the webtoon "Jeongsinbyeongdongedo Achimi Wayo" (정신병동에도 아침이 와요) by Iraha. Drawing inspiration from real life experiences, the show explores the world of psychiatric care.
The story unfolds through the perspective of Jung Da Eun, a character with whom we can easily empathize. As she makes the transition into the psychiatric unit, we witness her initial challenges and her path towards finding her footing within the ward.

This series addresses the pressing issue of mental health especially in South Korea, a country struggling with increasing mental health challenges. Daily Dose of Sunshine opens the door to essential conversations in a society where mental health often carries a heavy stigma.

What stands out is the careful portrayal of mental illness. The show doesnt limit itself to one perspective but delves into the inner worlds of patients. It beautifully captures the diverse experiences, from paranoia to mania induced dance routines and the transition of OCD and hyper fixations. The audience can truly empathize with the patients struggles.

Da Eun is portrayed as a kind hearted character, but the show doesnt shy away from highlighting the potential pitfalls of excessive kindness, reminding us that healthcare professionals are human too. It explores the challenges they face, including the hierarchy within the healthcare system.

Daily Dose of Sunshine doesnt just reduce patients to symptoms, it humanizes them. Through Da Eun, the entire team rediscovers the importance of maintaining a personal connection with patients, rather than just focusing on their medical records.

Through the character Go Yoon, the series delivers humor at the perfect moments when you need it most & Yeon Woo Jin's performance is truly commendable
Daily Dose of Sunshine offers a unique exploration of psychiatry and its patients for both viewers and Jung Da Eun. Park Bo Young's sincere portrayal of Jung Da Eun makes the journey relatable. With its balanced tone and honest approach to mental illness, Daily Dose of Sunshine encourages hope and understanding, reminding us that we are not so different from the patients we see.

Read More

Ready, Set, Love: A Dystopian Adventure with Romance and Humor

This show unfolds in a parallel universe, a dystopian realm where the male population is vastly outnumbered by females. Males are a rare sight, akin to an endangered species, housed by the government in a human zoo known as the Farm.

The government sponsors the reality show "Ready Set Love," where female contestants vie to become brides and form families under government care. The reluctant female protagonist Day, becomes a contestant through a lottery leading to an unforeseen journey filled with chaotic, hilarious, heartfelt and romantic moments.

This show encompasses multiple genres with its primary focus on Dystopian survival, complemented by sub genres like romance, comedy, thriller and drama. It explores various themes including LGBTQ+, conveying a positive message. The inclusion of two LGBTQ+ couples is handled maturely setting it apart from many other BL genre shows in the same region.

The overall tone of the show resembles a convergence of the Reality/variety and fiction genres. The reality show within this fictional context provides an authentic feel akin to watching a real reality show where you anticipate outcomes but cant help getting excited during the diverse game tasks. This undoubtedly bridges the gap between fiction and reality genres.

Thrills and romance kicks off in the second half offering an exciting narrative. While the thriller aspect may not be entirely unique, it captivates, keeping you engaged until the final moments. When it comes to romance, the main couple (#SonDay) and the second couple (#MaxChal) undeniably share sizzling chemistry. The main couple's chemistry and the actors performances leave you yearning for more, especially with their endearing childhood backstory.
The comedy aspect is delightfully campy, evoking genuine laughter. Personally im not usually a fan of Thai comedies finding them cringe worthy with their OTT humor. However this particular show managed to resonate with me.

When it comes to the characters, each one is unique and distinct. None of them is purely evil or negative but a few exhibit shades of grey. The drama becomes even more intriguing with such well crafted main and supporting characters.

The soundtrack is vibrant, peppy and jazzy, seamlessly enhancing different scenes. In contrast production value is huge, evident in grand sets and costumes that exude an expensive quality. I never thought Thai productions investing so generously in their shows but Netflix made it possible.

In summary, this show offers a must watch experience, delivering unique content that seamlessly blends comedy, romance, a hint of thrill and entertaining tasks/games making it a perfect choice for diverse audiences.

Read More

The Melodramatic Turn : Yay or Nay?

It started well. I jumped into it, thinking it was a cute youth romcom because it was marketed that way everywhere even in MDL tags. However as the series progressed, it evolved into a full blown melodramatic romance which was a bit of a downer from beginning to end. FL Doona is an idol facing slump while the ML is a college student majoring in engineering.

I initially enjoyed their dynamic with the cool and sassy FL playfully teasing the clumsy ML. But as the series continued it veered further into melodrama which diminished my enjoyment.

On a positive note show did a great job depicting the idol's mental health struggles with Suzy's portrayal feeling authentic. Yang Sejeong also excelled in portraying the clumsy university student with adorableness.

Surprisingly i found the second pair more appealing than the main couple. Their storyline was less gloomy and provided enjoyable moments. I wish there had been more focus on their relationship.

The OST in the opening was good & background score complemented the melodramatic theme effectively.
Cinematography was a refreshing aspect that didnt contribute to the overall sense of depression.

Regarding the ending, i have no personal complaints. Its left open ended allowing you to interpret whether the main characters are still together or not.

Read More

Soundless Love: Tell Me That You Love Me's Journey through Love and Loss.

"Tell Me That You Love Me", penned by Kim Minjung and helmed by Kim Yoonjin is the Korean adaptation of the popular Japanese drama "Aishiteiru to Ittekure", released in 1995. This captivating melodrama portrays the love story between Jinwoo, a middle aged man navigating life as a deaf artist and Moeun, an aspiring actress propelled by her profound love for the craft.

The show, experienced in 2023 is a beautifully written meloromance with each character feeling remarkably real and relatable. The narrative skillfully weaves their pains, hardships and struggles creating an emotional connection beyond the main lead characters.

Jinwoo a relatively unknown artist who lost his hearing early in life, finds a renewed sense of happiness and love when Moeun enters his life. This lonely man, scarred by a heartbreak from his past finds solace and happiness, granting him a second chance at love. However this marks merely the beginning of their journey, what unfolds are genuine issues faced in a relationship where one partner grapples with physical disability.

The show keeps it real about relationships with different physical abilities avoiding idealized views. It shows the challenges without getting toxic, staying down to earth. It digs into what its like when one partner faces physical hurdles, keeping things raw and genuine.
As the story goes on, Moeun deals with feeling insecure and jealous bringing in real challenges that resonates with the audience. A significant factor contributing to her struggle is Jinwoo's inability to hear or communicate conventionally. The emotions that arent sorted out create problems leading to a big breakup in episode 15. For me, the breakup made sense especially for Moeun to face and work through her own feelings.

"Tell Me That You Love Me", keeps it real about relationships especially when one partner has physical challenges. It avoids painting an idealized picture of love, embracing the genuine, sometimes messy side of such connections. The writer skillfully steers the story, fixing possible issues and making it even better than the Japanese version

Apart from the main characters the supporting cast brings depth and charm to the series. Characters like Kihyun, Seokyung, Johan, Jiyu, Modam and Moeun's parents are well crafted, adding richness to the overall story. Personally Kihyun is my favorite character whose warmth and friendship represent the companionship everyone desires. His happily married life with a deaf spouse and a daughter adds an extra touch of charm to the series.

The acting in the show is a key ingredient for its success. From minor roles like Jinwoo's students to the main leads, every cast member gives a praiseworthy performance. Jung Woosung's depiction of Jinwoo using compelling sign language and expressive acting truly shines. Supporting actors like Kihyun and Seokyung also impress bringing depth and authenticity especially in their use of sign language. Shin Hyunbeen's portrayal of Moeun adds an authentic touch making her journey in learning sign language feel genuine and relatable.

The show's music stands out with a beautiful OST lineup that heightens emotional moments. My Personal favorites are "Try Not To Cry" by 10cm and "To You" by Nerd Connection.

In conclusion, "Tell Me That You Love Me" is a masterpiece that should not be missed by melodrama romance lovers. With a solid 10/10 rating, this show leaves a lasting impression and holds a special place in the heart of the viewers

Read More

Boyhood : A Roller Coaster of Comedy, Action and 80s Nostalgia

Boyhood is a coming of age comedy action school drama set in 1989 in Chungcheongnamdo. It follows a socially awkward boy from Onyang who becomes a transfer student to Buyeo, only to be misunderstood as a troublemaker overnight. This leads to various comedic and action packed adventures.

The show was a wild ride. The first five episodes were hilarious, but Episode 6 took an unexpected turn, shifting from joy to tragedy. Despite the roller coaster, it kept its comedic vibe, making me switch between tears and laughter.

Each character shines uniquely, especially Jang Byungtae, the once targeted weak student who embarks on a hilarious and action packed journey after transferring to Buyeo. Among the dramas i have watched this year, Jang Byungtae's character stands out as one of my personal favorite. Quirky, funny and relatable, he faced bullying from his childhood due to his weak physique. However when mistaken for strength he cleverly used it for good. Jang Byungtae's transformation felt authentic, a gradual process mirroring the impact of a lifetime of bullying.
Im Siwan's outstanding acting, seamlessly transitioning between comedy and emotional depth deserves every award for his portrayal of Jang Byungtae.

The second character is Jung Gyeongtae, who brings some crazy twists in story. When he entered, i thought he was just a street smart thug whom everyone fears but he might actually be good at heart. However the way he flipped in Episode 6 quickly turned him from my most favorite character to the most hated one. From that episode, i just wished him to live a nightmarish life until he dies.
Lee Siwoo really nailed this character. When i realized he played the brother of Ha Doyoon in SYIM19L, i couldnt really believe it, as that character and this one are totally poles apart, and Lee Siwoo played it with conviction.

Two female leads, Jiyoung and Seonhwa. Seonhwa is a bad bi*ch from the start and i suspected some gold digger tendencies in her character from afar. Jiyoung was a badass queen, she was the one who encouraged Byungtae to get his revenge. I really loved her character but she had very little screen time to explore her character. I would have loved to see more of her than Seonhwa.

Each episode of the show is engaging and it never bores you even for a minute. My personal favorite episode is Episode 6. That was quite an insane episode, not gonna lie.

The setting of the show in the 1980s is quite believable. It actually gives the feel of the 80s. The styling and setting are very appropriate for the times of the 80s. The music also helps to give you authentic vibes of the 80s.

This was one of the few dramas this year that surprised me in a good way. For me, it was a 9.5/10.

Read More

Wasted Potential: The Bittersweet Journey to Samdalri

This show was a mixed experience for me with some episodes being enjoyable while others left me frustrated. Despite this, the standout performances and compelling storylines justified watching it.

Now i will discuss what i liked and disliked.

What I Liked:

Great Acting: The performances were superb with impressive portrayals from the main leads, veterans and even minor roles. Kim Mi Kyung and Shin Haesun in particular excelled in their roles.

Compelling Supporting Storylines: Samdal's sister's narratives were surprisingly engaging, occasionally surpassing the main plot in interest.

Breathtaking Jeju Visuals: The show beautifully showcased Jeju's natural charm, perfectly in line with its healing genre, thanks to the director's skillful capture of landscapes.

Yongpil and His Mother's Bond: I absolutely loved Yongpil and Ko Mija's relationship. Im mentioning Ko Mija as Yongpil's mother's because he genuinely considered her as his own mother and she reciprocated the same feeling. Some may have misunderstood some of Yongpil's actions towards Ko Mija due to his love for Samdal but to me he was doing everything for his own mother, Ko Mija. He even chose to break up with Samdal to protect Ko Mija, sacrificed his dream, which truly reflects his immense love for his mother, Ko Mija.


What I Disliked

Flawed Writing: The writing here was poor, particularly in crafting the lead characters. FL's character is poorly written lacking the ability to stand up for herself, very disappointing, especially when she had evidence against Eunju but chose silence. Its perplexing how forgiving she appears towards someone who made her life miserable, forcing her to give up her career. While some argue its not a revenge driven show, standing up for oneself isnt revenge. Yongpil, initially a promising character comes off as clingy at times, seemingly oblivious to personal space. The writer neglected to properly develop his character, the first half focused on establishing FL's character and the second half's attempt at Yongpil's story was unconvincing. Equal importance to both leads from the start would have improved the narrative.

Second Male Lead: Despite not being malicious or negative his storyline was unconvincing and felt like filler, a major dislike for me. His scenes in the second half of the drama were particularly irritating. I find it hard to comprehend how he could be in one sided love with Samdal for over 30 years. While i can understand Yongpil's feelings given their past relationship but what about him?? Samdal never viewed him romantically, she never dated him or provided any hope yet he couldnt let go of his feelings for her for such long period of time.

Yongpil's Dad's Arc: The storyline involving Yongpil's dad was poorly written. While the actions of other characters in that track like the main leads breaking up were somewhat understandable, Yongpil's dad's treatment towards Samdal's family was childish and unreasonable. Despite understanding his pain from losing his wife, making his son's life miserable just because of that is unsympathetic. His entire storyline could have been handled much better.

Inconsistent Engagement: My connection with this show was strange like i would enjoy one episode but the next one would annoy me the most. The inconsistency in writing was evident and i didnt appreciate it.


Talking about the chemistry between the leads, i would say they had more of a best friends dynamic than that of lovers. Honestly, throughout the entire time, i never perceived them as lovers but rather as best friends forever. This could be seen as both positive and negative but given the romance genre here, my opinion tends towards the negative.


In conclusion despite its wasted potential, the show provided a decent pastime experience.

Read More

Two Worlds, Two Takes : Decent Attempt But Original Still Shines

I would describe it as a decent remake of the original masterpiece. While the trailer of "A Time Called You" had me super excited with its outstanding visuals, the actual drama left something to be desired.

Although this remake remains faithful to its original version, it lacks that special something you experience when you've enjoyed the original drama, Someday or One Day.

The actors did their best, but it feels like they may not be the perfect fit for their characters. Ahn Hyo Seop's portrayal differs significantly from Greg Hsu's in the original Someday or One Day.
Jeon Yeo Been stood out among the cast, delivering an impressive performance.

The story is exactly same and many scenes are very similar, but it falls short in creating the emotional connection I felt while watching the original. Perhaps the direction is somewhat off.

Even when comparing cinematography, locations, background music, and OSTs, I would still prefer the Taiwanese version. In the original Taiwanese version, all these factors played a significant role in emotionally connecting to the drama, especially the OSTs.

For those who haven't seen the original, it's definitely a great drama. However, for fans of the original, this adaptation of their favorite show is decent at best.

Read More

Fun Ride to Youkai World

This turned out to be a much better show than my expectations. Its blend of fantasy, mystery, horror, romance and comedy, is well balanced. While the romance aspect is somewhat understated, all the other genres are fleshed out quite effectively. There is also some cool action.

Although E1 was good, it becomes a lot more interesting from E2 and it keeps getting better and better. This one is kinda similar to Enigma (Thai drama) but with the addition of comedy. Moreover the mysteries of the Youkai world are unveiled in an intriguing manner. Thanks to the blend of comedy, mystery, fantasy and action, there isnt a single dull moment throughout, each episode is genuinely engaging. There might be a few flaws in it but what matters is it was engaging af. 35 min X 8Ep format greatly help in keeping you engaged. The episodes are short yet fast paced, leaving no room for boredom.

Furthermore, im glad they didnt turn FL into a good hearted demon/youkai. She was on a mission and she actually killed those guardians, which was a requirement for her to fulfill her mission.

The open ended ending sets the stage for S2, leaving everyone eager to see what unfolds next.

Overall i would rate it around 8.8-9.0/10.

Read More

Yu Yu Hakusho : A Mesmerizing Dive into the Spirit World.

Yu Yu Hakusho unfolds a captivating fantasy story that seamlessly weaves action, humor and supernatural elements. This Japanese live action series is comprised of five episides whose length ranges between 40-50min. Show introduces viewers to a world where the boundaries between the living and the spirit realm blur.

The story centers around Yusuke Urameshi, a spirited young man thrust into the afterlife after a selfless act. As he navigates the spirit world under the guidance of Botan viewers are treated to a tale of spirit detectives, demons and unyielding friendships. The series stays true to its genre, delivering an engaging story that hooks the audience from the very first scene.

Yu Yu Hakusho's live action adaptation is directed by Tsukikawa Sho. It uses impressive CGI to make the supernatural parts stand out. In the world of live action adaptations, Yu Yu Hakusho is a standout giving us a captivating retelling that stays true to originial material. The series shines with a compelling opening, well choreographed fights and seamless visual effects.

The series brings you into a world of cool creatures and monsters. Demonic entities make things intense, thanks to Tsukikawa Sho's direction. Even the computerized violence feels real.

What makes Yu Yu Hakusho special is how it mixes humanity with supernatural stuff. Characters like Yusuke and Kuwabara have depth and feelings. Yusuke's serious vibe by Kitamura Takumi and Kuwabara's funny yet heartfelt performance by Uesugi Shuhei balance it out. Its relatable and funny making the show enjoyable.

Yu Yu Hakusho on netflix is a must watch for supernatural and horror action lovers. It has a unique blend of familiar elements and a compelling story all packed into a short yet satisfying five episode season. The show deserves a solid 10/10 for its engaging storytelling, vibrant characters and seamless mix of manga and live action.

Read More

"A Symphony of Emotions: The Impactful Journey of Loss, Guilt and Redemption"

The drama evoked every emotion within me, draining me and allowing me to feel every character's pain throughout the series.
When it started, i wondered what it could offer besides a mother's revenge. However as the story unfolded, i was drawn deeper into the intricacies of each character's psyche gradually understanding their motivations and perspectives.

While the story may not be new, it was the execution that truly stood out earning it a well deserved round of applause. The writer masterfully crafted a plot filled with heartbreak and tension, weaving together multiple storylines and character arcs with finesse. What struck me most was the portrayal of morally ambiguous characters, each grappling with their own demons and making choices that blurred the lines between right and wrong.
As each character's layers peeled away, their motivations became clear. Though i may not sympathize with all of them, i could understand their actions. The writer crafted these characters thoroughly and left their interpretation to the viewers.

The emotional depth of the series was further amplified by its poignant and gut wrenching scenes, which left a lasting impact on me long after the credits rolled. From the raw anguish of a mother mourning the loss of her child to the harrowing depiction of human frailty and redemption, every moment was imbued with raw emotion and authenticity.

Turning to the performances, the ensemble cast delivered nothing short of brilliance, bringing their characters to life with nuance and depth. Kim Namjoo's portrayal of the grieving mother was particularly poignant, her raw vulnerability tugging at the heartstrings with every scene. It was evident that she poured her heart and soul into the role, leaving a lasting impression that lingered in the mind.

Cha Eunwoo, in this series, he really beat the allegations of bad acting. I pretty much heard in every series that he cant act. I have watched almost all of his dramas, i never found him a bad actor. Its just his roles were always like they wanted him to give very few expressions and he did a fantastic job in those roles. But in this role, he really nailed it, especially in the second half of the drama. He proved to everyone that he is anything but a bad actor. I hope in the future he will take those roles which will give him a chance to perform his best.

Kim Kangwoo & Lim Semi were also phenomenal in their roles. Both of them had very complex characters and they performed their best in these roles. At first, i thought, oh this is another husband cheating drama but once twists started unfolding, i felt there is much more to it than just being a husband cheating. When you understand characters perfectly, you realize they are also very layered characters very much like normal humans who made mistakes but are very much guilty for their one wromg action.
Apart from these 4 leading characters, actress Won Mi Kyung, who portrayed the role of Soohyun's mother and actor Park Hyuk Kwon, who played the role of the main antagonist Kim Joon also made a long lasting impression on the mind with their powerful performances.

The series was further elevated by its exceptional soundtrack which expertly underscored the emotional beats of each scene, heightening the tension and drama to breathtaking effect.

In conclusion this series stands as a shining example of superb storytelling, flawless execution and stellar performances. If you are in search of a gripping and emotionally resonant drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further. Its a journey that will linger in your mind long after the final episode, leaving you craving for more.

Read More

Deaths Game : The Rise and Fall of 12 Lives in a Fast Paced Epic

The first 4 episodes were fast paced featuring fantastic action and moments of dark humor. The show carries a powerful message and the screenplay is engaging. Overall the first part was quite impressive.

My main concern is the 12 deaths meaning the main character is reincarnated 12 times. Unfortunately, many of these reincarnations don't get enough screen time, making it hard to connect with those characters. Only Lee Dohyun, Lee Jaewook and Kim Kanghoon's characters stand out as they receive appropriate screen space and their stories unfold at a well paced rhythm allowing for a more profound connection. Considering the 12 deaths allocating a full 45-55 minute episode to each reincarnation could have provided a more convincing portrayal of their stories.

Aside from this, the production quality and acting were exceptional. I especially enjoyed Seo In guk, Park Sodam, Lee Dohyun, Lee Jaewook, Yoo Insoo and Kim Kanghoon's performances.
The CGIs were acceptable though there was room for improvement.

Btw Go Younjung and Lee Dohyun have natural chemistry and i hope to see them together in the future.

Read More