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─ ‍the small city traps the small us. // i will never forget the way back to home.

Fangs of Fortune was one of the dramas I was most excited about this year, especially given the director's reputation for stunning cinematography, costumes, and a dark, atmospheric color palette. With a familiar cast, including several actors I’ve enjoyed watching in previous works by the director, I was optimistic — but also cautious. The director has a tendency to stretch out the story in certain parts and leave major twists for the end, sometimes making the final act feel rushed. While the writing and story delivery weren’t bad, the pacing and flow needed some adjustments. This was, for me, the main flaw that impacted the drama.

Some characters and key moments lacked the development needed to fully invest in their emotional growth. While there were several unexpected twists that kept us on our toes, the repetitiveness of certain plot devices ( such as revealing that characters already knew crucial information ) eventually undermined the suspense. At times, it became easy to predict that something was amiss, which reduced the tension.

Another aspect that I struggled with were the emotional scenes. While I have no issue with characters expressing emotion through tears, the excessive focus on making the crying scenes visually "beautiful" sometimes detracted from the raw emotion of the moment, preventing the audience from fully connecting.

That said, the ending was tragically beautiful. Though it was somewhat predictable, the execution still managed to leave a lasting impact.

Despite its flaws, the show had plenty of strengths. One of the highlights was how the main characters were given enough screen time to develop, allowing us to appreciate each of their roles in the story. The evolving family dynamics were particularly compelling, as it wasn’t just about characters trusting each other after one shared experience. Given their complex backgrounds, trust was built gradually, which added depth to their relationships. I also enjoyed the connection of side characters that built the story.

The show also managed to balance intense drama with moments of comedy, which provided some welcome relief. I appreciated how the story used symbolism, mythology, and even indirect biblical references to convey deeper meanings. The characters’ growth — both mental and physical — was portrayed beautifully, and it was refreshing to see a story that focused on the many forms of love, from friendship to family, rather than just romantic love.

Some of the lines were incredibly well-written and delivered, which I really appreciated. The acting, especially the chemistry between the characters, was another standout element.

The OST was one of the best of the year, with songs that perfectly reflected the story’s themes. It’s hard to choose a favorite, as each track was so thoughtfully integrated.

Overall, Fangs of Fortune was an enjoyable watch with a tale-like quality. Despite its flaws, it left an impression, and I can see myself returning to rewatch some of the scenes.

Link to edits : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5hL26ocu_hNx4eucxlss3Q9&si=dFBHTOLZZLIaZCwp

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─ Beautiful things are often like this; ephemeral, unapproachable and indistinguishable.

Love of Nirvana wasn’t on my watchlist initially, but it quickly captured my attention after I stumbled upon intriguing spoilers on social media. What really drew me in was the famous scene from EP9 that showcased the dynamics between the leads.

As I enjoy watching the enemies-to-lovers trope, I appreciated how Love of Nirvana presented characters who genuinely start as adversaries and gradually learn to understand each other. It was refreshing to see their perspectives; the time they took to witness each other's lives made their eventual feelings believable and earned.

Some viewers might find Wei Zhao to be cruel and ruthless, but understanding his backstory and the immense pressure he faces helps clarify his initial attitude towards Jiang Ci, especially after she disrupts his crucial plans. Jiang Ci, on the other hand, is portrayed as resilient, maintaining her composure in the face of adversity, though it’s poignant to watch her vulnerability surface after a significant loss. Their flaws and strengths add depth to their characters, making their journey engaging.

I particularly enjoyed the cat references that both characters naturally acknowledged; these moments added a lighthearted touch. Also, since cats are believed to symbolize balance ( like yin and yang ), and even have been seen as spiritual guardians in some places, the reference matched the characters so well.

Watching them collaborate was a highlight, especially when Wei Zhao recognized Jiang Ci’s strengths. The scene where he bowed to her for saving his people was beautifully executed, symbolizing the respect he developed over time.

The chemistry between the leads was compelling, enhanced not just through their interactions but also through their individual arcs. The side characters were well-crafted as well, each bringing their own loyalty and obsession to the story. I found Yueluo’s arc especially captivating, with its constant character and story development ─ so I was actually glad to see them return there towards the finale.

After their return to the palace, the pacing slowed a bit, but the last few episodes till the finale picked up the pacing once again ─ although it ended with tragedy and left us with bittersweet feelings. Part of me thinks it fitted the whole storyline while the other part expected a happy ending.

The OST was another highlight; each song complemented the scenes perfectly, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, I recommend Love of Nirvana for its storytelling, characters ( and their dynamics ), beautiful OST and cinematography!

Link to edits: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5gFVgHNC1_31EcNdD5m1d63&si=5HzX9p7wU1NO619Y

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─ I guess we are still enemies, at least better than strangers.

Before I started watching The Rise of Phoenixes, I had heard nothing but praise for it ─ and after watching it, I understand why. It truly deserves all the praises and recognition.

The drama, set in a tumultuous palace rife with political intrigue, follows the intricate relationships and power struggles between characters. And while I enjoy palace politics, not all dramas manage to keep it engaging throughout. However, this drama maintains its intrigue and wit across every episode. The storyline is meticulously crafted ( at least if we ignore questionable parts towards the end ) and the drama excels in several aspects.

The acting is exceptional, with Chen Kun and Ni Ni delivering standout performances in their complex roles. Chen Kun's portrayal of Ning Yi is deliberate and powerful, reflecting his internal conflicts and strategic prowess, while Ni Ni captures Feng Zhiwei’s resilience with remarkable depth. The supporting cast also brings significant depth, each character contributing uniquely to the narrative.

The drama’s cinematography is visually stunning, capturing not only the locations but also the characters' emotional landscapes, while the original soundtrack enhances the atmosphere and drama’s emotional impact.

Although the drama maintains intrigue throughout most of its run, the final episodes feel a bit rushed. The climax falls short of delivering the expected emotional weight, possibly due to some scenes being cut. Despite this, the overall story remains compelling and beautifully executed.

The ending, while tragic, aligns with the narrative’s progression, providing a fitting conclusion to the complex story. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this drama and regret not watching it sooner. I highly recommend it for its engaging plot and remarkable performances.

Link to edit: https://youtu.be/gatAQJrWBxQ

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─ do you still remember the oath you once swore ?

I started the second season of Lost You Forever with high expectations, having read the book and appreciated how closely the drama followed its storyline. It was a pleasant surprise, as not all adaptations stay true to their source material. However, I was somewhat disappointed that certain pivotal moments didn't receive the emphasis they deserved in the second season.

While I understand the need for adaptation and the constraints of regulations, there were significant deviations from the novel. Some scenes, like Xiao Yao's reunion with her parents, felt a bit rushed and lacked the depth I had hoped for ( I hoped we could get a glimpse of their story as well even if there is already a drama about them ). Yang Zi's performance was a saving grace in these instances.

In fact, the entire cast delivered outstanding performances, particularly in conveying the characters' emotional turmoil. I wish the drama had prioritized key plot points over filler episodes, especially given its shorter runtime compared to the first season.

Among the cast, Xiang Liu's character was a standout for me ─ Tan Jianci's acting was so memorable and impressive. Despite his flaws and little chance with Xiao Yao due to how he treated her ─ particularly at the early stage of their relationship, his unwavering loyalty to the army and the complexity of his bottled emotions were portrayed with depth, especially in his poignant final scenes and heartfelt letter to Xiao Yao. I feel like his letter to Xiao Yao wasn't just for her. In a way, he tried to be a person that he, himself needed when he still had a chance to make decisions. I'm glad they at least gave enough time for his last scenes and highlighted specific details.

Honourable mention to Zhang Wanyi as his acting was truly captivating, and I wished for more exploration of his character's moral ambiguity.

I also appreciated the portrayal of family dynamics between Xiao Yao, Cang Xuan, and their grandfather, as well as the touching bond with A Nian ( sisters' bond was so beautiful to watch ). The dinner gatherings and the grandfather's astute understanding of their relationships added richness to the narrative.

Overall, Lost You Forever was a visually stunning drama, though the lengthy wait between seasons visibly affected the audience. I think I'll revisit specific scenes that left a lasting impression.

Link to edits: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5h7gYmd9Du3X0IX2TgMeFuv&si=s-zn5oh458Az5RNa

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─ justice that comes too late is not justice .

Ripe Town is the most poetic noir drama I've ever seen, captivating me from the very first scene. It unfolds its story in a mesmerizing manner, blending compelling dialogues, cinematography, aesthetics, and the use of natural sounds ─ and elements such as water. Despite the focus on fire due to main case of the drama, the scenes featuring water made me think how they reflected the story's flow and pacing so perfectly.

The pacing of Ripe Town is notably unconventional ─ not slow per se, but each episode feels like a standalone movie, rich in mystery and depth. It's not the kind of drama you binge; it demands digestion between episodes, which, for me, enhanced the viewing experience. The final episode, in particular, left a lasting impression with its profound dialogue on justice, highlighting the drama's core theme. It's definitely one of my favourite episodes to watch.

The acting doesn't even need a comment, each actor delivers their role with precision. The gradual revelation of truths and the evolving perspectives on characters are beautifully shaped, deepening the narrative's complexity. The actors' voices also enrich the poetic dialogues, adding another layer of depth to them.

The OST is particularly memorable, it's such a hypnotizer. I couldn't skip it at the end of episodes.

Overall, I really enjoyed watching Ripe Town and I think I will return for a rewatch whenever I need something calm yet enigmatic.

Link to edit: https://youtu.be/8U2TTjxzcps

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─ ‍you have to promise me.

A Journey to Love lives up to its name, offering audiences a captivating storyline that is truly a beautiful journey. It delivers in every aspect—from its compelling writing and storytelling to the characters, their dynamics and acting.

One of the drama's best part is the portrayal of not only the main protagonists but also the beautifully developed side characters. Each character undergoes significant growth, shaped authentically by the unfolding events and their own motivations. They feel genuine, adding depth to the narrative like interconnected puzzle pieces.

It's difficult to pick a favorite character, as each contributes uniquely to the drama's meaning while maintaining their authenticity. The team is the one of the best squads seen in Chinese dramas, ensuring every moment is engaging and emotionally resonant.

The drama's OSTs are another highlight, beautifully complementing its scenes and adding to its overall appeal.

While the last five episodes are emotionally intense, evoking tears, the earlier episodes balance this with moments of joy and laughter.

In conclusion, A Journey to Love is a definitely recommended drama! I will probably rewatch it later on.

link to edit : https://youtu.be/yvzUBx2rigk

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─ does the glory really matter ?

After lingering on my to-watch list for some time, I finally delved into 'The Long Ballad'—and I'm truly glad that I did. The well-crafted storyline and character development kept me engaged from the very first episode, with each subsequent installment revealing more secrets and complexities. I especially appreciated the focus on narrative and characters over mere romance, exploring both Tang and Ashile cultures. Exploring the Ashile people's episodes was particularly refreshing to see ─ as it isn't so common to see such dramas explore historical incidents from their settings.

The acting was remarkable across the board, with both leads and secondary characters delivering standout performances. Despite occasional moments where characters seemed to disappear, the drama ultimately struck a balance, allowing each character's development to shine. Another aspect I really liked is how both Li Changge and Ashile Sun were established as individuals ─ means we actually saw their morals, perspectives, and agency beyond just romantic involvement. They both had their own goals and protected each other while also caring for others which is not so common to see in dramas that prefer to focus on romance only.

Dilraba's portrayal of Changge's growth was particularly impressive, while Wu Lei's performance as Ashile Sun, especially in EP25 involving his mother's incident, was emotionally gripping.

While the director's style, especially evident in 'SOKP,' isn't entirely my cup of tea, I found the action scenes well-executed, particularly the Cuju game in EP1, which was truly epic. Occasionally, technical issues like echoes and camera positioning dampened the impact, but the strong storytelling and acting overshadowed these flaws.

The OSTs were a standout feature, as expected since I was familiar with some tracks even before watching the drama ─ and each song added depth to the storyline. The instrumentals were epic as well and showcases the hard work put in this project.


link to edit : https://youtu.be/BV1cR_6LW_Y

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─ don't be scared ,  i'm here

I don't even remember how many times I had been recommended to watch this series and after finally watching it, I can understand why people like it that much. It's undoubtedly one of the best historical Chinese dramas I've seen, excelling in writing, production, character development, and acting. The soundtrack and cinematography are also stunning.

I enjoyed how the series is divided into parts focusing on specific groups of side characters, adding depth to the main characters and storyline. The gradual development allows the audience to grow with and understand each character, with a well-balanced mix of heavy and comedic moments.

All of the cast did exceptional job at delivering their characters and improved the quality of this drama. For leads, both Wu Lei and Zhao Lusi knew how to shine their characters ─ not only with their interactions as a couple but also as individuals; Ling Buyi and Cheng Shaoshang are characters that surely will be remembered for a long time. Especially EP48 and EP49 were such a cinema to watch and hold one of the most memorable scenes of the series. The symbolism, the tragic approach, pain, mourning and revenge was shown exceptionally.

Despite its length, it's quite binge-worthy as well. Grasped my attention from the very first episode ─ and had to say, the twist they bring to screen was mind-blowing. I love how everything is so connected and build the overall storyline step by step.

Definitely deserves all the recognition and definitely recommended!

Link to edits : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5iJMAN184YZOIZt0EHUAVco&si=RDMkt8afaZQyUk2x

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─ there are two things we need to remember

This drama was a breath of fresh air for me, with its period and location, the storytelling and the sincerity between the squad. While the cast always had a great potential, the narrative and characters were so well crafted that I found myself completely immersed in their crime-solving journey ─ plus, everything happened at such an engaging pace.

As a fan of crime dramas, I found the choice of timeline for this series to be quite unique. The 1950s was not the idyllic era that some might imagine ( we see the mix of traditional and modern approach not only in the way they think but also how they dress, how they present themselves ), and it was compelling to see it through the eyes of dedicated detectives battling not only criminals but also internal conflicts. The cases they tackle, while not so unfamiliar to us in today's world, are presented from a fresh perspective, highlighting historical events, avoiding unnecessary dragging and delivering their message with precision. I think one of the most memorable cases was in EP4 ─ it was heavy but delivered such important messages. Also EP8, gave us two different cases that really made us question "what exactly is the right way to look for justice?"

The chemistry between the characters is palpable, making their interactions a joy to watch. While romance is not the main focus, they prioritize the importance of genuine bonds and mutual respect between the characters.

One particularly poignant aspect was the homage to the prequel, honoring the legacy of previous actors. Loved the small details they included to do that.

All in all, I enjoyed watching this drama and I think it deserves multiple seasons.

link to edit : https://youtu.be/_PdVYFzPXvY

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─  one has a scar on the face, and the other carries a wound in the heart.

In Blossom has been one of those rare dramas that actually grasped the attention of the viewers from the very first episode. From the beginning, they kept the character introduction and storyline intriguing, and delivered it with a beautiful acting and cinematography. In fact, it kept a good balance between mystery, thriller and romance ( and even humour at early episodes ) which made it a worthy watch for those who enjoy multi genre dramas.

One of the impressive aspect of the story was how they focused on the cases. Each case delivered a message that fit not only the historical settings but also the current generation ─ and I think that isn't something easy to do. And through those cases, every character found their chance to shine despite appearing an episode or two. ( side note : I really liked how Yang Caiwei as a woman stood out with her profession in those cases. I also liked how we learnt she wasn't brave at the beginning when she talked about the cases she witnessed as a child but slowly grew up to acknowledge the bond between life and death. )

The main plot which focuses on the soul / face swap was smooth as well. At least, this enabled viewers to witness how the romance was built ─ occasionally showcasing the childhood memories that explained why Pan Yue was so determined to find Yang Caiwei. The line between love and obsession was quite thin in their relationship, so the incidents enabled viewers to see the character and relationship development. In fact, it was quite refreshing to see Pan Yue and Yang Caiwei ( Shangguan Zhi ) doubt each other about the death of YCW. Especially when they actually hid specific information that almost made us also doubt Pan Yue, even though we knew it wasn't him who killed her.

As for Zhou Lanjiang and Bai Xiaosheng ─ I think they were the unexpected surprise for me in this drama. It has been a while since I had been so interested in the relationship development of the second leads. Especially their tragic ending made their whole story impactful and their short sweet moments memorable. I liked how their actions also made us question "is this really love or just admiration?" because while some of their moments showcased early stages of love, other moments made us think they are lonely souls that somehow find a refuge in each other. ─ yes, I expected angst from them but what happened to Jiang was way too cruel, they really delivered pain with his scenes.

Overall, it was a nice watch ( OSTs were so beautiful as well ) with its ups and downs and ignorable plot holes ─ recommended to those who enjoy such genre.

link to edits : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5j9iRMCmCJg2oLuHaIASjGi&si=hveTUu-2YXDG4pxi

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─ a gripping story in a day

Perhaps one of the most unique and intriguing parts of the storyline is that it tells a story that happened in just one day ─ which is not something easy to do. However, they managed to add their twists and made it binge-worthy (of course, by adding enough scenes from the past as well). We saw enough from the past and enough from the present. At the beginning of the story, the audience is just like Jian; lost and confused and later on, slowly discover the real meaning behind the mess. I liked how they connected specific scenes towards the end to reveal the full story.

While the uncle and niece duo was such a great dynamic to watch, you also can't help but think of "what ifs" as you learn the uncle's real story. I enjoyed seeing how grey the character was as he tried his best to train his niece for her to became stronger. You can also see how his military background create stereotype persona in the mind of others when he, himself is struggling with guilt and nightmares. Realistically acted.

The action scenes were great, and side characters added a good colour to the story. Villains were indeed cruel, and it's refreshing to see they didn't give a reason to pity the villain. He was just a bad person without a reason to redeem himself.

You might think "how can a person change in a day" but we actually got a smooth character development as well due to different personas surrounding Jian as some wanted to protect her whereas some were after her life.

Overall, it was a nice watch and recommended to anyone who enjoys watching this genre.

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─ a journey between light and dark.

While it took me a while to finally find time to properly focus and watch this drama, I'm so glad I didn't delay it for too long ─ as I truly enjoyed the journey this drama showed. In fact, I'm so glad not to let reviews of others affect my watching experience as there are many points I don't agree with what other viewers stated.

While it's true that there are ups and downs, the storyline is quite unique-ish, at least among the dramas released in the past few years. Just from the colours and cinematography, it promises something new and delivers it as well. I especially have to say the cinematography is one of the best I have seen so far.

I liked all the dynamics they showed ─ whether it was between the family members, friends, or lovers. They showed a variety of forms of love, which was beautiful. The characters' developments were interesting to watch as well. I think everyone got a good screen time and their importance was told when it was necessary. In fact, I loved how the story played with the perspectives ─ at some point, it made sure to show audience not to judge so easily.

The chemistry and acting were beautiful too ─ not only in romantic way but the chemistry between parent and child, siblings, student and tutor. It was so nice to see pieces of humanity they tried to hide due to their responsibilities.

The building of the last battle in the past four episodes was so captivating. It was like watching battle of minds ─ showing the shift in the journey between light and dark.

For the ending, while it might be said it's open ending due to many possibilities, I hope they can surprise us with a second season as I would definitely like to watch it.

ps. OST is really beautiful as well ─ both the songs and instrumentals.

link to edits : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI-LyvxxdMxBkohitgnIvHMpq4W59UJ7n&si=VVDdaUBDBNeGE0oI

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─ ‍artistic approach to the crime cases

I had watched many crime thriller dramas that focuses on talented detectives in the police station setting. Yet, Under the Skin is one of the unique ones that deliver a new approach to this genre. Before I started the drama, I had high expectations because I only saw positive reviews about it. After watching it, I definitely agree that it deserves all the compliments.

The story is actually quite captivating even from the premise. Overall, it is an interesting and binge worthy story ─ ‍ not with just cases as some of them might appear familiar but the way they deliver it from the eyes of a genius artist. It also has a smooth pace, doesn't drag the story unnecessarily. In fact, it is one of its charms that they know exactly where to conclude the cases and move to the next one.

Dynamics and acting are absolutely amazing ─ ‍you don't feel awkward or think any character doesn't belong there. They all have their roles and perfectly showcases it.

I also think the ending is satisfying and mysterious enough to set the vibe for the second season. This being said, I'm definitely looking forward to the next season and what they prepared with cases and characters.

link to edits : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5jgUu8espv5dPINyq2-V6RY&si=D4q8INvgXiU5lMQK

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─ ‍the twisted pattern of monsters and humans

I have been waiting for this season for quite some time as I really enjoyed watching season one and reading the webtoon. Although readings news about them not following the webtoon [ adding characters from Shotgun Boy ] made me question the quality of the writing, I think they did pretty good job.

Undoubtedly, compared to S1, writing lacked a bit ─ ‍from character introductions to complexity of their personas. However, they still followed a pattern that hinted a promising season 3. The first season was mainly about monsters and how humans became one due to their desires or greed. So, it started with monsters and ended with humans. Meanwhile, S2's main focus was humans, how they dealt with fear, and lack of freedom. Even the way they didn't hesitate to use fellow humans as lab rats. So, it started with humans and ended with monsters. Along the way, in this second chapter, they focused on new characters. Hence, we didn't see the original cast more. Yet, I think this hints a more complicated and thrilling S3 ─ ‍ which I'm looking forward to.

I think the reason most people felt unsatisfied is lack of screen time for the original cast. Some of them disappeared for so many episodes, such that it made audience wonder if the writer forgot them. [ I mean, wasn't Sweet Home about Cha Hyunsoo ? ] This, I think is all about marketing ─ ‍if they were going to focus on new cast most, they should have done marketing accordingly. Still, there were actually new characters with potential and I really wished they explored the colours of their personas properly.

The one that stood out the most for me in this season was Go Minsi. She did such an awesome job at delivering the characteristic changes and development that Lee Eunyoo went through and perfectly showed her determination to find her brother. Another character that stood out was Doctor Lim. Oh Jungse truly never disappoints when it comes to delivering diverse characters. Honourable mention to mother and daughter duo ─ ‍they were so twisted and dark while looking for their ownn lights.

I don't think there was a confusion in timeline as they stated how many days it has been since people discovered monsters with days instead of saying how many years it has been. They also showed that Yikyung's daughter grew up every day [ and years when she was killed ].

Also, I have mention that Sweet Home has one of the best soundtrack and am so glad they still delivered masterpieces in second season.

Overall, it was a good watch and is recommended as long as you are okay with the theme and trigger warnings. Looking forward to S3.

link to edits : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI-LyvxxdMxCFyFmMp9zkjp_-gkySTPQj&si=qqSh49vta0dsxDV4

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─ the twist of adult child.

Started this drama without any prior knowledge about the plot or the full cast. So, there weren't any expectations but I was glad to find this twisted and psychological approach to this kind theme. The conflict between desperation and greed was nicely written.

From the beginning, the sisters and chef reminded me of children that are forced to become adults. Neither managed to grasp freedom and instead followed a way that offered them dream like escape. At some point, you find yourself feeling bad for them, another time you question their morals and greed. Even at the ending scene, you still witness the twist in their ordinary looking lives, which I think was quite unique to see.

While the story had its ups and downs, sometimes left you looking for more and sometimes felt draggy, the cast did awesome job at their characters. Especially Nam Jihyun and Choi Hyunwook rightfully owned the spotlight as they portrayed desperate people that did not hesitate to turn bad when it comes to "being able to live."

Overall, it was a nice watch that delivered specific messages successfully.

link to edits : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI-LyvxxdMxBiq-NfStjWeJ-HBXaMzBcV&si=06NZ4vCYhhrRcZgj

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