monstrous surprise

no spoilers here :)
this is a story of survival & anguish, and follows the themes in all the episode titles.
a father daughter(FL) duo 'sleuths' that finds missing people, including the ML 's mother, missing for 10years. the ML is an orphan who built a 'golden' empire with his shop & ressources. everything is set for a promising journey. and oh how it was!

I watched it as it was released, and the last episodes were released a few days later.

it's not perfect , but its memorable and left a huge mark on me, especially with the state of the world right now.
here are a few things i disliked:
the show felt like a stitch of many tropes, definitely sounding cliché at first but it gets a lot better!! I really appreciated the themes of the show ( usually displayed as their episode titles like chaos, despair, anguish etc)

some negative feedback:
- I never thought a ML could become more AND less shallow at the same time as the show progressed, but he does gain more depth.. so thats a relief
- not enough backstory or evolution of the enemy in the beginning, one has to be patient to get a deeper look there as its not given in the early episodes
- had some stranger things vibe with the sci fiction of the creature, but they sure added the kdrama touch !
- no spoiler but *some* elements don't add up or aren't explained. however its not a lot of things, most of the story holds well

some neutral feedback: i have the biggest deja-vu of the the Kako(Gato) character but i just can't seem to point my finger on it!!!! especially with experimentation & the glasses! i

some positive feedback
- the period style was superb!
-I loved all the characters and their evolution (almost)
- i loved the underground rebellious vibes (Especially the nuance within it)
- main story is very interesting and terrific
-loved the episode titles!! the themes were brillantly portrayed
-a light romance touch, i think it was perfectly balanced neither over/underdone
-the mother theme was deep yet barely put in our faces.
- also... BRILLANT SCRIPT!!! i looooved most of the dialogues especially between the power and the oppressed.

So-hee has come such a long way! been following her since nevertheless , and so much growth in her performances! she has a way of being subtle yet full of emotion & power!
i also am also very impressed with the whole cast! even the evil characters, young joon was so brillant in performing the disturbingly evil character! as well as su hyun!

IHAVE YET TO UNDERSTAND THE ENDING FULLY ( as it may be pointing for a s2, but thats not always a positive thing as they already had a big story in these episodes!)
things to watch out for: the first clue is in episode 7'th ending ( there was a long hiatus before the remaining episodes)
and the scenes in the last episode AFTER THE FIRST CREDITS!
the producers did put some clues but i am not sure about all of them!

brillant show!!!

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Huge potential, Nevertheless

I never write reviews and I watched tons of Kdramas, but I love reading reviews here before watching a show so I thought I would add my own, because I wasn't gonna watch it initially. I only saw the preview trailer on Netflix with that scene in the bar and I found it very intriguing and well paced. I ended up binging this show....

This show begins differently and has its own mood.

I could understand Nabi and from the beginning we meet a very interesting female lead we get attached to and want to see her evolve. it was very promising until the show just ended up being a cycle of back and forth on repeat and I couldn't see a true evolution of Nabi, just like her professor keeps saying. Only by the end of the show do we see her making interesting changes.

I won't talk much about Jeon ML because there is not much to say, except for a weird evolution he goes through. however, he did play his role very well in the beginning to create that atmosphere of doubt, confusion and red flags,

the 2nd ML was a nice addition at first and a huge contrast to the other ML, he played his part brilliantly, but I feel that plotline lingered too much.

I LIKED: the flow of the show and the mind voice/vocal was spot on. I applaud the show for portraying the uncertainty, the anxiety, the confusion very well shown through the FL, but I was hoping for more evolution from her and a clearer evolution of her relationship with the ML. the butterfly, the sculpture project, and the drawings were all beautiful analogies as well.

DIDN'T LIKE: the main lesson /meaning behind the show was a bit shallow for me where it could have had a deeper approach on vague relationships, toxic relationships and love etc....

I give it an 7 because it did convey a lot of emotions through the plot and characters, it made me question my own approach to my previous relationships and my own reaction to red flags. While there were lots of cringy cliché parts of the show, I did enjoy the more explorative parts of it.

I would not rewatch it though.

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What a wasted potential ?

This is the story of low level civil servant, orphan, bullied, insecure and lonely, getting entangled in magic with a lawyer.

BIG HOPES: the initial plot and characters that was PROMISING a classic fantasy melodrama and starcrossed lovers whose characters grow together and find each other …

But somehow, along the way -very early-it got tacky.

What i liked:
- they had a cute intricate melody for magic and general ost was nice

- Early episodes (1-4) really had a witty comedy even if it was cringe( still happening by the end but its sparse and mostly off )

- I liked trying to guess the rules of this magical world and the mysteries along the plot ( in the beginning)

- FL development is among my fav element of a show: i loved that we see her evolve and the actress really showed a nice progression ( but it was still a bit inconsistent, feels skipped and weird!!)

What i didn’t like:
- without spoiling, early on the ML actions suggest some toxic behaviour , that even if addressed by the other characters, it really was a low from the writers , especially how they reveal events related to that part. I totally disconnected from the romantic side of the story

- The magic mystery itself 😢 while i love fantasy in the real world and making it subtle, sometimes it was sooo subtle we were constantly being thrown off/ON the magic.

- The characters: while they could all potentially be great characters ( in their own roles to the story) each character had something off and unrealistic making us disconnect further with the story. Especially the main leads.

- The MOST ANNOYING EKEMENT: Witholding information from the viewer: this is a show that constantly hides parts of a scene to reveal it later, while it can be really nice if well done, it was sooo overdone and annoying in this show. We were expected to root for the FL and ML from a short reveal from the past? This made the story / engagement of the viewer forced. I felt tricked by the writers hiding a lazy evolution of the story to buy minutes…

- This brings the last point: we remain confused for most of the show … the main story is not clear as if random scenes were patched together.. it lacked cohesiveness…

I had read in some comments that the writer’s last work before this one dates back to 2018, which may explain the choppy scenes?

Overall, the show felt shallow, often redundant. the viewer is almost always left guessing.

I really wanted to love this show because it had a nice idea!! But it was shabby with no meat… the actors did great often but it wasn’t enough…

I was left disconnected from the story . My neurones weren’t ‘coupling’ with the story ( it’s an inside joke from the story) …

I still want to finish my review on a positive note because some episodes were really nice so :
- Shout out to the main actors who did their best to bring these characters to life considering the script ( some lines were really cringe but it turned out witty or really funny !)
- I liked the general atmosphere of the world in this show and cinematic quality.

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THE PERFECT CRINGE?

so i hesitated a lot to watch this because, well, the poster looked cringe, and the title sounded soapy and i was loosing hope on good dramas lately...

WITHOUT SPOILERS, you only need to watch the first scene with the window to know that it will be a great show!! this quality cannot be faked!

the cinematography, imagery, the story, the parallels, lessons and how people change or don't change were amazing!

despite a cliché seeming 'cold' ML, with typical tropes, it was a well done one!
i often gave up on shows made by this FL although i love her a lot! i think she was phenomenal here!

the FL transformation throughout the show is lovely and inspiring, and i think this show tackles toxic and violent relationships well and inspires a healing journey!

i knew this show would be well done since its based on a solid webtoon: the producers can stay coherent more easily , but its a show that gets really messy with drama!

if you are looking for a classic drama, this is the PERFECT CRINGE!

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I finally understand the title

I thought the trailer was really melodramatic & lyrical. So i skipped the show for a long time until 2 friends recommended it to me… i did finish it, it was okay for me… but i am a bit mitigated.. it sounds overrated for me…

I loved the concept of this drama, and the main character is an ANTIHEROINE/vigilante that is filled with subtelty and i loved getting to know her. What i also loved is clear boundaries of our FML when she is launching her revenge plan, without revealing any spoilers, its a tight balance to hold !

BULLYING: The bullying theme was really well portrayed from high school years till the end.
BULLIES: Although there are a lot of extreme lyrical ironies in the bad characters, it was well played by the actors, but a bit stereotyped. What i did love is that even if the main perpetrator is one person, the ‘responsibility’ of the whole circle was well shown. The evolution of each bully is well played.

GRAPHIC SCENES: I understand the realism behind the very dark, sexual, vulgar, drug use & violent scenes, but i did not expect it to be so present. I am still mitigated on the necessity of some scenes…

REALISM: Often times i thought it was a soapy ‘sh*t show’ in the sense that sometimes everyone was hysteric and out of their mind and it was chaotic! What kept it a bit real was the husband, and the revenge ‘helpers’ …


THEMES: The glory explores many core THEMES, my favourite was the glory/ retribution. Although all the bullies were having their own ideal lives on the surface, it was clear from the beginning how miserable they all were… and i loved how the show was clear on how far should the revenge go…

I also liked the miracle/getting help theme, this theme is much more fluid, poetic and evolved through the show and it was this theme that created the evolution in the main character.

I feel mitigated about this show for some reason because other themes were underdeveloped. & the show really revolves around the bullies’ lives more than the victims and it gets really annoying.

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My fav FL ever.

I have watched so many k and c dramas and finally have found the gem of FL. She was mature, consistent , inspiring and believable character played brilliantly all the way till the last min! Disclaimer: I really didn’t expect to root for her this much!!

The story and tough topics are handled really well!
It’s obviously not perfect as I found the ML a tad bit too perfect . The actor was great in portraying and made him believable enough. I actually watched this out of curiosity because I watched another show of his( yeah.. the fairy/devil drama …😅) their relation was really beautiful throughout all stages.

I like this kind of story ( older career driven FL ‘find yourself’ is another one for ex) as it’s usually full of atypical challenges compared to your classic rom com of immature couple leads.. this is the kind of story with character depth and development that sets off beautifully. It also doesn’t skip in the relationship buildup that makes us root for the main characters.

The critical scene where the relationship of the main characters evolve is memorable and so well done !

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TOOK ME BY SURPRISE

I was just curious about the ML role in this drama. just the intro of the show made me bawl and I thought it was gonna be horrible.
it was so absurd I could not believe my eyes! I thought no way a show with touching butts can work?! like WHAT!!!! I almost dropped it after episode 1...

then... I saw in MDL that ratings were good so I gave ep2 a shot and I was hooked!

THE INTRIGUE: is well done, OMG I was really focused to try and finds clues and hints to find the murderer! without spoiling, the story unwraps well! I was able to guess 1 episode prior to the reveal but I was still not sure!

CHARACTERS: are all great in their own personalities and the actors portrayed them well! it was a cohesive character list! big shoutout the the girl band and the french of Ok-hui !! i am still in awe with the originality and playfulness and dead seriousness of the characters.
I wished for a little more character development for the FL, but in general all character get

WAS IT really FUNNY? most elements can easily turn out cringe but it was directed is such a witty way ! I love the humour here! a punch of sarcasm, absurdity and wittiness!

THE DARK PLOT: the murder mystery is quite heavy actually, I am also very impressed at how they managed to have such a dark turn of events without overloading us emotionally.

THE ENDING: no spoilers, but that left me asking for a S2!
we got attached to our main characters !

MUSIC: I was sooooo impressed with the OST!!! I loved everything!

it's not a perfect show, but they focused on the right elements to take us on a wild ride with this show!
kudos!

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Beautiful mature story, so much I had more hopes for the FL

Beautiful story! Wish there were more episodes…
I watched it initially because of the great and believable FL.
As the show progressed, I held that character among the top FL characters I’ve ever seen until her relationship with the ML evolved, where I felt she wasn’t given enough space even if their relationship feels mature !
The story is well paced in the beginning, and feels rushed in the end. I did love the story and the characters. Action, friendship, love, character development and elegance included.

One of my fav historical dramas so far!

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i want another story like this!

hear me out: i want another story like this, but maybe a bit more mature?

I watched this show in 2024, and i find it was still so fresh!
i love the character's stories and the blend of science/ influencers. i think the full potential of this story was still untapped.

the part i hoped to see more of... is their complicity! even in early episodes we can appreciate their connection in a way that the ml was sensitive to her but still annoyed. when their complicity was put forward, it was probably the best times!

what we realize in the end is that the FL characterizes a free soul, and a resilient flower, something that inspires a lot. i liked the imagery and the evolution of the characters, but i think a more mature take in the early episodes could have been better!

Esther is among my fav actresses, but i am often perplexed by her acting! she is more witty than expected and held her dynamic character well. ( although in the beginning it was too much!!)

it was the first time i saw the ML and i'm surprised i haven't seen him before!
i think these two together make one of the best on screen couples i've seen in cdramas!


lastly, a perfect remake would be with 70% less of the second couple story... it was borderline interesting but all the coverups were just tacky, i didn't connect one bit!!

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complicity at its best!

first time i really enjoy the intro song! gives you the exact fresh jazziness we need from the main couple!

while the story is extravagant, stereotyped and cringe, the main characters were really well done! they made me enjoy this drama!
what i loved most was the couple
-their wittiness and authenticity
-complicity ! i love that we see them grow more and more connected to each other and how they communicate!
-they both had strong cohesive personality that did not unexpectedly change to fit the plot!
-Most shows start strong when it involves undercover/ con artists, but 2-3 episodes in we never see that side again... Here, we were ALWAYS reminded of their con artist talents!

-the love triangle ? well handled
- the bad guys? a little overdone...

enjoyable romcom!

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idylic/classic 'kdrama' twist on a demon, BUT IS IT WORTH WATCHING?

CLICHÉ but still ENJOYABLE....
without spoilers , keep reading to see my thoughts as someone who loves fantastical characters like demons, angels, vampires etc.

its a story of dodo hee who gets entangled with a demon guwon. the suspense, twists and full of drama story of these two also wants to be a fractal or smaller depiction of good/evil in the world (in a figurative way). there are direct references to christianity ( i assume some producers rely on christian concepts while others on buddhism? ) that are very well done! others less ( the God references, but thats my personal opinion)

on top of all of this, we also get historical past lives and let me tell you, its one of the best ones done!! ( and i've seen many cliché impossible love stories with past lives issues!)

i like a drama that gives titles to its episodes that sets the mood and has a reliable main female lead that has room to grow too.

i did not enjoy all the secondary characters but i did understand their presences in a bigger picture. i was relieved to see the main actors 'own' their characters better and better as the show progressed!

its undeniable the main leads actors were really an almost perfect duo! age, traits and vibes, we could easily root for them! and i hope to see them again in other dramas!

now... the less enjoyable elements of this show...

this drama is fast paced, sometimes too much, tries to do too much, and dives too fast in the characters before we have the chance to actually connect with the characters. theres a lot of clichés/cheese too...
i honestly had a hard time connecting with the main leads until a few episodes in, not because of the actors, but the rushed events!
it felt really immature teen-style fantastical story at first, but the story holds itself just enough to see deeper things unfold!

its an almost idylic classic kdrama.... but is it worth watching??

if you like fantastical stories, definitely give it a chance!

i really appreciated the original parts and special scenes ( 3 words: CAKE, TANGO, JOURNAL) and i wished there was more creativity! i will remember it as a good show overall.

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Rom-coms revived finally ??

A new classic standard for rom com in 2023 for me!
To be honest, I was never gonna watch it…hasn’t not been recommended by a friend! I was giving up on kdrama romcom …So glad I watched it!

The FL mi ran is authentic, lovable, funny and not just a weak damsel (a bit of a stretch on some things, but it’s a rom com guys… )

The ML was also a surprise!

I loved the script and storyline, the vibe of the show is fresh, light and funny! It was so enjoyable, the title ‘love to hate you’ is spot on, without being too cringe

For sure you’ll find some cringy moments but they are often accompanied by awesome funny awkwardness/ reactions of the characters! I’d love to see a sequel but the ending was also satisfying!

The short number of episode doesn’t take away the enjoyment and I kinda liked the lack of unnecessary plot fillers :) … although there are a few.

I mainly loved the unapologetic attitude of the main characters and their self confidence ! mi ran is one of my favourite FL characters I ever seen ( and I’ve seen a lot, where most of them, full of potential… ‘reduced’ to damsel in distress in the end)

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Toxic relationship& red flags

Although the character development of the FL and her 3 friends is really beautiful to see throughout the series ( bailin story was a bit annoying but the ending is graceful for her :) ) I am really disappointed in the story.

It would have been perfect if the ML and FL story actually ended when the ML left before coming back by the end of the series.

I feel the Fl needed to fully move on from this guy as he has been a great lesson to her.

We have no clue what happened to make the ML deserve the FL and see them married all of a sudden in the last minute of the series.

The SML had many chances to showcase and present the Fl with a healthy relationship. The show took the time to develop their relationship , I feel bad for the SML. The scene after death of a friend was really well done and how the SML even knew the Xue tong better than Mu were great elements. I thought the show was really about personal growth and lessons from past relationships. -but it ended up being a sucker for love story cliché

Her heart belonging to the ML by the end of the show was not realistically shown. Was she just waiting for him to apologize? Why did the show not encourage a more healthy development for the ML? Or for the Ml to own up to his toxic traits?

While the main love story development leaves me in disappointment, I did enjoy some of it, especially in the beginning where the FL is navigating life and her first romantic relationship.

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wished for more...

this show has been quite confusing,
without spoilers:
-i did not enjoy how the director decided to reveal the past in between the present.
-nor did i find it convincing to see a photographer leave her 20years career as if it never happened. making the whole quest of the main character empty
- i was unable to enjoy the rest even with nice visuals... the story was not cohesive for me.
-and character development was lacking as the past 'reveals' make us falsely believe the characters changed, when in fact, its only our perception of them.

don't get me wrong, i usually love slice of life and healing stories....
i tried to keep watching because i didn't know what bothered me or bored me: it was the lack of substance/emotion & glue to the main characters.
i am still neutral on the acting as i normally love these actors!

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DECAYED CAPTIVATION

this historical drama bases its title on 'captivation', a kind of love/hate dellusional state... it sounds amazing, but did it hold the bar???

without spoilers, the show definitely start with a BANG !

At least the first half is definitely worth it for the unmatched quality: the plot, dialogue, characters, concept, the pace! loved it all!

SPECIAL MENTION: the ML truly held the bar from A to Z till the last minute of the show. HIS PERFORMANCE puts him in the top actors in my view! it's also my first time seeing a show of his!

now for the things i liked less:
-the show looses pace & same quality after the first half, petty plotting takes over unfortunately...

- the FL performance was underwhelming. mainly her passion & strongheadness. In her defense, she had a multilayed character as she would disguise as a man to play baduk. the gender disguise trope has been done in other historical dramas, and many people compared the starring difference in performance. I think the production did not help the FL in solidifying her character ( ratio of women vs man disguise scenes) and historical context to show the limitations of women in the social sphere that pushes her 'stronghead' character... in other scenes, we had to assume her passion for justice or her emotions as it was not clearly vehicled in her performance. i like this actress a lot, but ubfortunately it was a stark contrast with the main actor performance...

- many unecessary dialogue scenes between ministers that can be a little boring.

-LOVESTORY: if you were expecting a passionate love story, this will not fall under your expectations! while it wasn't a bad thing per say, just know the lovestory part starts as an intellectual love and soulful more than emotional as the main characters are portrayed as geniuses that expect the same from their ideal partner.

All in all, i think this show is worth STARTING for a great captivation of the ML, and the amazing lines/plots of baduk geniuses ( ML & FL) where they may be planning 2-3 steps ahead of everyone.

REWATCH value: since i watched it as it was airing, i'd often rewatch a few scenes from previous episodes because the writers carefully put clues & hints in trivial things which i enjoy a lot! it's stimulating!

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