Recipes: Creamy visuals, fruity blend of stories, old fashioned nutty plot, and a messy ending.
A pilot episode should leave a good impact to the viewers so that they can continue to watch the rest of the episodes and Baker Boys did that. I never expected this show to turn out to be great. The filming of the process of making desserts was a fine one too, it makes me feel hungry and crave for sweets.Lee Thanat being the eye candy with real talent is a wise casting decision. His character Punn is so cute that perfectly fits his personality as a person. The way his mom called him “baby boy” and his fluffy smiling reaction was wholesome. One thing I love about Punn is that he deeply cares for the people around him. He's a good man but really became weird when it comes to women. Throughout the show, he was just as hot, cute, sexy, and handsome as ever. It’s a good thing that he knows how to act properly and that no one can pinpoint his popularity just because of the help of his looks.
Singto on the other hand, has explicit versatility as an actor. I love his flirty and mischievous character. An episode of Baker Boys is incomplete without him doing all his might to romantically tease his boss. He nailed Weir’s character; the mannerism, voice, intonation, and the overall acting was delivered in a natural way. Singto can be paired with anyone, because he simply knows how to portray the role and give the chemistry needed from it.
I am so happy to see Pluem once again starring in a show. His extraordinary acting from “Happy Birthday” the series, still lives within me. He really grows a lot but still has the charm of being adorable no matter what he does. He’s such a promising young man. His role Krating, being a domineer boxer inside the ring but fragile to sweets is such a cutie. Him being brave enough to tell frankly how annoyed he is to his boss and by calling him “Weird Uncle” was the most amusing thing from the show. Krating’s backstory was something that was worthy of my tears. I cried the moment that he’s feeling too scared to say goodbye to his newly found family. That was a heartwarming episode to emphasize the importance of having a comfortable circle who are deserving to be called as one's "HOME.” Krating has his reason and sad reality on why he doesn’t like the idea of sending him abroad. The Sweet Day and the people he met there became his source of strength after leaving the Boxing Academy. Thank goodness that Krating and the people around him finally understand each other.
Pooh being not so good on anything because of what happened from the past is so sad. There was a specific scene where he was hit by Krating multiple times because he misunderstood the situation, and it will never be fun for me. Pooh’s character introduction was poorly executed. However, he has a kind and innocent nature that gives light to the show.
Hilarious. There’s no dull moments everytime Krating teases his boss by calling him uncle and doing stuff to irritate him. But Punn's reaction makes it funnier, along with Weir’s never-ending frisky attitude. It’s a total game over when Weir decides to wink for someone. Punn living his life with the line of “One person disrespect me, the other one flirts with me.” I've been constantly laughing from time to time thanks to them. The lovey-dovey moments of Lee and Pluem from the show made me ship them for a moment. It was perfectly cute and entertaining to see both of them mocking each other.
The scenes just keep getting humorous every episode. The chemistry between Lee and Singto is so captivating, unfortunately, I define the show as a semi-BL one. Still wishes that GMMTV will give Lee a real BL show cause it fits him a lot. The moment they lived together, Baker Boys became a family. Punn being the father, Weir as the mother, Pooh as their older son, and lastly Krating being the youngest son in the family. Their bond is as sweet as their desserts in the cafe.
But…
I hate to admit that I began to feel bored after the sixth episode. The heartwarming father-and-daughter talk was comforting to hear but it just doesn't make me feel the same kind of enthusiasm vibes that I felt during the earlier episode. Anyways, the additional character entry was an exciting one. Seeing Weir’s ex-lover seems to help lighten up the mood yet he has a trash character that is obsessed with Weir even though he already has his own family.
The weakness of the series is that the plot twists are so easy to predict. It was so obvious that the new teacher is the sweet murderer, there is no one in the cast that was as suspicious as he is. I didn’t even call it a plot twist anymore. I think they wasted a good opportunity to give the viewers an unexpected turn out.
The biggest flaw Weir presented in the show is his phobia about women that involved his past with his own mother. Trauma’s formed because of the painful situation that they experienced from the past. It is hard for an individual to overcome it in a merely short duration of time. I am okay that Weir and Punn both overcome their trauma at the end but I guess it is more realistic to let the other one end without forgiving the person who causes their phobia, specially to Punn and Tert condition. He was abducted as a child and the reason why he is so afraid of eating desserts. Yes, the kidnapper is feeling sorry about the past but the ending in which Punn is the one who initiates to visit Tert house doesn’t suit my expectation or maybe I’m the only one who feels this way.
The ending doesn't leave a mind-blowing scene and it was just simply saying goodbyes to the whole cast. I am a little bit disappointed with the last few episodes but it was good enough to be labeled as one of GMMTV’s fine shows. The transition on having a comedic sequence to the story of the murderer seems off at the beginning but I manage to get used to it. The most important thing is that I enjoyed watching the show and I love hearing myself laugh because of them.
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I get what I expect; phenomenal acting, straightforward storyline, and great cinematography and OST
After watching ITSAY, I expected a lot from the second part and yes it doesn’t disappoint me. Kuddos to all the people behind its success, the title itself is already beautiful so do the whole story. As a student who also studying communication arts, I feel so connected to the drama. The portrayal of Teh wanting to be an actor is great and it really shows how difficult it is for someone to become an actor without luck and given opportunities. Why is it so hard to do what we loved?Indeed, University life is so different compare to our school days during high school. Most people actually change during this era, time is really valuable at this point. We are all chasing for our dreams in our own chosen path. I love the tension given to the couple; one is not ready to accept changes between those people who shares the same desired path as him and the other one chooses to let go of his long term dream the moment he finds out that it so difficult for him to pursue it. In our life, there are couple of times that we have to choose between giving up and continuing on going on.
But the main plot here is Teh cheating on Oh-Aew. During this episode I am so angry with what Teh did, he hurt his boyfriend big time. Oh-Aew breaking up with him is the satisfying thing ever and what people should actually do in real life. But I hesitated about my opinion after watching the finale. At some point, I just wish that the ending is the two of them had their closure and became a good friend only but a part of me also agrees with the ending, because I really witnessed their love story and I must say that maybe giving Teh another chance isn’t a bad idea. Just like Bas said to Oh-Aew some couple become stronger after getting back together and some become toxic. Personally, if I am Oh-Aew, I don’t want to be with Teh again.
Overall, it was an extraordinary second part. Excellent acting from each of the cast, it was so realistic and very convincing to us, the viewers. Great sequence of story and amazing cinematography/editing skills. Plus, another pretty OST once again, very romantic and pleasing to my ears. I love how they ended up the story filming back on Phuket where everything starts on. I guess Thai BL shows must be something like what ITSAY and IPYTM gives to me, no cringe acting, genuine and timely story with a very soothing relevant ideas from the first episode till the last one.
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Another living proof why k-medical drama is a god tier
it's a fun coincidence that I finished watching this on it's first year anniversary. The reason I watched this is because its rank number one slot on mydramalist, which really deserves the slot. Korean medical drama is my cup of tea so I enjoyed watching this show.STORY & CAST
Heartwarming and inspirational drama. Hospital Playlist gives me too much positivity in life. Also, the show offers a well-packed medical field of professions. Giving us a thoracic surgeon, pediatrician, obstetrician, neurologist, and a general surgeon, all in one medical show.
I don't know if the absence of a villain character in the story is a good thing or a bad thing. Good because it's not typical compare from other shows and just mainly focus on being a light drama. Bad thing because I guess there is no stable or concrete problem to be solve and suspense the viewers.
The show made me admired doctors and health workers more. I gained too many lessons from both medical field and real life lessons.
Not too much fan of romance. I am neutral on the romance explicit in the story. But Jung Won and Gyeo Wool is an exception. I love how their love story revolved. Also, Chi Hong one sided love towards Song Hwa makes me sad but gives me butterflies at the same time. I do hope that Song Hwa will fall for him on season 2.
The main characters' friendship is strong and reliable. Even with their individual differences, they perfectly bond together.
ACTING
I don't have anything bad to say about their acting because every one of them nailed it and delivered the role in a natural way.
MUSIC
The band members are too talented. I love how they stick with their title Hospital Playlist, performing songs every episodes is too artistic.
OVERALL
I gave this a 9/10 rating because I was not really attached with it and I feel like something is missing. Many casting or characters has its own pros and cons.
I'm excited for the second season.
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This review may contain spoilers
Unlike the first season, The Gifted Graduation doesn't really excites me. Overall, it is good but not better than the first. Storyline is the keypoint of the series and I love how they added new gifted students to the cast but I just hope that some of the cast specially the twins have given enough screen time to displays their potential in a helpful way on defeating the minister and the director. In terms of the plot twist, it doesn't really amaze me anymore maybe because of the enemy-turn-to-alliance-then-back-to-enemy-again type of twist. I just want that everyone can use their potential in a realistic way. For example, the director can easily use his power to gain control of the students but he didn't hahaha.I'm hoping for a third season but with a new cast and story so that we can witness various gifted potential with different goals this time. I love this series so much!
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Four stories that were half-good, half-bad
As a compilation, Close to You feels like your average K-BL anthology: visually appealing but held back by inconsistent writing. While some stories stand out on their own, others lack the charm and substance to leave a lasting impression. Here’s my ranking from favorite to least favorite.Friendship Bracelet.
What an insane plot twist paired with such a remarkable concept. I only started watching this show because of Kim Jeong Seok, and fortunately, he ended up starring in the strongest story of the four. This episode had the most unique premise, blending romance and fantasy in a way that felt surprisingly effective despite its short runtime. The idea of a rainbow-colored bracelet that lets you travel back in time with a flick was both cute and creative. However, the real highlight was the reveal that the other guy had been using the bracelet first, repeatedly going back in time just to confess his feelings to his best friend. That twist was genuinely brilliant. I really enjoyed how simple yet emotionally powerful the story was. My only complaint is that dry kiss did absolutely nothing for me.
Last Diary.
I am a sucker for tragic romance, and this episode delivered exactly that. It starts with a charming enemies-to-lovers dynamic, supported by solid chemistry and a believable relationship development. Then it hits you with the heartbreaking revelation that one of them has been hiding a terminal illness all along. Watching someone slowly fall in love, only to be left behind without ever knowing the truth,w as incredibly painful. In the end, he becomes the only one left to remember the brief yet unforgettable moments they shared in that house. It was bittersweet, emotionally devastating, and beautifully executed.
Riding A Bicycle.
Unfortunately, this episode felt as stagnant as the bicycle itself. While I appreciated the story’s key ideas, the chemistry between the leads never really clicked. The pacing also lost momentum halfway through, making the entire episode feel flat. At least it gave us a heartfelt confession between two best friends before they went their separate ways for college. That emotional payoff saved an otherwise underwhelming story.
Sunset Boulevard.
This was easily the weakest episode. Very little actually happens. It’s mostly a flashback followed by two former schoolmates reuniting after years of ghosting. Their reunion should have been emotionally charged, but instead, we get a cup of lukewarm coffee spilled on them before they casually talk about the past. By the time they finally confess their feelings, the episode is already ending. There simply wasn’t enough buildup to make the reunion feel satisfying.
Overall, Close to You is a mixed bag. A couple of stories significantly elevate the anthology, while the weaker ones drag its overall quality down. I appreciate the creativity behind the individual concepts, but I hope they move away from cramming multiple unrelated stories into such short episodes. Rather than feeling like a cohesive web series, it ends up resembling a collection of rushed short films. The potential is there, but it just needs more room for each story to actually breathe.
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Cuteness overload
This drama is overflowing with cuteness from start to finish. The adorable cast, charming storyline, and sweet plot twists make it such an enjoyable watch. The romance begins with a case of mistaken identity involving the twins, and I really liked how the story handled it. The reveal that Chiaki had known everything the twins had discussed was a clever twist that completely shifted the dynamic of their pretend game.I had so much fun watching this series. My only complaint, just like many other viewers, is that it should have been a full-length drama. I wanted to see more of their adorable chemistry and watch their relationship grow as they faced different challenges together.
I absolutely loved the actors and hope to see them work together again in future projects.
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Nothing has truly unfolded
What a waste of potential. This drama had all the ingredients for an interesting thriller but failed to execute them in even an average way. Perhaps the limited budget played a part, but the story already had a spark. It just needed a little more fire to deliver a truly compelling performance.What frustrated me most was that the end credits consumed almost half of each episode’s runtime. Considering the episodes were already very short, it felt like a huge waste of screen time. On top of that, the lack of proper character introductions resulted in messy pacing, making it difficult to connect with the story.
So why did I keep watching despite all these negatives? As I mentioned, I held onto the potential, the hope that the series would eventually redeem itself. The thriller premise genuinely caught my attention, and the lead actors were handsome with promising chemistry.
Unfortunately, by the end, nothing was really revealed. The only shocking moment was when the three main characters were suddenly shot one after another, with no real buildup or sense of danger. I was also disappointed that the drama never explained why the librarian resorted to violence or how she was connected to the crime in the first place.
The series ended with a “To Be Continued” message. I’m not sure if I’ll give it another chance, but if a second season does happen, I hope the production significantly improves and finally delivers the quality this story deserves.
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And they lived happily, even after the lie
An intriguing, unique, and very engaging plot. The story follows a cop who crosses paths with an assassin while visiting his friend’s house, the same place where every hidden lie is eventually revealed. The buildup was done really well, with each episode becoming more intense as the story progressed.“I’m in love with the criminal.” Their relationship was one of the highlights. They argue, clash, and then end up sharing incredibly intimate moments afterward. The chemistry between them is undeniably sexy. Seo Yi Do is especially captivating, with his rugged masculine physique and sharp, defined features.
The reveal that Chu Tae Jeong’s longtime friends were involved in his father’s death was a solid twist, although I admittedly saw it coming. That episode was absolute chaos, in the best way possible. So many characters were stabbed or shot, yet somehow the two lovebirds remained alive and kicking through it all.
Overall, it was a good drama, though I feel it could have pushed its story even further, especially the ending. The execution of the scenes, especially the action sequences, was flawless. I had a great time watching it.
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It was cozy yet dreary at the same time
Out of all the installments in the Fourever You series, this was my most anticipated one. Considering how little screen time Suer and Duennao had in the previous installments, it was enough to make me crave a full series centered around them.Their chemistry was already established, so everything depended on the execution and the story’s foundation to create another memorable project. While the sequel delivered on some aspects, it also came with several flaws that were difficult to overlook.
The Pros:
First, the cliche storyline was executed surprisingly well. Most of the scenes were predictable, but I still found myself invested in them. The casting of the twins was excellent, as the actors genuinely looked alike, making the dynamic much more believable.
I also enjoyed watching the main couple’s everyday school life and their individual family struggles. Duen is blessed with a loving mother and a supportive brother, while Suer comes from a much more complicated background. He constantly clashes with his tsundere older brother and has to deal with a father whose toxic masculinity is reinforced by his position as the head of their gang.
I don’t know why, but I always enjoy jealousy scenes. They add an extra layer of spice to the couple’s chemistry, and seeing Suer get jealous was incredibly cute. Although their relationship took a long time to be officially defined, I loved the sense of comfort and familiarity that existed between them from the very first EPs.
The Cons:
The biggest issue for me was the acting, particularly from the supporting cast. It is such a crucial element, and I hate it when a character isn’t portrayed convincingly, which is exactly how I felt about Suer’s older brother. His performance lacked authenticity and emotional depth, and at times it felt like he needed more acting training.
I also noticed a lack of emotional engagement from the main couple’s friends, including the twin brother. Whenever they weren’t speaking, they often appeared stagnant, as if they were simply waiting for their next line. Unfortunately, the main couple isn’t completely exempt from this criticism. There were scenes where it felt like they were merely reciting dialogue rather than genuinely embodying their characters.
The Pacing:
This is very much a slow-burn romance. The first six EPs are dedicated to Suer’s melancholic longing as he admires Nao from afar. Then the final two EPs rush through most of the romantic payoff, from their transition into a confession to becoming an official one.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the story and had no issue with the slow-burn approach itself. However, I couldn’t help but feel that we need more scenes after they officially got together. A couple of moments would have significantly increased the enjoyment factor and made the emotional payoff more rewarding.
Final Thoughts:
Winter serves as an effective metaphor for Suer’s six years of patience before finally confessing to Dao. He endured the emotional coldness of one-sided love and uncertainty for years, waiting for the right moment. In a way, the cold never really bothered him.
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Untapped potential for a longer story
Soul connection is the cure for a body swap.This is another short but charming mini-series with enough potential to be developed into a full-length drama. I’m not usually a fan of body-swap plots since the concept has been used repeatedly over the past few decades, but this drama makes the most of its limited runtime and budget to deliver a decent and entertaining show.
Both lead actors are incredibly handsome and charismatic. What impressed me the most, however, was how convincingly they adapted to each other’s personalities after the body swap. It takes talented actors to portray more than one character effectively within a single series, and both of them pulled it off remarkably well. They truly captured and reflected each other’s mannerisms and personalities.
The kissing scenes were decent, although I would have liked to see more intimate moments between them, especially since the chemistry was built up so well throughout the story. For such a short series, it managed to provide enough emotional depth and character development to keep the plot engaging and the audience invested.
While the drama is enjoyable, it’s clear that the concept could have supported a much larger story. Overall, it’s a fun watch that delivers a satisfying and entertaining BL experience. The ending was also amusing, introducing new victims of the body-swap phenomenon caused by the combination of magic and electricity.
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Rivals to/and lovers
Hilarious and hot, but the story eventually became repetitive.I had been excited about this BL ever since it was announced that Kaito and Yusuke would be playing the main couple. As expected, neither of them disappointed. They also constantly promoted the series through their social media accounts, fully embracing the boyfriend agenda, and it definitely worked in generating the hype for the show.
The childish competitive dynamic between the two leads may seem silly for salary men, but it served as a solid foundation for the story. As their rivalry gradually turned into attraction and intimacy, the series became even more engaging. Their chemistry was intense, and some of the love scenes genuinely caught me off guard.
The backstory segments effectively captured both the contrasts and the similarities between the characters’ nostalgic pasts and their present lives. I especially appreciated how well the younger actors resembled their adult counterparts, particularly young Ryo. The romance felt like a slow burn, with Ryo repeatedly struggling to confess his feelings to Zen. The Osaka episode was especially adorable and marked the beginning of them starting to be honest with each other.
Unfortunately, even after they officially became boyfriends, their relationship often felt stagnant. They continued to struggle with expressing their true feelings and thoughts, which affected my overall enjoyment of the series. The constant lack of communication became a repetitive obstacle that dragged the plot down and made the later episodes less exciting.
Thankfully, I enjoyed the introduction of the new character, whom many viewers nicknamed “the bowl cut guy.” He was incredibly handsome, and I came across a comment saying that the hairstyle was intentionally chosen so he wouldn’t visually overlap with the main characters, which I found hilarious. Regardless, his arrival added more tension and excitement to the story by challenging the main couple’s relationship.
I really enjoyed this show, especially during the first half. However, the last few episodes, particularly the finale, were somewhat disappointing. I was hoping for more sweet and romantic moments that would make the ending feel truly satisfying. Even so, the drama still succeeds in portraying a loving couple and delivering a familiar, cliche storyline in a way that leaves an impact on the audience.
It may not be a perfect 10, but it is still a very enjoyable BL worth watching.
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Cliche? Yes. But the kind of cliche I enjoy
It was obviously a low-budget series, yet despite its limitations, the chemistry was above average. The enemies-to-lovers trope is right up my alley, and I’m almost always sold on that premise, especially when the lead pair has great chemistry. Thankfully, the actors managed to deliver exactly that here.Although one glaring flaw kept bothering me: the fake kisses! Every single time. Couldn’t they have made them look more realistic? I adored both characters, but watching them kiss without their lips actually touching was distracting and frustrating. Fortunately, the excitement of seeing what would happen next in their relationship was enough to keep me invested.
As for the actors’ characters themselves, the revelation that they were both gay even before accepting the BL-themed project felt like a plot twist on top of another plot twist. Something I absolutely lived for while watching this drama. The reel-to-real couple aspect made the experience even more enjoyable.
Overall, it was a good watch. The actors can definitely act, but they still need more experience to fully develop their potential. Enjoyable despite its flaws, carried by strong chemistry and a trope that never fails to entertain me.
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BL + cooking = a dopamine hit
A mature BL that focuses on lighthearted and wholesome storytelling. It’s funny, comforting, and full of flavor as it portrays the everyday lives of two grown men in a loving relationship. The series also touches on the stereotypes and prejudices that queer people often face in society. While the execution isn’t overly dramatic, it still delivers its message effectively and highlights the importance of educating people that gay couples live their lives just like anyone else.The only thing I felt was missing was a bit more intimacy between the main couple. As I mentioned earlier, the show prioritizes its feel-good atmosphere, but a part of me still wished we could have seen at least one kiss between them.
One of my favorite aspects of the series is the cooking. Every episode presents a variety of dishes and cooking segments that are incredibly enjoyable to watch. I love the way Shiro narrates each recipe step by step. His smile adds an extra layer of warmth and charm to the experience. He looks especially handsome whenever he’s happy. There was also an episode where Shiro got sick, and Kenji had to take over the cooking duties. His approach was both hilarious and completely in character, making for one of the funniest moments in the series.
Speaking of comedy, the double-date scenes were always a highlight. Gilbert Wataru’s presence was incredibly entertaining, especially whenever Kenji appeared, and the two started competing over whose partner was better. Their playful rivalry never failed to make me laugh.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this BL and the characters it gave us. Both leads were beautifully portrayed, with distinctive and memorable personalities that made them even more lovable. The series is chaotically fun at times, but more importantly, it offers a calm, comforting, and refreshingly mature depiction of love between two adult gay men.
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Modern family
It’s a story about two gay men, their son, and how they navigate their private married life while slowly being embraced by the warmth and love of the people around them. I may be late to watching this show, but I’m thankful to have seen another side of Mike Lin’s beautiful acting. He is so handsome!One major scene filmed during an actual Taiwan Pride parade made the story feel even more authentic. I also loved how the series consistently represented rainbows and their significance in every episode. It was especially heartwarming to see how they explained to Kai Kai why he doesn’t have a mother.
Gratefully, we also got to see how Jerry’s parents eventually accepted him for who he is, along with the people he cherishes, after episodes filled with fear and guilt. Overall, the drama highlights several important issues surrounding the gay community. Having a platform that both educates and delivers an uplifting story to the masses is truly commendable.
The only thing that made me sad was the way the season ended. The revelation that Damian had a child with his ex-girlfriend and kept it from Jerry all those years was painful to watch. I honestly felt betrayed on Jerry’s behalf.
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They really did shine like a star
Unexpectedly awesome. At first, I wasn’t sold on the supernatural element since it was such a major shift from what we’ve seen in the franchise before. However, once I started watching, the show blended fun and drama at its core. I’m always a fan of stories where a living person helps solve a ghost’s death, especially when it’s done right, and here, it truly works.One of the series' biggest emotional highlights is the heartbreaking story of Do and Meen. A man who died in Dao’s condo, with his girlfriend falsely accused of his murder. The pacing and the gradual buildup of tension were handled really well. This storyline also lays the foundation for Arthit’s deep emotional arc, particularly his grief over losing his mother.
Personally, Arthit’s character was the biggest standout of the entire franchise. He completely owns this sequel, alongside Dao. I love their contrasting personalities. It makes their dynamic even more engaging. I also kept falling for Ngern throughout the show. He’s seriously H.O.T. The tattoos, the muscles, the rugged masculinity; it’s all very striking. But beyond that, his acting performance is consistently strong, which makes his character even more appealing.
What really works for the main couple is how honest and straightforward they are about their feelings. It’s refreshing to see a “dog-and-cat” dynamic that avoids unnecessary cliches and instead focuses on emotional clarity. I also loved every scene shared between Arthit and Direk. Their father-son bond brought such feel-good moments to the series.
Overall, it’s a cleverly written show with a strong cast. I genuinely enjoyed watching it. While there are occasional plot holes here and there, they’re not enough to take away from the experience. In the end, I’m just happy I got to feel the warmth of Arthit and Dao’s sun-and-star story.
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