Love how this drama showcased real struggles that teens face, marginalized or not. Some kids are just strong-willed while others need a lot of handholding. I liked how the mother-daughter relationship was so honestly portrayed although I really can’t wrap my head around the reason why mom was so against her daughter’s college education. I find it contradicting that she fought for the principle that her husband is not a selfish person to take his own life and leave his family. She went through hell and high water to prove that his death is the company’s fault, and yet she won’t let her daughter go to college because they would be separated? Isn’t that SELFISH? I sincerely hope the subs may just have lost the real meaning in translation.

I love love the acting! Some folks have mentioned the FL was so disrespectful to mom. I agree she was but that was partly brought about by her frustration. It gives her no excuse to judge mom (the slap from sister is well deserved) but mom should have been more supportive too. How would you feel if your older sibling was given the opportunity and just because unnie chose a different and not so glamorous path that the only one option for a better life was pretty much forced on you? Because of her youth, the FL’s idea of happiness was initially naive and immature, I was glad she concluded that no matter how little happiness it is still happiness in the end, so it’s okay to pursue it for whatever it’s worth. It’s just heartbreaking how many times she broke our sweet ML’s heart in the process.

I DID NOT LIKE the ending, it was definitely rushed. The writer could have easily added another 2 or 4 more episodes. There are so many loose ends that it is confusing! What about Hye Jin? Did Eun Shi ended up in Geoje (she opened her window to the familiar shipyard view in the last scene)? Was she really told not to date the ML? Did mom and the manager just continued hating each other till the end,? The writer did not really show how close her husband was to the manager, I could have understood the mom better if the backstory was told but I guess I could read between the lines. The short-lived happy and sweet couple moments made up for my frustration but if this was real life, I don’t think those two would end up marrying each other.

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This is Justice 101 and if I was professor of the class everyone gets an A+, from the screenwriter to all the runners and behind the scene peeps. This drama is brilliant, thought-provoking, emotion-filled and all around entertaining.

The plot was simple but the storyline was unique. How the writer intertwined one criminal case after the other was flawless. Lead actors were all so fluid but that’s not to say that the supportive cast weren’t. I hated the chief police so much, every time he smirks my blood just boils over and the sweet dad conveyed all his emotions in his eyes and eyebrows, not too many words were needed to know he was in agony.

What’s not to like is more the question for me. The ending perhaps but, there really is no good ending for time travel stories so it’s not a deal breaker for me. Oh, maybe the teeny bit of the love story, felt a bit forced at the end however it was so minor I could overlook it :). In any case, I think it’s safe to say that this drama has littlest number of cliches usually imbedded in kdramas. Justice is served in this one so watch on fellow justice leagu-ers!

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I watched this drama without any knowledge of the folklore the story is based upon nor have seen any previous dramas the main leads have starred in. I picked it based on the recommendations from past titles I’ve already watched. I had no biases going in, I simply wanted wanted to be entertained without investing too much time and this drama cleanly ticked all of the above.

Viki did not carry this title in my country and as this was an old drama I had a hard time looking for it on the net so I could not really enjoy the prologue/epilogue sageuk scenes. Apparently they were funny and would have been fun to watch. I liked the plot and the fast pace although it slowed down quite a bit in the last 5 episodes. The main characters were introduced and the heart of the story was revealed in the first 30 minutes. Two things I disliked: too many brooding scenes of the 2nd lead in the final episodes and the confusing messages the FL kept giving 2nd ML . I get that he is deeply reflecting and contemplating his next steps but how many “drink alone” , “look at the window” and “stare at the necklace” scenes do we really need to get the point?

The actors did a wonderful job, special mention to male best friend, dad and Chun-hyang. Best actor definitely goes to Jae Hee who played Mung-ryong. He might be over the top sometimes but in a forgivable cute sort of way. He reminds me of the actor who played the lead role in Chief Kim (aka Good Manager), Namgung Min. I will be on the lookout for his other works. This drama touched my heart in a special way and will be in my re-watch and recommended list.

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After hearing my sister rave over and over about this drama while we frantically took photos of Gyeongbokgung Palace, I finally watched it! This was a so-so drama for me. Plot was unique which I liked, however, the story could have been told in 16 or 18 episodes instead of 24. Too many crying and brooding scenes. Too many family scenes that did not contribute to the story at all, forward button please. I really disliked how the male lead’s lack of emotional and verbal communication was really the only source of conflict between him and the female lead, and it lingered forever! They could have (1) highlighted the reason why, (2) showed the process of how hard it is for him to show/say his deepest feelings and then (3) featured how he overcame his struggle in 6 episodes. They could have given the viewers more of the lovey dovey part instead. Oh well, I digress.

The second lead crying scenes were on the cringey side, ack, it pains me to see how awkward he looked. Otherwise the rest acting chops were on the good side. Unfortunately this Drama has no rewatch value for me and no I will not recommend this to my friends.

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I have to say this drama is bold. It has gone where (in my short drama life anyway) no production has -society’s mostly unspoken yet almost always skin deep obsession of beauty. This drama has lots of potential but (please don’t hate me too much) sadly fell short in so many ways. It could have been so much better and I tried, I really did.

I LIKED the Plot- it is real, current and so relevant. I DISLIKED how it was developed- it was drawn out ever so slowly that it was painful at times. I understand some typical scenes are needed, the sweet fluffy romantic and even the ever present shower scene but, it was just way too forced that it was actually cringey. There were so many unnecessary repeat flashbacks that I feel they ran out of materials which is sad because there are so many layers they could have uncovered just with the story of Mi Rae alone - there really was no need for Soo Ah’s story....but I digress.

I LIKED the CEO MOM character the most and the artist who played the part. I felt her love and longing for her kids mostly just from her facial expression and body gestures that she didn’t really need too many words- I’d say that is pure talent. I LIKED TA WOO YOUNG, his line “real life begins when you move out” is so full of wisdom! I loved Dong Yeon in his other dramas and love him here as well. The same goes for the ever firecracker small but terrible Do Hee, loyal as always :)

I DISLIKED the acting of the main FL, I feel bad for saying this because I think she truly did her best but she ... just.. didn’t carried out Mi Rae’s character. I didn’t feel the connection, I didn’t feel her agony nor her desperation...it just felt soooo shallow...whew, there I said it! And my dear Eun Woo did his best as well, his brooding character always angry at the world which he did well but, again I didn’t feel connected. Needless to say that their relationship did not have the click factor for me so it was hard for me to cheer or stand up for their relationship.

The one good thing this drama showed me was at the very end (I really have to dig deep here to find it) when Mi Rae asked Soo Ah to look at herself, is she happy because she’s been pretty all her life? No different than what Mi Rae felt before (and even after) her surgery, In short, enough of deep skin beauty already! Let us find and embrace the real beauty instead, ones that actually matters.

I would not call this RomCom material neither would it be in my recommended list....but I am off to take a whiff of the Atelier Pomelo Paradis in Sephora... my olfactory senses are piqued!

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It’s been a while since I spent watching into the wee morning hours to finish a drama...my second Chinese drama and I’m glad I did. It’s very unusual for me to watch such a teenage themed drama but this one was perfect for a light hearted and laugh silly weekend drama. The plot was nothing special but how they developed it was pretty flawless...of course as with any cringey teenage type story line there were loopholes. I easily overlooked and forgave them given the superb acting of the young leads.... they are naturals in their role. They kept it real, fresh, pure and innocent all the way to the end. I could understand what others are saying about the lead female’s annoying character but if you just chill and try to see that freedom is the theme of the movie then you can actually relate to her....I didn’t shed a tear but was close to it, I could feel their emotions especially during the forced wedding fiasco...sigh, young love!

I recommend you watch it with a youthful perspective. Blessings and more love!

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I almost dropped this show because of such a disappointing first series, but I am glad I gave it a second chance.

I feel guilty using the word epic as I am not of the generation that use the word casually but that is just what these last 6 episodes are! I have to admit that it started slow but picked up speed especially the last 3 episodes. In fact it was so fast it left me breathless and pretty much at the edge of my seat all the time. The betrayal twist back and forth caused me legit whiplash.

The writer couldn’t have done a better cliffhanger ending, it was a beautiful culmination of the pieces from the first few episodes! I feel that the stage is set and the all the players are ready for the next move.... in September, lol! Not to worry though as they provided just enough sneak peek to calm those with withdrawal sickness, lol!

Acting was great, Kim Ok-Bin is a very convincing Taealha. Song Joong-Ki and Kim Ji Won delivered as expected, phenomenal! The supporting cast deserve a standing ovation as well. Can’t wait for next episode.

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I am glad to conclude 2018 with this drama. It was cute, entertaining and informative. I learned a thing or two about hypothyroidism and nutritional science. Some have mentioned that this drama is fat shaming but I beg to differ. The show was honest in telling how society view and treats fat people, a lot of cringy parts I have to admit but honest nevertheless . What I didn’t like was how it treated losing weight as just plain strict diet and exercise instead of lifestyle choices and ultimately lifestyle change, but then again this is a drama not a life coaching show. It could have been such a good platform for it though.

I liked how the main female lead sets her goals, sets her mind, and then WORKS HARD for it, this includes achieving her dream of becoming a lawyer. It is hard and she has lapses but this is where her “village” picks up their cue and helps her out. I should say very cute, very supportive, and very loyal village :D. Her superior/friend’s reason for hating her is shallow, it wasn’t the female lead’s fault that the blind date was a jerk. Quite honestly I felt her story about not being able to bear a child was unnecessary apart from informing viewers that this is a side effect of an unhealthy way of losing weight. That and the tons of flashbacks felt forced. I get the tap tap premise but NO communication for a year is very harsh and unrealistic really.

For the acting, I give everyone 2 thumbs up except So Ji Sub. He gets my standing ovation! Working in the rehab profession myself I see how hard motivated people push themselves to work (physically and mentally) and oh my, SJS researched his part well! I felt his pain and his resolve with every grunt and every bead of sweat. I mean there is working out in the gym and then there’s working out in rehab and he nailed it!

Music was so so and for rewatch value, yes! This will be one of my faves and yes I highly recommend you to watch this cute drama, it may even motivate you to make healthier choices in 2019 :)

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I have mixed feelings about this drama. What I love is the blunt honesty of both the main leads in the beginning. They were hesitant but not afraid to ask, clarify or tell what each other feel about the strangest or the pettiest of things. They said it like it is, a matter of fact....and then episode 15 happened. Like c’mon, why tongue tied and so unsure all of a sudden? It was so anti climactic given that it is the episode before the finale, it suffocated me to be honest.

I like the fact that they did not let not traditions define them or their marriage. On the other hand, they kind of did when they decided to spend the holidays separately with their families... why? Because it meant doing the chores causing a strain in their relationship?! It felt like a push and then a pull, being so fierce in their resolve to stand their ground and yet choosing to “run away” to keep things conflict free. The argument is just so weak it makes ancient traditions appear so shallow and well kind of petty... sad really.

Acting wise it’s ok, Minki and So-min’s eyes did most of the talking which I think is pure talent. I did not really feel any sparks fly between CEO Ma, and Soo Ji and Rang and Won Seok’s? ...oh well, mmm , just more complicated than it should be really, no clear closure at all if they have decided to marry or not.... the best character portrayals were done by the actor who played Bok Nam and actress who played Ji Ho’s mother (she was daebak in Reply 1988), naturally effortless in their acting.

I would not say this is rom-com material. So very few laughs found here.... the music though is just wonderful. In summary this drama is just meeeeh. if you have 16 or more hours to spare then go watch but I wouldn’t be watching this one again.

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It surprisingly took me over a week to finish this drama. Until the last 5 episodes I find that it just didn’t have the cliffhanger effect that makes me want to hit the next episode button right away. Don’t get me wrong, the plot is very unique and engaging - in a different way. I just find that there was no need to hide under the blankets to cover the tablet’s glare at 2am because it can wait the next day....gah, I mean IT IS YAI ya’ know!

The writer was brilliant at how and where the twists in the story happened, made me think of who did what throughout the drama. I also like how I kept asking who did the FL shot instead of who did she end up with - very smart way of dangling the carrot I’d say. I think my favourite part is the ending, so beautifully done! All emotions were honestly laid on the table for everyone to choose how they will take it. I choose complete satisfaction, very similar to what I feel after savouring every word on the last page of a wonderful book followed by the momentous closing of the cover.

Don’t hate me too much because I, too, am a huge YAI fan but (pause, insert deep sigh) I find the chemistry between him and the FL here is lacking, I had a hard time finding their connection or the “feels” except maybe on the first kiss in the old life . YAI did not disappoint in his “solo” scenes, I especially felt his deep agony looking at the FL’ s pic, he is so torn between love and keeping the organization’s code till the very end. The banter between the two friends is refreshing and feels so real you can feel it, Go Kyung-pyo is adorable as always and couldn’t be a more perfect fit for the role.

The music was perfect, props to the music director, great job!

This drama taught me a lot of Korean history, it made me pause and look up historical facts along the way. I have now added the Japanese embassy in Seoul and sit beside Sonyeosang in my bucket list when I visit SK. If you feel the need of knowing some Korean history in an entertaining way, this drama is for you!

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THIS.
Seriously daebak!
Where does one even begin to write a review for this drama? I. CAN’T. EVEN.

This drama can very well be your story, one of your friends or the lady you sit beside in the bus. Twenty Again tells how easily a young person can make a spur of the moment bad decision that can lead to life changing consequences. However, our story doesn’t end there. Not only did the heroine admitted she made a mistake, she actually owned her mistake along the with the heartaches that came with it. The brave steps she took to divert her path from the slippery slope of self-pity and depression were very inspiring, and naturally brought out my cheerleading spirit (very quietly under the blankets at 2am). We must know of one (or two) narcissistic person in our life, and how abusive and self-defeating it is when we stay in close proximity with them even for a short time only. Imagine living with one for 24 hours a day! So it’s no surprise that our heroine took a long time to complete the entire process, yep, twenty years to be exact. I find that the pace was just right, not too slow that it bores me but not too fast that I fail to empathize with the characters either.

Acting was spot on, the female lead can use a bit more facial expression but she did not fail to bring out the pain and anger from me when needed. The male lead was a natural and an eye candy, I really hated the husband but then that shows how good the artist was in interpreting the character. My fave part was when the son realized and understood how lonely and hurting mom must be all these years. His actions and conversations after showed how much he matured. I love grandma’s unconditional love and friend Yeon Young’s loyalty. The college friends Soon Nam and Seung Hyun were both great, so smooth with their natural talents. The young leads were all so good as well.

The music was perfect, no complaints there whatsoever. This drama is currently on top of my all-time fave list until the next “it” comes along but I think it will take a really special one to knock down this one. If you are hesitating to watch this for some time , don’t be, IT will not disappoint!

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I watched this because of a funny clip I saw in Facebook, I looked it up and thought the synopsis was interesting plus it was categorized as comedy. I am not familiar with the actors and actresses except for RA Mi Ran and Kang Ki Young.
I find the plot was good but the structure could have been so much better. There really was no solid reason for Han Gi Tak to return and as much as I like his and Hong Nan’s acting I had a hard time empathizing with his cause. I find the chemistry between all the couples was non-existent. If there was any it did not reach my heart, a lot of unnecessary screaming and crying in between did not help either. All is not lost however because Joon Hae’s relationship with Han Na and Hal-abeoji were genuine and heartfelt, real tearjerker for me. To be honest I was hoping for a Seungjae and Hong Nan ship.
It was funny the odd times but I would not say that this is a comedy, not by a long shot. With all the times I fell asleep while watching and pressing the forward button I’m afraid that I could not recommend this drama for my friends to watch.

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This drama started really slow for me which was a surprise given that it is only 12 episodes. I wasn’t impressed with the acting in the beginning especially the main lead but as the story continues to unfold I started to understand the characters better and was more forgiving. What I don’t get is how silly Ma Ru can get one minute and then quite deep the next. I have to say though that our San Ma Ru definitely have his heart in the right place, he does not compromise giving him his quiet strength. I love his friend at work :).

Story touched almost all relationships here and at one point or another gives the viewers a peek at their own lives. I took some time reflecting on So So boss’ words about the traveling bag, what’s important and not important to you.... I like the ending, not forced but not hanging either, just right! However, I would really like a side story of the brother and his bride to be ;)

The music is on point and perfect. It was fun, sad, cute all rolled into one. The cinematography was stunning and the director was brilliant in making this drama as if the viewers were walking and enjoying the sights of France themselves. I swear I felt the breeze blow my hair, the smell of the water, the feel and sound of cobblestones under my shoes and the sweet smell of the English flowers including the fermented kimchi ;). France is not in my bucket list but I may just put it in there after watching this drama.

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I am NO fan of infidelity, in fact it’s a big turn off for and I don’t hesitate to stop watching even if the plot line is good. I watched this one because I was very curious to see Yoo Ah In’s artistic interpretation of Sung Jae ‘s character. I think he is the most versatile actor I’ve ever seen (check out The Throne in Netflix). He has my highest respect in accepting projects with extraordinary roles. But this review is not about YAI, sad though that may be. I dropped the show after they caved in to their physical attraction in episode 8 but did read recaps of the remaining 8 episodes, big thanks to https://noonasoverforks.com/2014/03/19/secret-love-affair-episode-1-review/.

To me SLA calls out the elephant in the room, can two people, 20 years apart, really fall in love and remain in a marriage relationship? Not that the drama ever showed the main leads marry. Oh Hye Won represented what ladies yearn the most- love, affection, appreciation- no matter how high up one is in the social ladder or how much money they have while Sung Jae represented pure and innocent (puppy) love. His ideals, thanks to his mom, is still good and intact. It breaks his young heart to see the love of his life wade through the murky waters of lies and deception and get hurt, physically and emotionally. Sung Jae agonizes that he is powerless to save her. YAI did not disappoint in delivering Sungjae’s agony (have I mentioned I’m a fan? Lol!) Instead he turned to the one thing he can do, play music, along with a bunch of disavowed students. It was actually refreshing to know that he had some good times with his age group doing what he loved the most - playing the piano.

In summary, this drama is different, it’s complicated. Great actors, really good classical music if you like that genre.

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