This drama was filmed in the wrong era

If this drama was out at the same time as Boys Over Flowers or Secret Garden or something, I would be more understanding. But this drama felt like they were just following the Book of K-Drama Cliches. I have watched cliche dramas before that work just fine, but this was just straight up boring and outdated. Everything was predictable, from the dialogue to the tropes. There was barely anything to the plot to keep the drama moving. I felt like I was watching filler ep after filler. No wonder there's only 12 eps.

I thought we have moved past the I-will-bother-you-till-you-like-me-Sehoon-Lee Min Ho-like romance. The main couple barely shared any connection and had no chemistry. The second couple was slightly better, but they also didn't match in compatibility.

The only unique factor was the English speaking cousin.

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It's rated too high lol

The drama started off on the right foot. The story of a son of a serial killer who's assumed to be like his dad got me hooked at first. It was interesting to see how he was hiding his identity from his wife. The thriller scenes from the beginning to the middle of the drama got me on the edge of my seat! Is our protagonist actually a murderer? What really happened in the past? Who is the accomplice? The cast was phenomenal, truly. I loved the professionalism of the police force. Like heck, I know I'd be in good hands if they're on the case. The little girl's also amazing!

But then I soon got bored of its pace. Don't get me wrong, the couple's chemistry is hella strong, I felt it to tears. It made sense to focus on the fact that someone with antisocial personality disorder feels nothing but his love for his wife. But the back and forth between the main leads' dialogues made me want to skip. The sister was my least favorite character because she barely contributed anything. Her romance with the reporter felt unnecessary.

I also didn't enjoy how it wrapped up at the end. I was very interested in the family and the accomplice more, as it would have been interesting to see his story further explained. There were also so many plot holes to be rated this high. Some things didn't make sense. They also really pulled a common drama trope at the end.

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Felt like I wasted my time watching this, but that's life?

I completely loved the first season. It was realistic, sweet, and I guess I love the straightforwardness of focusing on one guy. But in this, we have a mess but one that actually makes sense?

We have Babi, who the writers hyped up all the way to the end, making him the sweetest guy to ever exist. Although his character is super flat, he had amazing physical chemistry with Yumi. We strangely don't see his cells, but we learn much more about his background.

We have Woong, who I feel so bad for. His character was pretty much useless, and I felt so bad for him he had to play a simp until the end with Yumi brushing him off each time as if Season 1 never happened.

And lastly, Yumi. I get that we're rooting for her, but it's like we're suppose to ignore she has flaws too. One thing I found sus was when she lied to the real estate guy that Babi was just a friend lolol. And agreeing right away to marriage and playing with your fiancee's feelings instead of following your heart, huh. So much for character growth!

Basically, there were lots of filler scenes, and tons of potential scenes to lead us astray thinking there was something there. It's not the best feeling in the world to see it end like this, but I guess it makes sense. You can't always have that happy picture perfect ending. Cause it's not an ending, it's life.

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Cast is better than S1 but nothing changed

I watched the first season. It was good, but I had wanted something more if they were going to do another season.

This season just felt like a complete replica of Season 1. The team didn't even try to change anything, besides having a slightly more diverse cast. They tried to make certain cast members shine more, robbing other casts of their scenes. I would love to see Hanbin or Sejeong and their mundane chats over having to bare another scene with Seulki awkwardly talking to someone.

The cast this season was a lot more interesting and diverse than Season 1's, which was fun to see. They had more chemistry with one another. The production team pulled the same grimy move of having new member arrive later on in the eps again, but at least Sejun was able to make the most of it and ended up soaring up people's favorites list with his charm. I was so bored until Sejun came into the picture. I'm so happy we had a little justice for So-e arc when he started liking her. Their scenes were the most genuine without any cringey lines or awkwardness!

And again with the weird games. I have never watched such uncomfortable games in my life, and these games were even more cringe than last season's. Every chance for viewers to see their bodies and strength, the production team is all over that. There was also the most random scene with Sejeong and Dongwoo tanning on the beach. That was so uncalled for and unnecessary.

There was a lot of beating around the bush conversations this season, which dragged for so many episodes. As much as most people were green flags, it doesn't work for a reality show. Everyone was too laidback this season to bring on any spice. I enjoyed the surprise ending twist though. Seulki matched Jongwoo way more, and she was only holding onto Jinyoung through attraction. Jinyoung never once gave a clear answer, compared to Jongwoo. They had nothing in common. Just like last season, sincerity prevails. It's interesting to see from a viewer's perspective that someone who loves you over someone you love has won again.

Netflix is probably going to milk more seasons after this. And being the dating show junkie I am, I will reluctantly watch. I just really wish they would change things up for next season.

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Season 2 please!

This show didn't have much popularity, so I was worried I would be wasting my time. But right away, I felt the same professionalism and style as that of Transit Love/Exchange.

The premise of the show is a group of 4 guy friends who all know one another, room together, with a group of 4 girl friends who all know each other for a week. Of course, that's super uneasy, because friends are bound to like the same person. Interestingly, each friend of each group are so different from one another. It's super easy to tell them apart, and I loved how we get the perspective of someone who's never been in a relationship before.

Personally, 7 days is too short. I get that feelings are escalated, and it could feel like a month in there, but is it really enough to find love and actually start dating someone after the show? Hm. At least it seems like everyone learned a lot from this experience.

I wonder what Yonghyun and Seokhyun felt if they watched this show and saw Yena deliberately wasted time so Yonghyun couldn't spend enough time with the same guy. Pretty low move. She hides a lot through her smile and fake laugh. I see her with all her flirty antics! I'm so happy Taewoong called her out.

I think we can all agree Taewoong is the universal dream guy in this show. A true honest gentleman who looks after everyone, yet no one was into him?? Love is so blind.

Whoever edits this show's captions is an INSTIGATOR lol. The amount of dramatic sounding captions. Not to mention, those next episode previews always ended up being nothing like its actuality.

The activities/tasks planned by the producers are rather simple. Everyone just mainly went on dates or stayed home. There wasn't anything offered to spice things up, so luckily the cast members themselves were pretty entertaining. Still, in season 2, it would be nice to see further improvements on activities. Overall, love the concept and it's nice to see such strong friendship!

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Finally A C-Drama I finished

It's so hard for me to find good Chinese dramas, so this was one of the rare ones that I watched from start to finish.

The story is about a girl who falls in love with her brother's friend, who's 5 years older than him. Sounds spicy, and the trailer and plot made it seem like the couple will go through many ups and downs. But this drama was the complete opposite of dramatic. It was so sweet, without being cringe. This was one of the main reasons why I loved this drama. The guy was so romantic, sweet, and caring, without being too over the top. The girl may seem spoiled given her family background, but she was raised right: humble and kind. They complement each other so well!

The progression of how the couple grew to be together was so natural. At first, I thought the actress was too cutesy in having to play a younger girl, but I ended up being used to it, and it worked on her.

In real life, the age gap is only by 2 years, so I'm curious to know how it would be like if the age gap was further, to be more realistic. Either way, they had amazing chemistry, and I'm going to miss this cute couple.

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Best drama I ever watched in a while!!

Literally, everything (aside from the random Domino's placement) connects!

I am a sucker for dramas where the most trivial lines or moments come back to mean something at the end. And this has tons of that. I love how at the end of each episode, you kind of get an easter egg where you learn something new that adds a layer of cuteness to that episode.

It's INSANE how many life lessons they packed into such a small town of people. I have never cried this hard or smiled this much for a drama ever. The people was perfectly casted, especially the children! Get that little boy a Grammy's!

The big reveal of Chief Hong was a bit of a letdown, in my opinion. It felt like we were waiting all these episodes just for this small bit of drama during the last couple eps. But their last 2 episodes saved it, as they managed to offer closure in the most beautiful way.

Such a beautiful, heartwarming, slice of life drama. This is definitely one of my favorite dramas for sure!! Highly recommend.

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Very very slow burn revenge

I was drawn to the overall premise. A victim dedicates her whole life and personality to seeking revenge on her high school bullies. You can see the PTSD and long term injuries she faced as a result of the extreme violence, even over 15 years later. And that, is to show just how much of an impact bullying can have on a person, which Korea really should learn by now.

Every episode being less than an hour was a huge blessing, and I sped through the first couple eps. But then, the drama slowed down a lot, more than I am used to. They cut to a different scene often to focus on each of the many characters, but the scenes themselves are boring to watch. This drama is an example of nothing's going on, but actually everything's going on.

The casting bothered me a lot at first. The older version of the male students looked believable, and so did Park Yeon Jin. But Song Hye Ko was an older actress than them, and the age gap was very obvious. The other girls also looked nothing like their past selves. Not a big issue, but just a hindrance if we want more accuracy of the casting. I know Song Hye Ko is suppose to play a cold woman who lost all emotions since the bullying, but her face was literally a stone, outside from the one time she (forcibly) laughed. And there was a lot of forced laughter in this show. On the other hand, I really enjoyed watching Jung Sung Il's performance! He plays a stoic guy as well, but I see sooo much expression with every blink and facial movement he makes.

A lot of parts are still confusing to me, but it's great in getting me ready to watch part 2 of the drama. Also, these comments make it seem like this show is a romance drama with the ships. I wish we talked more about the actual things going on, because this drama is a mess.

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A BOLDER Korean dating show

This show was a mix of Transit Love/Exchange and Singles Inferno.

The cast room in a house together and play games to win dates. Just like the Singles Inferno producers, these producers milk on the strength games! Literally don't join this show if you're not strong, because the stronger agile people kept winning.

What's slightly different from other dating shows is that the cast members first meet in bathing suits and spoke in casual speech to one another. I loved that idea, since you break all awkwardness and show your vulnerability right away. The cast also had new bed arrangements every night. Other than that, the show was intriguing at first, but it got boring with the mundane routine of games, dates, and new bed arrangements.

The appeal for the cast members fell when I learned most of them were pretty much models. All of a sudden, everyone is painted in a light to be coming on here just to earn some fame to me. Here's my thoughts on each:

Sungjae: First impression, he was the best looking to me and seemed polite. That was until we saw him get ANGRY, and immediately I was turned off. You don't want to mess with this guy when you get on his nerve, because he will blow. He also seems like the type to not take rejection for an answer.

Yuna: This girl really was a character. She unfortunately didn't get as much screen time, but it was funny she called out Nayeon for being a player, when I think she was trying to be one too.

Juyeon: My fave! She was the most genuine female cast member, and as soon as no one chose her in the beginning, I knew this was yet another sign of Koreans always avoiding the tan girls and having that same beauty standard.

Timothee: The fact that he started latching onto the female who made bank tells you something about his character. He also comes off very calculating in his motions to draw people to like him.

Nayeon: A total red flag, but I enjoyed watching her. I will also like to join the bandwagon of buying her guidebook on how to flirt and allure men.

Junghyun: So cute and his age shown lol. He became my fave for being so sweet. Can we please get some treatment for his sore lips at the end, like dam.

Jihyun: She was the most confusing member I ever seen. None of her actions made sense. She led Cheolmin on quite a lot for it to mean nothing.

Cheolmin: I feel bad for him, as he seems like a genuine funny and nice guy. He never once got mad at being rejected and stuck to one woman till the end.

Hoseok: He is the moodmaker of the gang. But unfortunately, he is too aggressive and reacts outwardly that I'd run the other way in fear if he were to have a crush on me. He also seems hella petty.

Unlike other shows, there were some scenes that were bolder than what I usually see, and I loved the panelists' reactions every time. I normally root for potential couples I like in dating shows, but I didn't feel anything here.

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Would you choose to pursue love or money?

The show can easily get you hooked. After watching another dating show (Single's Inferno), I came here thinking I would be watching another spicy dating show, but this was more like a mystery show!

I took notes the whole season to track who I thought was a Money or Love Catcher. I stay true to my guesses but some cast members are just pretty hard to read/are all over the place!

The dates they have each episode is pretty fun and creative! Although a bit odd, the choice to change sides towards the end is a good concept to show how love or lack thereof can make someone want to go over to the other side.

This season makes me want to watch the next two seasons for sure!

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Best TVB Drama of 2023

I was skeptical in watching this drama at first because it was literally the same cast of "I Got The Power" and I thought it would be like another boring terrorist cop drama. But when I started it, I couldn't stop.

The drama essentially revolves around this fictional anti-terrorist police force that consists of 2 groups: one heavy-duty-guns-out-SWAT-team group and some office-workers-but-still-know-how-to-fight group. Every couple of episodes, there is a new crime case to crack with different guest actors each story. I can't attest to the accuracy, of course, but I love how they incorporate a lot of real life moves that the SWAT team members probably would execute in real life. The fight scenes were also so intense and well done, and the operations always felt so smoothly run, from start to finish.

I wish we got more back story on why Ruco even started being bad. I'm genuinely curious. The ending was very rushed, with Ruco's death being so lackluster. You would think the biggest baddie of the show wouldn't die without one big final showdown or villainous deed. TVB loves those jumping before the fire explodes scenes lol. But his role was truly fun to watch. And his sidekick was a good plot twist!

Overall, really well executed drama that kept me entertained. The police and story arcs brought a lot of nostalgia to good old TVB dramas. Please write more quality dramas like this, TVB!

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From bored skipper to an emotional wreck!

This is probably the most memorable and favorite time travel drama I have ever watched.

The story starts off with the main girl missing her boyfriend who went missing (most likely died) in a plane crash. She ends up time traveling back in time to become a girl student who looks like her, who has a classmate friend that looks just like her boyfriend! I thought the two female characters' stories were separate, but everything end up being more interlinked than expected. Any move from this past would ripple and affect the main girl's current timeline. And, she wasn't the only one able to time travel!

The beginning, like the first 8 episodes, were really boring. They played that oldie cassette song WAY too much. The acting felt unnatural, and there were too many of, what I thought were filler scenes. Turns out, I WAS WRONG.

The first half may be boring, but every scene, even the cassette song scenes, was actually pivotal in the time travel timeline! I am actually super impressed by how the production team came up with everything. I also change my mind about their acting with the last 5 episodes, as I realized how great they were in playing multiple characters. Except the uncle's acting. Plus, their CHEMISTRY got me in an emotional wreck every time I felt they were separating. Another title for this drama should have been "How to Fall in Love With Li Zi Wei in 13 episodes" cause UGH, what a perfect character. I loved him in the timeline with the younger HYX.

Suicide, depression, and other medical illnesses were explored here with even a touch on LGBTQ, although that was quite random. I loved how they were inserted in subtly and bittersweetly.

In what started off as me nonchalantly watching and struggling to feel for the main girl's tears and longing for her mans in the beginning, I UNDERSTOOD and felt everything she was feeling by the end. Heck, I miss her boyfriend too and I was literally crying with her. And I love how I was able to do that because of the way this drama was executed.

Because of how many intricate details were placed in this drama, I'd look over the boring parts and applaud the overall storyline and beautiful casting and chemistry.

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We need more solely actor variety shows!

I never knew how rare actor variety shows are, until people mentioned it. This was the best short variety show I watched. Every episode was packed with activities, and fun scenes, I never felt bored once.

I came in only having watched Itaewon Class before, but the stars from the other dramas are either star studded or up-and-coming. You will grow to get to know every member, for the most part! Especially Hwang In-youp, a true scene stealer ;) I don't think I ever laughed THIS hard in my life, until that flying chair episode. The horror stage episode was already hilarious enough.

I loved how raw the progression of this show was, from how they interacted when everyone first met. It felt like the first day of school again. I also didn't notice how long it's been since the cast members of each show saw each other either, so it's so sweet how natural and comfortable they all still felt around each other. You never really watch actors behind the scenes nor know how they are outside their shows/movies, so it's so interesting how we get to learn their different personalities through this show. I even became a fan of some actors through this show.

Only in Korea are actors able to interact with their fans through a restaurant event. The last day was dedicated 2 episodes, which may feel draggy, but so worth it seeing this rare sight of fan and actor/actress interaction!

Seriously, respect to every cast member for their work, that it's cool to see them interacting in a regular setting. They all genuinely seemed so sweet, and I love how they have this special bond through their director. And now, newfound friendships.

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Fluffy typical lighthearted Chinese romcom

When will I ever fully finish a c-drama??

This edition, I tried out this e-sports romcom, since shuai ge Xu Kai is in it. While I give props to myself for watching 11 episodes, I soon had to skim my way to the end. The episodes felt really mundane. Game, competition, go home, and that cycle repeats.

There's some life lessons I managed to sneak a peek at, like how pro gamers are public figures too, and they can't have control of their privacy. Teamwork was also prevalent. I didn't expect random Korean throughout the drama, but there was plenty of Korean dialogue in here.

The romance was...disappointing. The chemistry is off the charts, let me clarify. But, the girl is very stiff. She was avoiding her feelings for him the whole drama. She was also pretty much "threatened" into the relationship with him (red flags!). Even when they were dating, she was really nonchalant with him, and meanwhile, the male lead becomes SUPER forward. Like hello secretly horny ass, can we take a moment to process this change in personality first? He was so cringe. Again, cute chemistry as actors. But the characters, questionable.

The only amazing thing about this drama, I would think, is the side characters! I love the rest of the e-sports team. They add a lot of comedy relief to the whole drama, that the drama would not nearly be as good without them.

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The source of my sleep depriveness - too bingeworthy!

No joke. I literally didn't want to do anything but watch this show when I started it.

Having to find love in front of their ex is heartbreaking and cruel, but at the same time, very insightful for them I'm sure. By living under one roof together, the feelings become fast-forwarded and the emotions, extra heavy. I became invested in every member and their relationship, wanting to see how new couples start to envelope and wondering whether or not they will get back with their ex. It's super interesting to see the differing emotions between a couple who recently broke up to one who ended things 11 years ago.

If it wasn't for the cast, I don't think I would have enjoyed the show as much. One thing they could improve on is the guest star. I barely noticed majority of them because they don't have enough screen time. More thoughts from them please! Don't invite an idol just for them to be conscious of their words!

I would 100% watch Season 2 if there is one, but I don't think it will ever top this diverse cast.

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