Why Am I Here

Not Only One But Two Masterpiece Romantic Stories

Holy hell, this show is damn magnificent! I started this show with zero expectations,. However as the story started progressing, I began to cherish it enthusiasticly. It was beautifully written, not only one but two love stories. The earlier episodes were really slow, I can understand if several audience choose to drop it. But that was the overall pace, and that was the exact pace so we could enjoy this show. The story was all about revealing the truth about a writer, Han Se Ju, and his fan, Jeon Seol, regarding their past life back in 1930s. It was also about slowly revealing the promise they made in the past. As they recalled their past memory, they began to understand what happened and what shouldn't happened, like putting a puzzle pieces together. That slow pace was the way we could enjoy it being slowly revealed. I love the character development of the leads. I was afraid due to their mistakes in the past, they would begin to run away for the sake of avoiding making the same mistake. Thankfully, they all were mature enough, and thanks to Se Ju strong-willed personality due to his childhood trauma, to ensure they had the same vision: to never repeat the past mistakes. There is a good mixture of romance, mystery, and comedy too.

The cast did an outstanding performance. Yoo Ah In did a great job, it's a shame he did stupid things later on in real life. Im Soo Jung rarely appears on a drama, and once she did she always had an impressive job. Even all of the supporting characters did an excellent job here.

Several things that bothers me: I still couldn't understand why Seol decided to stay around Se Ju after he was being excessively harsh to her, it didn't make sense at all. I think Cho Sang Mi's storyline was unnecessary. The story about Tae Min and his problematic family was already complicated itself, there was no need to bring another storyline into it. Also, Ma Bang Jin didn't get a proper closure.

The soundtracks are really nice. I enjoy it a lot.

Should you watch it? Of course! If you're searching for a deep, slow-burn, and heartwarming story, you should try this.

And I would like to close the review with this quote from the show. "If you want to say something today, say it. Tommorow might not be yours. Your loved ones won't always by your side."

Read More

IS MESSING UP THE FINAL EPISODE A TREND?

This is the third sequel, and it's still has the same quality with the previous one. Each individual cases are so good, some of them are impressive. This show doesn't have the big case that connects each individual cases and I think it's good since that type of case usually draggy.

We don't need to talk about the cast anymore. The chemistry between the Rainbow Taxi team is just getting better and better. Jang Sung Chul has more involvement to the story this season. They don't potray An Go Eun as a nerd with supercomputer skill anymore which is good and more realistic. Kim Do Gi is more brutal this season, which also good because as a fighter I think he was too soft in the previous season. The writer also decided to remove the romance at all this season. In overall it's a journey between ups and downs, UNTIL YOU WATCH THE FINAL EPISODE.

While the individual cases are good, there are several flaws in this show. They're even more noticeable compared to the previous one. The beginning of this show is quite shocking. It has no introduction. It starts with a case, not even from the introduction of a case but from the middle that it looks like this show is S2E17 instead of S3E1. They didn't even try to build a connection between season 2 and 3, although they set each season in a different timeframe (the deluxe taxi and other taxis changed). This causes a bit unconfortability and confusion during watching. Also I don't like the fact that the cases come to the team out of nowhere consecutively, not from the call. It's not like they want a revenge, but the Rainbow Taxi is making them to take a revenge. Several things which disturbing me for each case: On Ro Mi case, they suddenly forget about her manager which Do Gi crashes out with taxi; it doesn't like he gets what he deserves. On the Samheung Island case, they're firing a shotgun too much consecutively without reloading. This case also has too much plot armor, they don't have a good preparation before going to the island but they survived. As for the final episode, I lost words. What possibly hit the writer's head, or is he joining the trend of messing up the final episode? That final case resolution is underwhelming and quite... makjang? Why does he take a bullet? He has never done it and always has another way around!

This season is a combination of upgrade and downgrade. Several cases has better storyline, but I think they put too much plot armors this time. Still it's a good show, they even have a soundtrack this time. It's also good for rewatch as it doesn't have a big connecting case, so you can do "small watch-ing" case by case.

PS: They should sell that Elements lightstick as merchandise!

Read More

A Treasure of KDrama

"To the things that are already gone, to the time that has already passed, I want to say a belated farewell. Goodbye, my youth, goodbye, Ssangmun-dong."

I'm very very sad when I finished this show. It's like I'm parting ways with my best friends.

It takes 5 years to make something close to this level (Hospital Playlist) and another 5 years to make something with same level scriptwriting (WLGYT). This show is a treasure of Korea. They need nothing to hook me up, no goals on the storyline, just people living their own days. It's the same as listening to your friend's story about his family. And since your friend is the one telling the story, it never gets boring. They able to mix up all the feelings: joy, sadness, desperate, anger.

What a lovely neighborhood they live in, they really care of each other. The scriptwriting is on another level. They bring us through a journey of laugh and tears, often quickly. There are several parts where I laughing so hard while sobbing. Comedy part is also written excellently. On the scene where there neighborhood are gathering to discuss a christmas present for Jin Ju, Jae Myung is asking for anyone to give suggestions. I laughed so hard the moment Jae Myung raises his hand, even though nothing happened yet. This is because of a very strong build up that happens prior that event. They also highlighted everyone excellently: their fears, vulnerabilities, despair, desires, everything. Jung Bong for example, even though he's a bit lack on intelligence, he's the sweetest person in the neighborhood. The casts play a great part in this show, especially the parents. Extraordinary performance for Hyeri too, as a "very loud" Deok Sun.

The earlier episode is quite slow, and painful to see the torture Bo Ra gives to the family everyday. People with zero patience may drop it easily. I also think Dong Ryong is a bit sidelined compared to others. But my main complaint is about the massive censorship of this show in OTTs. The censorship is already on "impacting the main story" level. They removed some TV ads, book covers, posters and soundtracks while they regularly is the part of the story. I heard they also removed some scenes because of the sake of "copyright".

This show hits hard everyone in 25s and above, a lot of messages (and memories) inside. For example the moment Deok Sun says she has no dream, it hits me hard because that's what happened to me around that age. This show is also best to watch with your family. It's my first time to put a perfect score here. Should you rewatch it? Definitely yes.

"If you can hear me, answer me, my 1988, the days of my youth."

Read More

Once again, an astonishing story from Dr. Romantic. This show has successfully hooked me for 3 SEASONS. They are really good on creating such malicious plot. But everytime you think something evil going to happen at "this" point they always able to twist it, because it's all about humans and saving their lifes after all! The storyline this season is more instense than the previous one. But we still can see the thrilling stories from all doctors and nurses in the team. They all have overcomed their hardships once, now they're free to chase their dream. Massive shout out to doctor Jung In Su, he was once "accidentally" dragged to Doldam. But with his hardwork and commitment, he's now the Head of Trauma Center EM. I like this season more because it has less political issue and focus more on the patients and treatments. Dr. Jang Dong Hwa is a good representation of us, how we are shocked, thrilled, impressed and hooked by all of the stories around Doldam Hospital.

They should give second title to this show: The Downfall of Yang Ho Jun. Man has gone from the second-hand of director to being left behind during evacuation.

I don't need to mention, this is the peak performance of the casts across all seasons. Ahn Hyo Seop and Lee Sung Kyung performance improve a lot here, to the point of outstanding.

Still there's a flaw in this story. Across the other season in this franchise, this show has the less showcase of the Master Kim's skill. During the shooting incident, it is unknown what is the cause of the shooter to shot the thugs and kidnap doctor Seo U Jin. It is also unknown how he manages to survive the bullet and walk away from the incident. On the day the Trauma Center lost their first patient, there is a shortage of doctors due to Cha Eun Jae being on another operation, making Kang Dong Ju has to deal with three patients all by himself. However actually there is another available doctor: Yang Ho Jun, but somehow they don't page him. Dr. Bae Mun Jung is also originally belongs to Cha Jin Man's trauma team (he joins the preparation briefing), but somehow he's removed and returned to Doldam. The final episode is somewhat makjang and I personally think it's lower on quality compared to the other episodes. The fate of Cha Jin Man is also unknown. I mean he's Eun Jae's father after all and we want to see whether he finally regrets everything, but maybe they're saving it for another season?

Such and intense yet heartwarming story. Even there aren't many more to explore, I think it's good to see another season!

"Don't give up asking questions about why we live and what we live for. The moment you give up on that, the romantic life ends."

Read More

First things first, why this movie is here? It doesn't meet the requirement to be here I suppose?

The story is quite lightweight, animated movie level. It's about an idol group HUNTR/X who is also a demon hunter part-timer. The idea is excelllent to be honest, but the execution relies too much on the music. Like for every problem, the solution is always music. The animation is excellent, but somehow the motion is a bit not smooth. For the cast I prefer to have the actor/actress who do both the voiceover and singing, though the current option is still excellent. Jinu's voice alters a lot between his normal and singing voice.

I have seen a lot of KDramas, they often disappoint us with lackluster ending. Although this movie isn't even Korean, I don't understand why they replicate this "culture". With such great story idea and decent build up, they bottled it so hard. The ending is quite anticlimatic and lazy. Think about it: after winning such big fight, then it's... the end?? I think they didn't show whether Gwi Ma is defeated or not for potential sequel. However, the way they didn't tell us how can Rumi become half-demon/half-hunter is pretty disappointing. Another thing annoys me a lot is HUNTR/X never complete their main songs on screen.

This movie relies so hard on the soundtracks, either existing or new songs all are lit. They have #1 Billboard 100 song and #1 Billboard 200 album now, INSANE! For the lightweight story and catchy soundtracks, it is very recommended for rewatch, escpecially for younger people.

PS: Since it's a US show, I'll give my rating with US standard instead of "suggested overall".

Read More

A Diary of A Family Coping with Struggles

Let me tell you: this drama is not my cup of tea at all. The only reason why I watched it is because the trailer used to keep appearing on my Netflix home. Never have I ever thought that this show will be my best K-Drama I've ever watch so far! The storytelling is a masterpiece. There are a lot of shows talking about life struggle, but I haven't found anything like this one. It's not just a love story (and never just a love story), but it's purely a journey of blood, sweat and tears of Ae-Sun trying to fight her struggle of living under the patriarchial society and stand out for her daughter and herself. And it is a pure unconditional love from Gwan-Sik who always stands out for his wife, her dreams and her ambitions whatever it takes. The whole story doesn't feel dragging at all (or maybe it's because I don't see this genre a lot? I don't know). I love the back and forth plot, it's not confusing and interesting. The narrative by Geum-Myeong also gives additional point of view from her. The whole depiction of the family seems interesting, because poor family in K-Dramas generally are shown as not-so-poor. They usually still have foldable phone, high-end cars and wear luxury make ups. But in this show they do it properly, and it's relieving (they somehow still has camera though).

The entire casts do an outstanding perfomance here. IU has a magnificent job by doing two roles in this show, while Bo-Gum is giving a massive impact as just his presence will give huge spirit of devotion. So-Ri and Hae-Jun also successfully bring the mature atmosphere of endless affection between them two. And not to forget the other casts whom successfully make us through the emotion rollercoasters for the whole shows.

The cinematography is also excellent. You will be pleased with the beauty of the seas in four seasons around Jeju. But more than that, I think the writer wants to relay the message that this scenery potrays the spring, summer, autumn and winter of our lives. They all have their own beauty and storm. The soundtracks are also nice.

Though the story is written excellently, there still some flaws there. The quality of the story seems divided into three part on this show. The first third of the show is really the most outstanding part, it is the part where we see young Ae-Sun coping with all her struggles. Then it comes the second third of the show, the transition part. This is where the story quality goes to a big downfall. The episode about village election is unecessary, not really impactful and seems more like a filler. I understand that they want to highlight the patriarchial society here, but making it as a whole episode is just too much. The story quality picks up in the final third. IU plays two roles in this show impressively, but I can see clearly that she does it better as Ae-Sun rather than Geum-Myeong, thanks to the better story though.

For rewatch recommendation, I'm not really sure though. It is too painful to rewatch the first third of the show. But to let you know, you may look at you family differently after watching this show. This is still a must watch for everyone, because you may not see something like this again anytime soon.

PS: 9.5/10 is the highest rating I've ever given here, and I had never given that to a melodramatic show. Truthfully, I was planning to give it 10/10 if it's not because of that silly village election episode.

Read More

Romance... But Calm?

Seeing what we get after and prior this show, I'll give a massive shoutout to the screenwriting. This show brings a common workplace romance between a heartless and stiff boss with a warmhearted secretary. At first, I thought it is going to be quite dragging as usual, and complicated given all of the conditions that they show in the first episode. However, I didn't really expect that it doesn't take so long before Ji-Yun turns head over heels for Eun-Ho. The triangle love is there but thankfully it isn't threatening. Many thanks to the writer for not overcomplicating things, and that's how most shows should do! Both Ji-Yun and Eun-Ho have mature thought when responding to problems. I even think Byeol is astonishingly mature considering she is only 7.

For the first two episodes, I were dazzled by the shooting technique. The camera movement while filming Ji-Yun and her colleagues movement's around the office is absolute incredible! And the flashback scenes at last episode is just amazing.

I also love the chemistry between Han Ji-Min and Lee Jun-Hyuk, potraying FL and ML respectively. However when it comes to romantic scenes, I somewhat think that ML is sometimes a bit off. Thinking back about it, FL should be the one who is loveless and lack of romantic experience. But somehow I feel Jun-Hyuk expressions are sometimes a bit unnatural and awkward while doing romantic scene such as holding hands or hugging. Also I think the childhood relationship isn't necessarily needed! Yes you can have Ji-Yun having a trauma, but it doesn't need to be related to Eun-Ho. Why do we need it? Is this some kind of KDrama trademark? Also I don't understand why Jeong-Hun doesn't join when they assemble at the bookstore?

The pace of this show is freaking consistent, but the final episode is a bit faster. I think the writer was trying to balance between putting heartwarming scenes and giving closure to all the problems, but in the end nothing really hit the spot. There is no further explanation about what as actually happened to Jeong-Hun brother (apart from he did suicide due to depression). The screentime is a bit unfair to the second lead couple. They are already getting a little screen time since the beginning and as the story progressing, it is becoming less. And in the end, they rarely get romantic scenes. It is such a shame, especially since Kim Yoon-Hye acting skills has improved a lot here. Final scene is really questionable, why does it have to end that way? I personally think that giving longer final episode would solve this problem easily.

While you usually find passionate and flustering office romances, this show is giving a new atmosphere of more calm office romance. Though it's not an oustanding, it's worth watching, since there isn't any stupid and threatening tropes in this show.

Read More

Vincenzo Cassanova is The New Standard

This series is totally exceptional! Honestly, it is rare to find crime drama like this nowadays. The story is outstandingly well written. The tense is high from the very first, and yet the writer manages to keep it up for 20 episodes (additionally, each episodes are very long). It constantly brings us through a roller coaster journey of a war between two "mafia gangs". We are trapped in curiosity of how Vincenzo manages to solve a problem, how Han-Seok will respond or what will come next against Vincenzo. It is good that the writer depicts Vincenzo as an experienced mafia with full of knowledge while his opponent is just a newbie gang trying to act as a mafia, surrounded by people who also doesn't have any knowledge about mafia. Vincenzo is a thoughful and strategic person whose unstopabble and rarely makes mistake.

Song Joong-Ki and Jeon Yeo-Been play both main characters excellently. But apart from them, the other leads are having more oustanding job. Taecyon deserves a shout out after playing a character with two full contradictory personalities, a total dumb intern and a heinous psychopath. Kim Yeo-Jin also plays her character excellently, being a person who is ruthless and greedy. She really gives the spirit to Myung-Hee as someone who doesn't ever want to stop before getting what she wants. Jo Han-Chul depicts a goofy but opportunistic law firm director. Last but not least, Kwak Dong-Yeon does a really great job picturing someone who is stuck between his desire to do a revenge and threat received from his brother. Additionally, the character of An Gi-Seok is totally hilarious.

On the contrary, I am pretty disappointed on how the writer depicts Hong Cha-Young. I am expecting her to become furious and ruthless after losing her father and promising to Vincenzo, but to me she is still too delicate. As the result, her act is occasionally covered by the heroic acts coming from the Geumga Plaza residents. I was expecting to see a show between two partners against the evil, but what we actually get is Vincenzo and his gang fighting against the bad.

Unfortunately, even the unrealistic premise has the tolerance limit. The scene of Vincenzo being saved by the pigeons is total garbage. It looks like this scene is secretly added by an intern. Also I heard that originally this series is set to be 16 episodes. We can notice the story quality drop for the last 4 episodes, even though it's not destructive.

The soundtrack is good, even though they rarely play it. Moreover, I totally enjoy the scores. It sounds like an elegant opera. To conclude this review, this series is incredibly masterpiece. I may take a while for us to see something like this again because maybe Vincenzo is the new standard of this type of KDrama.

Read More

Romance is A Bonus, Second Half Mess is A Destiny

Marry My Husband. The title seems intimidating. At first, I was thinking that I may get a story full of intriguing and complex marriage. It isn't wrong though. However, the writer packs the story so well that makes it lightweight and easy to watch, yet not missing out the point. The lead Kang Ji-Won gets a second chance to fix his miserable marriage and life. Park Min-Young does a savage job in this role. She takes us into the journey of her second life. We already know the ending, and now she comes prepared. But everytime she does something, she always makes us guess: Will she cause a better outcome? Will the ending change? She brings us into this circle and makes us keep wanting to see the outcomes more and more. We keep wondering, will the villain suddenly regret? And the answer is always a no. Yi-Kyung and Ha-Yoon potray these villains excellently. They all seem innocent from the surface, but once an evil will always be and evil. It may need to take a life for people to change, but going through everything only make them more and more vicious. It is all a really enjoyable story... until the writer stupidly adds Yu-Ra in.

The addition of Yu-Ra is no difference than hopelessly adding a serial killer to a romance story. The stories around her seem hyperbolic and unreasonable even in this kind of fantasy genre. The way she messes up with Su-Min's family does not make sense. Same thing with the threat to Eun-Ho. How does he come into her mind? Eun-Ho barely knows Ji-Hyuk! It is just like a hopeless premises that need to be added for the sake of episodes number. Like there is a straight road, but they decided to take a turn to an unpleasant gravelly path. This show might be better if they focus on the main goal and packed into 12 or 14 episodes.

The overall story is pretty good. Although I think Ji-Won should push Ji-Hyuk more to find out his goal. Because she knows that the reason she get the second chance is to get a revenge, so there must be a reason for Ji-Hyuk too. However, Ji-Hyuk always reluctants to discuss about it. And everytime that happens, Ji-Won annoyingly just gets over it easily. The story then hit by a hurricane, again, after Yu-Ra appears. Every character suddenly has a sixth sense, as they all know other people's secrets and what other people are planning.

On top of that, this is a really good show since it is kinda easy-to-watch. It tells us not to be blinded by other people try to sugarcoat everything in front of you. You need to be more cautious, take a step back, see clearly and look wider. When you feel betrayed, fight it. For me, this show is categorized under incorrect genre: it is more like a thriller. Romance? It is a bonus!

Read More

Romance Show with Misunderstanding-fest

This is one of the classic 2010s kdrama romcoms. It has almost of the essential elements, and it's not my liking. This show started with a bizzare interaction between a lawyer, Kwon Jung Rok, and an actress turned secretary, Oh Yeon Seo. Jung Rok was so cold and harsh to her earlier, and it's really painful. However at some point, he turned warmed towards her. Both Jung Rok and Yeon Seo have a great character developments throughout the show.

To bring more surprise, the best performer in this show was Jay Kim who play the villain Lee Gang Jun. Both Dong Wook and In Na were doing a good job, but I couldn't find the whatsoever glofied Goblin-chemistry (I haven't watch Goblin). Both had several flat and wooden moments. The supporting casts were all great, adding humor to the show.

Writing is a bit a problem here. Compared to other works released around the time, I don't know where to put it. A lot of shows have more swooning and butterflies moment, and a lot of the other brought heartwarming feelings. This one was quite mid, not funny enough for comedy, not swooning enough for romance. Instead, they built the story on a pile of misundestandings, which is the thing I hate the most. I don't understand why Se Won hid the news of Gang Jun's return from Jung Rok, and I couldn't understand the reason why In Na didn't tell Jung Rok about her plan to return to acting. Judging by the personality, Jung Rok had zero tendencies to respond outrageously or something like that. To add more pain, they started all this misunderstandings sh*t very early, like from episode 7. These misunderstandings were already too much, that such story about Lee Gang Jun return was unnecessary. It only added more burden and shifted the vibe too far. The peak is the ridiculous 'I love you so I have to break up with you' moment. At this point, I had enough after holding so much ridiculousness from like 7th episode, that I had to drop it.

It's still a good one time watch. I don't know whether you'll enjoy it, but I don't think you'll find it if you're searching for a swoon-full 2010s kdrama.

Read More

The Momen You Give Up, It's Game Over

This show is not my cup of tea, but it ends up in my top 5 kdramas of all time! WHAT THE HELL! This show is, despite has a heavy theme, packed in a very lighweight way. It's really fun and easy to enjoy, like living our highschool life again. A very well pictured students life, full of joy, tears, hardships and pain. The message about living your life and keep fighting to overcome your difficulties hit so hard. Thanks to Ha I Chan comedy is very very hilarious here. They were able to keep the comedy for like 11 episodes, and it was getting heartwarming after that. They didn't even need to add any cliche, just use a simple premise of highschool life (and a little absurd situation of triangle love, watch it yourself and you'll understand). In conclusion, they've successfully shift my laugh into tears and vice versa, in a quick time. It also brings awareness towards people with hearing imparment and their hardships. The soundtracks are excellent too. It very rare to find a complete package like this.

Shout out to all the main leads, what an outstanding performance! I won't believe if Choi Hyun Wook says he was acting, he was basically reliving his old school days. Shin Eun Soo didn't even need to speak, her expression were enough to talk for her and made us understand how she feels. Character developments were really really good here. The chemistry between them is another level, even with the other Watermelon Sugar member! Another good additions to the package!

Now into the things that are off. I don't like the fashion job on this show. Between 1995 and 2023, there should be a big difference in fashion. In this show, everything looks the same, especially the girls. Looks like they were all having the latest hairstyle. The first two episodes are very slow and heavy, I can understand why a lot of audience dropped this early. The final episode is very underwhelming. I wish we could see more about the present reunion, and let them talk about the "missing" story. Also how come almost everyone forgot about Ha Eun Gyeol being in the part of their 1995, when that could be the best part of their life?

Should you watch it? Yes. Should you rewatch it? I rarely recommend a rewatch BUT THIS IS A MASSIVE YES! I solely think the reason why Eun Gyeol and Eun Yu returned to the past was to "relive their missing highschool moments", so you should too!

VIVA LA VIDA, LONG LIVE LIFE!

Read More

Could Be A Hit If The Mystery Hit on Point

Let me tell you, this show is supposed to be great. The mixture between idol, mystery and romance is really fresh. The mystery itself is good, especially the twist at the end. The idea of the mystery involving idol, complicated relationship, ambitious officials; these all are perfect elements for a crime-romance show. The storyline also very focus and straightforward, no need any silly side stories. Unfortunately, the execution looks missing something. They failed to turn this combination into something big. It's not totally fail, just SO SO CLOSE to be on point.

The mystery is supposed to be the hotshot of the show, but it lacks sparks. I feel the murder case is dragged too long for nothing. It takes 11 episodes to resolve the murder, and the resolution is quite easily earned. The romance is just great, but I think it's because the highlight of the show is somewhere else. Some characters are left behind, especially Chung Jae.

Not much complain on the cast side. Jae Young and Soo Young were doing great, and their chemistry as well. Jae Kwang, Hee Jin, Hyun Jin and even our father Kim Won Hae all did well. However I think Jong Woo's anger looks a bit unnatural.

Weakest point of the show is the mystery resolution. Judging by how wet Hye Ju's hair and coat at that time, I don't think she was able to mop the scene squeaky clean. Also after that she searched the whole room for her earring, like she dropped fingerprints everywhere. What was the police doing??? Also it's bothering me how Se Na easily trusted everyone around La Ik, she trusted his manager, reached Hye Ju for attorney, etc.

For a show that involves a boyband, the soundtrack is little underwhelming. Overall it's still a good watch, but don't expect fluffy romance or complicated mystery.

Read More

Masterchef®: Season Joseon

This is my first ever historical K-drama. I have zero knowledge about Korean history, so I might have missed out a lot of historically incorrect things. Bon Appetit, Your Majesty is mostly a belly-tickling food showcase. The original concept is good. Everything about the food is excellent, the visual of the food presentation, the cooking process, the reaction of the "customer", the explanation of the cooking process. The concept is very similar with Masterchef show: Chef Yeon Ji Yeong gets a challenge to cook a dish with a concept, serves it to the judge(s), the judge tastes and comment the dish and the cook gets to explain the dish and cooking process. The political side looks very confusing to me with no knowledge in Korean history, but some on screen explanations are quite helpful.

The casts are quite good. YoonA and Lee Chae Min are doing a good job, although it's not something extraordinary. The Ming Chief Envoy somehow has the worst Chinese accent compared to his colleagues.

However, the pace is extremely slow. It takes 5 episodes for the Ming Cooking Competition. Unfortunately when this pace applies to anything else, it becomes painful. They use the receipt of request-cook-serve-judging phase pattern almost the whole show. After repeating it a lot of times, the tone and vibe switch drastically after episode 10 and with such pace it's not appealing at all. Also it turns a bit makjang after episode 10. All about the cookings disappear too after this episode, and it becomes like another show. The final episode is a massive letdown. I don't care if the king goes to the future, but those grenades are ridiculous!

The soundtrack is quite okay. Watch this show if you're quite okay with a slow pace.

Read More