Emotionally Addicting but Draining

This show was a roller-coaster of my emotions, misled and misused by the editing of the show. I watched all 15 episodes from beginning until the end-- keeping up with the weekly updates.

If you are willing to be ignorant and are just looking for a show to giggle to when you watch the cute interactions of new relationships forming and cry at unrequited love, this is the show for you. The producers certainly did a good job of making me feel those feelings. Trust me... my heart fluttered, I kicked my feet, and I cried to this show.

But if you're looking for the whole story, you won't find that here. They bring in a new character mid-show and decide to cut most of her screen time. As humans, we want to believe the easiest thing-- so the producers edited her scenes to make her look shallow, dry and generally uninteresting, that way she would interfere with the plot set out by the producers for the "original" members of the house. It made the ending unsatisfying and honestly confusing because so many scenes were with-held from us.

Like other reality dating shows, the producers commit to a storyline after the first two episodes and decide to edit everything to fit that storyline. This includes the chosen flashbacks, dramatic music, cutting scenes, etc. Expect the same for the producers of Heart Signal 4.

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drinking my SLS away :(

If you don't know what SLS is, it is the infamous Second Lead Syndrome! It's definitely not a pleasant feeling to have, I can assure you. The good thing about this drama, is that

Let's delve in to the plot of the story. I really liked the way it was written because it is a trope we see less within the Joseon era and because it also had subtle mystery flavors behind it as well. Though I feel like some of the characters were unnecessary to the plot, they certainly did bring their fair share of comedic relief. In fact, this drama reminds me terribly of Mr. Queen in terms of humor.

Moving on to the cast, I love Hyeri, but I want to see her play different roles than the ones she typically does -- the "tomboy" characters. She's gorgeous as always and did a lovely job with portraying her character. Next, we have Yoo Seung Ho. Honestly, I didn't like his character at all. Other than the fact they were connected through childhood, his personality made no match for her-- hence why I got SLS. That being said, I believe that Byeon Woo Seok did an excellent job of portraying his love for Hyeri's character but also having a change of heart near the end. Kang Mina was one of the characters I unexpectedly fell in love with. She screams "main character," and I love that about her. Kudos to side characters and couples, Sim Heon and Woon Sim & Cheon Geum and Chun Gae, for their contributions to the story as well.

Overall, I would RECCOMEND you watch it.

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Disappointing Ending

Don't watch this unless you have too much time on your hands. (I tried not to include spoilers.)

Let's first talk about the whole game. The rule that ruined the show, I would say, was the new one where one of the money catchers could lie completely about their identity. This caused the contestants to quickly determine who that money catcher was-- early in the game-- and therefore, eliminated one of the more interesting couple storylines (Inseong and Jungwoo).

Secondly, I lowkey felt like everyone was a money catcher while watching. No single contestant gave me good vibes except Inseong and Jungwoo. If I hadn't hung onto the hope that Jungwoo would perhaps visit the house after he was eliminated, I wouldn't have continued watching. As for the love catcher reveal at the end, I predicted all of them-- and I'm glad I did because they stole my heart (after I got over Jungwoo).

As for the reaction panel, Jang Do Yeon is really the MVP. Her experiences with this series as well as hosting other shows definitely plays a part in the flow of this show in general. I'm actually pleasantly surprised by Miyeon and Sunny. Although they didn't pose as important roles as Jang Do Yeon during the show-- they made it much more enjoyable and light-hearted. I especially enjoyed Miyeon's dissection of the contestants; I feel like she had worthwhile insight. As for Son Ho Jun, I barely noticed his presence. This goes the same for Loco (except that one scene with his shirt-- which I think Jang Do Yeon helped him with in setting up the scene).

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Gang violence dramatically portrayed!

This drama was honestly such a pleasant surprise for someone who has been k-drama sober for a few months. The plot was amazing, unexpected but amazing. Actors were also top tier. The only thing that made it drop to a 8.5 is the unnecessary sex scene Netflix dramas often have.

Let's start with the plot. We have a pretty stable plot, with an introduction to the two (but not all) of the main characters in the first episode. It's quick, but not too quick where it doesn't lay the foundation for its character. It quickly build the antagonist but tears down this assumption we had throughout near the end. I love it for it's simplicity and quick wrap-up of 8 episodes.

Moving on to the actors. Literally 10/10. Let's start with Han So Hee. I knew her as a soft, easy-to-manipulate girl from "Nevertheless," so at first, I thought she wouldn't play this bad-ass role well. I was wrong. She showed her resilience by proving that she could act these roles. Moving on to Park Hee Soon, this is the first time I've seen his work. I'm very very impressed by how well he pulled off his character and his character's seemingly mysterious aura. Lastly, we have Ahn Bo Hyun. He really does the best in this genre; he pulls off his role as a policeman very very well. The chemistry he had with our main character wasn't the best thing ever but also wasn't the worst thing ever. I feel like it could have developed better if the drama was a bit longer, but I'm thankful that they didn't force more episodes to include romance (The random sex scene made it a lot worse.)

Overall, I highly recommend this!

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Disturbing? Yes. But I just know we're all simping for Sae-byeok.

If I was just going off the title and didn't see the poster, I would be so disturbed by this show that I wouldn't be able to sleep for a few days.

Let's dissect the story. I love how it not only quickly introduces the main character, but also briefly brings up the other few main characters all within the first episode. It is fast-paced, and it brings about a new 'topic' every few episodes -- though not disconnected. The one thing that prevented it from having a 9/10 was the ending. It is the typical Netflix Original ending, as with Love Alarm, Extracurricular, and Vagabond; it gives you that unsettling ending that makes you long for a season 2 or explanation.

Let's now talk about the cast. I didn't really like the main character, but mostly because I couldn't relate with his character. His actor, Lee Jung Jae, did an amazing job portraying his desperation and poorness. As for all the side characters, I think I really fell in love with Sae-byeok and Ha Joon. Sae-byeok's role and her scene with Ji Yeong really made me cry; I always remember scenes and characters that make me cry. As for Ha Joon, I was just always a fan of the actor that played him. Unless there is a season 2, I don't really get the significance of his character at the moment though.

Overall, I would RECCOMEND this drama--but do not watch if you are looking for wholesome or romantic content.

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Easy-to-binge and gets all the onion-triggered water out of your eyes

It's been a long while since I watched a whole kdrama in one day/sitting. This broke it. Highly underrated even though it was a Netflix original.

Let's dissect the storyline. Even though it didn't have my ideal beginning, it was still very fast-paced and allowed for the main character to be introduced. They quickly introduce the second main character and end that episode off with a very satisfying cliffhanger. I love how every episode introduced a different mini-storyline within the larger one, while allowing the main characters to develop. I also liked how they connected the story between the two main characters and allowed us to go back in time and sympathize with them. (This was the tear-jerking part.) I love dramas that are either completely romance or have a mystery/crime plot with a bit of romance. This was the latter aka my favorite.

Let's talk about the actors now. I don't know much about autism or Asperger's so I cannot comment on how well the main character, Tang Jun Sang, acted. However, I can comment on Lee Je Hoon's. Something about him at first glance was so charming. He embodied his role to the full, from the way he talked, the way he smirked, and his body language. I expect so much more for him in this genre of kdramas, and I'm excited to see more of him. Lastly, Hong Seung Hee was a very nice side (and female) character to have. She wasn't an especially necessary character to the plot, but she was in screenplay because she was the one reciprocating the comedic relief from Lee Je Hoon. The only problem I had with her was that her connection with the main character seemed just too random.

Overall, I HIGHLY RECCOMEND this drama.

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Came for Jung Hae In, stayed for everything else~

This drama did not receive the amount of attention it should have. Maybe it is because I find military movies and dramas very fascinating because of the absence of mandatory military enlistment in my country, but this feels slightly novel and brings to light a (not new but) slightly controversial topic.

Storyline was just how I liked it. It quickly introduces the main character and shows us his values in life through unrelated events. It then quickens up and introduces the second main character not long after. It is fast-paced and does not drag on. It introduces a new issues every one or two episodes. The only reason why this wasn't a 9 out of 10 was because I thought it was a shame that this drama only had 6 episodes.

I don't even think I have to evaluate the cast. Jung Hae In did not disappoint at all. Koo Kyo Hwan is a surprisingly more versatile than I expected after seeing his role in "Peninsula." I expect to see more of him around, and I expect great things.

Overall, I would RECCOMEND this drama.

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Expectations raised.

This webdrama surprisingly was a lot better than I expected. The storyline seems like it was adapted from a fanfiction, however, the ending made it so much better. I love how it was short and sweet, so even when the plot slowed down, it didn't feel like it was dragging on.

The acting was really impressive for these types of webdramas. Yeo One and Woo Seok are both not particularly strong in acting, but their visuals definitely made up for it. Now onto the female lead and her best friend. They carried this show. At first, I couldn't tell them apart-- but after a little more effort, I could see their chemistry shining through. They worked really naturally together, and I had fun watching them.

Overall, I would NOT recommend unless you are a 'Universe.'

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Imbalanced. Awkward.

Whoever wrote this webtoon had a really good idea to start the plot but didn't know how to end it.

Cast-wise, I thought that the female lead carried this show. She was perfectly awkward like the character suggested, and she looked genuinely in love with the male lead. As for the male lead, his personality was really bland. What made it even worse was that the male lead fell in love with the female lead because she wasn't confident. Because most of the dramas I watch have a 'strong female lead,' I find it unsettling in the amount of involvement the male lead has in the female lead's life.

Overall, I do NOT recommend.

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As expected from a webdrama.

It isn't the worst thing ever, but it also isn't particularly enjoyable. The storyline was pretty good, but I feel like the execution and the screenwriting of it wasn't so good. There wasn't a single bit of comedy to relieve the tension,

Firstly, I don't think any of the characters really had any substance to them. They all had the same bland personality, and I didn't feel like I could relate or sympathize with any of the characters. Usually visuals make up for the lack of acting but in this one, neither were present. The circumstances are not extremely unrealistic like other kdramas, but the way they reacted to the situation was out of the ordinary in neither a good or a bad way.

Overall, I do NOT recommend unless you are looking for a brainless quick binge.

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Interesting but Boring (if you get what I mean)

Let's breakdown the story. It was a cliche rom-com; even more cliche because every side character ended having a romantic partner unless they were used for comedic relief. I got huge second-lead syndrome, but one thing that the writers did well this time was to let the second-lead come to peace with himself and move on. I honestly don't know what I expected when I started this drama, but it was definitely up to par for the "idol image." I love how this story gave us a so-called 'sneak-peak' at the behind-the-scenes of the idol industry. However, even though I haven't experienced it personally, I feel like some of it is exaggerated to an uncomfortable point.

Moving on to the cast, come on... we came for them. It was perfect that almost the entire cast are/were idols or at least had some experience in the idol industry. That being said, the dancing was up to par. I wasn't a big fan of the stage, songs or the choreography, but I guess that was inevitable when they had spent a lot of their budget (assumed by me) hiring these idol actors. On the topic of idol actors, I was pleasantly surprised by all their acting skills; it still radiates 'cute lil webdrama' vibes, but they definitely raised my expectations. I had actually started watching for Yunho (my ATEEZ bias along with Mingi) and Jun (been following him ever since the Unit and watched his other dramas), but Jiyeon made me stay. Her character surprisingly wasn't pitted to be the 'mean rich girl;' even if she had been, she still would've been my favorite character. Although I wished to see more Chani, I feel like the amount of screen time he had was perfect or else the acting-level gap would have really shown among the cast members. Two members of the cast that really stood out to me (and not in the best way) was Hwiyoung and Nayoung. Now don't get me wrong~ this isn't hate to the either of them; in fact, Hwiyoung is my SF9 bias, and I've been keeping up with Nayoung's other dramas (e.g. Summer Guys). Nayoung's acting just seemed a bit stiff and awkward especially in the scenes with Yunho. As for Hwiyoung, he just seemed tired all throughout this drama; I don't know if his character is written to be like that, but he really needed to get some sleep. I know they were filming this while "Kingdom: Legendary War" was airing, so he may have looked really worn out because of that.

Overall, I would NOT recommend you to watch this unless you are into these idols (me lol)! Toodles~

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Addicting

I'd like to keep this review short and 'sweet.' Firstly, if you have triggers of ||implied rape, sexual assault, cults, violence, blood, suicide|| and more, please do not watch this drama!

The storyline is not really complex, but it still gets you to feel like it is complex. The only problem I have with the storyline is that sometimes I felt like it was dragged out (with some filler episodes); if this was remade into a movie or originally was a movie, I would not be complaining at all. (That is the main reason that this is short 1 point from 10 stars). The only thing I enjoyed about it NOT being a movie is the amount of Seo Yeji, Taecyeon, and Woo Dohwan we got. Moving on to the cast and characters, I think Seo Yeji portrayed Sang Mi perfectly. All the supporting and side characters were also perfect. I'm honestly kind of sick of seeing Jo Jae Yoon everywhere/hj, and his character in this one makes it worse.

Anyways, this drama made me crave more Seo Yeji and Woo Dohwan. I highly RECCOMEND this, but it is not for the weak-hearted.

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A decent but slightly disappointing sequel

If you are reading this, you probably have watched the first season of Girl from Nowhere --> same trigger warnings apply, if not more.

As I have written in a review of the first season, "the only and main problem I have with the entire drama is that after a certain episode, the supernatural things began to look more cruel than address the problem." Since this was a 'continuation' of the last season, I just felt like its gotten worse. I still loved every single one of the mini-sodes~ However, I didn't like the fact that there was an ongoing antagonist, consistent throughout the entire season. Our main antagonist was doing things that I, as a human being with morals, was against--even more against what our protagonist was doing. Since I binged both of the seasons back-to-back, I must've grown attached to the protagonist and the fact that no one could stop her; so when an antagonist appeared with a pretty good upper hand, I was obviously upset and uncomfortable.

Overall, I would only RECCOMEND if you were an extreme fan of the previous season.

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Not your typical drama

Warning. If you are easily triggered by discussion of||rape, sexual assault, abuse (physical, mental, emotional, verbal, sexual), child abuse/pedophilia, self-injurious behavior (self-harm, eating disorders, etc.), suicide, excessive or gratuitous violence, depiction of pornography, thieving, death, pregnancy, abortion, blood, mental illness, bullying and A LOT MORE||, I strongly suggest that you DO NOT watch or read any comments/reviews about this drama.


Let's begin. First of all, I love how the writers decided that each (one or two) episode(s) would be a mini story in itself. It is a rather unusual but effective approach as it is able to cover many topics that are usually tough to talk about without have character conflicts (e.g. making the characters seem unrealistic). Even though it doesn't talk about all of societal/school problems that exist, I have to give them credit for covering *a lot* of it. I loved how the writers made the story semi-supernatural without having the focus on it like a science fiction drama would have because that's just not my favourite genre. The only and main problem I have with the entire drama is that after a certain episode, the supernatural things began to look more cruel than address the problem.

Moving on to the cast, I just want to say that they casted the perfect main character and side characters. The side characters had relatively "easy-to-forget" faces but memorable characters so rather than the audience remembering the cast, they remember the message behind what is happening onscreen. As for Nanno, Kitty Chicha Amatayakul ชิชา อมาตยกุล is such a good actress~ perfectly embodying the craziness of the written character. (The character reminds me of an younger, more extreme, non-romantic version of Ko Moon Young from the Korean drama 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay.')

Overall, I would DEFINITELY RECCOMEND this.

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mine: how far will you go to make something yours?

The plot was close to perfection. I love how they didn't have a typical ending where everyone got what was just (so if you're into a righteous ending and feel bothered when its not, do not watch!), but rather every character got what made them feel at peace and happy. The only thing that they lacked in was the execution of it. At the beginning of every episode, they would cut back to the same scene over and over again~ which might have been used for impact but otherwise (as an audience member) felt unnecessary --> it just felt like the drama was trying to make you stay by reassuring themselves that the audience was still interested in the hook dropped at the beginning of the show. They also do time skips and rewinds A LOT in this show, which I'm not exactly a big fan of.

The characters were so well written here. I love the relational development amongst the leads and larger supporting characters, but the smaller roles had little to no character development, which led to problems and loopholes in the plot. Firstly, I love the concept of "women empowering women." (I'm getting tired of the same 'poor, weak girl falls in love with the heir of a huge company' trope (: ) Having three strong women as leads was such a risky but strong move from our director and staff. I also love how they incorporated topics surrounding the LGBTQ+ communities and the prejudice that they face from society (and even the Church's perspective on it! ...although it may not accurate at all~ also "Happy Pride Month!" at the time I am writing this). Finally, the cast here felt perfect! At first watch, I already knew that most of the actors were perfect for the roles, although I was very pissed at two loud and annoying characters -- I'm pretty sure her character was written like that. The only concern I had had was with N; his acting skills were not really on par with the other m embers of the cast, however, that played an advantage because it allowed that storyline to fade more into the background to complement the other storylines.

Overall, I would RECCOMEND this drama unless you are an avid police/justice drama watcher.

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