Unexpectedly Wonderful

Unexpected Business (2021)

This show was so wonderful and heartwarming like drinking hot chocolate on a cold rainy day ?

Not only did we get to see #ChaTaeHyun and #ZoInSung run the store, we saw how nice they are as they interacted with the townspeople and learned something new about them. Cha Tae Hyun is so naturally friendly that's why everyone likes him. Insung seems cold and distant but once he opens up, he was funny and cheeky. And a softie seeing as he cried in the last episode when they met the owner. ?

We slowly also got to know the stories of each of the customers who shopped and dine in their little bar. They welcomed Tae Hyun and Insung with open arms and gave them lots of food and snacks. The village so beautiful with the snow. I'm sure this will be a good memory and experience for the two.

I also loved all their celebrity friends who came to help them, their close relationships with each other and their sincere confessions and discussions about life and career. Tae Hyun and Insung also gave a lot of good advices to their juniors.

The food looked so delicious I felt hungry every time I see their lunch and dinner service. I think this show did well in the ratings department so im hoping for a season 2. Maybe they can run a coffee shop next time!

Rating: 9/10

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One of the best time bending Kdramas

Loved this drama! This is one of the better tightly written Korean drama about bending time. The episodes were tense and fast paced and will keep at the edge of your seats. The time bending rules were mostly consistent all through out the show. If there were any plotholes these were very trivial. I may not like every character's decisions, esp Aeri's mom but it was understandable. Terrific acting from the entire cast! They were so good, esp Shin Seung Rok and Lee Se Young. I loved their team work and how they were able to beat the odds and find out the truth. The ending was satisfying, as the show was able to wrap their stories neatly except for 2 people, i wanted their ending to be different, but it was still fine. Definitely should be in everyone's watch list!

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Friends are forever

Likes:
1. The enduring friendship between the 5 doctors. I love how they always find time to eat together, play music, and support each other in good and bad.
2. Of the 5, Ikjun is my favorite doctor/character. He is so warm and nice. #JoJungSuk is so funny! I also love his interactions with Uju.
3. I love the romamce between Junwan and Iksun, who is as funny as her brother. But that ending!
4. Songhwa is almost too good to be true. The last part of the drama focused more on her love triangle between Ikjun and Chihong. Of course I am team Iksong!!. .
5. Im happy that Jeongwon isnt going to become a priest. He is very good with the kids and he is one of the few pedia.
6. I also love Mama Rosa and the best friend. I wish they actually end up together!
7. The obgyn doctor has a sad story. Actually cute to see him with Minha though seems like the ex wife will come back in S2.
8. I love the ost and all the times they play band.

Dislikes:
An unpopular opinion but i never got onboard the winter garden ship. Gyeoul looks so boring and lifeless. And she never smiles. I dont understand how, why and when the sweet and smiling Jeongwan liked her.

I almost gave up after watching ep 2 but im glad i continued to watch this little gem. Cant wait for season 2!

Rating: 9/10

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Partly thrilling, sometimes boring suspense

Likes
1. I liked this from episode 2 to 8 but once Jiwon found out about Hyunsu, the story started going downhill.
2. I loved the suspenseful chase and i thought there was going to be episodic cases but that only happened in the first 2 episodes.
3. Hyunsu and Jiwon and the super cute Eunha! Sometimes i dislike Jiwon for always not trusting Hyunsu enough. i know it was done to add the extra drama but it got repeated several times that i am disappointed in her.
4. The Baek Family. One look at the actors playing the parents i knew they were bad. But somehow i actually felt sympathy for them in the end. They just wanted to protect their son who turned out to be too much.
5. The real Baek Hee Sung waking up put an interesting and scary spin on the story but also very unbelievable.
6. I partly like Moojin as Hyunsu's friend but not as Haesu's ex. Im glad they didnt end up together like what Haesu said, he was always scared or ran away whenever she needed him the most.

Dislikes
1. So boring!!! Took me months before i finished this one. I was distracted or felt sleepy and couldn't finish one full episode without yawning, fast forwarding some scenes or googling and wishing the episode ends.
2. The last episode was so bad it felt like it could have been finished in less than 30 mins but writers decided to put a lot of unnecessary scenes and drama.
3. I didnt find Hee Seong sexy at all! His voice and his actions felt like he was still immature and mentally unstable and not a smart psychopath. And how can he look so muscular and strong when he spent years in bed?
4. Would have loved some explanations why Do Minseok and Hee seong were that way. Were they inherently evil or was it because of a past trauma? (nature vs nurture)

Rating: 8/10 (7.5 for the story but adding 0.5 because Lee Joon Gi acted so well)

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Fun and entertaining

Unofficial Operation (2023)

This movie is based on a true story about a Korean diplomat who goes to Lebanon to rescue another Korean diplomat from kidnapping.

Ha Jung Woo is best at playing this kind of character, while Ju Ji Hoon was great as the taxi driver who helps with the rescue. Their bromance worked well as they are close in real life so the acting felt natural.

There's some action, like the car chase scene similar to MI, the feels of the movie like Mogadishu. And there was a bit of comedy too. Though the last 10 mins became a bit dramatic compared to the overall tone of the movie.

It doesnt offer anything new to the genre, but as HJW and JJH said in their interviews, this was supposed to be great movie to watch and enjoy with the whole family (and i agree!). Try to watch on the big screen!

Rating: 8.5/10

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I want my own Yang Hua!

She and Her Perfect Husband (2022)

First completed drama for 2023!

Likes
1. The relationship between Qin Shi and Yang Hua. I loved them so much. They may have started out with a fake relationship, but they supported and complemented each other that the age gap wasn't even an issue. Where can I find my own Yang Hua? He was almost perfect! Yang Mi was gorgeous and Xu Kai is too cute!! Need to look for more Xu Kai dramas ?
2. Every fake marriage trope needs to end before their real relationship begins. That's why I didn't mind that they broke up on eps 36-40. Qin Si mostly had the upperhand in the relationship, so it was just right that she should be the one who realizes what she lost. Although I liked that that they got back together, I wish it was Qin Shi who made the grand gesture to bring him back. And even at the end, they never said "i love you" to each otherand they didn't remarry. But that's alright. Just like what Yang Hua said, they dont need to get married, as long as they can be together forever and ever.
3. I thought Li Dai was going to be the b.tchy villain but I also liked her a lot! Wished that they just opened their own female lawyer studio. Their combo will be lethal!
4. I was expecting to hate Tao Junhui but I actually liked him too. It's just that he wasn't able to protect Qin Shi that time and now he missed his timing since Yang Hua is already in Qin Shi's life. I can't believe that he would like a spoiled and spiteful girl like Wu Fei, I thought he deserved better. But ending looks like Wu Fei also grew up a little and is now ready to be more mature and work earnestly and not just rely on her daddy's money.
5. Let's not forget Yang Hua's best friend who is funny and great help to the couple.
6. I loved the ost but couldn' find the songs on Spotify.

Dislikes
1. That it took too long for Qin Shi to resign from Cheng & Hui and realize how toxic their culture was. I almost thought she was going to accept the partner offer. I'm so happy she didn't!! Particularly Madam Tang who i always thought looked so fake.
2. The whole side story about The brother Wenyu and Meimei was boring so I skipped all those parts.
3. I wished they also showed how successful Yang Hua was to get back at all those who looked down on him for being jobless.

Rating: 8.5/10

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Can We Get Season 2 but make it a Romcom?

May It Please The Court (2022)

Likes
1. Wow! Didn't expect the story would get very dark in the end. I loved that it kept me guessing on who is the villain (there were a lot of them). I also decided on who they were near the end but not the motive!! The twist at the end were shocking, sad, brilliant, tragic.
2. Loved the pair of Chakhee and Shibaek. Can we get a season 2 of them but make it a romcom?
3. Super love Jung Ryu Won, esp that scene when she found out who confessed and who she was defending ?
4. Chisik and Dongpil's storyline was the perfect revenge. But i'm curious what was so special with the place where Chisik buried Eunsoo?
5. Also didn't expect the granny and Mr Toilet's relationship ?
6. Jang Gido was perfectly acted by Jung Jinyoung. I really thought he was a nice guy but like Chakhee i finally saw through his act and it was disgusting. And the Chairman!! ?

Dislikes
Wish there were better uses of Yiyeom, Haran and Chakhee's dad but overall fantastic drama.

Rating: 9/10

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United family

Likes
1. Only 8 episodes but every episode was so good! I love murder mysteries so it was so much fun trying to solve the puzzle. Happy that my initial guesses were almost correct, except for the plan and reasons.
2. The family members started off as distant and sometimes antagonistic but they slowly bonded (or at least learned to understand each other) after everything that has happened. It took the death of the most powerful and toxic member of the family for them to "unite".
3. In the end it didnt matter who killed Inho, what mattered was he was exposed for the kind of monster that he really is. It felt like they were finally free of him when they decided to let go of the inheritance.

Dislikes
I felt bad for what happened to one of them and I wish she/he got (and felt) the recognition he/she rightly deserved.

Rating: 9/10

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Bromance and Second Chances

Ghost Doctor (2022)

Likes
1. The fun bromance between Youngmin and Seungtak. They were the real romcom couple. From enemies to solid friendship.
2. Fave character is Youngmin. He really grew as a person and doctor in this drama. Must have been hard wanting to heal people but not able to. Thats why its important to tell the people they matter before you lose the chance.
3. I also loved the lost and found romance between Youngmin and Sejin. Although falling in love again in just a few months (after 12 years apart) while YM was a ghost was a bit of a stretch.
4. Halfway i thought the story lost steam but im satisfied that almost everything was answered in the final episode and it didnt feel rushed.
5. I also loved the ghosts and Tes. They had their own side stories.

Dislikes
1. Took some time for Seungtak's character growth (only in the last 4 eps) since they focused on the bromance and "when will Youngmin wake up?"
2. Some wasted potential in Han Seung Won and esp Doctor Ahn.

"Don't forget. As much as you value your life, every life in this world matters."

Rating: 8.5/10

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Watch for Namgoong Min

This is a scifi drama so you need to adjust your viewing lens to enjoy this.

Likes
1. Of course Namgoong Min
2. I thought the premise was interesting, i loved the reveals about the night of tragedy, the relationship between Jamie and Jung Woo, the reason for the lab.
3. I like the Jungwoo's team and my favorite is Old Man!
4. Ending was a little underwhelming though at least the baddies all got what they deserved. I preferred a different ending for Jung Woo but it's good enough.

Dislikes
1. Several plotholes, lots of unexplained history and facts since we don't have time to fully setup the characters and story so need to accept them as they are or else you will hate this drama. While watching I kept asking "why?" "how?" but I didn't let it spoil my mood - i just enjoyed the ride since I wanted to know the ending.
2. Only Jungwoo and Hyewon were interesting, Jamie's character could have been better considering she is one of the leads.

I don't have a lot of comments because I don't want to spoil the story. I think this is worth watching at least once esp for NGM fans or if you like scifi.

Rating: 8.5/10 (8 for the story + 0.5 because of NGM)

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Heartbreak in the City

Likes
1. The Yangyang scenes were the best. It really made us feel Jaewon and Eunoh's summer romance. Plus the cameos of Lee Sang Woo and Lee Sang Yoon.
2. Ji Chang Wook as Jaewon is whiny and mopey but so cute. How can Eunoh break up with a great guy like Jaewon??
3. Every episode is only 30 mins so it's an easy watch, otherwise i would have dropped this earlier.
4. Great OST! I wish they release the OST with a photobook/poster.

Dislikes
1. Hard to really like a drama when you dont like more than half of the cast. I only liked Jaewon and Gyeongjun. I didnt like the 3 friends, and definitely disliked Sunyoung.
2. Eunoh was horrible. And this drama dragged the whole story about why Eunoh wont tell Jaewon what happened to her. It was so frustrating. I think the better ending was for Jaewon to accept the breakup and find another girl and Eunoh will regret everything she did.
3. The second couple wasnt any better. Rini was a pain and i cant believe she broke up with Gyeongjun and not the other way around. I think Gyeongjun was patient and supported her while she was too selfish.
4. Didnt really care about Geon and Sunyoung. They could not be in the story and it still wouldn't matter.
5. They said there's a possibility of season 2 with Minho's story but i think unless they come up with a better story and better cast, i wouldnt bother watching.

Rating: 7

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This korean reality show gathered 100 of the strongest athletes, bodybuilders, fitness trainers, etc to find the perfect body.

There were 5 quests they had to go through. I thought the games were reasonable and not too complex. Every person even the females had equal chance to winning the game even againat the bigger and bulkier opponent.

I love all the contestants, i didnt have a clear favorite, and i didn't mind who wins coz they were all winners. I love that they are all competitive and displayed good sportsmanship, even when they lose. They also supported and cheered for each other. They had dignity, tenacity and willpower. And they all had fun.

My only comment was the title of the show is physical but in the end, it was the mental and emotional strength of the contestant that won the game.

The top 5 were unexpected, as well as the ultimate winner, but that's why the show was interesting coz you never know who will win.

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We can change the future if we work hard

Today's Webtoon (2022)

Likes
1. I love the first half because the workplace issues and challenges are so relatable.
2. I would love to have On Ma Eum in my team though sometimes she is too emotional. Great job for the editors to see her potential.
3. I love both editors, they were great mentors to the team. And also PD Kwon and his story. I wish the girl editor also had her own story.
4. I love the different webtoon artists. And special mention to dimpled Donghee and his story (ep 7).

Dislikes
1. Gu Jun Yeong was a terrible character for most of the story, I didn't want Ma Eum or Pomme to end up with him. But he redeemed himself in the end.
2. The rookie editors were left alone in the second half, that's why there were too many mistakes. These could have been avoided if the rookies escalated to their bosses instead of hiding the issues. The editors should have also closely watched them.
3. Sin Dae Lyug's story went for too long. I didnt like that no one tried to get him to therapy and how easy it was to resolve his issue with just an apology from his mom. Doesn't justify what she did to him.
4. Director Heo should have been fired earlier. Dont know how he gets to do what he wants and bypassing the MD.

Rating: 8/10

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Suspenseful Parallel Worlds

Likes
1. Really intense, tightly written drama. Great acting from everyone, esp Yoon Si Yoon and Choi Seung Yoon
2. Very unpredictable story, that kept me guessing not only about the killer, but what will happen next and how it will end. Just when i thought i know who the killer is, the drama surprises us with one big twist after another. And another. Ive never been so happy being so wrong and looking forward to the next episode with my mouth hanging open from disbelief and amazement.
3. Due to the shorter episodes, there were several questions that were left unanswered, esp on how you can cross boundaries and the ending, but it didnt deter me from enjoying the story because this drama didnt focus on how you cross worlds. From the start it was all about the characters and how the consequences of their actions can change their world.

Dislikes:
1. When they revealed the killer, it was so twisted and sick i wanted to steal Seokyung's gun and just end the killer's misery. The conversation between the killer and Dowon was shocking. I had the same expression of "no it cant be you're kidding!" on Dowon's face.
2. The ending was left to our imagination, but felt like it was "too nice" of an ending from a very grim drama.

Rating: 9/10

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Leads had chemistry

Ousama ni Sasagu Kusuriyubi (2023)

Likes
1. The concept is simple and nothing special - contract marriage between employer and employee to promote their business and they fall in love for real. What's different is the perfect chemistry between the two leads! I mostly watched this because they were so cute together!
2. They also had a few episodes about different kinds of wedding preps and they were interesting.
3. I like Ayaka's family, and how they openly welcomed Togo to their home.
4. I also like Togo's best friend who was funny and loyal.

Dislikes
1. The whole story about the mom esp the last two episodes were weird. I alao didnt like how th e2nd guy was so terrible just to get the money. And both were easily forgiven and got happy endings too.
2. The whole point was for Togo to prove he can run his own business successfully but then it didnt make sense that the story got dropped eventually and he moved to HQ to be the successor.

Rating: 8.5/10

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