This drama really caught me off guard because I had absolutely no idea what to expect when watching it. Even after binge watching the first few episodes I still wasn't quite sure how it would all come together, but believe me when I tell you that it all does come together perfectly. "Chicago Typewriter" is very impressive considering the fact that this drama incorporates so many genres. It's part romance, comedy, action, thriller, mystery, supernatural, historical, political, and very original. I guess it's fitting that in this story centered around a writer that the writing is so good. It also doesn't hurt that the cast is also phenomenal.

Yoo Ah In leads the cast as Han Se Joo, an arrogant, eccentric, and celebrated young writer, and he nails it. He's unrecognizable from who I saw in "Sungkyunkwan Scandal", but that just shows how much hair can make a difference in appearance... but more about hair later. Im Soo Jung plays obsessed Jeon Seol, who is another unique character in her own right. It took a while before I realized who she was, because I don't watch as many Korean movies, so I basically missed her whole career since "A Tale of Two Sisters" (one of my favorite movies), and "I'm Sorry, I Love You". It's nice to see her mature version, and I'm so glad to see her return to dramas for this one. The main trio is then completed by Go Kyung Pyo, who I don't really want to say too much about, so I will just say he continues to never disappoint. The chemistry between these 3 will stay with me for a long time. For romance fans, yes there is romantic chemistry, but it's their friendship that drives the show, and got me in the feels.

The supporting cast is also excellent. Many of the supporting characters help to lighten moments, or serve as comic relief, which they did well. Quite a few of the supporting cast members, like the main trio, also have to essentially play 2 characters, one in the past and one in present. I loved how well the cast played the roles in the past, and how they were similar to the present but distinctly different, making the past scenes as interesting as if I were watching a completely different show without it ever feeling disconnected. I also loved that all of the characters had some depth, even if it isn't always as obvious at first. The only characters I had any issue with, and the only reason I didn't give the cast a perfect 10, is because of Tae Min and his mom. I was underwhelmed by the mom as such a bitter villainess yet forgettable character. She wasn't necessarily bad, I just didn't find her very interesting. I also thought Kwak Shi Yang started to over act a little towards the end of the drama, which started to feel a little comical. He was excellent in his complicated dual roles, for the most part, but in some of the final moments his acting really bothered me.

A lot of what made this drama so haunting to me is it's connection to the past, which is set specifically during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1930's. There's a nostalgic feel, as well as a definite patriotic feeling, but without it being too sentimental or corny. It pays homage to the artists and revolutionaries of that time, and you don't have to have any historical knowledge to be touched by it. Also don't be worried that the scenes in the past will be too heady or heavy. Many of my favorite romantic, comedic, and action driven moments happened in the past. The past and present scenes work seamlessly together, and don't feel as forced as it can sometimes feel in other dramas.

You will notice that I don't really have anything really bad to say about this drama, so my criticism will be pretty petty, but I guess worth mentioning (at least for my own amusement). Like wanting to know who was the horrible barber in charge of Yoo Ah In's terrible uneven hair cut. The present day cut was awkward and just kept getting worse with each episode, but meanwhile his past hair was sexy as hell. See? Petty! lol. I also had a problem with Im Soo Jung trying to play so much younger than she is. Don't get me wrong, she looks great, but there's no way she looks younger than the two male leads, and her mom looked like she could be her noona. Petty? Perhaps, but I cant be the only person who thought that, right? lol.

Ok, back to the writing, which I can't praise enough. I just loved how well thought out it all was. It's also the kind of story that with a second viewing would reveal even more connected moments, so of course my rewatch score is a 10. If you start watching and don't get what's happening and why, just trust that it will all be explained, and that some of the most random moments are actually happening for a reason. I was admittedly confused, but instantly hooked, from beginning to end. The ending is also one of the most beautiful ones I've seen in a drama, and made me appreciate the whole story even more. It's also a serious tearjerker, making me cry for a full hour, without being completely sad, but definitely feeling emotional. Even the preview of the last episode made me tear up. That's the power of good storytelling. I'm sure one can find flaws if they wanted to, but there is really too much done right to focus on any of that. The episodes are also very long, but always felt like they went by quickly to me, which is dangerous when binge watching! You could lose a whole day with no problem.

The soundtrack is also perfect. I immediately wanted to listen to it after watching the last episode. The song "Writing our stories" in particular stands out, and will probably make me tear up every time I hear it.

Overall this drama often feels more like a film than a typical drama, and hits the bullseye on so many of the things that make us fall in love with dramas in the first place without losing it's originality, no matter what genre you prefer. I would definitely recommend it highly, especially for those who rarely leave their drama-genre comfort zones. This one has a little something for everyone. Do you love characters falling in love in spite of themselves? Check. Rom-com chemistry? Check. Or do you prefer Bromance? Check. Do you love rivalries and revenge? Check. Do you love mystery thrillers? Supernatural tales that blur reality? Emotional melodramas? LOL moments? Historical references that make you curious about the events and people that inspire them? Butt-kicking Action? Girls who defy the damsel in distress routine? Crime stories? Or just good story telling from start to finish? Well, "Chicago Typewriter" has checks straight down the list!

I'm so glad that people's posts about this show made me curious enough to check it out for myself. It's only fitting that I shout out the writer Jin Soo Wan, who wrote "Kill me, Heal me", a drama that I also rated a 10. I will definitely look forward to anything she writes in the future. If there was ever a drama that made me appreciate writers, down to the hilarious "Misery" references, the hilarious naming of Go Kyung Pyo's character "Yoo Jin Oh", or even the perfect title choice, it's definitely this one! And if you've ever thought about writing this will either inspire you to do just that, or scare you away from the profession completely!

Ok, enough praise! I guess I'm still on a high from watching this! Who knows, I may even start rewatching it again immediately. Yes, it's really is that good.

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This drama exceeded my expectations so much and is definitely a new favorite of mine. This is less because of the story, even though a romance involving a robot is an interesting premise, and absolutely about Seo Kang Joon as Nam Shin III. This is a character that I won't forget, and his performance is amazing!

"Are you human too?" is a sci-fi drama that plays brilliantly off of the current AI trend. The story explores the idea of androids blending into society, to the point of being mistaken for actual humans, but it does it in a unique way that combines thriller, romance, melodrama, and even comedy. I won't go much into the specific plot, because I think it's fun to watch all the elements unfold, but expect to laugh and cry and swoon. Even the melodramatic and completely unrealistic parts of this story work well because the acting and storytelling are that good.

I've already mentioned how brilliant Seo Kang Joon was as Human Nam Shin and Android Nam Shin III, but it's worth repeating. He manages to make both characters so different that they felt like they were played by completely different people. His leading lady is Gong Seung Yeon as Kang So Bong, which is a part as weird as it may sound, but she manages to make this story seem completely plausible, and their amazing chemistry helps. There were moments when Kang So Bong got on my nerves, but that was because of the character, not her acting. Just like there were moments when I completely loathed Nam Shin because Kang Joon plays a jerk so well. The rest of the cast is pretty brilliant too.
Lee Joon Hyuk as the Secretary was definitely one of my favorites in the cast, and I got my villain fix with Park Young Kyoo and Yoo Oh Sung. Then there's Kim Won Hae who's always good for comic relief. I think there was only one character I couldn't stand at all, and that was Reporter Jo, but maybe that's because her acting as a pretty awful friend was just way too good.

I was tempted to give the story a higher score because it kept me engaged and excited for each new episode from start to finish, but some parts of the story are so over the top ridiculous that sometimes the story felt silly when it wasn't supposed to. The entire drama has a comic book feel, with over the top characters and scenes, so it does work. I just felt like some plot moments were a bit too much.

For romance fans wondering if they will get their romance fix watching this, I say yes, especially if you are willing to be open to what romance can mean. One theme this show explores is human emotions and relationships. Watching an android navigate through this theme definitely made me think about how we connect as humans and what feelings actually mean. This gave even the seemingly superficial moments in the story much more depth and gave all the characters' choices more depth too.

I will also admit that I needlessly worried the entire time watching this about how it would all end, afraid that the ending would be too corny or make no sense, but I actually liked how it ended. There was no rushed or convoluted ending or glaring plot holes, and the story never lost its momentum. It was also emotional without feeling too melodramatic, even with over the top character choices and just a few tropes. I just decided not to think too hard about the logistics of what would happen after the ending. Sometimes thinking too hard about "reality" ruins the magic of the drama.

Overall, I definitely recommend this one to sci-fi fans, romance fans, or any drama fans looking for an interesting drama to watch, and a non-traditional character to root for. Of course, this isn't the only android themed drama out there, but I would dare say that it's one of the best.
I'd certainly watch it again, just for Nam Shin III, because he's that likable. I'm even a little curious to know what a sequel might look like, but I was satisfied with this drama just as it is.

This was definitely some good programming! Get it? *hangs head in shame* Sorry.
Now what will I look forward to at the start of the week... *sigh*


Side note: Korea really should do something about their white truck problem... I'm just saying...

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First, I want to say that I was drawn to this film because of Gong Yoo (one of my favorites), which is why it is so important that he was a part of this film. I knew, based on the synopsis, that this would be a very different role from what I've seen him play before, but I had no idea how emotionally traumatizing the story would be.

I didn't think I would have a problem with the subject matter. I had recently watched the documentary Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God, which is a very similar story involving an American Catholic school for the deaf, so I felt prepared. What this film does differently than the documentary, is that it dares to actually show some of that abuse. The images are disturbing, and haunting, and at times it feels almost like it's too much. Still, these scenes made me so angry that the conclusion had a really strong impact on me. Apparently this is a sentiment that was shared by enough Koreans to have the investigation reopened as a result of this film.

Not only does this film deal with the stigma, and cover ups, involved in sexual abuse cases, it also shows how people with disabilities can be completely disregarded, and devalued. This is not a hero story with a happy ending, but rather a story of how everyday heros can choose to positively effect lives, even in the face of an adverse community.

The entire cast is outstanding, particularly the abused kids. Gong Yoo still has his charm, but it's nice to see him in a different kind of role. The film is well paced. It's a tearjerker, without being overly melodramatic or sentimental. The conclusion may not have been what I wanted to see, but it was still oddly inspiring.

I would definitely recommend this as a film that will leave you with something to think about. This may not be something that many people would want to watch again, because of the subject matter, but I can see myself rewatching it in time. This movie does a great job of giving a voice to an often silenced and ignored group. I think the least that can be done, even if it's a little difficult, is that we listen to those voices.

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This was my first Kdrama, and it's the reason for my current addiction to them! I loved watching Lee Min Ho & Son Ye Jin's love/hate relationship develop. There are so many sweet scenes between the two of them, and scenes with an overload of sexual tension. They had such great chemistry that the old opposites attract formula never felt boring.

Some of the scenarios in the beginning are a little far fetched, but it's kdrama so what do you expect. I laughed out loud & cried as the story progressed. I rewatched certain moments over & over. There is a drastic shift, which is pretty common in KDrama, where the romantic comedy suddenly turns into a tear jerking drama. I definitely had more fun watching the first 11 episodes, but I think there was a pretty seamless transition to the sadder later episodes. I admit, after a rewatch, that some of the moments that broke my heart the first time seemed a little overdone this time, but the acting was never bad. I think overall that learning more about Park Kae In's sad past made the story feel more complete. Some of the final romantic scenes are also a little cheesy, and Jeon Jin Ho becomes super frustrating, but I honestly still loved watching every moment.

I think the whole cast was great! I loved Jo Eun Ji as the bff, and her hilarious relationship with Jung Sung Hwa. I loved how Ryu Seung Ryong's character developed as well. He could have come off as creepy, but instead he was super sweet (err... no pun intended). Kim Ji Suk & Wang Ji Hye were incredibly annoying, but they were supposed to be. I could have skipped through their early storyline though. As for the leads, I really started to relate to quirky Park Kae In, and Son Ye Jin did an excellent job of not overplaying her gullibility and sweetness. As for Lee Min Ho, I haven't been disappointed by a drama with him in it yet. Lee Min Ho fans should definitely see this one, in spite of his high water pants.

I also have to mention the soundtrack, which remains one of my favorites. I still don't get tired of hearing the songs over & over again during episodes "Babo cheoreom..." ; )

I may be biased since this was only the 2nd drama I ever watched, but this is hands down one of my favorites. I decided to rewatch/re-review Personal Preference almost 30 dramas later, to see how it still holds up. It's still one of my top favorites, and still has one of my favorite k-drama first kiss scenes.

I definitely will rewatch this more than once, and I admit that I listen to the soundtrack sometimes because I miss it, lol.

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"You Who Came from the Stars" is a really fun romantic comedy, with a sci-fi twist. Although it has a lot in common with other romances that involve Joseon & Modern times, the story was unique enough to make it not feel like another past-meets-present-drama-clone. It doesn't stray far from the k-drama romance template, but I think the writers did a great job with creating a love story that's interesting. Also, the premise of alien life was presented in a way that seemed completely plausible, and not really cheesy, or overdone.

It was definitely the two leads that kept me watching. Jun Ji Hyun & Kim Soo Hyun played off of each other very well. Do Min Joon, though stoic most of the time, was a character with some unexpected depth. Chun Song Yi was the epitome of the spoiled Hallyu star on the surface, but was surprisingly likable, relatable, and hilarious! I had so many literal lol moments during the drama because of Jun Ji Hyun's performance. I was also impressed by Kim Soo Hyun's ability to pull off playing a character with so much maturity considering how much younger he is. To me, the best parts of the drama were when they were together, although I didn't cry once for them (and I can be a big crybaby). I was much more amused by them than really emotionally invested.

The supporting cast was also very good, but the other storylines just weren't as strong, and sometimes felt more like filler. The rest of the drama was pretty standard (devious villains, jealous friends, family greed, unrequited love, a crushable second lead...), and not as intriguing as the main couple. Still, I was entertained the whole time while watching, even during slower parts during the last few episodes. I also had no idea what the ending would be, and really liked what it turned out to be, even though it was slightly unsatisfying. The story does end with some questions left unanswered (like who in the world were they talking to? lol.), but I think the writers answered most of the ones that really counted.

Overall I really liked this drama for what it was and enjoyed watching it, but It never gave me that 'can't wait for the next episode feeling'. It's certainly not the best drama I've seen, yet there are aspects of this drama that I liked more than most. I'm not sure If I would rewatch more than a few select clips, but It's possible that I might watch it again one day, although I'm honestly not sure if I could handle listening to "You ARE my destiny..." anymore.

If you're generally a fan of romances about 2 people reluctantly falling in love, then I definitely recommend this one. Just think of the alien thing as a bonus.

***update*** I recently rewatched it and I was still very entertained so I bumped up my initial rating a little. Yes, "You ARE my destiny" is still annoying!

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This is a hard drama for me to rate, because on paper this should be my favorite drama EVER! It has so many elements that I love in a story, yet something falls short. Now that it's over, I am a little disappointed, but not because it's bad. I think I am disappointed because I feel like it should have been so much better!

I will start with what I loved, which was the plot. The story is definitely one of the most original ones I've ever seen in a drama. It's creative. It's suspenseful. I never could anticipate what would happen next. In the beginning I was completely in awe! There was romance, mystery, action, and humor. I almost gave the story a perfect score, but there were too many minor holes, odd changes in direction, and confusing elements, that stopped me from doing that. There was also the fact that the drama started to lose it's charm as time went on, but I'm not convinced that was because of the plot.

This story revolves around Kang Chul, and I think Lee Jong Suk did a good job of bringing that character to life (see what I did there?), but there was something lacking for me. He had the charm down, he's easy on the eyes, and the action scenes were pretty good too, but the emotional scenes were lacking. That didn't make me dislike his performance, it just made me not feel as emotionally invested as I should have been. I know it's a webtoon, but he went through a lot, A WHOLE LOT, and he seemed to be way too cool throughout. That sorta worked because he is literally playing a 2 dimensional character, so I forgive him. Who I can't forgive as much is his costar.

Don't get me wrong, Han Hyo Joo is cute and likable as Yeon Joo. She looks great with the leading man, and the chemistry in their early scenes together are some of the highlights of the show. The problem is when the show goes from partial rom com to full on suspense thriller. Suddenly their romance goes from 1 to 1000, and the chemistry is replaced with overdramatic declarations of undying love. As cute as they were together, their romance doesn't make the most sense, and that's when her acting let me down. Every time she cried I felt nothing. Every time she was surprised I felt nothing. I felt a little bit of the longing when she missed him, but not that much. I liked the character, but I just couldn't connect to her emotions. I think this is why this drama failed to meet my expectations. I am a cry baby, and this story called for lots of tears, and I shed not a single one. It looked cool, and they looked cool together, but I wish I felt more emotionally tied to the characters.

My favorite character was actually the writer Oh Sung Moo. I think his story was the most interesting part of the whole drama. He was complicated, he was interesting, and he came the closest to making me feel any emotions. Kim Eui Seong was excellent, and the stand out! The rest of the supporting characters were great, and there were no real weak links. I loved the assistant artist so much - he was a hilarious sidekick. I also liked the reoccurring jokes with Yeon Joo's boss. I can't say that the acting was bad at all, but I just wished the emotional scenes were more believable. It takes more than tears to make emotions seem real.

The other thing about this show that impressed me were the visual effects. They were perfect when switching between the two worlds. Yes, it totally reminded me of the 80's music video "Take On Me", which is a classic, but I liked how seamless the cartoon world mixed with the real world - it was just the right amount of cheesy yet realistic.

How about that soundtrack? Umm... I can't remember a single song or melody, and I literally just finished watching it.

Would I watch it again? Sure. I wonder if a second viewing would make things clearer in certain parts. The suspense would be gone, but there are still enough entertaining parts to keep me engaged.

Overall, I think the creativity involved alone would make me recommend this drama to anyone, even though I feel like it didn't reach it's full potential. I blame that more on the leads than the plot, which was ambitious, but I've seen plots that made much less sense, and yet they still had a stronger emotional impact on me because of the actors. From beginning to end I was very intrigued, and I think the ending was great, but part of me is recasting in my head... Song Joong Ki or Jung Il Woo as Kang Chul? Kim Seul Gi as Yeon Joo? This is why I'm torn. Part of me liked it a lot, and part of me wants a do-over!

It's like I'm... torn between two worlds (See what I did there?) lol.

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Maybe it's because of my current mood, having had a really difficult year so far, but this has been the only drama that has been able to completely hold my interest until the end in a while. I had no expectations when I started watching. I wasn't even sure about what genre it was... mystery? romance? melodrama? All I knew is that from the very beginning it caught my interest, and kept me curious about what would happen between these two almost strangers with seemingly nothing in common.

First, I have to say that I was so impressed by UI in this role. There is no sign of a pop persona or cuteness. As Lee Ji An she is equal parts tragic, and bad@ss! Her poker face kept me guessing. Her tears broke my heart. Whether she was the villain or the hero in this story didn't matter to me. She really was a great and intriguing character. She's a survivor, with a huge and understandable chip on her shoulder, and UI did an amazing job.

Ui is matched with Lee Sun Kyun as Park Dong Hoon, who I've been a fan of since Coffee Prince. He is the "Ahjussi" obviously, and perfectly cast as an underdog character who you can't help but root for and crush on. In this role I am reminded of his charm while playing totally realistic and down to earth characters. I will admit he was my main reason for being curious about this drama in the first place, and he didn't disappoint.

The story mainly revolves around the relationship between Park Dong Hoon and Lee Ji An, but do not expect a traditional romance. I was actually afraid that the drama would take that turn, but instead it was truly a story about connecting with someone in a much deeper way. There are suspenseful actions that bring them together initially, and there is great, although often awkward, chemistry between them. By the end it's more about the ways they were able to affect each other's lives, a theme with all of the characters actually, and the quest for personal happiness.

Speaking of the rest of the characters, the entire cast is amazing. As much as I loved Dong Hoon's brothers, and loved to hate the loan shark, and the CEO, I really can't think of one weak character in the entire drama! Even the smallest roles were great! It would be easy to just see these characters as depressing, but it actually became comforting watching how they came together for each other. I also like that the characters were all imperfect, which made them all very relatable, including some of the most villainous characters. Each individual supporting character's story was interesting on it's own, which is a nice bonus to the story overall.

Eventually all the initial suspense in the story does give way to a more melodramatic feel, but the story stays strong until the end. It also feels like the story changes along with the characters, and since this is a character driven drama, it works well!

Would I watch this again? Definitely. Some of the initial intrigue would be gone, but there's enough substance to make the story worth rewatching. I also really enjoyed the soundtrack, and thought it matched the mood of the drama well.

Overall, despite it's often generally somber mood, I really enjoyed this drama a lot. This was a different kind of escapism for me. The kind that made me a little more grateful for the good, and the bad, the grief, the disappointments, the achievements, and the relationships we make in life along the way. I felt very empowered by the grandmother's words in the last episode, and that alone would make me recommend this drama. I also really loved the ending scene. I cried a lot during the last episode, which is a warning for those who don't want to be in their feelings watching a drama, but the tears actually felt healing. If you are looking for a drama with substance, I highly recommend this one. It may not be the genre I normally seek out, but it was exactly the drama I needed to see.

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I started watching this because I wanted to specifically watch a romance, and not something emotionally heavy. This definitely was the right choice for that kind of drama, though what I really liked about it was unexpected.

The story is extremely basic as far as romances go. There's nothing new about a pretty girl pretending to be her supposedly less attractive and insecure friend. There's nothing new about a second lead who has no chance with the main girl. There's definitely nothing new about a makeover, that you know is inevitable from the title alone. Dramas use clichés because they work. The romantic plot is far from original, but the love story is still very sweet.

What was unexpected is that the romantic chemistry is not the main thing that kept me watching. Hye Jin & Seong Jun make a cute couple, but I didn't like them much in the beginning. Seong Jun's abrasive personality, and borderline Asperger's social skills, were a bit of a turn off. He is a jerk so often that it was sometimes hard to actually like him. Hye Jin is the exact opposite. She is nice to a fault, and for the majority of the show she overreacts to any and everything wide eyed and very LOUDLY! She easily says "ottoke" well over a thousand times during this drama, which was becoming annoying, not endearing. Their chemistry, and backstory, does make up for it, but starts to get really extra cheesy in the last few episodes. If The romance alone carried the show It would have gotten old very quickly for me (even with the kissing scenes).

The relationships I actually loved more than the main romance were the friendships with the two supporting leads. Ha Ri and Hye Jin's friendship was so great to see. It felt good to see two friends love and support each other that much. Their friendship is what made watching the love triangle so engaging. I was more concerned with their friendship than with which girl would get the guy.

Then of course there is Si Won. I already read about him stealing the show in reviews before watching, but didn't really think much of his character at first, because he was so silly. After a while it was clear that he was not only the true star of this drama, but also hands down my favorite character. His scenes made me laugh (the "Jackson" thing was so funny to me) and broke my heart (had me literally tearing up). Soon I was more invested in his friendship with Hye Jin than the main couple. Whenever he wasn't on screen he was missed (Ironically I felt the exact opposite way about him in "The King of Dramas")

The rest of the cast was good, and I did like the staff at THE Most (especially the ridiculous Kim Ra Ra, who was consistently doing "the most"), so the scenes regarding the magazine were entertaining. The magazine plot does start to take up most (pun intended) of the show's time in later episodes, but there wasn't much to that story either. It was clear throughout this drama that they were trying their best to stretch the story out to fit 16 episodes - which of course means plenty of flashbacks, frustrating coincidences, and scenes meant to sell you a particular Nikon camera lol.

It's also been a while since I liked a soundtrack, and I liked this one. They even threw in the song from "A Tale of Two Sisters", for dramatic effect, which is one of my favorites. I'm also a fan of the Carpenters.

I don't know if I would rewatch anything more than specific scenes. There were just too many filler moments to make me want to watch the entire drama again. However, I did end up marathoning through it in 3 days (so it wasn't too boring), and I really did love the ending. Not only did I love the way they wrapped up what happened with all the characters, but the overall moral (about being supporting characters vs leads in our own life stories) really touched me.

Overall, As rom coms go, I was not disappointed. The plot is far from perfect, but characters were the driving force in this drama, not the story. Being predictable didn't stop me from wanting to watch it all happen anyway. If you watched "Kill Me, Heal Me" and wondered "what if..." then you may get a kick out of just seeing Hwang Jung Eum and Park Seo Joon together again. If you even slightly like Si Won, you should definitely watch him in his element. I hesitate to recommend "She was pretty" in general, because there's nothing extraordinary about it, but it still delivered what I expected it to in an entertaining way. Sometimes a simple love story, with some laughs, is all the drama you need.

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I really wanted to like this but it was just too corny for me. The only reason I wanted to watch this was for Park Sung Woong and he's barely in it. I saw good reviews and thought I'd give it a shot, but it's everything I've already seen in any show where a kid and an adult switch bodies, and I don't even think it was done well. This time there is a gangster in a chubby weak high schoolers body while the weak kid is in the body of the gangster. Most of the focus is on the teen which includes cliches about bullies and weight (even a "fat suit"). There is also a weird seemingly forced "romantic" storyline between the younger actors which just makes the story very awkward. They basically just stuck to the standard switching bodies formula for this one and I was not impressed with the result.

If I had to choose one saving grace in this whole film then I would say Jung Jin Young did a really good job with the role he was given, but his performance couldn't save the bad writing. The plot is completely unbelievable and super predictable so you have to really like Jin Young to like this one. The rest of the cast, besides Ra Mi Ran, is very forgettable. Even some actors I usually like didn't make any impression.

Overall you have to have a super high corny tolerance to enjoy this, or just love rewatching body switching shows no matter how overdone. It seems to be for younger less jaded audiences anyway, who get to see bullies get what they deserve and are a little more forgiving about plots that defy basic logic. There are just too many better body-switching stories out there for me to ever recommend this one.

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Will this finally be my gateway drug to CDrama?

I love dark comedies, and stories that present difficult subjects in unique and intriguing ways. Suicide and depression are topics that are difficult to appropriately address without going heavy on the melodrama but this drama succeeds in a refreshing way. This is also a super easy drama to binge since the 8 episodes are under 30 mins and that is exactly what I did one Sunday evening, ironically when a famous suicide in my area was just making the headlines. This drama made me laugh and empathize and reflect without being preachy or corny. It isn't perfect, but after watching so many disappointing dramas recently it was the best I have seen in quite a while. If this is what CDrama's are like, count me in!

It stars baby-faced Connor Leong as Mi Chong, a depressed almost 30 yr old who has plans for the perfect suicide that keep getting ruined by Vivienne Tien as the bold and unpredictable Zhi Liao. I won't say too much more about how they meet and what happens next, but the suicide attempts are worth mentioning just in case that's too much for some viewers. They have great chemistry from the very beginning, less in a cheesy romcom way (which I do love too) but more as just two quirky characters who influence each other. One of my favorite movies is "Fight Club", and they definitely gave me similar vibes to the narrator and Marla. "Definitely Not Today" also relies on narration much like "Fight Club", with some super creative visuals and animation that add to the uniqueness of the storytelling. Their relationship carries the whole drama, with only a few side characters of any importance, and I never grew tired of watching them together on screen. The story only slowed down for me when too many other characters, like the officer and brother, were introduced. The two main leads were all I cared about and a good example of being strong characters individually but even stronger together. Both balanced being hilarious and heartbreaking masterfully.

The rest of the cast is pretty forgetable or too generic... even the funny ones. Figaro Tseng was convincingly cast as her brother, but still forgettable because it's a relatively short appearance.

Would I watch this again? Definitely. In fact I definitely started watching it again... (wait for it)... today lol. It's so short and well-paced that it's easy to watch in one sitting. Where this story goes and how it ends is less impressive than how it starts. The ending does feel rushed and the villains just weren't as interesting as the leads, but just watching them face all the random (VERY random) things that came their way, and each other, was enough to keep me entertained throughout, along with the clever visuals. I can see myself wanting to watch this if I'm in a 'woe is me' mood. There's something oddly comforting and heartfelt about watching these messy characters and all the hijinx that ensues.

I have to thank AnQuat for this brilliant suggestion! I feel like I have a favorite CDrama now, even if it's only my first. (too soon? lol) Dark comedies may not be for everyone, but I love how that style of storytelling allows more freedom to not take even serious matters too seriously. I'm impressed by how much storytelling they packed into these short episodes too. There are some poetic reflections, maybe a tad too much diary entry style narration, and a few possibly triggering scenes, so it isn't only about laughs but it always stays true to its unique style even when somber, which makes me definitely recommend "Definitely Not Today". I wasn't moved enough to tear up but the writing, directing, and acting all impressed me. It was the perfect cure for my recent drama slump. I hope for more dramas like this!

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Great characters and direction make this drama!

"One Spring Night " is a hard drama for me to rate only because I have some American perspectives that contribute to my lower rating. This is a slower, slice of life paced drama, although the romance progresses pretty quickly, the overall pace of the drama does not. That could also be because although I was very invested in the characters I was less impressed with the actual plot. The stakes just didn't seem high enough for all the drama, to me, and things get repetitive quick. Still, I just couldn't stop watching this drama, and through all the frustrations while watching my fascination with the characters kept me hooked.

The cast is what makes this drama, especially the main couple. The story starts with a chance interaction between Jung Hae In as Yoo Ji Ho and Han Ji Min as Lee Jung In, and from their very first scene together I knew I would love their chemistry together. I admit that Jung Hae In is my favorite thing about this drama. His baby faced good looks and performance made it impossible to not root for Ji Ho no matter the circumstances. I adored all the subtle expressions he's so good at. I was really impressed by him from beginning to end. I also really liked seeing Han Ji Min in a more mature role than I've seen her in before. Her character was written to be annoying at times, but her performance was so great! I liked that she was so flawed, including her temper, and I love how real things felt between them... their flirting, their awkward glances, their tears, their fights, their romantic moments... all of it. Their conflicts and obstacles however felt too overexaggerated. This is the part that is likely a cultural thing but what is considered scandalous and taboo is just not a big deal to American me, and how characters reacted to Ji Ho's situation just seemed way too close minded. Also, the obsession with marriage seemed crazy! What I did love is the dynamic between all the characters and how they all connected, and that was way more interesting to me than any particular thing that happened or was revealed.

Kim Joon Han as Kwon Ki Seok also gives a great performance. He rounds out the main trio with a character that isn't very likable but is still sympathetic in a pathetic way. Yes, this story is absolutely about a love triangle, a pretty messy, and petty one. I like a love triangle done right, and performance-wise this drama does a good job, but Ki Seok's actions are ridiculous throughout. Some of his obsessive and delusional behavior made me almost want to skip scenes after a while. It was just too much for me. I preferred the more subtle scenes about how to navigate a love triangle amongst mutual friends and acquaintances than the traditional parents getting involved tropes or him . His stubbornness went from sympathetic to creepy quickly, and since that's a huge part of the story it made things drag more in the later episodes.

I loved the rest of the cast as well. All of them. Family, Friends, Coworkers, and Frenemies alike, and that super cute kid! I really felt like I got to know everyone to the point that no character really felt like a filler character after a while. I give more credit to the actors and director than the writer for that because some of the characters were written as more one-note in their actions. It was the performances that saved them from becoming complete caricatures. That's especially true for Lee Moo Saeng's role which I wish was given more depth since he represented heavy subject.

Speaking of the direction, I think it set the mood so perfectly. Even settings felt like characters I knew, the pharmacy, the apartment building with that cool staircase, the library, Jung In's hallway... the attention to certain details really made a difference. I loved the direction so much, especially how it gave insight to different character's perspectives too which highlighted their performances even more.

Another weak point in the writing was that I didn't much care for the side stories, which may have also been my American pov. Once certain things were revealed I felt they kept revisiting the same point over and over and I was bored by it after a while. The performances were fine, but I rather stick to the main story. Some scenes had depth without the characters having to say anything, so I think Ahn Pan Seok deserves a shout out for that .

Would I watch this again? Even though I did like this drama I would be too tempted to skip through a lot of the scenes in a second viewing (like every Dads plotting marriage scene, or her older sister's scenes). I would be more interested in watching certain performances and scenes more than rewatching the entire drama. I almost want to say that this drama should have been shorter, but I admit that by the end I was sad that it was over, and the ending is well done.

The music is also tough to review because although I liked the songs they were so distracting! Maybe that's because they were mostly in English, so much harder for me to tune out, but it also could be that they were played too loudly and too often. In some scenes the music felt jarring, and that took away from some moments that didn't need it.

Overall, I can see why this drama has such high ratings, especially if you're interested in a love story that isn't too stereotypical. I would recommend this drama to romance fans but don't expect any major plot developments or twists to drive the story. If you're not into the story by midway then you should probably drop it because it's just more of the same till the end. I personally appreciated the theme throughout of not taking the safe, boring, or expected road and following your heart instead, or not putting what's considered socially acceptable above what you feel is best for you. I felt inspired after watching, which I didn't expect, and I am glad I stuck through the slower parts. Also no, I did not watch "Something in the Rain" but for Jung Hae In and this director maybe I will... maybe... lol

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From the moment I started watching "The Game: Towards Zero" I was in love with the concept. The idea of a romantic thriller about a man who capitalizes off of being able to see when people will die seemed like an instant new favorite drama for me. In the beginning, the story definitely did live up to those expectations, and I was excited about each new episode. Unfortunately, the deeper into the story I got the more repetitive, predictable, and at times even boring this drama felt. This drama suffers from having a brilliant idea that I don't think they were sure what to do with, so what started as amazing ended up as just mediocre. Still, it's one of the most original dramas I've seen in a while.

I think I should start with the lead Ok Taec Yeon as Tae Pyung. I do think he did a good job in his role but since his character carries the entire drama, I wanted to love him more. He plays Tae Pyung as cool, and clever well but when things became more melodramatic and intense I felt less connected to him. I also wished I knew much more about his backstory which was treated more like an afterthought. He is matched with the equally cool, confident, and clever Lee Yun Hee as Seo Joon Young... the only person who's death he can't foresee. I think they make a great team in the beginning, especially when they are initially feeling each other out. I do think they lacked strong romantic chemistry though, which doesn't help when romance drives the story. It's not that I didn't like them together, I did. They had many moments together that I liked. It's that they lacked excitement, and even in the most heightened and emotional moments they were just too casual and cool with each other. It seemed like the plot had more passion than they did, although it also rushed something that didn't have enough time to develop.

I thought the rest of the cast was pretty good too. The officers, reporters, Tae Pyung's support team, and assorted bad guys all played their part well, but Im Joo Hwan definitely stands out as the best of the cast. His character was so complicated, and I think he did a great job of playing out the range of emotions required without being too overdramatic or unrealistic. I also love seeing him in duplicitous roles, which I think he excels at. More than the female lead, he felt like Tae Pyung's true match. I think they worked well off of each other. I also felt the same way about Jung Dong Hwan as Teacher Baek in his more supportive role. Still, I didn't love anyone in the cast enough to give the acting a higher rating.

As I already mentioned, it's the story that drew me in. Tae Pyung's dilemma about whether to stay a loner, the murder mystery, ruthless reporters, and revenge aspects of the story are super exciting for most of this drama. As the story progressed towards the ending I felt like there was a shift and that's when things started to drag and unfold as expected. There were also a lot of flashbacks, or rather flashforwards that started to feel overdone. I almost wish this drama had fewer episodes, and then maybe they would have trimmed more of the fat. I felt like I was just waiting for things to end like I knew it would which was completely different from the unpredictable feeling I had when I first started watching. The end also felt cheesy and way more melodramatic than the beginning, which added to my disappointment. Stronger character development and performances definitely would have helped.

Would I watch this again? Probably not, but I am curious if I would catch things that I missed the first time if I did. Maybe if I loved the main couple more I would, but I can't see myself watching every episode again unless I completely forget the plot over time.

Overall, this drama is pretty good but not as amazing as I thought it would be. The ending was decent, so I didn't feel like I wasted my time watching, and I like the theme about making the most out of your life in the moment instead of fixating on the end, but the writing seemed to sometimes defy all logic just to get to the ending they wanted. If you like crime thrillers I think the originality of the story makes it worth watching. If you're looking for a great romance I would probably skip this one, or at least put this lower down in your watchlist queue. If I had a power like Tae Pyung to see how this drama ended ahead of time I still would have watched it, but I really wanted it to be so much better.

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Most people who see this drama's synopsis will just assume it's another version of "Go Back Couple", and there are definitely major similarities, but I would still treat this as a completely different drama. I admit that this is what made me reluctant to watch myself until a friend recommended it. Without giving away too much, the premise is basically the same: A man who feels trapped in a miserable marriage gets the chance to go back in time and possible change his future for the better. It's a pretty common trope, but the cast really made this one not only entertaining to watch, but a story I really became invested in, in spite of it's pretty unbelievable premise.

One of the best things about this drama is the cast. Every lead and supporting character is exceptional, and makes this a great ensemble. Ji Sung plays the sensistive and passive male lead Cha Joo Hyuk and is matched with Han Ji Min as the extremely aggressive and tempermental Seo Woo Jin. They actually have amazing chemistry, but what they also do well is portray one of the most frustrating to watch couples in all of dramaland. You can probably find reasons to hate both of them, and definitely hate them together, but that's what makes this drama work so well. It really makes you think about what it can take to make a relationship work, and what makes it worth it... or not.

This drama doesn't just focus on the main couple's drama but there is also the entertaining characters working at the bank (I loved all of them), as well as Joo Hyuk's bffs and sister, Woo Jin's mom, and Joo Hyuk's crush. Part of the fun of this drama is how they all interact with each other even when things change. There's also a lot of comedy to keep the story from feeling too depressing, or heavy handed with nostalgia and regret. The whole cast really worked well together. There are also some pretty awesome cameos and references to other dramas that were maybe unecessary, but a nice touch.

I gave the story a slightly lower score, even though I was very entertained from beginning to end, because a lot of it is pretty implausible. It's best if you turn off your logical brain and enjoy the ride. I also had an issue with the mysterious homeless man character, who I really liked as well, but I wish his backstory was a bigger part of the story. However, the writer did do a good job of giving every character some time by the end so there didn't feel like there were any loose ends or unresolved stories.

Would I watch this again. Definitely. I admit that I was so annoyed by the main couple in the first episodes that I would love to rewatch it all with a different perspective. The cast alone is entertaining enough to make me enjoy watching it all again, plus I'm a sucker for stories about learning to appreciate your life even if it's imperfect. I also love "Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind", and the mood of this drama reminds me of that movie.

Overall this drama may not have made me cry like other turn back time dramas, but it's not exactly lighthearted either, and I loved how it presented a more realistic relationship with imperfect characters that I wasn't even sure I would want to see end up together in the end. I think thats what makes this familiar scenario stand out from the rest. Instead of the expected grass is not always greener storyline I felt like this was more about actively working to create the life you want while embracing the fact that it won't ever be perfect. I highly recommend this TwilightZoney drama. If I could go back in time I'd assure myself that this one is definitely worth watching. Also, it's a good reminder that happily ever after is in the eye of the beholder.

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I'll start this by confessing that I was addicted to Prison Break... That being said, this is an entertaining revenge thriller, with a great cast, and I think it stands on it's own in spite of the comparisons. I do think I am probably not as hyped about this as other viewers, but I understand the appeal.

First, Ji Sung is awesome, and perfectly cast as determined and righteous Prosecutor Park. If you are a fan of his, this is an automatic must see, because watching him go through all these revenge stages is the perfect showcase for his talent. His rival is Uhm Ki Joon who is also perfectly cast, and so extremely different from his Doctor character in "Scent of a Woman", that I was extra impressed. That's all I will say about his acting, because part of the fun for me was watching it all unfold knowing nothing. I think together they make this epic rivalry work extremely well.

So I don't think it's a spoiler at all to say that obviously Ji Sung ends up in prison, and equally impressive are his cell mates. Each character was interesting, entertaining, and made me really care about them, and their own stories. The bromance levels are pretty epic. The support they had for each other made me laugh and brought me to tears. I have no complaints about the cast at all, the wives, the kid, the mom in law, the brother in law... everyone is great, but the prisoners in the story were the definite highlight for me.

The story is hard to comment on without giving away more than I want to, but this is a straight up revenge based crime thriller. There are comedy elements because of the characters and situations, but the story is all crime based... murder, betrayal, retaliation, conspiracies, emotional torture, sociopaths, and obligatory amnesia... so if you are looking for something lighthearted or romantic this is definitely NOT the drama you want.

My story score is a little lower than others, not because the story is bad, but it isn't necessarily original. Like most revenge thrillers, most of the story is based on waiting to see if the villain(s) will get their due. This story is pretty standard in that respect, and some parts of the plot take a while to be revealed, so I was not as excited by the story as others who are less used to these types of shows. I was hoping for some unique and unexpected elements to be revealed, maybe some romance, or anything to make the story a little less standard.  It doesn't quite drag, but there's something very basic about the plot that kept me from loving the show more.  

Would I watch this again? Maybe. Certainly the cast is entertaining, and the story is meticulous enough to maybe catch something I missed in a second viewing. However, without extreme excitement during the first viewing, I don't know how likely that would be.

The music is basically dominated by "You're just to good to be true" basically becoming one of the character's theme song, which was a nice touch. The rest of it was pretty standard, but works.

Overall, If you are interested in a straight crime drama, this is extremely well done, and highly recommended. The cliffhanger aspect makes binge watching awesome! The end is satisfying, and doesn't feel rushed, dragged out, or contrived. Ji Sung is an easy actor to root for, so fans of his will no doubt enjoy him in this role. So, while it's not my favorite in the universal prison escape drama pantheon, or even among my favorite dramas, I would agree that it's a must watch for this genre.

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Queen of Ambition made me feel so many feelings... mostly frustration and anger... and I loved every minute of it!

First off, I love villains! I find them fascinating, which makes this the perfect drama for me. I'm also a sucker for a good revenge story. Based on the title alone, I had a feeling about what I should expect, and I still was not at all prepared for all the twists and turns! The lead character goes waaaay beyond normal ambition, and the situations in this drama caused me to yell and curse at the screen so many times. This is a MAKJANG in all caps, and a super addictive one. It caught my interest from the very beginning, and as the story progressed it just kept topping itself. It's part love story, part revenge thriller, and part one woman "House of Cards"! Of course reality police could pick apart every unrealistic moment, but when it comes to melodrama, it doesn't matter if it's unrealistic, it only matters that it works, and everything in this drama works! A large part of the credit for making it all work so well should go to the cast.

I will start with Kwon Sang Woo, who won me over with his lisp, and his admirable back muscles, but most of all made me fall in complete love with Ha Ryu. His heartbreaking character goes through so much during the course of the show, and I believed every moment of it. He did initially seem too old to be college aged in the beginning, but he was such a good actor that I didn't care. He handled romance, tears, action, sweetness, comedy, and tragedy effortlessly. I definitely will check out more of his dramas in the future. I also thought he was a good match for Soo Ae, and it's hard to have a convincing love story with someone so unlikeable.

Now, Just to be clear, this drama's main character is a sociopath. I am not saying that as a spoiler, but as a warning for viewers who may not realize what they are getting into. Soo Ae plays the notorious Joo Da Hae, a name I won't be able to forget for a long time. I can almost guarantee that you will not like her, and I have to give Soo Ae credit for making her so good at being bad. I do have some problems with her performance. I can barely recognize her as the girl from "9 End 2 Outs", which I loved, but that could be because it was a different genre. Her character is closer to her role in "Mask" (same genre) in which she mostly looks zoned out and depressed. I think the depressed stare works for this character too, I mean she is a sociopath, but she would also do this wide eyed deer-caught-in-headlights look constantly throughout the show that would literally drive me insane. I know that part of this type of drama is a small element of over acting, but the rest of the cast managed to be pretty realistic. The entire supporting cast was awesome (including super cute Go Joon Hee, and super hot Lee Jae Yoon), so her bad acting moments stuck out. I also think she missed a lot of opportunities to make her character sympathetic due to her acting, because the writers definitely tried on their part.

The story definitely gets a 10. It starts with a suspenseful moment, and for 23 unpredictable episodes tells you the backstory that lead to that moment, without any real plot holes, and without boring me even a little bit. It's also not all anger and tears, there are funny and touching moments as well, for much needed balance. Then the final episode packs in a lot, without feeling rushed, and without leaving me feeling cheated. The ending also made me ugly cry. I can see how some people may have been disappointed, but I thought it ended things beautifully.

Would I rewatch this? Without the suspense element, the show would lose some of it's appeal, but watching each unbelievable moment again would be entertaining enough.

I would recommend this drama highly, especially to revenge thriller fans, but with a disclaimer. This drama is the complete opposite of happy escapism. This is the kind of love story that will make you want to avoid love like the plague. This is the drama equivalent of driving slowly past an tragic accident, when you know what your are seeing is horribly tragic, but still you can't look away. A good alternative title might be "Oh No She Didn't", or "WTF". If you're ok with this, and can kinda appreciate it when bad guys win, put this drama on the top of your "to watch" queue. The score on MDL definitely doesn't do it justice. Seriously, the 24 episodes will fly by! It's probably best to watch it with someone else, so you can curse at the screen together!

I will definitely have to watch something happier next. The good thing is, most dramas will be much happier in comparison. I was looking for a drama to scratch my melodrama itch, and this definitely did, and more! It will be a nice dark addition to my favorites list.

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