With a love triangle trope, there has to be rules – a clear winner that the audience can root for.
Up until the penultimate episode, the show consistently guided viewers to believe the student council president would be the one in a romantic relationship. Every time he and Tae shared a scene, they played that tinkling, swoony music.The show's pacing was awful; spending almost the entire runtime developing the main character's relationship with one person, only for them to abruptly switch affections to another, makes no sense. It's hard to believe, and by then, I’d mentally checked out.
I was so mad for cute, adorable and loyal Shinwoo – he deserved better than to be Tae’s “settled for” choice.
And it seems like lately, with every BL, they have to throw in the meanest girl. They got under my skin like they wanted, but it'd be cool if the only female character wasn't just a drama prop.
Honestly, the plot didn't do much for me, but the acting was so good it made me stick around. I loved how honest Tae was. He just blurted out whatever he was thinking. And I loved how determined Shinwoo was to win his guy.
Namgung was definitely my favorite character. This funny side character was such a nice change of pace! I'm pretty sure he had the most lines on the whole show.
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Not a comfort watch – but brilliantly acted.
Perhaps I'm unable to appreciate it like other reviewers, as I didn't find it to be the masterpiece many claim.
While the acting was spot on by the main leads, the plot didn’t give me a moment of relaxation.
In every episode, I anticipated the ending to be a K-trauma!
The depression aspect was handled well, but I did wish for a better ending that felt well rounded and satisfying. I could say it had a HFN (happy for now) finish. I’m one of the few that don’t want a season 2 for this show, if there was a chance of it. The writer would only throw more angst at another season, and I don’t think my little snowflake heart could take it. lol.
It was a very deep, moving show, and I really enjoyed how the male leads depicted their roles.
And what absolute cuties they were!
Though, I’m positive the writer and director collected the most irritating, punchable support characters. Every episode, I was more irked by those secondary characters than ever before. And why must a writer redeem the most prickish character in the finale? It’s not needed. Don't try to alter my perception of him with a brief, insignificant comment at the end after making me hate him all series. Allow the antagonists to remain unappealing.
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This review may contain spoilers
This small town drama was a warm hug wrapped in a mug of the sweetest hot chocolate.
The male leads were so endearing; they were two of the nicest characters. Besides being attractive, they were also so lovable. Won Young in particular. When his lies caught up with him, he did everything he could to fix it and get Tae Joon back. I loved that about him; even when he was having a rough time at work, he never gave up on what he loved.By now, you never expect much from the intimate scenes in a K-BL, it’s rare to get even a good kissing scene, and the kisses in ULS were almost non-existent, just two lips pressed together, not moving. Seriously, I’ve had better kisses with my boyband posters in my teenage bedroom lol – BUT, they shared some great hugs. Tae Joon is a great hug giver. And really, I didn’t even need the kissing, the fluffiest, paced show stood on its own merit and didn’t need NC scenes to carry it. And you know those hand holding moments will always be heart flutteringly good!
Having watched The Time of Fever first, I was excited to see Ho Tae and Dong Hui again, assuming they’d be a couple now because ULS was set some time after their prequel show ended, imagine my surprise that never happened! All we saw was sweet, adorable, clingy Ho Tae getting turned down or smacked around. I really felt for him. Seriously, if that doesn't warrant a whole new series to fix it, what does? Every time they were on screen together, I kept waiting for a sign that things would get better between them, but it just never happened. As a viewer/reader, I enjoy stories that conclude with a definite happy ending. Ambiguity leaves me feeling unsatisfied – so for the second ML’s, I did want more because they had great screen chemistry.
Overall, a beautiful show with a gorgeous backdrop scenery.
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Coming of Age sweetness.
I'm not entirely sure what specific aspect of this drama has resonated so deeply with me, yet I found myself completely captivated from the very first episode. I have a particular preference for 'slice of life' dramas, wherein the plot's progression is minimal, yet character development is notably emphasized. I didn’t even mind that there was little to no BL in this BL show. I figured the producers were banking on making a season 2 to include that slow burn progression, but having looked on Google to see S2 was cancelled, I’m super bummed because it would have been awesome to watch Sheng Wang and Jian Tian fall in love in real time. Because of that, I turned to reading their novel (not finished yet) but ohhhh, it would have been so good on the screen. These boys are so sweet and so in love with each other! (still holding out hope we get a S2 somehow!)I’d still recommend this show to any BL fan. The subtle way Tian will do just about anything for Sheng Wang and how Sheng Wang was always gravitating toward the cold boy.
I enjoyed the support cast too.
Though, he’s somewhat cast in the antagonist role, I did feel bad for Qi Jia Hao. He’s the typical overachiever and can’t accept when he’s not top of the class, becoming resentful.
Also, color me rainbow shocked that the substitute teachers weren’t in a secret relationship. The entire time I thought they were!
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It had a lot of potential but missed the mark several times.
I’ve found Korean BLs are either exceptionally wonderful or they just fall flat as pancakes.Sadly, Heart Stain, for me, fell into the latter.
It had so much potential, the basis of a good storyline was there, but it just never had enough room to grow with so few episodes (please, for the love of the baby jesus’ roller-skates, give K-Bls more episodes, begging on my knees!)
And if there was any romantic spark between the main actors, I completely missed it. I hate time jumps too, especially when nothing seems different.
I’ll end on a good note, and say it wasn’t a terrible watch, it had some cute moments (not talking about you, creepy vibes teacher!) and I liked the friend group.
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There’s no doubt KinnPorsche is compelling viewing.
I keep a list of every Asian drama I watch and I like to make little notes, to remember how I vibed with a show.Here are the notes I took down for KinnPorsche:
Good production and acting from the main cast.
Hot believable kisses and NCs.
Porsche is sexy af.
Didn’t like them being with other people yet thinking of each other.
The dead fish and watching porn scenes with Tankhurn was hilarious!
The handcuffed together was the best episode.
Standout characters for me were Porsche – adorable Porchay – Tankhurn (he made the show for me! Not as crazy as he was made out to be, always had the feel for what was wrong with people)
I dug how this mafia family was split, like, into a higher and lower part, and they were kinda on the same team but also rivals. The concept of the higher family training a school of bodyguards within the mansion walls was novel to me, immediately capturing my interest.
While I felt some plots went total left field ( looking at you, Vegas, you crazy mofo. Still don’t know how Pete can fall for him after having his nuts electrocuted) the overall show was enjoyable, with layered secrets that brought about the climax of the show. It was all beautifully shot ( the hot tub scene… wowza! )
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Gentle and fluffy.
The plot and characters were cute in a fluffy, don’t take it too serious, kind of way. Jung Gi Seop Was the most innocent HIMBO, but you know he’s going to love Jin U so well.I think it was the first time ever that I liked the second couple so much more. Their story was more compelling and should have been main leads. I feel robbed we didn’t get a comprehensive finish for them, and there’s no updates about a series for them, so I’m guessing we just use our imaginations to make them a couple.
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terribly bad yet compelling viewing!
This has to be the cheesiest mafia romance in all of history, and yet I never once thought of dropping it. In fact, I couldn’t get it into my eyes fast enough to see what trashy plots the show would throw at us next lol.Though smol, Kamol was the most endearing gangster and I would have absolutely fallen under his aura. Plus, he had pet tigers! (I still can’t decide if they were animatronics) Though the show had many cringy characters (I’m looking at you, Danil) I think it was Kim who was my least favorite. I get the push-pull aspect of the plot, but being combative went on for far too many episodes for my tastes. Kamol should have put him in chains much more.
Speaking of. I would have liked the show to expand on the BDSM aspect of the plot.
But you could not have flabbered my gasters more when that random bodyguard threesome was airlifted into the scene out of nowhere. I was cackling like a witch. Nothing surprises me with NCs, but had I been wearing plastic pearls, I would have been clutching them.
If you want an unserious show to waste some hours on, I’d rec this one. Sometimes you need to eat a plate of something bad for you just for the fun of it.
As always, my review is for the plot only and the vibes it gave me - I thoroughly enjoyed the acting from everyone, especially Yoon.
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For the fans of food, singing and green forest MLs!
Well call me a new fan!This was such a cosy, feel-good drama that was honestly like a warm hug from beginning to end.
Oh my gosh. How I appreciated how low-angst the entire story was.
There’s no constant unnecessary drama or frustrating misunderstandings, and instead we get to watch the male lead being completely devoted and quietly yearning for the female lead. He was so sweet and patient, while she was just genuinely lovely and adorable. Their relationship was such a joy to watch.
Sometimes you just need this kind of drama. It’s all one pace, no jump scares, no angry moments, just sweetness.
The friendship group was another favourite of mine. They had such a close connection, and you could really feel how comfortable they all were with each other. I loved seeing their friendships develop alongside the romance, and it made the drama feel even warmer and more wholesome.
One thing I really wasn’t expecting to enjoy so much was learning about the world of voice acting. It was genuinely interesting seeing what goes on behind the scenes and how much work, skill, and passion go into it. I can appreciate when I know a show has been dubbed now. The episode when the voice acting group celebrated their 10th anniversary was honestly spectacular to see a live action stage production alongside voice dubbing. so well performed by all!
The drama also had so much singing; the OST is great, and if you’re a foodie, this is a show for you, our doctor man does all the cooking like a pro. I honestly would have fallen in love if he cooked that much for me lol
Between the music, food and cosy atmosphere, it was basically comfort viewing at its finest.
Overall, Love Me, Love My Voice brought me so much feel-good happiness. It's nice, mild, romantic, and warm, and sometimes that's precisely what you want from a drama. Looking for something heartwarming, and low on drama, with a sweet romance, great friends, beautiful tunes, and lots of cozy vibes? I highly suggest it!
Now I’m a new fan of Tan Jian Ci and need to watch all of his shows immediately! Mo Qing Cheng is the very definition of the gentlest, most patient, and adoring green forest leading man. I flipping loved every scene he was in. And those coaxing kisses….whew!!!
PS: Sidenote – I’m so glad I looked up my nagging thought about Mu Mu and Wang Ke. It seems I’m not the only viewer who definitely caught “couple vibes” from them both!! Even if the show didn’t/couldn’t include a gay couple, I will always see them as such whenever I think of this darling show.
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The Sun from Another Star Special Episode
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Find a man who will slap ghosts for you!
Oh, Arthit, the man that you are!Fun fact: I was never keen on Arthit in the first series. I found him egotistical and brash. That changed once we saw him fall in love with Daotok. How that sweet boy became Arthit’s entire sun, stars, and universe.
As I said in my Besides the Sky special episode review, I feel blessed that we got one more episode from these wonderful characters. Seeing how much they still love each other and would do anything for the other’s happiness warms my romance-loving heart, because with any wonderful show and excellent characters, I easily get attached.
I loved this special episode – it’s actually my favorite of them all – and I will always think fondly of this world and go back to it for re-watches.
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Now we say goodbye for real this time.
Cute! Cute! Cute!How many times have we said ‘goodbye’ to these characters now?
Still, I could watch these slice-of-life episodes forever because I grew attached to Tonfah and Phoon.
It’s always sad to let characters go back to the book once a show is over, but we know these two will always have devoted love for each other.
I feel spoiled that we were given this special episode.
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I go on vibes and this office romance brought them all!
Reading some reviews, I see this show wasn’t to everyone’s tastes.But for me, this was an office romance that hit just right!
It wasn’t overly dramatic; the pace and flow were done so well. And when conflict between the couple cropped up, it was resolved so soon, most often the very next episode! I can’t express my joy for that, when usually, the writers draw that out so much it becomes an utter drag to watch. So, all my hats are off to them for not relying on needless emotional conflict.
What I also appreciated as a watcher of romances in all genres and tropes, is that they had so much open communication. Another rarity! Feelings were confessed, thoughts, inner fears and insecurities were discussed! I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, as we’re used to – there is always an episode before the end that everything goes to hell and your heart is dragged through the angst.
But it never came!
The finale was so sweet and lovely.
I can understand why this office romance wasn’t for everyone, but this one felt like it was written for me specially, lol.
I adore the MMC and his low lidded dreamy, yearning eyes.
And now I’m a fan of the FMC, too.
A side note to say I loved the supporting cast, especially the work task force. Those twists when we were led to believe two of them were being snakes and then they were not all along – fantastic!
A notable mention for the reverse age gap side story with the second couple. One of my fave tropes, so I enjoyed this immensely.
And because I’ve mentioned things being rare several times, I’ll close my review by mentioning how great it was that his ex-wife was lovely and supportive! Not a lick of drama from her.
An all-around gentle and heartwarming drama I will absolutely watch again.
Low angst, minimal unnecessary drama, and adorable characters.
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Good - but I would have loved more romance.
I have several thoughts about this show.I will start by saying that overall, I found it enjoyable.
It was acted so well by all the cast.
Slices of life dramas are on my top watch lists, so this was going to check my boxes. I’ve enjoyed Yang Yang’s shows before, so that’s why I initially tuned in, and I was persuaded with several clips on social media. But I soon found out the FMC was so nice, too. My kind of heroine – calm, non-toxic, and not chaotic at all. She was great! And I’d definitely watch this actress in other things now I’m aware of her talent. She did the chasing and had the yearning eyes, which was a lovely change!
Things that were not to my taste were that the show focused a lot, and I mean a lot, on their jobs. I feel like I came away with skills on how the fire service and medical areas work. Tap me in, boss, I’m ready to hold a fire hose! And while some scenes and plotlines regarding their jobs, for me, went on too long, I enjoyed seeing the lead characters in these roles. I love a take-charge person, and they both fit into those roles perfectly.
The male leads family was so good. Supportive and loving, I enjoyed all their scenes.
The supporting firefighters cast was equally great, love when there is a brotherhood vibe around a show. Those guys loved their captain.
There was so much push and pull when it focused on the romance aspect, and sometimes we had to wait so many episodes to even get a glimpse of the potential for romance. But when the leads were finally on the same page, I was basking in the love they had for each other. Especially MMC. He was all in and so supportive and understanding of the demon family-in-law.
There is a scene where he rescued mom-in-law. Dude is a better person than I am, because I would have left her bossy ass right there LOL.
Now, to what irked me a lot.
The brother with his weird, obsessive attachment to the FMC. Okay, I’ve been on board with step-sibling romances before; it’s a trope that doesn’t bother me. If it’s done right. And what I found was, they were raised together from small children, so naturally you would put that person in a sibling role in your mind; it wasn’t like she was brought into his household as a grown teen. Him having those feelings for her icked me a little because of how it was portrayed. Bro was super obsessed, but in a cold, aloof way. And usually, cold and aloof MMCs are my jam, but creepy bro didn’t work for me. It went for him that he never pushed his feelings onto the FMC; he just tried to control who she dated, which made him quite like the tyrant mother. I felt bad that he didn’t get his own happy ending, but he eventually stood up to the family, so yay, creepy bro.
.
And to my last point. I’ve watched so many Asian dramas with horrid parents that most often ruin the entire drama for me. Oof. This mom controlled the FMC (and the creepy bro) with an iron fist that I wanted to kung fu the telly every time she appeared! She was so much worse than the shrew, yelling, violent parents, because her gaslighting and manipulating came with a calm exterior. I hated her from start to finish, and to a point; I was irked by the custard spine the FMC had around her. Thankfully, she stood up to her by the end, but it’s a torturous wait for that moment. I know it’s cultural how parents have so much say in who the children marry, so I do try to take that into account when I’m boiling hot with rage at some of the antics lol. But this mom was awful going on about different classes, when she should have been rejoicing this lovely, perfect guy would have done anything for the daughter. She was just a right snob.
Would I watch this show again? Yep. If I was in a Yang Yang mood, but I’d fast forward through the mom scenes and some of the work related plots.
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It pains me to rate a Miles Wei show so low!
I cut my Chinese drama teeth on Miles Wei dramas and completely fell in love with the kind of characters he played. So stoic and businesslike. So, to not be 10/10 in love with this show, I feel like sulking in the corner.
The male lead was such a gentle soul, a green flag, though he got up to some lying and trickery; at his heart was a deep-rooted love for his school crush. I'm a fan, so of course, he stole every scene with his yearning eyes.
If I could base my rating solely on the acting of both the leads and the secondary cast, I would definitely give them 10! I had zero complaints about the acting. They did the best job with a subpar script.
But was it the writers' first day on the job? They dragged this plot so much that I almost lost the will to live at certain points.
Some parts were so enjoyable. I appreciated how gentle and show-growing it was, but other parts were just so left field, like they'd forgotten where they were supposed to take the story.
How gorgeous was the female lead’s apartment? The aesthetic was so warm and cozy.
It was my first time watching anything from this actress, and I loved her calm, sweet demeanor. I will definitely watch more from her in the future.
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Worth it for the great actors!
Two of my favorite actors, but I felt like the affection was so awkward. I don’t know if it was because of their height difference and Rowoon had to kind of hunch over Jo Boah.I was still fixed to the storyline, though. Past lovers are always a good plotline in my opinion.
Mostly because I was flabbergasted the MMC would have a girlfriend for soooo many episodes, right up until ep 11! I know this differed from an actual cheating trope because he didn’t have feelings for the girl, but she got on my last nerve, always interfering and just being there! Like one conversation, dude and she would have been rid of. The MMC was super passive throughout, especially with his father.
I liked the second male lead, but even he had his moments of just getting in the way. It’s lazy plot bunnies and this story didn't need that many cliffhangers.
(Notable mention to the work colleagues' sideline relationship! So cute.)
Overall, I enjoyed it, would watch it again, and would recommend it.
If only to see the bloody hand which was oddly erotic lol.
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