yuebing25

Worth the risk of watching ghosts if you hate horror like me :)

Another dark magic romance that was worth it! I have always loved this genre as much as I hate horror but the chemistry and world are worth it.

The story is pretty good. There are unexpected twists in the drama, but nothing too much to blow your mind. There are jumpscares but you know it coming so it's fine. As for the story itself, I think as a novel, it's way better than the series. So many lines and paragraphs become just a scene where you miss out a lot of details because you are focused on the characters. I personally liked the ending, maybe because that decreases the scare and fear of the ghost. Lowkey grateful; plus points for that 😭 Honestly, I really liked the ghost, maybe even more than the main leads I'll say 😂 She was a more complex and emotional than the lead characters. When it comes to Paran, with all due respect, I hated him a lot because of the way he kept going hot and cold with Khem. Like come on man! What the hell? But this love story was definitely the kind that you know it's blaring red flags, but you still want them together because 'basically' he isn't all bad; just bad at expressing and all🙄 I was as frustrated on myself as I was on Paran. Khemjira simply put is a good human with a wretched fate. Nothing more honestly. But their love story didn't feel anything more than just love at first sight, a crush. The next memorable character is Jet. I LOVED HIM! Seriously! His character is the most genuine and solid of all. And though Charn logic pissed me off from time to time, I liked him too. This pair had a good love story that made more sense. Grandma Si and Khem's mother were also favourites of mine. Thong and Ake were adorable characters too.

The cast was real good. Especially the two lead pairs. Khem and Paran were so well played by Namping and Keng! Both there acting skills are amazing. Though I'd say, they could cry better. They did not have it to be emotional enough. But the biggest plus point? KengNamping is one of the best pairings out there, period. Because all they have to do is look at each other and you are already swooning 😭 That is the main reason why, even if Paran was giving mixed signals and unintentionally hurting Khem, I couldn't let go of my desire to see them together. They just make sense together. The kind that makes your heart smile and relax when they're together and clench and sink when they aren't. If this chemistry is just onscreen, I must say, they deserve a standing ovation for that. Then comes FirstOne as Jet. This might be the best actor of the lot. Every emotion, every nuance, you see it written all over his face. He makes you feel exactly the same as him. Especially the scenes where he was spying his ship, I actually felt I was with my bestie giggling over a random couple. Loved his acting 🥹 And of course Tle as Charn did a very good job, portraying the stable character who was the typical nerd and a calm anchor. Again, this pair goes soooo well! I just cannot 😭 Love to see them together. Even if they're chemistry isn't as overwhelming as the main leads, they have a strong bond. Green as Rampeung was a very good choice. She's so gorgeous but also an amazing actress. I sympathized soo many times; yes, I sympathized with a ghost ✋️ Also loved other casts like Noknoi Uraiporn as Grandma Si, Om Manita as Khem's mother and Udon and Ryuji as Thong and Ake.

Music was great! The intro Phap Man? Damn! That was one insane! Awesome song. Aof Surapol, you're voice is amazing! I really really loved it! The traditional elements of the song are so beautiful. Feels home and makes me want to do classsical dance!

The drama did feel a bit out of concept at times though. Suddenly the shift was towards the romance alone in between and you wonder where Rampeung is while these people have the audacity to think of love in between 😂 It was really slow and painful to see misunderstandings grow. Too slow. Then I had a big doubt. The ghost says this would be her last kill and she would be satisfied after that. So I wondered why this time? Won't he reincarnate again? Why stop now? Don't you mind the soul of you 'enemy' freely living next lifetime? I also did not understand why the monk waited all along? I mean, all that 'she had to understand, he had to lose power, he had to give up' thing...didn't get the logic. Yah, there are plot holes.

Overall, this series is a good Thai drama. It has it all - good genre, acting and cast and one of the best chemistries out there. But the story could have been more complex and deep. I'll rewatch it again someday. Worth watching. Grateful I put my fear of ghosts aside to finally watch it!

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King of it's Kind!

My my my...WHAT A DRAMA! I have never seen anything of this sort before. As someone who is seriously against red flags and the entire manipulation thing, this drama shook my morals at least a good couple of times.

Fan Xiao-a, Fan Xiao, WHAT A MAN YOU ARE! I have no idea why I was watching you ruin a good human's life. Because honestly, I know clearly I was never on your side till the end, but I still couldn't help but want you next to You Shulang, at least a bit. Every second was a ticking bomb because I couldn't wait for your ridiculous plan to be revealed. But I must say, the second half into the groveling and redeeming was so satisfying and pleasing, not just because you had it coming, but also because I could finally, whole heartedly support you instead of fighting myself. I was just waiting for that. Fan Xiao is the kind of morally grey person with a solid backstory that has enough points to side him if you tried. I definitely wouldn't blame him for the break up of You Shulang with his ex or brother. But I just cannot with the entire "I'm the one who'll leave him once I'm done". Yes, he couldn't accept that goodness could exist because of what he's been through. But that gives him no license to mess up someone's life for fun. Yun Qi is a very good actor with real potential. Can we have another drama of him as a dom? Please? 😭
Now towards one of my favorite characters of all time, You Shulang. THIS IS WHAT I WANT IN A BL. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR. Not a soft, obviously feminine, trying too hard, damsel in distress. But a strong, genuinely good human being - capable, smart, kind and every other possible good trait you could find in a human who tries to live his best possible life, no matter how hard life is. He's not an angel, not a sweetheart who's all sunshine. He is a boss who can beat you up without batting an eye if you crossed the line. Evident from how he doesn't break after being molested or knowing Fan Xiao's truth. I was all in for it!!! Altogether, I have to say he didn't deserve the pain he went through. But I don't know how he still has that good heart to love again. I mean, that part takes a lot of strength. And yes, Fan Xiao did change a lot (bless that) but ya, needs courage and a big heart to trust again. Hao Yiran, hats off to all that wonderful acting! It surely would have been so draining but thank you for sticking through 😭🙏

And I've heard from those who have read the novel that the redemption arc was a bit sped up and I agree with them. An extra episode or two wouldn't have felt like a lag 😁👍🏻 The chemistry between them? FIRE, LITERALLY FIRE! To think so much of skin is shown on a Chinese BL, DAMN! I don't even know why I went weak in my knees for the entire bodhisattva and the pendant thing 🫣 YES! The sparks were there from the beginning and it had already started to spill wayy before it finally burst. Good good good 😁

Side characters were good, not too much, but played their part. There wasn't much on the music side either. None caught my attention, also might partly be because my entire focus was on the story and acting.

Must say, you are a outstanding author, Su Er Liang! I seriously hope that someday, I can read the original novel - 'Si Mian Fu'. The direction by Ou Tan Kai that brought this world to life, is truly remarkable. The lighting was great. Loved it! Grateful for this work.

In a nutshell, Fan Xiao and You Shulang would definitely be the icons of 2025 BL dramas and for me, the best of all the manipulation dramas I've seen in a BL. Will never forget them! This is the kind of dynamic I want, a strong top and bottom 💪 And since as of recent, the whole morally grey, black flag trope is on the rise in the BL world, it would take quite a lot for another drama to dethrone this. To my shore has set the bar high!

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Best BL I've watched!

GOODNESS MEEEE!!! THIS IS A BOMBLASTIC DRAMA! FIRE!

Me and Thee (or Get a grip, Khun Thee) is a REALLY good drama, I must say. I never knew I liked overdramatic people THIS much 😭 Nor did I expect myself to love over the top gestures of love 😭 But now that I know, I don't think we're settling for anything far less from this 😭

Every scene is more hilarious than the other. You never get bored! It's not all comedy though. The perfect balance of exaggeration and seriousness. A crazy drama with very grounded undertone. Beautiful!

This drama is LITERALLY PondPhuwin in their element. Pond just feels like Khun Thee himself and Phuwin? HE IS PEACH, no doubt, no argument, PERIOD. Every single moment, whether it's the meeting or falling in love or being together, they just feel like they were meant to be together. Match made in heaven, exactly what the missing piece in each other's life was. Yes, Theerakit Kian Lee is crazy, but it's in the best wayyy! T_T LOVED HIM! Pond did such a great job to portray this role, his acting skills are amazing! And Peach...he is this calm in the storm, the peace and reasoning WE need in this drama, not just Thee. Phuwin has this natural steadiness to himself, that's why I said, Peach would be the closet to his true self, at least from an onlookers perspective.

The side characters are INSANE. EST SUPHA! The man you are! He is literally the most accurate feedback page for every scene you can access. Because his expressions and reactions, ALL SO CORRECT 😭😭😭 He is the perfect comedian - straight faced that'll make u laugh till your stomach hurts with just his reactions. Loved his role. His acting is spectacular. And as a fan of WilliamEst, I freaking loved the cameo of William as Rome.

P'Godja is another big part to the funny scenes. She is such a versatile actress, great talent. Bonnie! I love her so muchhhh!! I cannot wait to watch another drama of hers. Plub is the best sister I have seen in a while. And the one of the most genuine humans. Especially that scene of Peach and Plub's conversation, that is the most healing and comforting scene I've watched in years! That was such an authentic and soft scene, it touched my heart. I couldn't stop nodding and agreeing with every word she said. Both Phuwin and Bonnie did a fantastic job there and it's going to be a scene that stays with me forever!

MUSIC! Sound and music in this drama are casts of their own. Without it, this drama literally loses quarter of its total score. Honestly, those dramatic scenes got that extra punch with the sound. And I cannot tell you how much I liked it!! Thank you to the director and everyone on the sound team. The musical scene in between reminded me of Indian movies 😂 That was SO iconic. Then again, what about Khun Thee is not iconic 😌😏

At first glance, this drama seems like a cringe sitcom. But when you're done watching, you are left confused about how, despite every episode making you laugh, every scene being either a logical impossibility or you face palming or having second hand embarrassment, it feels like a warm hug that heals your heart. This drama is a bandage to the wounds you never knew existed. A cozy drama you can turn to whenever life gets too hard. Comfort drama list approved!

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Binge watch worthy

It's worth the time you spend on it. This 12 episodic series, you could finish it in a day. It definitely deserves 8/10.

The biggest pro of this drama is the cast and its acting.
Starting with the main leads, IU and Byeon Wooseok, to the side characters, everyone is such a fabulous actor/actress. Every emotion, every nuance, every little look and tone - they come straight at your heart. This drama didn't have too many ups and downs. But the little it did, one could feel the tension, the happiness, the pain.

It had been a long time since I saw a drama where I could clearly see the actors falling in love. This drama fulfilled that wish of mine. One could clearly see Ian fall for Huiju...so beautiful, tugged my heart strings 🥹 There are very few who can do a crazy character better than IU. The laugh, the gait, the facial expressions, ahhh!! Love her! I found myself whipped so many times! And she's sooo pretty! Byeon Wooseok as Ian, God! He looked really good 🤭 And his acting? Goodness, emotions were pouring out of the screen.
Their chemistry? Good! Loved when their eyes met ❤️ Also, I'm a fan of height differences and this surely feeds me that.

The second couple, Choi Hyun and Do Hyejeong, were really cute. I really love the actor Yoo Soobin. Him as Aide Choi was a very good casting. Same with Lee Yeon as Do Hyejeong. But the best ones would be Gong Seungyeon as the Queen Mother and Noh Sanghyun as the Prime Minister. Man! The queen mother was definitely a very potent character. Her acting deserves a standing ovation. I'd even say she might be the best of all in this drama. If not, her character development would definitely be the best. But it could have been more deep. Irrespective, hats off to the acting. As for the Prime minister, well I'd say it was a character degeneration, but it was good too. I mean petty things, but the show must go on so. They didn't give a worthy ending though. Like what happened? He just disappeared. The brother and sister in law, unexpectedly became my favs just purely because they weren't villainous. Initially, it did feel like a typical chaebol setup, but eventually, it was watered down and family bonds were highlighted. Didn't like the father being glorified. Bro he wasn't all that a great person, whatever. The child actor Kim Eunho as the king. How cute!!! He did his part very well.

The biggest problem of this show would be the predictability. I mean, from the get go, you know the story and how it'll end. Considering how big of a cast it is, they could have had a story with more substance. It's because of the cast and their acting skills this drama gets it's points. It's basically a really cliche trope. I lowkey feel bad because IU and Byeon Wooseok are a good pair. They should have been given a better tale to play. Not just them, the whole lot. I saw it somewhere that this drama wasted potential and I have to agree. I mean the idea was good - monarchy in modern times and all. But it ends up becoming just another story. The script could have been better. Had it been 16 episodes with elaboration where needed, we would have felt more connected to the world and people.

Music wise, honestly, I did feel it lacked a lot of background music, especially in episodes 1. But it got better; still not fine but yah. Also, grateful it is just 12 episodes. Had it been 16, mm, I feel like it would lag considering how they ran through the last part. If it was indeed 16, like I mentioned, they better develop a lot more. Since it was only 12, one after the other, stuff was happening. And it did feel rushed at end, if you zoom out, you do feel it's a bit too much to happen in a few days or months, isn't it? But ya, grateful they chose 12 with this pace. Wonder what they'd have done with the remaining 4 if it was 16.

As for the controversy. I feel entirely boycotting or banning the show is just nonsense. Yes, historical errors happened and it disturbed cultural concepts. But considering the quality of production and mind-blowing acting, it would be a waste. And true, maybe the actors should have kept an eye out for the mistakes. But to hold them completely accountable, as if it were their faults entirely, is just unreasonable. How could you possibly expect them to proof check each and every little thing of each and every line? No. Holding them responsible is not right. I would really be sad if this drama is to be taken down.

In a nutshell, grateful this drama exists but wish there was more to it. Hope I can see this pair in a more deeper story. Binge watch worthy 👍🏻

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Drama of the Decade - an Evergreen Masterpiece

I have never been a fan of practical dramas, ones that portray raw emotions, real life hardships and just reality at its harshest. I was always of the opinion that entertainment was an escape so seeing characters suffer didn't help. But this drama changed my outlook on life completely. I know a drama cannot mature a person but this did. When life gives you tangerines, God, will there be another as beautifully heartwrenching as this?

A drama where no one is a villain, just life itself. The iron heart Yang Gwansik and the resilient Oh Aesun, navigating the sea of life, keeping on swimming. They shall forever live in my heart till the end. Each character had their own story. And everything woven together into this masterpiece, it was nothing less than perfect. The plot is so crisp and one can never get the feeling of the drama being dragged for long. Not even once. The way they divided the drama into 4 sections, man that was genius.

The casting is on another level. IU literally deserves an Oscar for this. The variety of roles - teenage Oh Aesun, Oh Aesun in her twenties into thirties, teen Yang Geummyeong and adult Geummyeong...that is a lot of to be and do. But the difference between her as Aesun and Geummyeong is so obvious, we don't feel it's the same person, just a daughter with her mother's face. When she cries, we cry, when she smiles, we smile. A truly outstanding actress! And then there is Park Bogum. Do we even need another example of eyes that speak? Park Bogum has that skill to make you wonder if he is actually alright because he becomes the character to an extent where it blurs reality and fiction. Every emotion is portrayed soooo well, one cannot deny the fact that he's a maestro at what he does. The character of Yang Gwansik itself is so well written, Park Bogum does not let him down. Then there are the other favourites of mine - Choi Daehoon as Bu Sanggil, Moon Sori as old Aesun, Park Haejoon as old Yang Gwansik, Yeom Hyeran as Aesun's mother, Kang Youseok as Yang Eunmyeong - they are literally people I know, that's how close I feel to all of them. Really really amazing.

The music is just beautiful. Starting from the intro to the instrument in the last scene of the last episode, nothing beats this layout.

Everything is just so good, yet I cannot express them in better words 😭 It's more like something the heart understands beyond human language. This drama taught me two main things I'd say. One - your parents would literally break their back just to give you the best they can and two - time as a human is very short. So living your best life and not waiting for the perfect moment is the best we can do. Also two lines really stuck with me. 1) "One day life might get so tough that you feel like you can't go on. Don't lie still. Struggle with all your might...Tell yourself you won't die and must survive, no matter what. Paddle your arms and legs like crazy. You'll get through the dark waters and see the sky." Oh Aesun's mother to her- 2) "There might have been nights I went to sleep hungry. But there was never a night that I was alone."- Oh Aesun about Yang Gwansik.

How can a drama be this good yet this heartbreaking; I just cannot make sense. Yet I feel if our stories were a series, won't we see the rawness of pain and sweetness of happiness in it too? Also, Alec Benjamin's 'If we have each other' is a song I will forever associate this drama, the lines about the lovers (iykyk). Rewatch if you want to rip your heart out again and again 😭 Evrything is just Uhhh!!! Crazy in the best way. This drama truly deserves the hype and it is a MUST WATCH, no matter what your preferred genre is. Thank you Baek Sangchoon for writing this great story and thank you Kim Wonseok and all the cast and crew members for breathing in life to it! 🌊🌼❤️

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BOMBLASTIC!

Damn bro! If you haven't watched it yet, what are you doing? If you are a romance lover and an action hater, this is not for you. But if you find the approach of justice through manhandling satisfying, this is made just for you!

The story is episodic, which means it goes from one case to another and other than the main storyline and cast, the story and surroundings change completely. I didn't know about it at first and so I really worried what was happening, seeing how fast paced the first episode was. This is my first experience of case after case kind of show. I enjoyed it. Each story had a topic that was relevant to the present times, though exaggerated. The messages conveyed were thought provoking. And most importantly, I loved the idea of justice being served by the adults and not the students themselves. Because that has been the current cool trend after all (pisses me off).

Kim Muyeol is aura himself 😂🤌 His screen presence and performance are so mind blowing. A standing ovation is a must! I loved how so many people, especially male audience who usually judge Korean actors, love him and his acting. I came across so many who don't watch dramas recommend me this show. The feeling was great 🥹 Lee Sungmin as Minister of education was a wonderful casting. The way he handled each case with such seriousness is amazing. But most importantly, we have a green forest father-in-law. God! Every man deserves a father-in-law like him 😭🤌 Jin Kijoo as Im Hanrim is a lovely crazy character. Over the top in the best way. Last but not the least, P.O. as Bong Geundae was also amazing. I really liked the bickering between Hanrim and Geundae. Adorable!

One thing I'd say is by the end you get used to it. Well, that's not necessarily boring or a drawback. Just the new normal. Also felt they were out of new topics. The drug usage thing was reused twice or thrice with just slight alterations.

Musically, it had a quirky upbeat Chihuahua that just wouldn't get out of my head 😂 It fits the show perfectly!

Altogether, the pacing, acting, story and concept were all wonderful. This drama deserves all the hype it receives. I would definitely rewatch it as a guilty pleasure 😁 Highly recommended 👍👍👍

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Found my next comfort drama!

Yet another to be added to my 'comfort drama' list! Yet another masterpiece by Zhu Yi. The moment this drama started, I knew it couldn't go below 8 or 8.5. It did not disappoint me at all. Can't wait to read the book!

Ok, let's be honest - Sang Yan is way too good to belong to this world. He makes this drama so..comforting. It's the feeling of security as a viewer that no matter what truth, what twist comes up or whatever anybody says about Wen Yifan, his image of her would never change. If it did, it just gets better, never worse. And that keeps us grounded. He keeps Wen Yifan and all of us anchored. Making him feel that she isn't the best person he has ever met is as hard as making the Sun rise from the west, period. And realistically speaking, that makes him way more otherworldly than earthly 😂 And I know you're going to say it's the most basic way treating a girl - your girl - but let's be real. To indefinitely wait for someone for all these years and revolving your whole life around a single person takes a lot more than you think. And the vast majority of us can neither be it nor experience it. But I feel that's what makes stories like these divine. It's paradise. Loved that human, Sang Yan. I have officially become a Bai Jingting fan!

Wen Yifan, one of the bravest characters I've seen. Not in a 'warrior of the ancient times' sense but the real world version without an armour or sword. They called Sang Yan the knight and her the princess. But honestly, she is the knight herself. I usually don't like the idea of running away or escaping, leaving everything and everyone behind (as much as I wish I could myself ㅠㅠ). Maybe because it's not always possible. But she made me realise that maybe, running off isn't cowardice. It's a way of survival. And anything you do for survival is valid. She could have given up on her life entirely. But she didn't. That makes her a really brave person. She deserves every happiness in the world. Even at the end, their wedding wishes were filled with 'Sang Yan take care of her', 'Sang Yan protect her' as if it wasn't his wedding too. But it didn't feel out of place or overly highlighting Wen Yifan. It just FELT right! Again Zhang Ruonan fan here! The night when the incident happened was so well done by her, I was crying.

The two of them? One of the best onscreen couple. They look like real life couples tbh. Their acting was phenomenal! So natural; tears fell like it was happening to them, smiles came as if they had waited for this moment in real life. All the while making us feel the myriad of emotions. The way he called her name - Wen Shuangjiang..uhh! I was lovestruck 😫😫😭😭😭

Also liked Qiaoqiao and Haoan. They made a very cute couple. Love Zhang Miaoyi from WIFTY. It took me sometime to adjust to her new character 😫😂 I didn't realise Edward Chen is the one from 'Your Name engraved herein'. That movie's been on my watchlist for a long time. Have to watch that now for sure! Another notable character was Wen Yifan's mother. One of the most ridiculous people I've seen. EVER! Just cannot justify her in any way. Uh!

The OSTs grow on you. I liked 任性(Willful), 倔强(Stubborn) and 看着我(Look at me). But my favorites would be 像晴天像雨天 (Like sunny days, like rainy days) by Silence Wang and 雨滴中有你 (There is you amidst raindrops) by Crispy Band. Loved those!

This drama is not without problems though. First and foremost, Sang Yan's character as person was a bit far fetched. I mean, we're talking about a 16, 17 year old flying or taking train whatever so many times and his parents don't seem to care. Where did he get all the money from? Why aren't his parents the least concerned? Again, the level of freedom he had was a bit too much for an Asian family 😂 And if he didn't have a heart of gold, I swear he's one of the brattiest people I've seen 😂 Sang Zhi is right, he is very proud and arrogant 😶 So the green flag is for 'the way he treats her' than him as an individual. Then the storyline of the second couple felt a bit incomplete. I wish there was more. More interaction, more lovely moments and a more decisive ending. It felt loose. And the grandparents story as well. It felt like there wasn't a need for it. They were on track in the beginning, the entire memory loss and all. But they didn't use the room they had. All of a sudden it just wrapped up and became background stuff. Also, I thought there'll be more bits that parallelled with Hidden Love timeline but that disappointed me too. Finally, somewhere in the middle I did feel the drama dragged a bit. Not in a way that makes you want to fast forward the episode. But in a way that doesn't give you the urge to watch the next episode soon after, ya.

So the conclusion? This drama shows you what it is like to be loved unconditionally without any strings attached. What it is like to have someone to rely on- quoting "Trusting you in weakness, chosen by you firmly". This drama is not for binge watching over the weekend. It exists for you to watch an episode per day over an entire month! ❄️🍃

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Beautiful & Heartwarming

A good story. A drama done well. You'll love to watch this.

Story wise, I think it's pretty nice. It takes unpredictable turns, connecting different points you didn't think were that important. Even if it isn't enough to blow your mind, the author did a great job writing them. Wholesome, I'd say.

Pacing wise, I had a trouble getting into the drama in the beginning because I felt too much was happening in the start. But it became better after a couple of episodes.

Problems I had with this drama? I felt Ming Yi herself wasn't exactly feeling much of regretful for a long time over lying to Ji Bozai which is kind of questionable. Situ Ling turned Chao Yuan was honestly really annoying. That being said, I think Mu Qibai seemed more of a villian than him. Really getting on your nerves is all he does. Another thing - why did no one do anything about the emperor of Yaoguangshan? He wasn't a nice guy too, was he? Then your usual xianxia scene at the end where one decides to sacrifice their life for the other or the world which I honestly hate 🙄 Like come on, LIVE! Only if you're alive can you find another way. Don't single down on sacrifice alone 🙅‍♀️🤦‍♀️ And to add to that, the 'I'm going to make you hate me because I don't want hou to get hurt when I die' 😒

Casting I think was done really well. Although Hou Minghao isn't great when it comes to the chemistry aspect, he acts very well. I genuinely loved and cared for Ji Bozai because of that. The action scenes were wonderful. Lu Yuxiao would be the highlight though. She is so pretty, beautiful, cute all at once, it's harmful for the heart 🥴 And added to this, her acting. Amazing talent. She potrays every emotion so well, it's palpable. One of my favorite scenes was her realising her teacher is her father. Loved it so so much! She and Lin Jiangguo did it so well, I was teary eyed. So heartwarming 🥹
Chemistry wise, nah! It felt more like best friends or partners in crime which, I don't think is a bad trope; just not your 'makes my heart skip a beat' thing.

Side characters did well too. My favorite ones are Ming Yi's tutor/father She Tianlin played by Lin Jiangguo, 27 played by Yu Yao, Buxiu played by Lu Qi (which tbh, I wouldn't mind a bit of bromance or BL between those too 😁) and Princess and Zhang Tai played by He Nan and Pan Junya respectively. I felt Quan Yilun could do better with his acting but chemistry wise, he and He Nan were good. Maybe it's their characters and storyline, whatever. Yu Chengen as Situ Ling did a good job pissing me off. And must say, Hu Yunhao as Mu Qibai is very handsome. Pity he's a villain 😂

Music was pleasant. Hou Minghao's got a wonderful voice. Loved his song 'If your world had no sunshine'.

I would rewatch it someday but it wouldn't be a high priority rewatch wise. A good medium probability.

Overall, I think even if it was a typical xianxia, it was done well. Doesn't bore you out. Worth watching!

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Fun binge watch

People start KDramas through 'Goblin' and 'Crash landing on you', I started with this drama. And it wasn't a bad start.

The story follows a magazine reporter Geun Yeong who gets misunderstood as an anti fan and then that becomes the reason why she ends up on this reality show with the celebrity Hoo Joon where he has to play the role of living with an anti fan. And even if they start off on the wrong foot, they end up falling in love with each other.

It's funny. It's pleasing to the eye and the story is quite good. The enemies to lovers trope is fine but it's more soft, bickering and pettyness.

Rewatch wise, no I wouldn't. Nothing much. But I would say I liked the Japan arc. Maybe because it was my first drama I remember it well. If you like a celebrity love story, go for it.

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Worth giving a try, it's quite good

OK this drama is underrated I swear (don't know if it was a big thing when it was airing or not though). It's the category of drama that either you love it real or you find it boring. For me, it's the former. It's bubbly and makes you smile. The angst between your cold CEO and extremely capable secretory, the CEO's absolute dominance and intelligence, ya, typical.

The story is good, and yes a bit repetitive with the entire memory loss part, but not bad. It actually influenced me into wanting to be a more career oriented independent woman 😂 But it does pull you in and make you feel attached. By the end, definitely it will leave you with a broad smile. Feel good 👍🏻

Xuan Lu and Zhao Zhiwei have a good chemistry. And mind it, Xuan Lu's character as Nie Xingchen here is like the exact opposite of her character as Jiang Yanli in The Untamed and that blows my mind even now (I'm still crying and I can't get over it 😭). The side characters are really good. The second couple were honestly interesting and had a good story. 8/10. Casting was a good pick. All the overdramatic scenes, good good good.

Yes, a story about 2 successful, modern, independent people and an unspoken bond that brings them together again and again. A good rom-com. Rewatch worthy (I've watched it twice) 👍🏻

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And it's a wrap!

And here we are...the answers to all that was left unanswered in the first part. Was this drama needed? It's both a yes and a no. If only Kdramas could be more than 20 episodes like Chinese, I feel this drama wasn't necessary. But since it is not possible, this drama is a must.

The story is basically the conclusion. All that was left to know was revealed and the story was wrapped up. It is not a season 2, it's a continuation, the last few chapters of the Alchemy of souls story. Thus, it is just as good as the first in almost all aspects. This dramas has parts that I loved and was disappointed with. One such detail (a plus point) that was really heart wrenching was how they wouldn't use Mudeok's name, reminding you that she never actually existed. They couldn't call her Naksu because that represents the side of hers that had blood on her hands. Yet they didn't have another name to call for the lovely person she had been with them and for them. All they could do was call her 'that child' or 'that person'. It really hurt.

I would say though, I don't see why a 3 year leap was necessary. And because I watched it soon after the first part, I couldn't find a valid reason even more. Another problem I felt was the repetition. So many scenes and lines felt the same old. The idea of reminiscence is understood. But it does get in the way. Freshness is reduced. That again made me wonder the necessity of the time leap. I also felt it was short. Just 10 episodes long. And added to that, the pacing wasn't good enough. Either they should have evenly spread the plot points or they should have added more episodes (I really would have loved if there were more episodes). There were definitely plot holes, loose ends and rushed, unsatisfying endings.

The storyline between the main leads would be the best. That was done very well. I liked how we went through a little detour and out of our comfort zone. How he fell for her again even if he didn't recognize her. Honestly, I really feared the ending. The way things were going, had it not been a happy ending I'd have cried buckets. Even for a moment when I thought it was over, I was teary eyed 😭 Yes, it was sad to see that Jang Uk has become closed off. But good that they didn't give him a full 180 change. You could still see his warmth for his loved ones. Jang Uk is definitely one of the strongest characters to exist. He just became undefeatable and I loved it! Man, Lee Jaewook is made for a cold man role. His aura just multiplied 10 times 😁 His stylist needs a raise too. He also made sure you were attached to his character and feel everything he did. Wonderful performance! Naksu and Mudeok especially, was gone. This time, it showed how Chu Yeong would have been if life hadn't put her through all that hell. Go Yoonjung as Jin Buyeon (or Chu Yeong I'd say) was just amazing! I love her soooo much! Go Yoonjung is one of a kind! Beauty and talent! This time their trope was the cold man- bubbly girl. And I love that typical genre 😌 They were awesome together!

One noticeable point is that they showed a whole new side of the characters. Obviously, Mudeok is gone and all there is Naksu who has lost her memories and is Jin Buyeon now. Jang Uk is no longer the happy-go-lucky guy but a more harsh, closed off, rough on the edges guy. Park Jin always had a comical side to him but now that is who he is. Understandable...for he is no longer the leader of Songrim. Seo Yul and Danggu had their shifts too. But yes, they still kept a lot of them same. Kim Doju is still the same and I loved that. Same with Jin Choyeon, Master Heo, Master Lee and more.

Seo Yul's character wasn't good enough though. For a moment, I even wondered if he would become the villain. Something about his storyline didn't make sense. Same with the crown prince. I was constantly confused if he was on the good side or bad. Heo Yunok was also pain in the neck character this time. Pissed me off.

Jin Mu deserved a wayy more painful death. Since he finally soul shifted, I was waiting for him to be petrified to death and broken to pieces. Ya well, reducing to ashes isn't bad too I guess. I loved that they killed all those muddle headed people of the Unanimous Assembly too. They were irritating characters too.

Musically it was the same. I guess there were just a few more new additions; else it was the same as the first part.

As a whole, the Alchemy of Souls story deserves a good 9.8/10. But definitely, the first part holds much of that score. The second part falls short in story, character development and pacing. But if you love this world like me, there is no way you could hate this part of the story. After all, this is the end. I am so attached to all the characters and this universe as a whole, I don't know how long it'll take me for moving on completely. And honestly, I don't want to 😭 I would literally do anything to watch this masterpiece for the first time all over again 🥹🥹

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Damn! I knew I'd love this!

What a drama! Beauty in all its forms. The story, the production quality, the acting, the music, the visuals - gorgeous! I must say, this drama is by far the best fantasy costume drama in the K-Drama world.

The story is the main character. The world building, character narratives, plot twists, connections -it is all so well done. Before I realised, I was already clicking the next episode. I must say, the patience of those who watched it while it was airing is great 😂 Not even once did I feel there were plot holes or loose ends. This drama is the whole package. There is emotion, humour, action, fantasy. All put together wonderfully. It reminds me of Chinese fantasy action dramas but with more emotional aspects than pure action. It was well paced and the 20 episodes is definitely not too long. I don't remember ever watching an episode and calling it mind blowing. But episode 17! Damn bro! That was the best episode ever 🤌🤌🤌 The ending as well! Goosebumps!

Lee Jaewook...the star of the show! His acting - action and emotion - were outstanding. For a very long time, I thought his real name was Jang Uk 😂 He has got a very strong screen presence as well. I can't believe he was just 23-24 when he was shooting this drama. He has such a mature air about him. I always thought that Jang Uk was this more serious character and so Jaewook fits perfectly for that role. But seeing him as a very easy going, laid back character really caught me off guard. But it wasn't necessarilya bad thing. It really showed a different side of the actor. And he did a great job. The story adds to his character's importance. Loved Jang Uk so much. Jung Somin as Mudeok was yet another great choice. She is just such a no-filter character. The myriad of emotions she has as someone living in a different body was beautifully potrayed. You would be forced to believe she is the real Naksu as Mudeok and notthe actress. The storyline gave her character such a boost too. I loved the dialect she spoke too. Mudeok is an unforgettable character who anyone would love. Together, I feel they made a good pair. Was it visible there was a 10 year age gap between the actors? Hell nah! Since the focus was on a lot of other aspects and not plainly romance, I feel this pairing fits the best. Their bickering, black cat girl-golden retriever boy relationship trope was very cute and endearing. It stays with you for a very long time. I love how they didn't add that typical cutesy vibe to Naksu just because she is currently Mudeok. That really balanced their relationship.

The side characters were main characters in their own ways too. Each of them had a good storyline. Loved how they made the crown prince an easy going and almost childlike character. Someone who has a proud and boastful outer shell that he tries to show to the world while having a heart full of warmth. Shin Seungho potrayed that character so well. My next favorite characters were Yoo Joonsang as Park Jin and Oh Nara as Maidservant Kim. Oh God! They are the most adorable pair of the entire drama! I loved how they wrote those two characters and I must say nobody other than them could play those roles better 🥹🥹 Im Chulsoo as Master Lee was amazing too. This is my first time seeing him in an almost serious role 😂 Hwang Minhyun as Seo Yul was a complex character too. God! It is difficult to be good 😭 The villian Jin Mu is definitely one of those pain in the neck kind of villains. They just wouldn't die or end their nonsense. The entire idea of his for conquering the world is just so stupid and clearly degenerate but it's crazy how he is blinded by it to a point where he just cannot see the obvious. That is frustrating honestly. This drama used all their supporting characters so well, it made the drama so much more wholesome!

There weren't songs that stood out to a point where I would play them on loop a hundred times. But I'd definitely say, the background music added so much more weight to every scene.

Honestly, this is one big drama of 30 episodes. I understand they had to cut it at 20 episodes because that's the longest a KDrama can be (I've never seen a KDrama longer than 20 episodes; is there one?) But even if they didn't, this would still be amazing. I wish there was a book that had the entire story as a whole. It would be heavenly then 🥹 I don't think i have any complaints with this show. There were too many who loved both the main leads each so I was worried of misunderstandings complicating the story. But Jang Uk and Mudeok are both such stable characters when it comes to who they like, you could definitely be at peace. I did want more of Naksu and her action scenes but that wasn't there. But alas, Naksu is a villainous assassin.

Rewatch value is off charts! I know I'll watch this show over and over and over again! I loved it that much! I really love fantasy-costume genre and a good, complex story. This drama had it all. It's the way everything has it's place and are pieces of one big puzzle that fall together to form a beautiful picture. So yes, that just makes it a top candidate on my favorite dramas of all time list! Thank you so much Hong sisters and director for this masterpiece!

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A good rom-com!

A great rom-com after AGES! This is what a rom-com drama should look like. I loved this drama throughout its length!

It was a whole package. Comedy, romance, exaggeration, seriousness all wrapped into one. Man! After the recent short length trend of Kdramas has taken over, sitting through 16 episodes of just romance and comedy of a modern drama has become a bit hard. So I wouldn't say it's because the drama dragged, but I had to pull myself through a few episodes in the middle. But the Thailand trip in episode 10 had the drama going again. That was the best arc among any drama I have recently watched. It was fun and as a Thai drama fan myself, it really felt like two of my favorite worlds have collided. I saw Thailand through the eyes of a tourist for the first time 😂 Also liked the Arab prince arc too. The story also ended on a positive note and as many rom-coms, had a wedding. Ya, it was a good plot.

I would say there were plot problems in the second half though. One was when Ms. Gu asks Sangsik to steal Gu Won's professional and private info. They show the scene and then go off on a lot of other things without telling what happened. For quite sometime, he is not even in the story. The moments he does show up, the effect of making us feel doubtful wasn't good enough. And when the truth is revealed that he hasn't, the question remained as to who actually did leak and how. Another thing is, they left the Dream Team thing as it was. Yes, the pay is high. But the concept of the best employees becoming servants of the rich is just ridiculous. I thought they'd at least show that once Gu Won took over, he got rid of it, but no. The change of Ms. Gu also felt a bit rushed.

Lee Junho as Gu Won and Im Yoona as Cheon Sarang were did a good job. They played their roles really well and I loved how their story unfolded. I loved the pair. There is just something about Kdrama male leads in general - their consistency in relationships that just makes you, as a viewer, feel secure. No drama, no misunderstandings, no trust or loyalty issues. Just an anchoring belief that he is always on her side. Gu Won is yet another perfectly written man! Sarang is also not your damsel in distress. She's capable and resourceful. I loved how she quit her job and didn't settle for the so called dream position everyone loved. I love when female leads can stand on their on feet and lead their life the way they want, no matter how rich and loving the male lead is.

A big highlight of this drama is the friendship. Sarang, Daeul(Kim Gaeun) and Pyeonghwa(Go Wonhee) - wonderful example that trios work. Gu Won and Sangsik's(Ahn Seha) friendship was hilarious too. Together with Rowoon(Kim Jaewon), the entire 6 sibling thing was both heartwarming and comical! I really loved Kim Yeongok as Grandma too. God! That was soo heartwarming too. I loved her character soo much 🥹🥹 She did a wonderful job!

So ya, it was a good drama of its kind and worth the watch. I dropped it once becuase life got busy but I'm grateful I came back. Wouldn't rewatch it; too long and nothing too special that makes you want to come back. Just the typical genre and story done well. In a nutshell, this is a drama with a good story, few plot holes and memorable, loveable characters!

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Fun binge watch

Hilarious! 😂🤌 This is indeed what it said it was. A comedy drama with a superhero concept.

Really liked the idea of laboratory mutation resulting in weird and grand superpowers. The pacing was good with a rather unexpected twist in between. You were kept entertained throughout. The ending pissed me out though. The kind of incomplete, let to the viewer to ponder kind. Frustrating 😤

My favourites were Kang Robin and Son Gyeonghun. They just exist to be comical. Im Seongjae and Choi Daehun did a fabulous job! Park Eunbin is really a fabulous actress. The variety of roles she pulls of and that too in such a good way, it's crazy! And this is one of those dramas you should watch if you believe Cha Eunwoo does not know to act. It shall prove you wrong. I think he did a good job. Honestly, the plot twist of him working for the organization and handing her over was quite a shock. Initially, I did think it would happen. But it was when i started thinking the opposite that it happened, catching me off guard. I seriously want to see him in an antagonist role, i swear! He would make a wonderful villain 😭 Supporting cast were also good and added to the storyline.

All together, it's a fun watch, a funny little escape!

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