Reviews

Too short to be great, competent enough to be good

If I had to describe The Fragrance Of The First Flower in one sentence I would call it a great show trapped in a good show.
Words cannot describe how excited I was when I discovered this drama, I think that usually, Taiwan tackles LGBT+ subjects in its media in a very tasteful and impactful manner and on every level, from looks to premise, The Fragrance Of The First Flower looked like it was going to fill the GL-shaped void in my life. Needless to say, that I was gutted when I discovered that each of the only 6 episodes was going to be barely 18 minutes long. Still, I decided to give this drama a fair chance, even though I had the sneaking suspicion that that short runtime wouldn’t be enough to tell this story. And I’m afraid I was correct.

The Fragrance Of The First Flower is a beautiful portrayal of right person- wrong time. The show’s strength without a doubt lies in its gorgeous cinematography and especially in the colour grading. Every shot had purpose while still being aesthetically pleasing and I really feel like the colours dictated the mood and feel of each scene. Some people have pointed out that the actresses look way too old to play their teenage selves and I will have to agree but I still appreciated bot of the leads’ acting. I’ve also seen people complain about the lack of chemistry between them, but that is a sentiment I cannot agree with. I was fully immersed in the relationship between the two characters. There was a lot of subtlety in their performances which I feel like can be traced back to the subtlety of the script and plot. It was very fitting, in my opinion, that the thing that killed the relationship of the two protagonists in high school before it even began, the thing that triggered Yi Mins internalized homophobia, was the painful reminder of the inherent sexualization that comes with being a young woman. The scene in which the two leads almost kiss for the first time until they are interrupted by a pervert was the one that left the biggest impression on me in the whole show. I think it was a brilliant and subtle way of addressing how lesbians are viewed under the male gaze and how their sexualization makes it harder for young queer women to find themselves.
I also think the scene in which Yi Min finally confesses to her husband that she has fallen for someone else is a really strong one. She is desperately looking for another reason to break up with him because on a surface level, she should be happy. Her husband is not a bad man and she has everything she wanted in her teenage years, the house, family, and the role of a wife. Yi Min is looking for something wrong in their relationship so she doesn’t have to address what is really keeping her from being content.

Still, as I mentioned before, The Fragrance Of The First Flower ended up not fully living up to its potential and I really do feel like its main fault lies in the infuriatingly short runtime. In no way is this drama flawless but in my honest opinion most of its problems could have been addressed, if the show just had a few more episodes, or at least longer ones. Everything felt just slightly underdeveloped and it’s such a shame because all the ingredients to make this really special were there. But you just really need that time to develop a believable relationship between two people and unfortunately, time is the one thing this drama didn’t have and that might be the reason the ending fell completely flat for me.
Admittedly, I am a little salty. The BL fandom practically gets content shoved down their throat (eventhough most of said content to be fair, is not great) while I have to look for ages to find half-decent WLW representation. I just kinda had held on to the hope that this drama would be the one to kick off the success of the GL genre, and I doubt it will. But then again, I fully realize that what I am asking for is the same fetishization that gay men have to deal with, so maybe I should just be happy with what I get.

In the end, I feel like The Fragrance Of The First Flower did its best with what little it had. I have certainly seen way worse and at least I can confidently say that this was an earnest attempt at believable, well-meant representation. I have no problem recommending this show to other people who are also starved for WLW-content. The short runtime might have been what killed this drama but at least this way it doesn’t feel like a big commitment.
I will do my best to be optimistic about the future of GL and I’m sure that dramas like this one pave the way to better WLW representation.

Leggi di Più

Let me start with, that I really enjoyed this drama. This doesn't have much of a romance factor as it is very subtly done but the best thing about this is the bromance.

The main reason I watched this is because of Ji Sung. I've seen many of his works before to have realised that this guy is an amazing actor. I fell in love with his characters in the past and the way he executed them, that I literally cannot pass up anything that he comes in the future.

If you're a big Kpop fan then the cast will definitely be to your liking and in my opinion, they all did a good job in portraying their roles. The four boys together had great chemistry which made me wish that they were an actual band of their own. HyeRi does take some time to gel into her own character but she eventually does and it's a delight to see her.

The story is straightforward, failed manager guy decides to make a band and make them big. Obviously, many obstacles come in the way and this is all about the character development of all the characters and how they overcome these obstacles together. The boys as a band were great so was really sweet how they slowly open up to each other about their hidden secrets and how they support each other despite all the hard comings. The chemistry between Ji Sung and Kang MinHyuk was so cute because they had a genuine brother relationship that was so exciting to see.

Overall, I enjoyed myself thoroughly seeing the connection between all the characters and how they accept each other. I would definitely recommend to try this out as you'll definitely have a warm feeling inside whilst watching this!

Leggi di Più

Until We Meet Again (UWMA) is undoubtedly the best of the best BL series productions in decades. The sweetness and character development are so good as they bring the emotions to all audience who have “feelings” or “empathy.” This series has the most number of excellent soundtracks compared to all BL series ever made. The casting selection, chemistry and acting are the best of the best in BL world. The series is the gold standard for future BL productions and stories. To complement all the series best features, this series has beautiful and adorable actors. Studio Wabi Sabi has done the best BL production ever made.

I suggest all prospective audience to ignore negative reviews before watching it. Only audience with “taste”, “feeling” and “empathy” appreciate the story, beautiful soundtracks, excellent acting, superb chemistry, great casting and character development.

Leggi di Più

"Hana Nochi Hare" aka "Boys Over Flowers Season 2" is the official sequel to the ultra popular manga and drama adaptation Hana Yori Dango. The story takes place at the same Eitoku Academy, 10 years after the famous members of the original F4 have graduated and it introduces new characters.

I must say right now that my overall rating is completely biased. I am a huge fan of Hana Yori Dango because it was one of the first Asian dramas I watched in high school and the OST pulls at my heartstrings even today. So as you can imagine, Hana Nochi Hare brought back many feels, which was of course its ultimate goal and I must admit it makes up for its plot flaws, at least IMO.

The plot is nothing special or groundbreaking. Kaguragi Haruto is the new Doumyouji while Edogawa Oto is the new Makino. There are a few changes e.g. the new Makino has not always been poor, her family bankrupted while the new Doumyouji is basically the same (with the same flaws and quirks as the original one). You could even say that the plot of Hana Nochi Hare is the recycled version of Hana Yori Dango - and you would be right. This whole drama is meant to be a fan service to HYD fans because it does not offer anything special, different or new. The OST is not on par with HYD OST and neither the actors are as charismatic as the HYD ones but that is the point - there is only one HYD and nothing will ever manage to top it.

The proof that this drama is a deliberate fan service is that they re-shot the classic scenes e.g. Doumyouji waiting for Makino in the rain. And I still loved it. Hana Nochi Hare didn't even try to recreate the magic of HYD (they know it is impossible), it is just meant to pull at your heartstrings for a little while and maybe even pay a tribute to the original series, actors and fans. If you are a fan and look at it from this perspective, then you will probably find it at least a bit enjoyable.

Leggi di Più

Best Light on Series for me....

So many people comparing it with Bad Kids so here is my opinion:

It is a well-executed drama with top-notch acting.
I won’t say it is better than Bad Kids because these two dramas give different vibes though written by the same author. But I’d say it deserves 9.2 on Douban and it is definitely worth your time.....

Story- 9/10
Story is like investigation+mystery, revealing clues in small doses in each episode
It didn’t use unnecessary twists like a good guy turning bad in the last moment...
Yet first few eps were a little bit confusing as multiple characters were introduced, but as the story continues, it gets better and better...
I love that every little thing,I didn’t understand in the early eps were all solved in the last few eps
The plot is heavy and you need to give full attention to the plot as it shows past and present days alternatively

Acting-10/10
Well, Actings in all Light on Series are top notch, and Long Night further proved it
Bai Yu’s acting in last few eps were brilliant and mind-blowing
Liao Fan acting is quite impressive as well
All Veteran actors did their best, I love the trio moments most, and how they helped each other

Others Aspects
In some parts, dubbing was a lil off but it is fine overall. Editing is good, far better than Crimson River.
I love how they show things like “Laws are sometimes useless, rich people doing whatever they want, and how corrupted some authorities are”

You know a drama is good when it makes you cry
I cried for at least 3 times, so it is def a good drama.

If you want a serious theme drama, this is definitely for you

Leggi di Più

The best version of BOF ever, F4THAILAND highly recomended

When you are remaking a classic, the drama that had been watched by the whole world, remains the “first drama” of thousand of drama lovers (mine too). So it had to put its best work to at least maintain its reputation as a classic remake.

●PLOT VIEW
With all due respect, I had seen most Thai dramas with abusive, arrogant ML relationships go wrong with forced kisses and all, and BOF had this plot too, but F4 THAILAND did everything right with this classic. While the Chinese version put extra creativity to have more number of episodes, the S.K. version showed extra richness and some cringy moments.

The brand new Thai version compacted it to 16 episodes, making each episode into titular storytelling. It added all the highlights of the novel like kick, bullying, necklace, engagement, amnesia, etc and weaved a modern saga full of technology, love, and friendship. Every single moment is so practical and likable. Yeah, it gave a pure friendship between Gorya and Ren + a secret story of IRIS(MJ who is always left alone for no good reason).
The nuances in Thyme’s character just show that he has truly changed and is not like his past self. On top of that, instead of just forgetting about his past self, he faces it and clears the bad relationship with anyone he has treated harshly. ALL the characters are also so well shaped and portrayed. This is the ONLY version where the two main leads are perfect for each other. I can feel their strong bond and it’s not just because of their appearance but also their identical personalities (strong, unrelenting, and compassionate) I feel like that is just sooooo powerful.

Lastly, it's titled F4 for a reason, because they had shown THYME, REN, MJ, and KAVIN's friendship more prominent. They take each other back in good and bad. Bullying and asking forgiveness, teaching lessons and learning lessons. we can feel their extraordinary bond in each episode.

●ACTING
whoever did the casting deserves a raise, I had lots to say about every character because everyone deserves applause, starting with my favorite.
BRIGHT as Thyme, had a bulky build but a childish heart. Very perfect for the character, thank god he didn’t have any particular hairstyle but had the distinct trait of speaking incorrect words. His innocence is overflowed in each episode until we see how his mother had ruined him. BRIGHT had done a commendable job being arrogant, cute, shy, kind, snobby, and supercilious.
TU TANTAWAN as Gorya impacted everyone in a good way. She was like the unidentified leader of F4. TU is supernatural playing Gorya so effortlessly. She isn't shown as weak but as a strong yet compassionate person. She is gonna be my favorite FL of all the previous versions.
DEW as Ren, the person who can be the SML syndrome. But the pure friendship just saved it. He acted mostly with his eyes and smile. I paused at times to appreciate his smile.
WIN as Kavin, sincerely he didn’t seem like a playboy. But Kavin's character says he is, I think that needed some extra charm because he always kept a cold face.
NANI as MJ, this fourth member had no story but the Thai version secretly created a secret story for him. MJ's long hair, riding a bike wearing leather jackets show his badass mafia character.
PRIM as Kaning was so beautiful, I like her simple laced hairstyle throughout. She is a strong and helpful friend who knows what she wants.
Lita, Mira, Hana, Tia, and Roselyn showed a line of strong powerful women. And none of them could be hated for their characters but applauded for their realistic performance.
Also, Talay, phupha, and uncle Ga were amazing.

●MUSIC
The music is enchanting. I felt like I am at a musical concert. The opening track “Who am I” sung by F4 is worth millions of likes. Am truly happy that most of the songs have been sung by the actors themselves.

●REWATCH
Of course yes, I think this is gonna be a favorite of all. And if any new versions appear it will have a tough fight with F4.

●APPRECIATION
The use of technology and social media gives a modernized and realistic approach. Also, the Thai cultural aspect is improvised by showing the importance of flower garlands.
It omitted all the cringy content that many viewers didn’t like in the previous BOF version.
It pays tribute to previous versions in many scenes by mentioning the characters names in the background (like if you watch carefully in episode 15 the market name is Gu Jyun Pyon).

●QUOTES
Each episode title invisibly tells the episode story but they have a deeper meaning if given a thought.

●RECOMMENDATION
If you have BOF before, you should give F4 THAILAND a chance to show its charm.
If you haven't watched any BOF or any Thai drama before then, take F4 Thailand as a highly recommended one to open doors to the Thai drama world.

Leggi di Più

A Lighthearted Yet Thought-Provoking Rom-Com

After the emotional rollercoaster of The White Olive Tree, I was desperate for something lighthearted to lift my spirits. Enter Filter, a delightful drama that had me laughing from the first episode to the last. While the story is undeniably hilarious and easy to watch, it also carries a profound and relatable message: don’t judge a book by its cover. This theme resonates deeply, making Filter more than just a comedy—it’s a heartfelt exploration of prejudice, self-worth, and the importance of seeing people for who they truly are.

The Story: A Magical Twist on Love and Misunderstanding
The plot centers on Tang Qi, a nerdy, color-sensitive entrepreneur who co-runs a beauty company with his two friends. His life takes a turn when he encounters Su Cheng Cheng, a former high school junior, at a party. After a mishap leaves her makeup smeared, Tang Qi snaps a photo and callously remarks, “So ugly.” Unbeknownst to him, this moment sets off a chain of events that will challenge his biases and reshape his understanding of love.

Su Cheng Cheng, still harboring a crush on Tang Qi from their school days, is gifted a magical bracelet that allows her to transform into different characters. Using this power, she begins working at Tang Qi’s company, where her professionalism and contributions earn everyone’s admiration—except Tang Qi’s. His preconceived notions about her cloud his judgment, creating a rift between them.

As Su Cheng Cheng transforms into various personas, Tang Qi repeatedly falls for these characters, only to be heartbroken when they “die” or disappear in increasingly absurd ways (lightning strikes, anyone?). These over-the-top “deaths” are played for laughs, but they also highlight Tang Qi’s growing emotional turmoil. Eventually, he begins to suspect something is amiss, leading to the revelation of Su Cheng Cheng’s secret. The resolution is both satisfying and heartwarming, as Tang Qi realizes that the person he’s been searching for has been right in front of him all along.

The story’s moral—treasure the one around you—is simple yet powerful. It reminds viewers to look beyond appearances and examine their own biases, lest they miss out on something truly special.

The Characters and Acting: Perfectly Cast, Flawlessly Executed
֎ Tang Qi (played by Tan Jian Ci):
Some viewers criticized Tan Jian Ci for looking too mature for the role, but I found him to be the perfect embodiment of Tang Qi. With his nerdy, slightly awkward demeanor, Tan Jian Ci effortlessly captures Tang Qi’s blend of intelligence and social cluelessness. Tang Qi is a man of few words, often blunt to the point of being misunderstood, yet he possesses an inner strength and persistence that make him endearing. Tan Jian Ci’s portrayal is nuanced, bringing depth to a character who could easily have been one-dimensional. His chemistry with Li Landy is palpable, making their eventual reconciliation all the more satisfying.

I’d like to take a moment to clarify what Tang Qi actually meant when he blurted out the words, “So ugly.” At first glance, his comment seems harsh and superficial, but there’s much more to it than meets the eye. Tang Qi wasn’t criticizing Su Cheng Cheng’s appearance or calling her inherently ugly. Instead, his reaction stemmed from his extreme sensitivity to colors and aesthetics. As someone deeply attuned to visual harmony, he was appalled by the cheap, smeared makeup that clashed with Su Cheng Cheng’s natural features. In his mind, the makeup was “ugly” because it didn’t do her justice—it ruined her face.

However, Tang Qi’s social awkwardness and inability to articulate his thoughts led to a catastrophic misunderstanding. Su Cheng Cheng, already self-conscious about her appearance, took his words at face value, assuming he was mocking her. This moment created a long-lasting animosity between them, fueling her resentment and shaping their complicated dynamic. It isn’t until much later, when they finally reconcile, that Tang Qi clarifies his true meaning, revealing the depth of his character and the misunderstanding that had plagued their relationship.

At the same time, it’s important to note that Tang Qi’s initial coldness toward Su Cheng Cheng isn’t just about the makeup incident. His behavior is also rooted in his past experiences with her during their school days. Back then, Tang Qi misunderstood Su Cheng Cheng’s clumsy attempts to connect with him as acts of bullying. Her naivety and overenthusiasm came across as intimidating to him, and he formed a lasting impression of her as someone to be wary of. This misunderstanding further fueled his prejudice, making it difficult for him to see her for who she truly is—a kind, compassionate, and well-meaning person.

Unfortunately, some viewers drop the drama at this early moment (when he blurted out "So ugly"), misinterpreting Tang Qi as a shallow, face-obsessed jerk. This is a shame, as it overlooks the nuance of his character and the broader themes of the story. Tang Qi isn’t superficial—he’s socially inept and struggles to express himself, which makes his journey of growth and self-awareness all the more compelling. His initial comment is less about judgment and more about his unique perspective on beauty, which ultimately aligns with the drama’s central message: don’t judge a book by its cover.

So, to new viewers, I urge you not to let this moment deter you. Filter is a wonderful drama with layers of humor, heart, and meaning. Tang Qi’s seemingly callous remark is just the starting point of a story that challenges assumptions, explores prejudice, and celebrates the beauty of seeing people for who they truly are. Stick with it—you won’t regret it!

֎ Su Cheng Cheng (played by Li Landy):
Li Landy shines as Su Cheng Cheng, a strong, compassionate, and slightly naive woman who refuses to let societal standards define her worth. Despite being constantly compared to her taller, more conventionally beautiful sister, Su Cheng Cheng remains confident in her beliefs: true beauty lies in how a person treats others. Li Landy’s casting was criticized by some for not fitting the “model” archetype, but that’s precisely the point. Su Cheng Cheng is meant to be relatable—an ordinary girl with extraordinary heart. Li Landy’s performance is both charming and authentic, making Su Cheng Cheng a character viewers can’t help but root for.

The dynamic between Tang Qi and Su Cheng Cheng is a highlight of the drama. Tang Qi’s initial prejudice and Su Cheng Cheng’s motherly, slightly overbearing care for him create a push-and-pull tension that’s both funny and touching. Their relationship evolves naturally, culminating in a heartfelt realization that love isn’t about appearances—it’s about connection.

Su Cheng Cheng’s personas, brought to life through the magical filter bracelet, are as diverse as they are entertaining. These include:
֎ Su Miao (played by Luo Qiu Yun), a tall, stunning beauty who resembles a famous model;
֎ Fang Jin (played by Pu Tao), a brilliant scientist with a sharp mind and impressive academic background;
֎ Quan Sheng Tang (played by Wang Hong Yi), a strikingly handsome young man; and
֎ A camel sheep—yes, you read that right—a talking, human-like animal that stands on two legs (because why not?).

Of all these characters, only Fang Jin is based on a real person. The others are entirely imaginary, conjured up by Su Cheng Cheng’s creativity (and perhaps a touch of desperation).

Su Miao is the first persona Tang Qi falls for, and it’s easy to see why. With her model-like beauty and elegance, she captivates him at first sight. This only reinforces Su Cheng Cheng’s belief that Tang Qi is shallow and only cares about appearances. However, when Su Miao “dies” (in one of Su Cheng Cheng’s hilariously over-the-top schemes), Tang Qi is utterly heartbroken. His genuine grief shows that his feelings run deeper than just physical attraction.

In an attempt to comfort him, Su Cheng Cheng transforms into the camel sheep, a bizarre yet oddly endearing creature. This allows her to stay close to Tang Qi and care for him without revealing her true identity. Tang Qi, despite being initially freaked out by the animal’s human-like demeanor, grows emotionally attached to it. His confusion and near-hallucinations over the situation provide some of the drama’s funniest moments.

Next, Su Cheng Cheng becomes Fang Jin, a super-intelligent scientist with a stellar academic record, despite Fang Jin is not a beauty. Tang Qi falls for her too, but here’s the twist: he only loves the version of Fang Jin that Su Cheng Cheng portrays, not the real Fang Jin. This proves that Tang Qi isn’t just drawn to brilliance or beauty—he’s drawn to the essence of Su Cheng Cheng herself. However, in Su Cheng Cheng’s mind, she assumes Tang Qi only likes “smart girls,” leading to even more misunderstandings and comedic chaos as she switches between Fang Jin’s various personalities.

Finally, Su Cheng Cheng transforms into Quan Sheng Tang, a ridiculously handsome young man whose name literally means “win all against Tang.” This persona is another one of Su Cheng Cheng’s schemes to distract Tang Qi from pursuing Fang Jin. While I secretly hoped this would lead to a hilariously awkward gay romance, the drama doesn’t quite go there—though the absurdity of the situation still delivers plenty of laughs.

Through these personas, Filter explores themes of identity, perception, and love in a way that’s both humorous and heartfelt. Each transformation not only adds to the comedy but also deepens Tang Qi’s emotional journey, showing that his feelings transcend appearances and personas. It’s a wild, whimsical ride that keeps viewers guessing—and laughing—until the very end.

֎ Supporting Cast:
The supporting characters add depth and humor to the story. Su Cheng Cheng’s best friend, Lin Yuan (Huang Si Rui), provides comic relief and unwavering support, while Tang Qi’s business partners and Su Cheng Cheng’s family further enrich the narrative. There are no major antagonists, just minor obstacles that are quickly resolved, keeping the tone light and focused on the central romance.

Final Thoughts: A Perfect Escape with a Meaningful Message
Filter is my go-to comfort drama, a perfect blend of humor, romance, and life lessons. It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh out loud while also prompting introspection. The misunderstandings between Tang Qi and Su Cheng Cheng are both frustrating and endearing, reminding us how easily prejudice can cloud our judgment. Tang Qi’s journey from bias to acceptance is a poignant reminder to see the people around us and appreciate them for who they truly are.

The drama also tackles themes of self-worth and societal beauty standards with a light touch, never becoming preachy. Su Cheng Cheng’s unwavering confidence in her own values is inspiring, and her relationship with Tang Qi is a testament to the idea that love transcends appearances.

In the end, Filter is more than just a rom-com—it’s a celebration of individuality, a critique of superficial judgments, and a reminder to cherish the people who truly matter. Whether you’re looking for a laugh, a cry, or a bit of both, Filter delivers on all fronts. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a feel-good story with substance.

Rating: 10/10
Filter is a gem of a drama that balances humor and heart with a meaningful message. It’s the perfect antidote to a bad day and a reminder to look beyond the surface.

Leggi di Più

Came for the comedy, and stayed for the life lessons (and the zombie shark)

This movie was so funny in the most unexpected moments, but also surprisingly meaningful. I know it isn't that deep, and that I shouldn't take it so seriously, but I am truly fond. As someone who deeply hated my previous job (which I think a lot of people relate to), it is so relatable (and almost touching) for Akira to light up with pure joy after finding out he didn’t have to go to work, and even funnier for him to act so carefree in a zombie apocalypse as a result.

Despite every other aspect of this movie only getting an 8.0, something in my soul tells me to give it an overall 9.0. And I think it's because it hits so deeply with me in some aspects.

Even though the parallel between the zombies and Akira trudging through his job was pretty obvious from the get-go, it still hits very hard when the movie directly states and confronts it. Every adult on MDL who has ever worked a full-time job has likely struggled with work-life balance and has wished they could fall sick (or worse) so they could rest for just one day, but feel guilty and eager to be productive on days when they are actually ill. And, like in the movie, it’s often the people around us to remind us that we can’t be robots all the time and need to live life for ourselves.

The entire list Akira wrote was endearing, and I’m seriously considering making one of my own (I am also one of those few people who have never made a bucket list). I love a good montage, so seeing items on the list being crossed off was satisfying. I loved the cinematography and production. The zombies were great and looked realistic (as much as zombies can be). All of the acting was great as well. The OST surprised me a lot, and I have saved some songs to my playlist. This movie WILL make you smile and laugh.

Conclusion: zombie shark — you should watch it!

Leggi di Più

A UNIQUE CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED GEM

I started this out of spite but I was drawn to how it's theme seemed like something I haven't seen in C drama land in a while and I must say it continued surprising me throughout the episodes.
Before I give my likes and dislikes about it I must say it's not your usual C drama troupe..it's not gonna have a fast pace type of love story and neither does it solely focus of romance...it's wierd yet quite addicting to watch.
What I liked about this drama was the plot execution...which was quite different...setting the leads out on this adventure as she tells him stories which were quite connected to her life was refreshing to see...the fables( stories) were amazing and each taught a lesson, the plot managed to balance the romance and the humour and the main plot.

The cast, it's my first time seeing FEI in a drama and yes I can say she really out did her self in this her character was challenged to portray firstly the role of the female lead and then POTRAY the fictional fable characters and each had a different temperament which she did flawlessly.
Male lead was someone I've seen before in CEO dramas and he's character here was a breath of fresh air I must say, he was sunny and different from all the roles he has been potraying which I liked quite alot.

The CINEMATOGRAPHY was an absolute pleasure...this part is usually not put into consideration in many dramas but this drama made sure to put it into place..the cinematography was amazing and the creativity put into the leads outfit which allowed them to reflect their roles and also the cinematography was an absolute pleasure indeed....I loved it

My only problem with the drama was being short...like how can you give me just 30 or 27 minutes per episode for this beautiful drama..I needed more.......

This is highly recommended for people who want something unique...and interesting but if you looking for alot of romance then this isn't for you....

It's added to my top five dramas this year.

Leggi di Più

Be ready to stuck by lightening

Where to start… its amazing story. From start to end a journey full of emotions, love and compatibility. The chemistry was on fire n I am not exaggerating if i say that they didn’t even need to kiss to create fire 🔥. Don’t worry you will get plenty of 😘. My favourite character was Li Xi although he seemed to be a stubborn guy (exactly opposite to a gentleman, sometimes acted like a jerk yes an extremely proud guy .. or Atleast he pretended to be) but deep down he was a softy. He took his time to understand his surroundings and value friendships but he tried after many events (considering his background we can digest it). All in all I congratulate Arther Chen for being my new offical crush (damn cute). The FL was good. The thing i like most about her that she was not hesitant to express herself. She didn’t care about the so called ‘I am girl’ image n confessed her feelings from time to time . She trusted him in every stage. She was not blinded by jealousy even he purposely tried to mislead her yet she knew him so well and trusted him till the very end!
Other characters played their parts well. Guo showed most versatility in his character. He made me like him, hate him and felt sorry for him. I wished he could stop himself but … it was too late when he realised! The friendship was stained…!! ( Still happy that he ended up with Xu Luna at the end (an ending different from novel)). Ran Di was cool… Fung Xiamo was also unique in her own way( I wished she could ended up with that guy from uni days (who had a crush on her) but the director didn’t put attention on her storyline as she was already additionally acted from novel). I like the changes they made in drama version but i also liked the novel (except the last part where the writer dragged it). All in all it was one of the best dramas with a good rewatch value.

Leggi di Più

Office Romance 101, 404 Not Found

For seven years, Cha Ji Yun has been the kind of employee every company wishes they had. She is competent, dependable, and blessed with instincts that make even the toughest tasks look effortless. Yet beneath that polished image, both her career and love life have quietly reached a dead end. Forced to choose the lesser of two evils, she reluctantly joins forces with her notoriously prickly boss, Kang Shi Woo, a man who has the looks, discipline, and competence that anyone could admire, but unfortunately lacks the personality to match. What begins as an uneasy professional partnership slowly turns into something neither of them expects, proving that sometimes the person who gets under your skin is also the one who understands your heart the most.

See You at Work Tomorrow feels like Office Romance 101. It introduces a familiar corporate setting where a hardworking employee crosses paths with an equally hardworking but intimidating manager, then lets their relationship develop from there. What immediately pulled me in was how relatable the workplace itself felt. As someone who also works in a corporate environment, I found myself laughing because I have lived through so many of the situations the drama portrays. Meeting irritating people before even reaching the office, dragging yourself to work while sick, watching your ideas get claimed by someone higher up, and countless other everyday frustrations all found their way into the story. It almost felt like the writers turned the shared suffering of corporate slave into comedy.

To my surprise, Shi Woo also felt strangely familiar. This may sound like an exaggeration, but he reminded me so much of my very first boss. His appearance, the way he carried himself, his encouragement, even the way he dressed all brought back memories. The only major differences were his height and the fact that my relationship with my boss was more like siblings or a mentor and mentee rather than anything remotely romantic. That personal familiarity made Shi Woo much easier for me to understand from the very beginning.

The first half does a solid job building their professional relationship. Ji Yun initially sees Shi Woo exactly as everyone else does, a difficult boss who demands too much. Naturally, she hesitates when he repeatedly tries to recruit her to his task force. Leaving the comfort of her current position is not an easy decision, but Shi Woo refuses to give up, and eventually she realises that their values and vision align. Taking that leap of faith becomes one of the stronger parts of the story. Once they begin working together, Ji Yun slowly discovers that Shi Woo is not the office devil people make him out to be. He is simply misunderstood. From there, the drama explores that familiar office romance progression where admiration quietly turns into curiosity, curiosity turns into denial, and denial eventually turns into something impossible to ignore. Both of them try to understand their own feelings while making sure those emotions never interfere with their work.

Unfortunately, this is also where my biggest issue with the romance lies. Ji Yun's emotional journey feels complete because the narrative consistently lets us see things from her perspective. We understand her past relationship, her disappointments, and every little step that gradually changes her feelings toward Shi Woo. Shi Woo, on the other hand, remains an enigma for far too long. We know he notices Ji Yun's capabilities. We know he finds her adorable. We know she makes him smile. That is practically the entire foundation of his side of the romance. The problem is that those pieces never quite answer the biggest question. Is this simply admiration for a capable employee, or is it something deeper? The story expects us to accept that he has fallen in love, but without showing enough of his own struggles, thoughts, or emotional growth, that confession never carries the weight it should have. Saying "she makes me smile" may be enough for some people, but it simply was not convincing enough for me because the drama spends too little time showing us who Shi Woo really is beyond his work persona.

The drama also leans heavily into classic romance clichés. If you enjoy those familiar moments that once made teenage hearts flutter, there is plenty to like here. Unfortunately, my current self no longer falls for them as easily. Because the office setting feels surprisingly grounded, every overly dramatic romantic moment made me question its realism instead of swooning. They were undeniably cute, but most of them only earned a lowercase "aw" rather than genuine butterflies.

Ironically, the person who made me swoon the most was not Shi Woo himself but Seo In Guk. The man has the abs, the fit physique, the broad arms, and enough natural charisma to make almost anything work. More importantly, I loved how he delivered those subtle lines that quietly hinted at Shi Woo's growing feelings. Those understated moments landed far better than the bigger romantic scenes. In fact, I genuinely think one of the biggest reasons I accepted Shi Woo as a romantic lead was because Seo In Guk played him. He has always been good at portraying cool, emotionally reserved characters, and his restrained expressions fit Shi Woo's personality well. The idea that someone so stoic only smiles because of one person could have been incredibly effective. Sadly, the writing never fully earned that emotional payoff even if Seo In Guk did everything he could with the material. He was already one of my biggest reasons for starting this drama, alongside the office premise, and he remained one of its strongest points until the very end.

Ironically, the moment Ji Yun and Shi Woo officially became a couple was when the drama began losing me. Looking back, I honestly think the story would have worked better as a shorter six episode series. Once the dating phase began, everything suddenly felt flatter. Shi Woo simply became more affectionate and smiled more, while Ji Yun's behaviour started feeling strangely forced. Before they got together, I genuinely enjoyed Park Ji Hyun's performance because Ji Yun felt natural and believable. Afterwards, however, her delivery came across as awkward and almost performative. I understand that Ji Yun was probably excited to experience love again after everything that happened with Cho Ga Eul, but the execution left me cringing more often than smiling. Park Ji Hyun is undoubtedly a capable actress, so I am inclined to think this was more of a writing issue than a performance issue. Either way, once they started dating, their chemistry lost the spark that had carried the earlier episodes.

The second half then shifts toward navigating office romance alongside how Ji Yun navigates through Shi Woo's past with his ex wife. Unfortunately, this part became painfully predictable. Every conflict, whether personal or professional, seemed to resolve itself far too conveniently, removing much of the tension. I eventually found myself watching the remaining episodes at double speed simply to reach the ending. When it finally arrived, I felt almost nothing. If anything, I was left wondering what Shi Woo's future even looked like because the drama never really gave me a satisfying answer.

The supporting cast also delivers mixed results. Most of them remain exactly what they are introduced as, supporting characters. Ironically, Cho Ga Eul's storyline ended up having more emotional depth than the central romance itself. Choi Kyung Hoon clearly benefited from having stronger material because his acting still feels like a work in progress. Yun No A and Lee Jae In's storyline never quite found its footing either. Kang Min Ah carried much of that pairing, while Won Gyu Bin still has room to grow as an actor. Meanwhile, Kang Gi Doong unexpectedly left the biggest impression on me despite having a supporting role. As Jeon Gi Tae, he consistently stood out whenever he appeared.

From a production standpoint, everything is simply... fine. The cinematography is pleasant enough without ever becoming visually striking. The OST serves its purpose by supporting the emotional beats but never leaves a lasting impression after the episodes end. My biggest complaint would be some of the scene treatments, particularly the flying sequence in the earlier episodes, which felt unnecessarily awkward. The CGI also falls somewhere in the middle. Not terrible, but certainly not memorable either.

In the end, See You at Work Tomorrow really does feel like a beginner's guide to office romance. The workplace humour, relatable corporate struggles, familiar clichés, and Seo In Guk's impressive arms carried me comfortably through the first half. Unfortunately, the second half loses its momentum with a romance that never fully convinces and a story that becomes increasingly predictable. By the time the credits rolled, I was not emotional, heartbroken, or even particularly satisfied. I was simply relieved that the workday was finally over.

Leggi di Più