Reviews

A fun time killer

Well, way to drop out of the sky with zero notice or promo. But you know what? I loved it!

Spoilers ahead!

Typical former idol x current hot idol trope & enemies to lovers.

Both MCs come out to each other as liking men, none of this "I'm only gay for you" as is the standard. They meet on a same-sex film set and go through some internal discovery before coming together at the end IRL.

My only gripe is we get real kisses while they're filming their movie, but angle shots when they kiss as themselves. But they kiss so..... I'll take it.

Also a nice dig at sasang behavior because we continue to see that on the daily and it's very real.

Nice little time killer that inconveniently dropped on a Friday (does the BL industry not check literally any other series when they pick an air date?!?!?) but I was already glued to the TV for the other 50 shows so why not add one more!

Overall very enjoyable, 9/10. Actors had chemistry and it kept me engaged throughout all 6 eps.

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Cute

This series has thrown my rating system into disarray. Objectively, this is the hallmark movie of C-dramaland in that we get a story that's fast-paced, romantic, and watchable yet it has the depth of a puddle and a very linear story arc. Nothing special, still, it's exactly what is needed to cleanse the palate after watching a dense drama like Legend of Mi Yue (which I disliked).

Is it fair to rate it so high? Yes, because I'd like to send a message of support to the writers and production team so that they're encouraged to keep honing their skills and hopefully improve their outputs regarding quality, storytelling, and production values.

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A feel-good university romance with a lot of fluff

Hidden Agenda is a good BL with an interesting plot and a great cast.

The plot starts out strong and we are immediately swept up into getting to know the characters for around two episodes whilst the groundwork is set for the rest of the plot. I thought the pursuit was fun to watch and had some cute moments. The main couple is sweet, and I personally enjoy university plots with angsty and confused feelings.

Watch this drama if you enjoy the following genres: university, romance, fluff, sweet, pining, confused feelings, slight angst and a few steamy kiss scenes.

I’ve seen many other reviews of people hating on this drama for no reason. I’ve mainly seen people insult Dunk’s acting skills which are perfectly fine. Whilst I agree that Joong is slightly better, I do not think that Dunk’s acting skills are bad (or as bad as some people claim). Some people said the plot was boring which I disagree, I think they just prefer action-thrillers with heavy stakes and a fleshed-out plot rather than a simple watch with a lot of fluff.

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I enjoyed the series (even though the last episodes felt pretty draggy), the actors were TOTALLY amazing and the OST too!

I specially liked episode 20, it was kind of an epilogue and I’m glad to see many of my favorite characters doing well, still I really need to vent my anger at Seo Jin’s “happy ending”.

ATTENTION:

Swear words and spoilers may be ahead.

Are you f*king kidding me?? After all the bad and awful things she did she still gets a good ending?? Not going to jail, not actually paying for what she did! She only told the truth because Ye So’s mental health was being ruined by thinking about what they did to WJ! Until the very end, HJ feared for her daughter mental well-being first and foremost which is why she ended up “letting go” of her greed, she never really cared about others.

(That scene at the beginning of Ep. 20? Coordinator Kim was absolutely right in every single thing she told her!).

Did she ever thought about the other people she made suffer?? Ye Bin? Hye Na? Woo Yoo and his family? Her husband? Why does she gets to get away with a simple apology and some tears? She was a straight up b*tch for 18 episodes!!! Why does everyone just forgives her?? She was nasty, I don’t care what anyone says.

If there is something I don’t understand about kdrama writers is why do they always redeem and make kids forgive their freaking parents!!! The f*ck!!

And even though coach Kim was a total psycho she was right saying that’s all the parents’ fault! They are the ones pressuring their children and wanting them to enter SNU as if they were mere trophies to show off.

End of rant.

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Classic High School Drama

A story about friendships, somewhat growing up and navigating life in high school drama. It takes you on an emotional roller coaster that depicts pretty accurate the worries of teenagers.

Dunk and Lookjun were my highlight of this series. Especially Dunk delivered a great performance as White. That one emotional scene made me cry and I’m not a crier. Lookjun was perfect as Ivy.

Ryu and Java did good too, just wish we would been allowed to explore their plot more. I’m still wondering about Tan’s backstory and Jewel’s personality. I did like their progression, but they could have spent more time on thrm instead of other focuses.

Phuwin and Parn delivered ok in giving life to their characters. At least I learnt that onscreen, Phuwin really just kisses that way🤷‍♀️ It is what it is… I’m still mad about GMM making yet another one-dimensional female character with absolutly no growth or development. At least Lune had some trauma that explained why he did what he did and acted like he were.

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I watched all the versions of Hana Yori Dango : the korean, the chinese and the taiwanese but the japanese version still and will always be the best ever! it's true that the korean have a better cast but i totally hated the lead actress.
Anyway, the story is known and as everyone agree it's a nice story with great events that will make you anticipate more.
The music: It was good.
What I truly blame on this season that it's too short. What I truly like is Domyouji's foolishness; Matsumoto Jun did his role perfectly no mistakes at all, I fell in love with his character in this drama: so cute, so funny and most of all so childish.
I believe that this drama is one of the greatest jdramas that i've ever seen, I enjoyed it so much.
I wonder if there's someone who haven't watched it and if there's such person I would highly recommend this.

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So, first thing first, the synopsis is misleading. The guy takes the role of the Gary Sue character in place of the main girl and the whole point of the drama is the relationship between this innocent and naive flower boy (literally) with a woman that would do anything for her carreer. The premise sounds original enough and I considered it to be at least very good in the comedy department. I wasn't wrong. I have been following No Min Woo recently too and I was really excited to see him in a different role than the usual poker face'd one, as well as looking forward for another drama with Yang Jin Sung which I find to be an extremely good actress to be able to play a diversity of roles (note Bride of the Century).

The first episode was kind of awkward, but it was easy to get into it and follow it loyally till the few last episodes. The drama likes to play a lot on the contrast between Tae Woon and Ji Na which worked till up to episode 10 or so, however after that I felt like the plot started to drag out considerably. The tone of the show was not as colorful anymore and I found hard to feel for Tae Woon's situation. They started to pull out a lot of excuses and issues that were never actually a problem, also apologizing and taking blame for something that was not even in their power to stop and I really feel like episodes 12 and 13 were a complete waste of time. The story only got up to 7 for me because it attempted to be fresh and entertaining for most of the time, but in the end it just bit itself with it.

Character and cast wise, I feel like No Min Woo did a really good job. It was a new role for him that I think he handled perfectly, no matter how badly written Tae Woon might have been. However the rest of the characters tend to shine for a while and then bite themselves and going back to be simply "cliche'd troupes"; of the genre. Ji Na was a brilliant character that through the last few episodes just started to act like a dead fish, letting the people around her monologue their pains to her and she being completely ambigous about it. They turned an initially ambitious woman in a Marry Sue that can't tie two thoughts together and don't tell me that she had a reason for it because the drive and bluntness she had in the beginning couldn't have just jumped out the window. It was a complete waste of potential. Kang Hee Chul is also one of the strong points of the show in the beginning and safely stays as one till the last 10 minutes of the last episode, he completely took the spotlight from Tae Woon more than once, he was intriguing and I really liked his inner struggle between his feelings and his ambitions; a complex character that in the end just didn't deliver because of the "second main guy" barrier and because I guess the plot demanded him to. About Hye Mi, she also surprised me in a pleasant way, I didn't expect her to be that likeable and I feel it's the first time besides maybe Bride of the Century case that I really felt for her and I hoped she will get something good out of it all...but that too backlashed at her when she started to act too much like a pain and a badly used cliche. However the actors didn't disappoint. This drama actually made me curious in following Jung Yoon Hak. He wasn't perfect, but I find him to have a very fascinating charm that other actors miss.

Soundtrack wise it was...alright I guess. Average. Forgettable. I usually do pay attention to these things, so this time I really didn't feel like any of the songs stand out. Some were nice and funny, but that's really all.

You know? I really wanted to give this drama a 7 but in the end counting all overall problems that I had with it in the last 6 episodes, I just couldn't bring myself to. 7 is still a Good rating for me but it was more closer to Fine (6) due to its trying to be original and I chose to value that.

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Piano Teacher, Good Wife, Trash Husband and Mistress

I watched this because the episodes are short and sometimes I like to watch dramas that get to the point. This one had many points. :")

Let me try to describe the plot: Wife and Trash Husband are married, he wants her to sleep with some creepy dude so creepy dude would invest in his company. She doesn't want that so he works with Piano Teacher to make it look like she's cheating on him and get divorce because he has a Mistress. Plot twist Mistress and Piano Teacher work together, plot twist Piano Teacher wants revenge, plot twist Piano Teacher now likes the Wife, plot twist Mistress now works against Piano Teacher... You get the point, it's like that till the end.

Honestly, it's entertaining. It's so bad it's good. The characters are fun. When you think that's the lowest they can go, they can go lower.

Wife:
- FL
- You think she is naive but she is not. She screwed them so nicely.
- She does have her stupid moments like going to see the Mistress alone but it's fine. She has more smart than stupid moments.
- I like how she didn't forgive the husband and she saw him for what he is, trash.
- When she told Mistress that she is now responsible for Trash Husband and his mother and they are her hell now, badass.
- If he treated me like that, what makes you think he will treat you differently? *Chefs kiss when she said that.

Trash Husband (let's just go though all the shitty stuff he did because he makes me so angry):
- Told his Wife to go and sleep with creepy dude so he would give him money.
- Set the Wife up that she is cheating so he could take the kid.
- Cheated on the Wife with the Mistress.
- Took the kid.
- Married said Mistress and called Wife to the wedding.
- Got into debt and pinned everything to Mistress.
- Beat up Mistress.
- Told Mistress to sleep with creepy guy so he could get money.
- Blackmailed Wife with their kid to sleep with creepy guy for money.
- He is also responsible for things in the past if what he did in the present isn't enough.
- I think I missed some stuff but every time he opens his mouth or even moves, he does something shitty.
- Ohhh, I remember the moment when he cemented himself as trash at the beginning. He said to his wife he can have ten years younger Mistress because he is the man and that will elevate his status but she can't have a younger guy because she is the mother of his child and that will ruin her image. He also said when the younger guy gets into his prime, he will leave her like he did. Wow, what trash.

Piano Teacher:
- ML
- Good? Bad? Anything is good next to Trash Husband, I will take it.
- He is first working with Trash Husband to make it like Wife is cheating.
- Later, we found out everything he did is for revenge.
- It's fine, even when he is working against Wife, he is helping her.
- He always saves her and he is cute.
- The funny thing is how he spawn's into scenes. Doors, what's that? There's a scene where he takes her home and then when Trash Husband opens the door, he is gone. How?????? The window????? I have no clue.
- Whenever Wife is in trouble, he appears out of thin air.
- He does leave out of the door so that's something.
- The angst with him and Wife was a nice spice to the story, I liked it.

Mistress:
- The definition of you reap what you sow.
- She married Trash Husband for money but ended up in debt.
- Obsessed with Piano Teacher when he doesn't even want to look her way.
- Asks for help from Wife but then betrays her instantly.
- Little less trashy than Trash Husband but just a little.

Overall, I recommended it if you want to watch something dramatic. Something where you will laugh even though it's not comedy.

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It was ok. In all honesty this drama has nothing to do with the original My Bratty Princess- with the exception that it follows a girl who was dressed as a boy because of some family secret. I really liked that this was a period drama and it had a lot of comedy in it. Theres a ton of cute guys going accross the screen and the fight scenes are cool so its not boring.

If you have already watched the first one, this one is a bit of a let down. The female lead is way weaker and more annoying, not to mention there was a really good reason to hide her identity in the first Bratty Princess, in this one the premise wasnt as good. In the first the development of side characters was stronger as well.

Beware, there are a lot of technical slip ups that you will catch throughout the series like the editing department must have fallen asleep. The voice overs are so unrealistic and annoying and at some point you will want to cuss the emperor for having no balls and the female lead for being annoying.

The end of the series seemed rushed and was slightly disappointing, but otherwise it is a watch-worthy drama if you like period dramas with comedy and not really intense drama.

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GÊNIO DOS DESEJOS--- Um Gênio Arrogante e Uma Humana Sem Emoção

GÊNIO DOS DESEJOS --> Em uma fusão de fantasia e comédia romântica, a série nos apresenta a Genie, um gênio da lâmpada (ou talvez do pingente) que acorda após mil anos de exílio. Arrogante, temperamental e com um excesso de emoções, ele é libertado por Ga-young, uma humana fria e cética, cujas emoções parecem ter sido extirpadas. Presos por uma dinâmica de "mestre e servo" onde o destino de um depende do outro, eles embarcam em uma jornada para realizar três desejos. O que começa como um conto de fantasia clichê se aprofunda em uma exploração sobre o verdadeiro custo dos desejos, a natureza das emoções humanas e a busca por um propósito.

Kim Woo-bin como Genie (Gênio) — O Gênio milenar. Um personagem de emoções exageradas que oscilam entre a explosão e a melancolia, forçado a lidar com a humanidade que despreza.

Bae Suzy como Ki Ga-young — A "mestra" humana. Uma mulher de atitude, que vive estritamente por suas regras e rotinas, e cuja falta de emoção se torna o maior mistério e desafio para o Gênio.

Ahn Eun-jin como Mi-joo — Uma personagem que adiciona camadas à trama com um papel central nas vidas dos protagonistas.

Noh Sang-hyun como Soo-hyeon — Outro ponto de tensão e relacionamento na narrativa principal.

Roteiro de Kim Eun-sook (The Glory, Goblin): A marca da autora garante diálogos afiados, reviravoltas emocionais e um desenvolvimento que transcende o gênero.

Direção de Lee Byung-hun (Extreme Job): A direção enxuta e cômica do diretor de melodramas com toques de humor garante o ritmo leve e a química entre os protagonistas.

A "Temática Religiosa" e a Profundidade: A premissa de "Genie" é usada para explorar questões filosóficas sobre o destino, o livre-arbítrio e o significado da verdadeira felicidade, indo além da simples comédia.

Química de Ouro: A dinâmica de oppostos que se atraem entre o Gênio super-emocional e a humana apática é o coração da série.

💭 Minha Experiência

Comecei um pouco reativa, como você, esperando uma versão coreana simplista de Aladdin, até pela temática de "gênio dos desejos". No entanto, o drama é muito mais profundo. Ele usa a fantasia para dissecar a condição humana. As interações entre Gênio e Ga-young são hilárias e, de repente, devastadoras. O roteiro de Kim Eun-sook não está interessado em realizar desejos de forma fácil, mas sim em mostrar como as regras e rotinas de Ga-young são a sua prisão, e como as emoções descontroladas do Gênio são a punição dele. É uma reflexão rica e inesperadamente tocante sobre o que realmente faz a vida valer a pena.

⭐ Vale a pena assistir?

Sem dúvida. Tudo Se Tornará Realidade é a prova de que o gênero pode ser usado para uma reflexão profunda. É um rom-com com camadas filosóficas, perfeito para rir, se emocionar e pensar.

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A Spellbinding Journey of Love, Immortality, and Redemption in a Must-Watch Korean Drama!

"Goblin" is an absolute gem of a Korean drama that I couldn't get enough of. From the very beginning, I was drawn into the enchanting world of fantasy, romance, and drama it beautifully crafted. The story of the immortal goblin and his destined bride was both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, taking me on an emotional rollercoaster. The chemistry between the lead characters was simply electric, and their performances were outstanding. The drama's stunning cinematography and haunting soundtrack added a magical touch to the whole experience. Even after finishing the series, I found myself thinking about "Goblin" and its powerful themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption. This drama has rightfully earned its place as one of my all-time favorites, leaving an indelible mark on my heart and soul.

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I really enjoyed this drama. It was one of the first dramas I saw. Since then I have seen quite a few. It is not the best drama out there by any stretch of the imagination, but it is sweet and endearing. When I watch a drama, I am always looking for that emotional connection. If I can't connect with the drama, or care for the characters, no matter how amazing the plot is , it would not be enjoyable for me. With that in mind, this drama still remains one of my favourites. The plot is simple and easy to follow,but plagued with the usual problems that face most Korean dramas, that is, it is uneven and could have had better pacing,slowing down significantly in the later episodes. However this dramas major strenght is its cast. Kang Dong Won is great here as the ill tempered lead, Jae In, who ends up being comical and endearing. It was great seeing him change and evolve as a person as the drama progressed. The main romantic pairing is cute and believable, but most importantly they make you care. You want them to be happy , to succeed. It is a great journey, filled with laughs (you can thank a petulant Jae In for most of those), sighs and a few awwws.Recommended for an easy, heartfilled watch.

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What I would change: The last four episodes (29 to 32)

It's a good story overall, and I've enjoyed it.
My Review contains many spoilers: don't read if you haven't watched the series yet.

The last four episodes (29 to 32) could have been better scripted, as some plot choices feel weak; they don't have any purposes other than to add unnecessary twists & turns.

And the drama’s ending...

Instead of delivering a satisfying conclusion, it forces suspense with an ambiguous scene that lacks context or payoff. Rather than a clever twist, it comes across as empty and confusing. Most viewers, myself included, are left wondering what it was supposed to mean. If the goal was to create an open-ended mystery, it fails because it lacks substance, and instead of a thought-provoking conclusion, it feels like an unresolved, last-minute attempt to appear deep without any real meaning.

So let's start with what I would change to make this a better story!

Ep. 29 - 24:30 min
Why would the princess chose to kill herself? But most importantly, why would she chose to kill herself in such a way that not only endangers Shangguan Zhi but also wastes an opportunity to make her sacrifice meaningful? As someone raised in the palace, she should be resourceful and strategic enough to devise a last-minute plan.

Frankly, this plot twist is unnecessary and leads to even further unnecessary drama, thus it should be erased. Let's examine something else that could prevent her death:

Ep. 28 - 38:00 min
Zhuo LanJiang meeting the mastermind (Jia Quan - identity not yet revealed) and his personal assistant (Zuo Jingfei) at night time in an undisclosed location.

Ep. 30 - 5:30 min
Zhuo LanJiang meeting the mastermind (Jia Quan - identity revealed) and his personal assistant (Zuo Jingfei) during daytime at the "Grand Commandant's Residence".

After comparing both meeting location, we can clearly see the same curtains and the same bookshelves in the background. Thus, we can deduce they meet in the same location.

We know Zhuo Lanjiang's motivations: to avenge his father. He's not there to stretch things nor investigate any further. This said, he had a very good opportunity to do this in Ep. 28's meeting. He could kill both at once swiftly at nighttime and try to escape alive.

But let's say for suspense sake he does not do it just yet. Plus, he gets to witness the presence of Mr. Chen (the organization's accountant who brought the ledgers with him) as he's being escorted to his new room. This opens the plot twist for him to look for those ledgers later which brings us at back at Ep. 29, right before the Princess death scene, the one we want to get rid of.


So here's what should happen:
(This removes all those scenes: princess's death, Shangguan Zhi going to jail, Pan Yue begging his father, Shangguan Zhi's trial + battle, them becoming fugitives, Zhuo LanJiang dying uselessly and in a very stupid way, etc.)

Ep. 29 - from 18:40 to 24:30 min
This is when the princess finds out her sister's husband (Jia Quan) is the great villain she and Pan Yue have been investigating. This triggers him threatening her. But frankly, why would he ask her to kill Shangguan Zhi? That's just plain not plausible considering his shrews character. If he wanted Shangguan Zhi dead, he could have had her dead 100 other ways anytime he wants.

In my opinion, once he made sure to make her understand that he can and will kill her and her sister (and make it look like an accident) if she tries to interfere, his most likely reaction would be to prohibit her to leave the residence and keep her under watch at all times until the completion of his "Grand Marshal" promotion ceremony to ensure she won't leak any information.

Next would come the scene from Ep. 30 - 5:30 min
Zhuo LanJiang meeting the mastermind (Jia Quan - identity revealed) and his personal assistant (Zuo Jingfei) during daytime at the "Grand Commandant's Residence".
But this time, he kills both in stealth mode, then proceeds to look for the ledgers, finds them and escape successfully.

There should be a commotion once Jia Quan's death is being noticed. It should be speculated that it must be related to the assassin that tried to kill Pan Yue the other day. The Princess would later go search for the ledger where she found evidence of Jia Quan's name change, then make a plan to meet with Pan Yue in order to discuss their next move.

Meanwhile, Zhuo LanJiang gives the accounting ledgers to either Pan Yue or Shangguan Zhi (or both, wathever suits the plot), tells them he fulfilled his vengeance (the bad guy is dead) and he plans to head back home with his girlfriend and marry her.

Next, we should obviously see Zhuo LanJiang have some happy romantic reunion with Bai Xiao Sheng.
Then, the princess meeting with Pan Yue and Shangguan Zhi to decide what will be done.

From there, I don't have anything concrete in mind, but I guess the most obvious would be:

- The princess confess everything to her sister.
- The wedding between the princess and Pan Yue gets cancelled.
- The evidence against Jia Quan gets deposited to help close his death's investigation.
- Pan Yue and his father reconcile.
- Pan Yue will confess everything to Shangguan Zhi's brother as promised. She should also have a moment alone with her brother to settle things.
- Pan Yue gets back his Heyang's Magistrate position and finds a way to offer Zhuo LanJiang a good position too in managing the docks (or wathever else that fits his fancy in order to compensate him for shutting down his clan. Maybe letting him reopen his clan/private business?)
- Pan Yue and Shangguan Zhi get married in Heyang at the same time than Zhuo LanJiang and Bai Xiao Sheng (double wedding).


Oh, and another useless scene is this one:

Ep 29: 6 min
Pan Yue's brother revealing to a stanger that Shangguan Zhi is Yang Caiwei.
Only Pan Yue's father should know about this, and this information should not have been revealed to anyone else in the household.

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