Reviews

I feel like they could have done more with the characters and paced the story better.

There were parts that were compelling and gripping, and then parts where the plot dragged like crazy and I could only get through it at 1.5x speed, especially the middle. I think they spent too much time on the townspeople gossiping about Samdal and Yongpil when they had their own lives to live. I also felt like Yongpil's dad coming around was too sudden and we should have seen a gradual change start several episodes earlier. I also think the downfall of the villain was too brief for the grief she caused. Overall I feel mixed about it. I think this story could have been told and been better in 10 eps max. My favorite character is probably the little girl. She was too cute for words but was also the voice of reason a lot. I don't think I'd recommend this for most, there's better and there's worse.

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To be honest this drama is not for everyone.
You might have to watch a few episodes more than once to understand what the writers are trying to show us.

The main idea is pretty good and well thought even if sometimes the execution fails to make us understand what is going on.

However I enjoyed every minutes of it and was excited each week to discover a new episode.

The first 3 episodes have some boring moments but after that it’s hard not to get into this drama. despites a few plot holes (but which drama doesn’t have some???) this was very unpredictable and entertaining.

The music and the actors are pretty good. It was my second time seeing a drama with Woo Do Han after Mad Dog and I’m not disappointed.

I’m just sad to say goodbye and I can’t wait to watch another drama with these actors. I’m gonna miss this drama

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Story: As much as I loved the leads and their chemistry (and oh-my-gods, what chemistry they have!), the fact is that halfway through the drama the PD dropped the really super interesting fangirl storyline, much to our disappointment. I waited and waited to the very end hoping for the closure I wanted, and it just didn't happen. Story lost serious points with me for that. :(

Acting: The actors did a phenomenal job. Kim Jae Wook especially proved that he's superstar leading man material (I hope to see him in many more dramas in the near future). Excellent as always Park Min Young convinced me she IS her character Deok Mi and in love with her 'Lion'. I also really loved Kim Sun Young's funny portrayal of Ex-Director Uhm So Hye. Sure wish though that we'd got to see more dimensions of Si An other that 'sunshine', but "oh well..."

Music: I might download a song or two, but the soundtrack didn't blow me away as anything special.

Rewatch Value: If I do re-watch bits of this, it'll be for those kisses that make your toes curl.

Overall: If you're seeking a pure-heart drama that warms your heart - look no further - this is it! Light and fluffy, and sweet as cotton candy. All the characters get happy endings. Just don't expect anything beyond your standard rom-com here.

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WHY THE THAI VERSION ;)

Starting on a casual note, I've never had a good experience with Thai dramas, idk why but never did any drama hit THE SPOT until F4 Thailand. I'm seriously a drama activist and enjoy watching dramas but my eye always goes towards the technicalities. Putting the issue forward, for me Thai dramas always meant boring and cringey, with bad cinematography (maybe I came across bad dramas only) but F4T changed it.

At first I was a little hesitant towards watching F4T since I am in love with Boys Over Flowers saga. I've literally seen every version from the old ones and the manga to now watching F4T. But when I was watching Meteor Garden (Chinese Adaptation), I felt it lost all the feels and tried to add innovation but took away the essence of the original story. Obviously, when it is an adaptation it doesn't necessarily have to be the exact copy but if you are taking away the originality of the actual story than do not call it an adaptation - which is why I was hesitant towards watching the Thai adaptation.

Now when I watched the Thai version, I was stunned. LIKE LITERALLY! BOOM!
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I found it better than all the versions. Some people close to me are saying that I think this way because the Korean Boys Over Flowers was old and this is new. NO!
The way I can relate with the characters is unbelievable. For a person like me, who can't watch a thing that she just watched again, I've completed the ongoing drama 3 times now.

Q: Why do I feel like this?
Answer: Unlike many other Thai dramas, and watching the interviews of the cast and director of F4T as well as watching the drama I come to a conclusion that everyone has done their homework on the drama, not only did they bring innovation to it while keeping the originality of Boys Over Flowers, watching the drama feels like I won't know what's gonna happen next when I already know. NEVER FELT THAT BEFORE.
The casting, the setting, the characterization is spot on.

Thyme's Character:
This character is the main attraction for me, and not as Bright but as Thyme.
Originally, I found Junpyo best in this character. Imagine you have a danger meter, Lee Minho hit the red line but Bright, he hit the bright red (get it 'bright' red ;p), the fiercest line. While keeping the essence of the character, Bright played Thyme excellently; Thyme is childish and cute to the extreme level but he is also vulnerable, possessive and aggressive to the other extreme end and at the same time, he is mature unlike other first male lead characters in the other version. Can you believe having all these traits in one character in such a way that these traits don't overpower or overshadow the others? There's a perfect balance and this balance added icing to the cake and plus Bright's looks were just finishing the touches but here, I would like to appreciate him so much more than just looks. I came to this drama, thinking he doesn't suit the character, let alone look handsome, and now I'm leaving saying that this person is complete from every sphere and no one else could have played this role better than him.

Plus hat's off to the rest of the cast and the director as well as GMMTV for putting variety of issues in this drama that happen in real life. GMMTV, I'll be checking more of your dramas that will air in the future, I've seen the trailers and seem very interesting, though I won't be watching the older ones since I researched and they don't fit my taste but the upcoming ones are surely my treat. Please give me good recommendations though :).
GOODLUCK TO THE CAST AND DRAMA.
AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE PLANNING TO WATCH IT, DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME READING THIS REVIEW, GO WATCH IT.

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"Cheese in the trap" is one of the strangest dramas I've ever seen. From the start till the very end and I liked it so much.
If you search for the drama's plot, you'll find that "it's about the delicate relationship between a female university student Hong Seol and her senior Yoo Jung." But it's actually more than that.
This drama is about life. It's about my life, your life... It's more than a drama or webtoon. It's realistic and really makes you think about everything.
It's about friendship, classmates, lovers. I'm happy that we could see different types of problematic relationships in families.
It teaches you that communication is the most important thing in one relationship.
It teaches that you can't always be good to people because they're going to use you.
It teaches you that revenge isn't always the right answer.
It teaches not to give up on your dreams or laugh at someone else's dream.
It teaches so many things and I'm sure that everyone will find an answer of personal questions because I found so many answers in this drama.

The cast was perfect for this drama, every actor had their own way to represent their character and they did a good job. The chemistry between Park Hae Jin and Kim Go Eun was just right but everyone was talking about the second lead Seo Kang Joon... and I can't judge! You'll fall in his trap so fast and you'll feel the pain.

The OST is really beautiful, fits perfectly. If I could choose a foreign song to describe this drama or Seol and Jung's relationship I would pick - A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera - Say Something.

What I like about this drama:
- the second lead - Good job, Seo Kang Joon! You stole my heart!
- mystery - I liked all the mystery around the main characters, it keeps you awake.
- the chemistry between Park Hae Jin and Kim Go Eun
- rich guy - poor girl - I really liked that they didn't even focus on this or make it a main problem of the drama.
- university environment
What I don't like about this drama:
- love triangle

I don't know why many people didn't like the ending, it was a very beautiful way to say "I still love you."

PS: I know 9/10 is really high but the drama was just what I wanted to see and feel the past months.

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This was another great Korean movie. It was packed with action and comedy. This movie really kept you on edge on your seat and glued your eyes to the screen.

I love how Jo Jung Suk always keep his quirky side whenever he played a character. He never disappoint me in comedy area. Really love him in dramas and movies. Yoonah was great as well... she was quite comedic here. Overall, I love their chemistry, although there is not much romance in this movie but how the two characters help each other was really great. Wish there is more story of their future together in the movie but well maybe the writers leave it to our own imagination. I like the way the story goes as the poisonous gas did not turn anyone into zombie or dead or any other. It was simply a poisonous gas. Guess the focus of this movie was how the 2 main characters survived.
The rest of the characters had their own unique way to make the whole movie fun to watch.
Oh.. love how they tell us in the end how the 2 main characters were saved from their fall (almost towards the credit scene if you see carefully *spoiler*, after Yoonah's character cut the rope, the both of them fell as the rope slipped away from the pipe but the end up on a blue-like tarp on the building and bounced back into the building being constructed).

Overall.. it was a fun and great movie to watch. I found myself cringe many times when the 2 main characters climb or jump from building to building.

Although I didn't get to watch it in cinema.. it was great to be able to stream it online. If you guys wanna watch.. here's the link :

https://myasiantv.to/movie/exit

I hope you'll enjoy the movie as much as I do. Happy watching...^^

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A cerebral, symbolic, and emotionally complex BL—not your typical romance.

"Therapy" is a bold and unconventional short series that brings both sexual and psychological tension to the table—for both the actors and the audience. Every detail in this series feels deliberate and precise. Although I wasn’t able to watch it with English subtitles, I personally translated every line, pausing throughout to understand the dialogue and context fully.

From the very first episode, the director establishes that the relationship between the two characters is strictly transactional. This is made clear through the therapist’s precise actions, starting with the signing of the contract. His emotional detachment is evident and consistent, setting a professional tone. This is not your typical "boy’s love" series—there is little to no emotional reciprocity between the leads, at least in the traditional romantic sense.

One of the standout aspects of the series is the use of color symbolism in the room settings, each reflecting the evolving emotional and psychological undertones of their interactions:

Black Room: Symbolizes raw desire. The sexual encounter here seems to exist solely to fulfill the client’s physical urges.

White Room: Represents clinical detachment. The interaction is mechanical, emphasizing the "therapy" aspect of the relationship.

Purple/Pink Room: Signals a shift. The client begins to desire not just physical intimacy, but also an emotional and romantic connection with the therapist.

Interestingly, it’s not the first three sessions that provoke the most sexual tension—but the last one. Despite the emotionally detached performances, the final session brings a layered complexity that is both arousing and unsettling.

Overall, "Therapy" stands out for its graphic storytelling, psychological themes, and unique visual direction. It’s a series that warrants deeper analysis and discussion, especially when it comes to the director’s intent and the emotional ambiguity portrayed. If you're looking for a BL that is more cerebral than romantic—and are open to dark, symbolic, and emotionally complex narratives—this is definitely one to watch.

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Please, more of this

I just have watched the 5th episode (for me, the best one so far) and I am sad that there is only one episode left. I could watch this all day and night because THIS is true. It is not one more of an unrealistic BL-story.
Do not get me wrong, I like a good romantic BL. But this show is so much closer to the real life of a gay couple! This is a fact that often bothers me, that 99% of the BL series our there are not about gay relationships but only exist to please a certain kind of viewers: women who ship the actors even in their private life, regardless if they are real or not.
This show really "get's to the point": the stuggle about having a child as a gay couple, the acceptance of the queer friend group, but not the family (although episode 5 made me burst in applause for the dad, BEST DAD EVER!), the "need" to hide in front of the mom's at kindergarden - and the actors are absolutely believable, they work amazing with each other.
I would love to see more of these series, where it is not about "Am I gay? No, I only love this paritcular boy *blabla*" or engineering students falling in love with each other while women are hysterically screaming in the background. Show us how it is to live in a gay / lesbian / queer relationship, only "true" shows like this will lead to a bigger acceptance in real life! THIS creates real support, not stupid character / actor - shipping.

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This is one of my favorite movies. I watched it expecting just another scary ghost story, but it turned out to be much more original than that. This story unfolds so well that I immediately wanted to rewatch it, and catch all the things I missed the first time. I will admit that the story can be a little confusing at times, and some scenes are very abstract/surreal, but by the end it all comes together brilliantly.

Im Soo Jung is really great as Su mi, and I loved the tension between her and Yeom Jeong-ah, and her sweet relationship with Moon Geun Young.

The cinematography is absolutely beautiful.

The music by Lee Byung Woo has become of one of my all time favorite musical pieces from a film. I just had to have the soundtrack, and it didn't matter that it was mostly different variations of the same awesome song.

Acting-Story-Music-Visually... This movie impressed me all around.

There was a remake made of this film called "The Uninvited", but the story was completely revamped. Though the remake was entertaining, it doesn't come close to this version.

I absolutely recommend this movie! I bought it, and have rewatched it many times.

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Dreams are for real.

A line from Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" goes like, "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure." The future is indeed yours if you know how to appreciate and believe in thr beauty of your dreams. So it's important you're always led by your dreams. Also, your struggle is something that sharpens you into a fine person. There is scarcely any passion without struggle. "Idol: The Coup" is a story of big dreams and the struggle on the way.

IDOL: THE COUP (아이돌: 더 쿠데타) is the very last story of "Cotton Candy", a failed kpop group, idols of which are determined to prevent the disbandment of their group by any means despite the amount of misfortune befall on them. At the center is Kim Jenna, the leader of the group, who's desperate to grab even the smallest opportunity to save the group. With six months on their hand, the group goes against the newly appointed CEO of their company and prepares themselves to leave the industry with dignity and grace.

To a great deal, the drama portrays the real underlying issues in the Kpop industry as well as the companies and their policies for people under them. The harsh attitude of the public torwards the rookie as well as failed artists is also accurately showcased. The companies going after money over the talent of artists abd then ditching the idols once they loose their popularity is another major problem placed in the show.

Kim Je Na (Ahn Hee Yun) is the thread that holds all the members of Cotton Candy together. Aware or their devastated reality, she still wants to hold onto the group given their past involving their journey tilll their debut. Seo Ji Han (Kim Min Kyu) is the leader of the a rapidly rising boy group "Mars" who has this soft side to people with talent and immensely favors Jenna and her group. Cha Jae Hyuk (Kwak Shi Yang) is the newly appointed CEO of Starpeace Ent. the company that started with Cotton Candy and is on rise bcs of Mars. These 3 are the main characters and Min Kyu is in fact the least experienced among them. Kwak Shi Yang is undoubtedly a very good actor whereas Ahn Hee Yun has improved over years.

There are many characters given the drama is about the Kpop industry involving Kpop groups and companies. There are less familiar as actors casted for the young characters though you might know some of them if you thoroughly follow Kpop. Honestly, their acting wasn't much impressive rather some of them failed to deliver appropriate emotions and lacked coordination. But I guess overally they were able to perform as much it was demanded from them basing upon their skills. Some characters were likable where some made me hate them to a great deal.

Among some good actors casted in minor roles are Ahn Se Ha and Jung Woong In.

Plot development is quite fine with several peaks throughout. Misery just keep embracing the girls from Cotton Candy one after another; a little moment of joy is followed by series of tragedy. The events are mostly saddening so it can make you cry constantly if you're very sensitive. The progression is good and steady. The drama starts with a seemingly funny yet sob-story and ends with a goor impression.

Noh Jung Chan PD-nim has been there in the industry for over a decade but his previous dramas are pretty average. Given that fact, he seems to have improved here, providing the drama all his determination. The screenplay is pretty good, in fact amazing in few instances. I am also okay with the pacing the dramas was run with. The screen-editing, syncs, organization and coordination... all these were well handled.

Jung Yoon Jung jakka-nim is known for dramas like "Misaeng" and "The Bride of Habaek"; the former is a quality hit whereas the latter is a quality flop. I love this script,b despite few potholes (let's call it missed plots). The introduction, the development and the ending, everything is well presented. So happy she has incorporated most of the possible issues with the industries in a "slice of life" way for the idols' lives, portraying a real image and the dark and known, yet ignored scenarios associate to it.

The songs!? Oh my goodness! They're so dope TT. If you're into Kpop then you won't be able to help but love them so much. There is no OST in the drama, rather only one opening theme, which is also used as a bg plus theme in the drama. All other songs are in fact sung by many artists along with the imaginary idol groups: Mars & Cotton Candy, featured in the drama.

The makers have also added 2-3 mins interviews at the beginning of each episode, from several rookie artists and trainees as well as some failed artists. This segment is something that breaks your heart more than the drama bcs it's the real story.

Overally, "Idol: The Coup" is an above average drama with a decent plotline, par acting with several major issues to learn about and a good outcome. Judging from production value and every other aspects this is an uo to scratch piece and worth the one time watch, especially for the multistan Kpop fans. I would not say it's a much watch but I surely enjoyed it and recommend others as well.

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This was the longest drama I have ever watched, but every episode kept me entertained. The main couple is one of my favorite couple out of the dramas that I watched. It kind of has a Playful Kiss feel about it somehow to me. I think it's the fact that there aren't any super vindictive characters in it. Most the dramas I have watched either have an evil relative or just an evil character in the drama and sometimes there's both. The story is ok, but you have to kind of buy into the whole cancer thing. Personally, I don't really go for the dramas that have cancer in them, but it kind of works for this drama. The whole drama is super mushy and lovey dovey. There are no knife/ gun fights. The music is some of my favorite music from a drama. I've caught myself humming it. There's one song that remind me of Ra Ra Riot's Can You Tell as far as sound goes. I have no clue what they are really saying. I'm watching this for the second time so yes it's worth it, although I'm probably going to end up skipping some parts.

One more thing, I would suggest watching this drama on Viki, and not Dramafever because Dramafever cut some scenes out of it. I checked the other day because I thought there wouldn't be a difference, but there is.

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“I believe in people’s good will, but if they screw me, I will screw them back. It's double payback” _ (Hanzawa Naoki).

Hanzawa Naoki is the kind of dramas that bumps of the crowd to keep you at the edge of your seat through its astonishing screenwriting, gripping events and high-class acting. This drama didn’t get the highest rating in modern times for naught. It was well worth it from any angle you look at it. You may be wondering: what’s so special about this drama that made people go crazy over it in Japan while the international audience couldn’t care less about it? To find out the answer I had to start this adventure and jump into a world I am not very familiar with: The world of business, bankers and salary men.

Hanzawa Naoki deals with the world of banks which is a non-famous theme for Asian dramas. The story brings the harsh facts about that world to light while focusing on the intense fights that the male lead has to go through in order to survive in that field without abandoning his ideals. What this drama outshines at is the stunning screenwriting and the solid characterization; the storyline was so involving with many twists and turns that will make you eager for more. The smart writing managed to make the events flow by in a thrilling and gripping way without being heavily present or irrationally exaggerated. In terms of directing, I would say that this drama’s business theme was perfectly expressed whether though the well-made cinematography or the nicely chosen shooting angles.

The acting department in this drama was superb; every actor pulled his role in a great way. Extra credits to one of the most phenomenal actors in Japan: Sakai Masato. That man’s acting skills are no joke; he can pull off his roles in a brilliant way and his Hanzawa Naoki’s portrayal is the best proof; he’s a genius actor indeed. And since we’re talking about acting skills, I have to mention the second best actor in this drama: Kagawa Teruyuki who was super amazing as Owada.

Speaking about characters, Hanzawa Naoki owned the show and no one succeeded in stealing the spotlight from him. He’s an overwhelming smart character that will make you absorbed in his intelligent choices and actions. He counts every situation he comes across and he’s always one step ahead of his opponents. Whenever Hanzawa puts the fierce look on his face and starts the “Payback”, get ready to be blown away by his unique way of flipping tables around. As for other characters, each and every one of them was important for the storyline’s development and the characters’ interactions that were beautifully accomplished.

Taken as a whole, I am fully aware why would everyone avoid this type of drama; it has a non-enjoyable theme for most people, no romantic plot and no idol stars as main actors, that’s why I am pretty sure it’s not directed for everyone. However, that doesn’t deny the fact that this is one the best made dramas out there even if it doesn’t get the appropriate attention.

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Wow, what a drama! If you're like me and you like physiological things, mystery and crime then you'll enjoy this show! This kept me at the edge of my seat on every episode!

Story: A whole group of people pulled into a game where there is huge money at stake, surrounded with lies and manipulation - can the truth speak out? It really makes you think - and that's what I liked about it. When you are on a game where lying is key - should you be even more honest? or should you do your best to manipulate others? I myself am a very very bad liar - as soon as I even try and lie - I'll start laughing and end up giving myself away... I am however very suspicious of people and their intentions - I don't trust easily..."Trust is built up over time but it can break in a split second."

Cast: Ha Woo Jin (Lee Sang Yoon) He was one of the biggest reasons I started this drama. & He became my absolute favorite character. His character is insanely attractive and mysterious, and he holds that quality that you know you can trust him no matter what. As soon as he is released from jail he meets Nam Da Jung (Kim So Eun) who asks him to help her on 'Liar Game'. This is my first time seeing her but I absolutely loved her, she's a great actress & I'll be looking forward to more projects by her. She totally fit the part of a naïve honest person. Kang Do Young (Shin Sung Rok) The mastermind of Liar Game - I swear he is evil to his core... Jo Dal Goo (Jo Jae Yun) I loved his character lol - this actor can always make me laugh :P Jamie (Lee El) She was hateful at first but as the show progressed I started to like her (weird) lol

Music: It was intense but I can't say I remember any songs...

Re-watch Value: 9.5 - very high, I will definitely re-watch this someday.

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