Reviews

As you might've noticed, even though I graded each category quite harshly, the overall score is high. When rating, I found myself confused as too why I liked this drama so much, apart from the cast. And I found out that just like love is unconditional, I love this drama just because.

First off - the story. It was okay, I actually quite liked it. It had its ups and downs, some clichés such as all the friends coming to Tae Oh's house all at once. If I'm being honest, there wasn't much story to it - it was this typical, slice of life drama and without bigger plot twists. Everything just seemed so clear and obvious and they actually talked to each other. It was like watching a real life go by, just a little bit enhanced and nothing cringey. Lead characters just clicked very well with each other. As in real life everyone had their pros and cons and I could sympathize with all the characters.

As for the acting - well there isn't really much to say. It was just brilliant. Ji Soo's acting is never a miss and I just cannot not love Jin Young, it's just not happening. Female cast was also well-done and as it was my first time watching Jung Chae Yeon in a bigger role I must say I was quite afraid of her acting at the beginning but it was unnecessary, she gained my respect. Choi Ri is also an actress I must keep a close eye on because her acting is so quirky and she is just adorable. Hong Jiyoon acting made me hate her but also wonder what is her character really like. She had such an ambiguous role I still can't seem to figure it out. It's just like in life - nothing is really black or white.

As for the music department it wasn't really memorable so I can't say much about it. Though I must say that the way Choi Hoon sang on his musicals was nearly comical. I think it was the first time I've ever seen such terrible lip-sync.

Overall this drama wasn't necessarily the best in the world but it does leave one entertained and in love. All I felt during my marathon was overflowing fluffiness and cuteness but also sincerity and real-life-like characters. I rated re-watch value 6.5 only because I don't really watch any dramas twice but also because I know there will be a lot of dramas like this to watch. It is not unique, contrary, it's very simple, but sometimes simple is all we need.

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Average Rom-Com story but likable.

Story is pretty straight forward. Boy and girl are old acquaintances who meet after long separation and starts working together. Later start relationship and fight together for their individual goals.

While watching this drama, it feels like the story/ screen writer watched or read most of Guman dramas and clubbed them together. Both leads were gamers at some point of time and dated online (Love o2o). Guy wants to be Aerospace engineer but ends up working in a company (You are my glory - only in reverse order). Not only the similarities in the story, there are clipping too from My sunshine drama, being played behind as prop. Not to forget, the main leads were also part of these dramas.

Actors did a decent job. Not outstanding performance but okay. I can remember far better dramas from both ZBB & WQ.

What I liked in this drama -
1. The characters (not actors) know their capability. People are not extremely smart but are not at all dumb. They behave as they should in certain situation in this type of drama. People would act in certain ways which one might think is extremely dumb but given the role, they do not break character. They are supposed to act so.
2. Relation between the Main leads - Its fairly simple with no overcomplicated third party interruption. Yes, there are suitor for the lead, but not important. There were some misunderstandings in the past which do not compromise the story at all, in fact, strengthen their bond. And the good thing is we get to see both side of the story and why such situations happened.

What I disliked -
1. Story - The overall story is a big "question mark". The story happens surrounding the FL's family company which is infamous for recruiting people with connections and providing them various positions. The FL also being such a character, having no experience in handling a company is airdropped into the company branch office as team leader. And somehow she manages to do her job and jumps multiple positions too. And she somehow she does those job as well. And not only her, most of the people in the company have no idea what is happening, yet they are very busy... I can go on about the story but this review not thesis.
2. Pace - The drama is 32 episodes long and has many many many fillers, yet while watching, it feels like many scenes were cut in post production and do not match. Transition in between one scene to other is poor. Its like one thing happened. And something very different happens in the next scene. One has to imagine what must have happened and how much time has passed between them.
3. Background songs - As the drama starts, the sound track feels good. But they have used the same songs over and over, and overdid it. After sometime it feels annoying. Also there is no fading when the song starts or ends. It just starts as the scene begins and end with scene. And cut to the next scene. And if there is another song for that scene, it will just start without considering that they have already played a song or music track just 10 secs back.

Overall - I would recommend this drama to people who wants a light rom-com, without spending much thought to it.

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Emotionally powerful masterpiece that captures real, raw human connection at its finest.

Ever since I started watching this drama, I felt like there was a ball of emotion stuck in my throat. It is so real, so without pretense and so utterly soul-stirring that it feels like a balm on all the wounds you may harbor in your heart.

This drama is about Miyabi, a gifted neurosurgeon who has lost her memories of the past two years due to a car accident. Unfortunately, it has left her in a state where she forgets everything about her day as soon as she wakes up. So, she has to live day by day, relearning everything she knows from the journal she keeps. She has stopped being the brilliant surgeon she once was and instead, now, acts as an assisting nurse.

✔️ Miyabi has to be one of the most endearing and lovable heroines in Asian drama history. She is such a graceful, full of heart woman that immediately puts you at ease. There is such compassion, empathy and care in her that you can feel it through the screen. She immediately de-stresses people around her and has mastered the art of listening. She makes people feel heard in a way that changes the very fabric of their lives.

✔️ She also has to be one of the strongest women on T.V because of how she faces each day with a spirit that is unbreakable. Sugisaki Hana has put out an acting of a lifetime. It is so nuanced, heartbreaking and authentic that it’s like you can see the very inside of her heart and it’s absolute gold in there. As a result, not only do you wish to have someone like her in your life, you wish to be someone like her.

However, Miyabi, as unwavering as she is, is ultimately living as a shell of her past self. That all changes when one day, a new surgeon, Dr. Sanpei joins her hospital.

✔️Sanpei, for all intents and purposes, is strange. His hair is unruly, he doesn’t talk much, nor does he seem to care about other people's opinions. He is also somewhat of a prickly genius and eats these weird gummy candies every single day. Yet, there is something about the way he looks at her that immediately makes you, as a viewer, feel like he knows her on a soul-deep level. There is so much suppressed feeling and restrained emotion in this man’s eyes that you pause for a second, wondering what it is that has him looking at her that way.

✔️From there, slowly their relationship unravels. The love story in this show is something that’s hard to capture. The majority of the interactions between the characters are so subtle - just everyday words, looks, small gestures - and yet, after 11 episodes, I felt like they were made for each other.
Sanpei feels like a man whose entire heart is in the palm of Miyabi’s hand and the magnitude of trust she feels for him is unconditional and unerasable no matter what happens.

✔️Their love is so vulnerable, boundless and something that is etched in the very cells of their bodies. They only have to look at each other to make you feel what they feel for each other. That’s why when they do interact, even the slightest touch feels monumental.

✔️The drama is powerful in the way it portrays relationships. Every character is significant and plays a role that is important to the story. The cases in each episode are all beautifully explored so they never come off as contrived or repetitive.

✔️Every single person on the show got the memo on how to act. The performances are brilliant across the board so all of these characters are able to impact the story in their own unique way.

✔️The execution and direction of this drama is excellent. The way scenes transition, the way the memories are brought to the front, the way past and present is merged, the way important scenes are highlighted and finally, the way the character journeys are laid out on the screen - it’s simply stunning to watch.

✔️Even the medical aspect of the whole drama is done in a way that appeals to you even if you aren’t usually a fan of the genre. The surgeries that are shown are done in such a way that you can feel both the importance and urgency of it. The atmosphere in the hospital is so relaxing despite the heartbreaking realities the people face every day. Most of all, it just showcases the power of healing and the inherent kindness that lives in the art of saving a person’s life.

✔️There are three major tracks on the show and they are all superb. The piano strokes especially just hit your heart and give you the feeling of both hope and melancholy in equal measure.

✔️Honestly, I have never cried more in a drama and it wasn’t even sappy or trying to manipulate my emotions. It was just so real and phenomenal in its simplicity. The only reason I didn't give it a full score was because I thought that the circumstances surrounding Miyabi's accident could have been better developed but even that titbit wasn't strong enough to make me more critical of this drama, like I usually am.

✔️Overall, watching these lovely characters try their level best to win against the odds that seem impossible and overcome them in the most natural and inspiring way, really fixes something that feels broken inside of you.

It’s truly one of the most powerful dramas I have seen in 2024.

An absolute must-watch.

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Drama with Trigger warnings ⚠️

It is a boss- employee romance.
But let me warn you for the process of romance development.
The mafia boss, Kinn was already feeling something for his bodyguard, Porsche and so when one day his bodyguard gets kidnapped and he finds him at an unconscious state(he was drugged) with bite marks all over his body(attempt of rape) while trying to take care of him, he gets uncontrollable and fucks him, well RAPE him.
And their love develops from this point.
I mean, are you kidding me?! How can some one fall in love with their rapist???? And how can it be normal?
Oh oh moreover, at this point of time Porsche was straight and Kinn was gay. 😑
On kinn's defence ( well this is from the book, I dont remember the drama scene), kinn asked for poreche's consent for sex. Well he asked for consent from a drugged person and that's supposed to make sense😑
And he also apologised after the incident, which made it all better😑😑😑😑

This is not the only scene that calls for trigger warning but the whole show is filled with it.
• Vegas- Pete relationship could have been portrayed normally but who wants it to be sober😑
What was their relationship? Was it Stockholm syndrome or Lima syndrome?
• so Kinn and Porsche are step cousins
Well the fans of 'Clueless' movie will love it 😑

And there are many more......

I watched the drama 1st and then read the book, the book is worse. English translated book 1 is what I read, and almost every sex between Kinn and Porsche was forced. Kinn forcing Porsche, and it is supposed to be romantic?!

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King2Hearts is not your typical K-Drama, and succeeds in going places where most of the drama's I've seen wouldn't dare. It's hard to pin this down as one specific genre. It goes from political action-thriller, to intense revenge thriller, to star-crossed romance, to opposites attract rom-com... Each episode left me curious, excited, and completely clueless about what to expect next. There are very few moments that could be considered typical, and whenever I was able to successfully predict what would happen next, something else would come along and leave me in complete shock. This is drama done right!

I decided to watch King2Hearts because of the 2 leads. Both Ha Ji Won, and Lee Seung Ki, have starred in dramas that are among my all time favorites. I just knew that they would be impressive together, and I was absolutely right. They both do what they are known to do well in this, without creating characters that seem recycled. Lee Seung Ki is used to playing obnoxious/spoiled characters that learn to change their ways/grow up. Jae Ha is no different, but the range, and maturity, of the role really shows what an impressive actor Lee Seung Ki has become. Ha Ji Won knows how to balance sweet with tough, which I loved about her character in Secret Garden. As North Korean Kim Hang Ah, she goes from cartoonishly girly and naive, to fearless and intimidating. I preferred when she was kicking butt, but also loved her vulnerability, and was amused that her biggest challenge was being feminine. Together, they had amazing chemistry from the start. They basically become a living metaphor of the North-South Korean conflict, and their romance is exciting, frustrating, sad, and inspiring to watch. In spite of the grand scale of their relationship, it's still portrayed realistically. During the first episodes, when I wasn't sure If I would like this drama, I already knew I'd at least love watching their love story.

Big fans of romance should know that even the supporting characters have a beautiful love story. Jo Jung Suk and Lee Yoon Ji were so great together, that I cared about them as much as I cared about the main couple. Their characters, their romance, and their specific story arcs, were strong enough to justify their own separate drama. That's the beauty of King2Hearts. There are absolutely no weak storylines, or weaklinks in the cast (except for some questionable english speaking roles, but that's easily overlooked, and normal for K-Drama).

The villains in this drama are the stuff nightmares are made of. In the beginning, I didn't know what to make of Club M's crazy John Mayer, and I was more confused, and amused, than scared. Now I realize that Yoon Je Moon was just slowly laying the foundation for a truly memorable psychopath. It was thrilling watching him go head to head with Jae Ha, and wondering what crazy thing he'd do next. He's certainly one of the best Drama villains I have ever seen. Creepy BonBon also deserves a mention as being the first non-Korean I've seen in a K-Drama who not only didn't suck, but was actually really good. Samanda Daniel plays the perfect twisted side kick, and definitely more than held her own.

The writers, and director, really did an amazing job of creating a realistic modern Korean monarchy, and making an accessible North Korea believable. The overall plot focusses on telling a great story more than doing what fans would want, or expect. I appreciated that, though some viewers may be more upset by certain choices by the writers. The direction is top notch. Not only is it beautifully shot, but the director's choices really added to the emotional impact of many scenes. There's one scene in particular, between Jo Jung Suk and Lee Yoon Ji, that was especially touching because of the direction. The pacing is also just right, knowing when to keep you on the edge of your seat, and when to slow down and take in a moment. The music greatly supports each episode as well.

Rarely do I give dramas a 10, but I couldn't justify anything lower. I look forward to rewatching it now that I know what to expect, and to revisit some of my favorite scenes (I've already rewatched some scenes several times). I think it would still be exciting the 2nd time around, even though I know what's going to happen, because it's all executed so well. I would highly recommend King2Hearts, unless you're specifically looking for something lighthearted, or simple. I'd also recommend being open to an ending that falls a little outside of the traditional 'happily ever after' mold. Even if you're not convinced in the first few episodes, I'd give it a chance, and keep watching. That's exactly what I did, and now I'm adding this drama to my top 5!

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The great seducer was one of those dramas that got everyone talking about. The posters and teasers were full of a dark spark, promising the best dark romance in the drama land. Seductive and aesthetical was the description as well. And then, Episode one was a dive in reality. It seemed more of an episode from gossip girl rather than what it was promised to be. The characters were rich, spoiled youngsters, playing drama with anyone. Plus, the "great seducer" had, like one (?) girl seduced and that was it. So, seducer was more like a title that everyone repeated rather than the real deal. So, one should expect that the big plot will play nice and with a slow built up so that the drama will keep up with appearances. Well, that wasn't the case either. The romance was developed so fast, that we spent the rest of the episodes lovey dovey or breaking up. Wasn't the girl supposed to be cold and not to believe in love? In addition, there were too many secondary characters, so many stories here and there, to, probably, distruct you from the main story that wasn't going as planned. But, they were boring too. Even the secondary love story didn't help. And there was the ending. I personally don't really like the "five years later" spin offs, but here we are, having one of those meaningless time skips, with no real ending.
Finally, the acting was okay, and it did got a bit better, though, I think that Joy didn't fit her character. Maybe I see her more of the younger girl characters, in a more happy concept drama. I really enjoyed Min jae at least. He was a nice delightful surprise.
So, 3 out of 10.

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Disclaimer: times have changed and so has my review now, but these were my initial thoughts after

Yes, I did rate this a 10, but let me explain. If you look at my other reviews, I'm not usually this generous so I do have my reasons for giving this one such high scores in every category.
The story itself actually had a nice, steady pace. From my drama watching experience (and I have watched quite a lot), the show usually gets draggy around episode 10 to 14. This was NOT the case. From the very beginning it was so action packed and fast paced I wondered how the writers were going to keep this interesting for another 15 episodes. They proved me wrong though, and every episode felt like 3. The story itself, granted they did have the advantage of a unique setting, does not use the same plot devices as other dramas. It was just a perfect mix of humor, suspense, romance, and action. Those are very different genres but they managed to do it really well. There didn't seem to be a central storyline, but instead it was quite episodic which would usually turn me off. The drama, however, had such a good flow that I didn't even notice, and although the conflicts are episodic the romance and relationships between the characters were developed consistently.

The cast did so wonderfully. Not only were the main actors amazing, every actor breathed life into the supporting characters. They were not just there to support the leads. Each one of them actually had their own distinct personalities and characters that added so much substance to the show. The chemistry between the leads and the second leads was one of the best I've seen. Because of the setting and the dire situations they're put in, you can clearly see the development of the characters. And as a side note, though some of Song Joong Ki's lines may come off as cheesy as hell, he pulled it off so well I almost didn't even notice how cheesy they really were. In fact, they just added to his character.

The music is just so so so good. Usually I only find one or maybe two good songs per OST, but right now I have the entire OST on replay on my phone. It's that good.

That said, I would definitely definitely rewatch it. Normally I would have a couple critiques on my reviews, but honestly I couldn't have asked for a better show. Sure, the show has become really mainstream and may come off as overhyped, but that doesn't mean it loses it's value. If you're hesitant about trying it, don't be. Of my 140+ dramas, it's climbed to number 3. You won't regret it!
Now I'm just going to go into my little corner of post show depression :')

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Under the Power Review

This is one of the best drama to start off the year with. If you’ve seen me in the comment, you would’ve known that I actually started drama because of Tan Songyun. Please do not be mislead by the synopsis or the summary of this drama, and give it a try. You’ll be surprise how amazing it is.

Short character detail:

Lu Yi – 22 years old cold, rude and obnoxious. He takes his work seriously, and abide by the rules. When he interrogates people he does not hesitate to use any type of force. At home, he rather loves music and spend most of his time reading. He is actually rather warm compared to what others view him as.

Jinxia – Obsessed with food and making money, and she is very calculated when it comes to earning and receiving money or bonus. She is good at fighting, and even though she has a buddy next to her, he always let her do the fighting and the interrogation. She is goofy around her close friends, mother and master but take her work seriously when she steps in the field.

Storyline Review:

This drama combined two things I love the most, historical and crime, plus a bonus romance. Even though, Lu Yi holds the higher position compared to Jinxia, and I like the fact that sometimes, Jinxia works faster than he does and solve things faster in certain case. She also has the ability to examine dead bodies and clues. Another good point is Lu Yi doesn’t abuse his authority power to make her struggle, although he talks rough to her, he always discusses to her about the cases and seeks her opinion toward them, this take away the cliché of the “liking the guy who ignored you” kind of thing. The story does not revolves just around them, there are doctors, gang members, and etc. I like that this drama does not have too much political issues, or forced marriage (just because they work for the emperor) which makes things even better, because I really hate those types of ideas.

The costumes in this drama seems very simple, but yet they are very beautiful. I mean the Lu Yi have most of the beautiful clothing, and I understand it because he has the high position plus money. Jinxia supposed to be poor so most of her clothing looks very similar, but there are times where they give her very beautiful and elegant dresses that was breathtaking.

The Romance:

The relationship between these two developed really well, and I like the fact that their relationship did not take 40 episodes to realized their feelings. There were small little things and detail from each episode that add up to their relationship, so it does not take long for the romance (no worries there). I like the innocent, naïve and sweet moments that they developed for and each other’s in this drama.

So What?
Overall, I highly recommended this drama to anyone who is interested in historical, crime and humor drama. The scenes, scripted and the novel was so well written, I honestly haven’t shed a tear for a drama in a long time, and they were able to make me cry, laughed and feel all squishy squishy. I like that they did not developed the lead female to be weak, and useless but instead they made a powerful young girl, who saves a lot of people. Each character was very well developed, and Han Dong played such a great role as a villain, and if you hate him, that mean he did a really job on his part. Even minor role as a bodyguard is essential to the story.
I really do hope these actors have a chance to maybe be paired up with each other in the future project. To me, from the OST, story, characters and actors this drama is definitely my favourite drama for the starting of 2020.

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A Short but Striking Wuxia Tale – Dark, Poetic, and Gripping

If you're looking for a compact yet emotionally resonant Wuxia drama, this 18-episode gem (with episodes around 25 minutes each) is absolutely worth your time. Despite its brevity, it delivers a powerful story, rich character development, and stunning visuals.

At the heart of the story is Mo Qingchuan (played masterfully by Cristy Guo), a tragic heroine navigating a path of revenge. She’s a morally gray character—mature, intelligent, and emotionally complex. Her backstory is revealed gradually through well-placed flashbacks, adding layers to her motivation and deepening her character with every episode.

Xia Qiguang (Zhou Zhan), the male lead, is a righteous and loyal figure who occasionally leans into awkwardness, but in a way that’s endearing. While Zhou Zhan may not be the most obvious casting choice, he holds his own and brings credibility to the role. His dynamic with Mo Qingchuan helps ground her, offering a subtle counterbalance to her darker path.

The supporting cast deserves a shoutout too—entertaining and well-acted, they add life and energy to the narrative. The various antagonists are interesting —clever, ruthless, and yes, often sporting dangerously sharp jawlines.

The cinematography is striking, especially in Mo Qingchuan’s fight scenes, which are choreographed beautifully and shot with precision. The costume design is aesthetically pleasing and fitting for the genre. One surprising highlight is the background music: an eclectic blend, sometimes reminiscent of Gregorian chants, which adds a unique atmosphere to key moments.

The storytelling is engaging and well-paced, with only a brief dip into melodrama near the end. But even that scene serves a purpose—it sets the stage for a truly epic climax that lands perfectly. One note of caution: after the final credits, there’s an epilogue. If you loved the powerful ending, you might want to skip it, as it slightly undermines the emotional impact.

Overall, this drama is a hidden treasure—elegant, intense, and emotionally satisfying.
Highly recommended for fans of Wuxia with a touch of tragedy and poetic justice.

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Multi-Layered Characters

Originally this was added to the watchlist because I had heard that LYR was doing his first ML role and he'd done a good job playing supporting ones so was curious and I'd seen XRH once before though I wasn't very convinced back then; don't know why. Some of the supporting characters were familiar. But the story itself was interesting and all of the characters were multi-layered.

Pros: What set this show apart for me from others I've watched was the fact that this second chance romance brought in the past of the leads first to the episode, than present day including their and the other two couple's participation in the filming of the variety show, that way things were explained and you understood why certain things happened. It seemed to me that all three couples evolved both separately and together as the show wore on. At first you thought FL was a selfish brat because of her actions and in fact she did admit to most of the mistakes from the past as being hers but when you saw her layers of trauma, you understood that though this was a drama, she was still a human being. Favorite character was ML; I like how he was sure of himself, confident, independent and quite obvious that from the two of them he had grown and matured first.

The second couple was weird, toxic, and codependent and at the end she became pregnant and somehow you just prayed the child wouldn't become neurotic like his parents. They were my least favorite. The 3rd couple were called the healing couple in the comments and I agree; even though they were both ridiculously shy to the point of social anxiety; they were always a soothing balm to each other and their friends especially once they got together. I also liked that all 6 people even with all of their shortcomings, were such great friends and support systems to each other to the point that the show ended with the 6 traveling around together. Their friendship started in HS and progressed way into adulthood.

The 3.5 annoying people who played either rivals in love or just one completely unhinged chick all stayed as long as necessary and were then sent packing. Ironically even though YS seemed like the most annoying, when giving advice to the other two women during their "dates" set by production, gave the best advice. And really great way everyone took down the unhinged chick in the 2nd to last episode. Also how symbolic that it was SXR that proposed to LXY in the last episode as a close to the chapter; the marriage-phobe realized that's exactly what she wanted and that near death accident made her understand being next of kin is vital when you love someone.

Cons: Obviously this show was lower budget, but it didn't really hurt it. I do wish the SFL was less baby-voiced viper most of the series. Towards the end, I don't understand why the legal proceedings were published on screen. For starters this was fictional and secondly, the unhinged lawyer chick's crimes went beyond "intentional attempted vehicular homicide", yet she wasn't charged for those. Also none of the civil charges were made public. So either get all of the charges or none. Makes zero sense to do what they did. I think things could have been explained better about the show itself, as well as how SQ met her abusive ex husband. The show should have focused more proportionally on the third leads as we don't know much about TML's or TFL's backgrounds or their parents.

Would I recommend it? Yes. This was a different show that you had to watch to understand the multifaceted characters and how they got to where they were. It's a nice modern drama.

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Not groundbreaking, but still a hidden gem that is definitely my best watch so far this year~

This show only having 26 episodes is unconstitutional! It's realistic and grounded, but with very good writing and direction. People often mistake "ethereal aesthetics" as the pinnacle of good dramas, but good direction shines even more in dramas like these. Before I start with my review of the story, it's important to note that this is a slice of life show that you watch with your family on TV over dinner or while you're lounging in the living room in the evening. It's intended to be a legal education that is digestible for normal people. It's not some grand legal drama emphasizing the "glory" of the legal profession and the judiciary. It's very down to earth, and if you don't like that and expect dramatics, you probably wouldn't enjoy this one. Another downside I can see about this show that might turn people off is the weird dubbing at some scenes. But it's not even a problem of the actors. It's more of the production team changing the lines post-production to pass censorship. If you can get past some scenes where they do that, then you're good to go.

STORY:

I'm going to preface this by saying that they definitely did their research in writing the show. But then, I read that this was supervised by the Supreme Court, so it's bound to be accurate to a certain extent.

First of all, what I love about this show is that some of the cases don't end definitively or in a way that is intended to satisfy the audience. Instead, some cases are resolved in a way that is true to human nature. It's very much true to life and close to reality. Because some family matters just don't get resolved in the "perfect happy ending" that we wish them to be resolved. Like Shen Xiezhi, we go on this journey to slowly acknowledge that even when the law dictates this, even when the moral norms of society expect that—the wishes of the parties themselves are the most important, and to truly resolve the grievances in their hearts, the resolution of their cases must be tailored for them and their situation, and not mere textbook answers we find in codals and society.

On this note, I also love how they don't just focus on one case at a time, because the reality is that judges and lawyers have to deal with several cases a day. And this show simulates that pretty well without disrupting the flow of the story, since we are still able to see the linear timeline of the main characters' personal lives.

Another thing I love about this show is that the world doesn't bend to accommodate Shen Xiezhi and Qin Rui's love. Instead, they are the ones who have to bend to accommodate to how the world goes. That's reality. That's life. And it makes me appreciate their relationship even more, knowing that they've made a lot of efforts and thinking to make it work—all the while not sacrificing what is inherent in them as individuals. Their careers really matter to them, and they respect each other's careers and choices, too. Shen Xiezhi and Qin Rui are two people with different dreams and aspirations—one wants to be a judge in the High Court, the other wants to work in a big law firm and earn a lot for herself and her Grandma—and they both know from the start that being together might hinder their career options in the future (because of the recusal rule preventing a judge and a lawyer from working within the same jurisdiction). And you know what? This is what makes the angst so good, delicious, and just *chef's kiss*~ This is what makes the wait to see how they will resolve all of this all the more thrilling. Here are two people who love each other; and they love each other too much, to the point that even if it hurts their heart—even if they miss each other all the time, they are still genuinely happy for the other for pursuing their dreams. There is no resentment in the choices that they made—just understanding (that it is what it is), longing (to be with the person even if it is impossible at the moment), and a sense of pride (that the other is reaching greater heights that they have long dreamed of achieving). I can't emphasize this enough, but they are truly just such a mature pair and a very healthy couple. And even when they started off at the wrong foot, with endless "meet uglies", their best traits still shone for the other to recognize and admire.

I also love how we saw different types of marriages in this show. We saw Judge Shu Jing and her husband's marriage, as well as Judge Yu Le and her husband's marriage. I particularly like the side story about Judge Shu Jing and her husband because I think aside from Shen Xiezhi and Qin Rui's relationship, they are another good contrast to Jiang Feng and Lou Yue. While Jiang Feng and Lou Yue think that it will be a sacrifice to take a step back in their careers for the sake of their marriage and may be a cause for emotional blackmail in the future, Judge Shu Jing's husband has made peace with his decision regarding his career change and doesn't necessarily see it as a sacrifice, because he's more than willing to live a much simpler life for his family. As for Judge Yu Le and her husband, they're kind of a "perfect" pair. I say this lovingly: She's such a pampered princess off work, but it's okay because her husband is more than willing to indulge her. There's also Judge Ying Danian and his wife, who are quite a lovely and chill pair, even at the face of challenges (like his wife being sick). They're braving it together and he's a constant support for her, and it's just lovely to see.

On the topic of Judge Yu Le off work, I really love her off work outfits. She's so fashionable. Also Hu Aixi.

Special Mention: Jiang Feng and Liu Lian. Jiang Feng is such a funny friend. He's just a silly comedic relief for me. Whenever he goes to Shen Xiezhi's apartment unannounced and unsolicited, I just know they're going to piss each other off. As for Liu Lian, she's such a great friend. I really love her friendship with Qin Rui. They have stuck with each other for better and for worse and I love how in the moments where Qin Rui feels down, she's there to pull her up and remind her that she's there, better days are coming, and everything will be alright.

Special Mention 2: Chen Xianghui. I really love his ending. It was such a pleasant surprise for me when I saw it. And you know what? HE DESERVES IT! He's so dedicated to his job and constantly shadows Shen Xiezhi to learn from him. He can be a little self-deprecating because he has failed the Bar Exam multiple times, but that never stopped him from doing his best. It's just so commendable.

(You can check the comments if you want to read some of my insights on Shen Xiezhi and Qin Rui's characters and relationship.)

ACTING/CAST:

I'm going to be honest, Gong Jun didn't really stand out to me as an actor BEFORE. I watched his shows early in his career and after that, I stopped tuning in for his shows altogether. I am quite fond of him in variety shows, though. He seems like an overall lovely guy in real life. But this show changed my perspective of him as an actor again. He's actually good if given the chance to work with good directors and writers. He really brought Shen Xiezhi to life and his acting is so natural and convincing. He can be funny with his judging looks in the courtroom (he's a judge, and he judges LOL), but he can also deliver the perfect emotions of a discerning outsider watching emotionally-driven confrontations in court. Sure, he is moved, but he also maintains the level of professionalism required for his job. I really hope he gets a chance to work in similar shows because I feel like these types of shows suit him more? (Anyway, this truly put Gong Jun back in the map for me. I might even revisit some of the shows he has done after I stopped tuning in for his shows back then. And tune in for his future ones, too.)

As for Ren Min—THE ACTRESS SHE IS. I have always liked her. She's such an effective actress that I can always count on being immersed whenever I'm watching her. There's so much depth and nuance in her acting, that I could empathize with Qin Rui and feel for her. I saw that she actually wrote a character analysis for Qin Rui before they started filming and this dedication to the craft is truly awe-inspiring. She's definitely going places and I'm so excited to see her future works.

Gong Jun and Ren Min have amazing chemistry, especially when they're bickering. I really ate up their dynamic in this show and kinda went crazy when the obvious dislike their characters had for each other became charged with something else that they're both too scared to name. I hope they work together again. I think they would work well in an investigation drama. Or maybe those infinite flow stories (I think it's the new trend in C-Dramaland right now).

I have constantly said before that an actor is good is when I'm able to enjoy the show while watching him or her. If the actor delivers what he has to deliver and make me feel for their character, then they're good in my books. For this show, everyone has done a great job in doing that. From the main characters, to the supporting characters, and most especially to the main characters in each of the cases. The acting in this show is very grounded, and I think that's what makes it more effective for me. I am truly convinced that these are real life people facing these real life problems and I'm really just wishing the best resolution for their cases all throughout the show.

MUSIC:

The OSTs in this show are quite unassuming. I didn't even realize that I've had it memorized (and that I even remembered it) until I started humming along when the songs play in some scenes. There's nothing really much to say about the music, but the sound effects and BGM are all well-placed throughout the show and they have never felt out of place.

REWATCH VALUE:

Would you believe it if I said it has so much rewatch value, I end up rewatching while I'm still watching the episode itself? I always catch myself rewinding the scenes (especially Shen Xiezhi and Qin Rui's scenes) and as if that's not enough, I even go to XHS to watch edits. The rewatch value is just so high for me, I can't even explain it. It takes me hours to finish a 45-minute episode, it's quite insane.

OVERALL:

I thoroughly LOVE this show. I love this show so much, I have written a lot of thinkpieces about Shen Xiezhi and Qin Rui. I just cannot find it in me to shut up about them. At the same time, this show has also generated a lot of discussion (especially on Chinese social media) and it's quite interesting to read some of other people's takes, too. Not only is the show fun in itself, but the experience of watching it is fun, too. Call me a nerd, but I really love it when good discussions are made regarding the plot and the characters, interpreting their backgrounds and motivations and how these affect how they move along in the story.

Like I said above, it's not groundbreaking. But nevertheless, it is still a hidden gem that everyone should have the luck to come across with. It's definitely my favorite watch this year so far and I really hope everyone can give it a try~

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This drama is awesome!!! If you like psychologically disturbing, deeply emotional, life questioning dramas, then you will like this. I don't know if I am qualified to write a review for something this emotionally provoking.

The synopsis for this drama doesn't even begin to tell the story. It is dark, but somehow gives hope. The story is very detailed and all the characters are intricately combined. The imagery as well as the references to Dante's inferno and Rodin's Gateway to Hell etc. trigger so many emotions and elicit so many thoughts. The use of the tarot cards throughout gives answers and brings questions. I was blown away by the way each character’s story is told. The cinematography was so well done. There were so many scenes that I thought were perfectly portrayed. There are very few times in this drama when I knew what was going to happen next. I watched this ***with my sister, finally someone to watch drama with*** in a few days because it was hard to stop due to the perfect pacing of the drama. I almost felt desperate to know what was going to happen next. The ending is one of the best that I have ever seen. I would give this drama a 10 for the ending alone. This isn't a romance and there is no fairy tale. If that is what you want to watch, then this is not the drama you are looking for.

The acting is beyond great. Uhm Tae Woong plays Kang Oh Soo who is the detective of this drama. I won't try to tell his story, because it is too complex. I have liked Tae Woong as an actor for a long time, but his portrayal of Kang Oh Soo’s good, bad, and ugly emotions is perfect. It is hard not to find this character pitiful and lovable. Joo Ji Hoon plays Oh Seung Ha. This character is so multifaceted. He is cold but just by using Ji Hoon’s expressions, I knew there was more to him. There is no way that I could not be sympathetic to his character. I have seen Ji Hoon in Goong and Antique Bakery. I liked him in both, but I really had no idea that he could pull something like this off. It makes me want to watch Five Fingers next. I love Shin Min Ah. She is one of my favorite actresses. I don’t know why she isn't in more dramas. I’m really enjoying her in Arang and the Magistrate also which is airing right now. I hope she does many, many more. Her portrayal of Seo Ha In is so good. She IS the light in this drama. There are so many more characters that make this drama worth watching. Usually I get annoyed with secondary stories and lots of secondary characters, but for this drama every character had his/her place and the actors did a great job of bringing those characters to life.

Honestly, I couldn't tell you what music was played in this drama. I can say though that it wasn't annoying like some music in a melodrama can be.

I will rewatch this at some point.

I recommend this to anyone who likes revenge and psychological dramas.

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Treasure hunters or just a bunch of con artists?

Low Life is one of those underrated shows that go unnoticed which is pretty ironic, considering the entire plot revolves around a lost treasure at the bottom of the sea. But what many people don’t realize is that the real hidden gem is the show itself.

The premise: a group of people half misfits, half dreamers (or just completely lost, to be honest) are chasing a lost treasure: valuable ceramics that sank with an old imperial Chinese ship off the coast of South Korea. Sounds epic, right? And it is... just not in the way you’d expect. These “treasure hunters” aren’t glamorous, they don’t have futuristic gadgets or a brilliant plan. What they do have are debts, flashy clothes, questionable ideas, and a natural talent for trouble.
Right from the start, what caught my attention most was the setting. Low Life takes place in the 1970s, and I have to say: the production work is simply impeccable. From the retro home decor to the colorful clothes, the slicked-back hair to the thick regional accents everything feels very authentic. As someone obsessed with vintage aesthetics, I felt right at home.

I’ll be honest: the first few minutes left me a bit lost. A bunch of characters are introduced all at once, with names I couldn’t keep track of yet, and the narrative doesn’t hand everything to you on a silver platter. And yes, I was bored at first. But it was a necessary kind of boredom. Because when I finally gave it my full attention, I began to realize that each character has something unique to offer. It’s like watching a big game board being assembled: each piece, no matter how random it seems, is there for a reason. And everyone, without exception, is involved in some kind of crime whether out of desperation, cunning, or pure greed.

The humor is another strong point. The show has moments so absurd I couldn’t help but laugh. Nothing feels forced: the situations are ridiculous on their own, the characters get themselves into trouble thinking they’re being clever, and the comedy flows naturally. Many times I found myself thinking, “There’s no way they’re this dumb” and yet, I kept rooting for them. Because Low Life knows exactly what it is: a story about a bunch of lovable idiots, and it embraces that wholeheartedly.

Starting with episode 5, the show begins to slow down to introduce the characters more calmly. Each episode tends to focus on one person or duo, gradually revealing who they are, what they want, and how far they’re willing to go for this so called treasure. This pacing might bother those expecting a fast-moving plot, but personally, I found it bold. The story is simmering on low heat, and it’s clear it knows exactly where it’s headed.

But what really makes Low Life interesting is how it tackles serious themes without losing its light tone. Corruption, inequality, blind ambition, the desperation for quick cash all of these are present, but wrapped in humor and driven by characters who are both tragic and hilarious. Yes, there is social commentary but the kind that catches you off guard, in the middle of a laugh or while you’re wondering if you would have done the same thing that scammer in the suit just did.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. But not to everyone.
Low Life is for those who enjoy unconventional narratives, large chaotic ensembles, and stories that seem aimless at first but gradually prove to be tightly woven. If you like dark comedies, well crafted historical settings, or simply want to watch a group of grown men fighting over antique ceramics, this show might be exactly what you’re looking for.

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