Reviews

It felt like a wattpad story xD

I didn't hate it, but it was very questionable

I had a hard time caring for Phayu and Rain...
They lacked emotional intimacy and everything happened way too fast.

I didn't like the way either of the couples got together.

I was skeptical about the second couple and how Prapai didn't take "no" for an answer, but it's MAME so what's new...
I did however like that Prapai really tried to gain Sky's trust towards the end.

Gun is a piece of sh*t and I was just waiting for Prapai to beat him up.
The whole thing with Sky's trauma was way too rushed... this boy needs therapy!!
Things like this can't be cured with "the power of love" as much as we wish it would.

However in the end I liked that couple more than the first one.

I don't have much to say about the acting.
They did a good job for their first role.

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Never‑Ending Summer (2026) — Review

From the moment I finished the final episode of Never-Ending Summer, I knew this drama would linger with me long after the credits rolled. Adapted from Tian Cu Yu’s web novel Zhui Luo, this 29 episode series directed by Hsu Chao Jen delivers a heartfelt exploration of love, regret, resilience, and redemption that feels both intimately personal and universally resonant. I went in expecting a standard youth romance with a time-skip twist, but what I encountered was a profoundly character driven story that earns its emotional weight through nuanced performances and thoughtful writing. It is, without hesitation, a 10/10 for me.

Zhou Wan, portrayed with remarkable depth by Bao Shang’en. Zhou Wan is not your typical flawless heroine; she is resilient yet burdened, intelligent yet flawed by desperation. As a top student facing her grandmother’s life threatening illness and the abandonment by her mother, she makes a calculated decision to approach Lu Xi Xiao. What begins as a strategic move born of necessity evolves into something far more complex.

Bao Shang’en captures the quiet strength and internal conflict of this young woman beautifully. Her expressions convey layers of guilt, longing, and determination that words alone cannot. You feel her isolation, her fierce protectiveness over her grandmother, and the weight of every moral compromise she navigates. In the later timeline, her growth into a capable professional who still carries the scars of youth is portrayed with subtlety and grace watching her confront her past self while refusing to be defined by it is deeply moving.

Opposite her, Daniel Zhou embodies Lu Xi Xiao with a magnetic intensity that perfectly suits the rebellious, wounded heir. Lu Xi Xiao is the quintessential bad boy with a golden heart, but the performance elevates him beyond trope. He is arrogant, fiercely independent, and initially guarded, yet Daniel infuses him with vulnerability that makes his affection for Zhou Wan feel earned and authentic.

Daniel’s portrayal shines in the subtle shifts: the way Lu Xi Xiao’s sharp gaze softens during quiet summer evenings, revealing a young man starved for genuine connection beneath his defiant exterior. We witness his internal battle as he recognizes Zhou Wan’s calculated approach yet chooses to trust her anyway, drawn by her quiet strength.

His protective instincts surface in small, meaningful gestures helping her navigate family pressures or encouraging her dreams while his own artistic passions and strained family ties add rich layers. In the ten year reunion, Daniel masterfully conveys lingering hurt through restrained anger and reluctant tenderness, making Lu Xi Xiao’s gradual thawing feel profoundly real. This depth transforms him into a fully realized character whose growth mirrors the story’s themes of forgiveness and enduring love.

Ten years later, the reunion is charged with unresolved pain. His initial coldness and deliberate difficulties toward her stem not from hatred but from a love he never fully extinguished. The way he gradually lowers his defenses while they collaborate on uncovering truths about a past factory accident adds layers of tension and tenderness. Daniel’s micro expressions and physical presence make Lu Xi Xiao’s emotional journey compelling his quiet realizations and protective instincts shine through even in moments of conflict.

The chemistry between Bao Shang’en and Daniel Zhou is electric and believable. Their early interactions crackle with uncertainty and budding attraction, while the post time skip dynamic is laced with bittersweet familiarity. Height difference, lingering glances, and shared history make every scene between them feel lived in. Whether they are navigating youthful summers filled with small acts of mutual support or confronting workplace challenges and lingering misunderstandings, their connection drives the narrative. The drama excels at showing how love can persist through separation, how misunderstandings rooted in protective lies can fracture even the strongest bonds, and how truth seeking can pave the way back.

What sets Never-Ending Summer apart is its refusal to shy away from emotional complexity. The youthful phase beautifully captures the idealism and fragility of first love. We see Zhou Wan and Lu Xi Xiao supporting each other through family pressures, personal setbacks, and the harsh intrusion of adult realities. Their bond strengthens through shared hardships, but the world intervenes with painful misunderstandings that feel organic rather than contrived. Without revealing too much, certain revelations around family secrets and sacrifices hit hard, forcing both characters to grapple with guilt and forgiveness. These moments elevate the story from simple romance to a meditation on growth and second chances.

In the present timeline, the workplace setting introduces fresh stakes. Their collaboration on the factory accident investigation allows for meaningful character development. Lu Xi Xiao’s evolution from vengeful to understanding, and Zhou Wan’s quiet courage in facing both professional and personal demons, are portrayed with care. The supporting cast adds texture friends like Gu Meng and Jiang Fan provide levity and perspective, while family members represent the complicated ties that shape our leads. Not every side character is deeply fleshed out, but they serve the central relationship effectively.

Visually, the drama is a treat. Warm, sun drenched cinematography in the summer sequences evokes nostalgia and fleeting happiness, contrasting effectively with the cooler, more restrained tones of the later years. The OST complements the mood perfectly, with tracks that underscore tender moments and angsty turning points without overpowering the performances.

Some may critique occasional plot conveniences or pacing in the expanded adaptation from the novel, but for me, these never detracted from the emotional core. The focus remains steadfastly on Zhou Wan and Lu Xi Xiao’s inner worlds their fears, growth, and unwavering pull toward one another. This character focus makes the drama feel intimate and true. It reminded me why stories of youthful passion meeting adult realities can be so powerful: they mirror our own experiences of love lost and, sometimes, rediscovered.

Never-Ending Summer left me with a profound appreciation for its leads’ journeys. Zhou Wan’s quiet determination and Lu Xi Xiao’s fierce loyalty create a romance that feels authentic in its imperfections. The drama doesn’t promise perfection; it shows healing, forgiveness, and the courage to choose love again despite past wounds. For anyone seeking a story rich in emotional depth, stellar acting, and a romance that lingers, this is essential viewing. It perfectly captures why some summers and some loves never truly end.

I HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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Doona: Lost Potential & Mixed Signals

"Doona!" began with a premise that promised an intriguing dynamic between its main characters - Doo Na, a former member of the girl group Dream Sweet, and Won Jun, a college student unaware of her celebrity status. Their initial misunderstandings had the potential to craft a compelling narrative about identity, fame, and genuine connections.

However, as the episodes progressed, the series seemed to lose its way. The first episode depicts Lee Doo-Na (brilliantly portrayed by Bae Suzy) in a prolonged state of introspection, seemingly detached from Won Jun (played by Yang Se-Jong). This sense of detachment quickly shifts in the following episode, making Doo Na's motivations perplexing. A subtle indication of her character's emotional volatility could have been appreciated, but the stark contrast between episodes feels inconsistent.

A significant subplot that added to my confusion was Doo Na's complex relationship with an older character, her manager P. This relationship, seemingly oscillating between paternal and romantic feelings, could have been a deep dive into Doo Na's psyche. Instead, it felt like an underdeveloped plot device that only muddied the waters. The series tried to touch upon Doo Na's inner turmoil and her need for validation, but the execution often felt superficial, making her actions seem capricious rather than profound.

Throughout the nine episodes, there were moments that felt drawn out, such as prolonged smoking scenes and introspective silences. While such scenes can be artistically valuable, in "Doona!" they often felt like fillers, detracting from the overall pacing. The dialogues, though meant to be meaningful, often fell short, leaving me craving more depth and clarity.

In conclusion, while "Doona!" had the potential to be a nuanced exploration of fame, identity, and relationships, it felt disjointed and, at times, directionless. The series tried to tackle complex emotions but often skirted around them, making the narrative feel somewhat hollow. I had high hopes but was left with a sense of unfulfilled potential.

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Bloodhounds is back with its sequel and this time it’s less stylized, more brutal, raw and packed with action.. I honestly missed this kind of fight scenes.. I gotta say, this is how a second season should be.. It stays true to its core story of heartfelt friendship, and family.. While bringing back all the gripping elements from the first season.. But this time the action, the boxing, the fighting, it’s just wild, intense and bloody..

WDH really unleashes his talent here.. He was too good.. You can tell he has put in an insane amount of hard work and preparation.. It shows his discipline and mindset as an actor.. And while we are talking about insane hard work and preparation, we have to talk about the antagonist this season.. Rain, you absolute freak.. His physical transformation is genuinely insane and his screen presence is strong.. Ruthless, obsessive, physically intimidating, dangerous, unpredictable, he was a force to reckon with.. Almost unstoppable, one of the most terrifying villains.. And the way he fought?? His boxing, his skills?? Not flashy, just pure ruthless violence..

The visuals and soundtrack were really good as well.. The fight scenes are visceral and intense, shot with a kind of frenetic energy.. And what made this drama even more special was the cast and the cameos.. The whole cast was perfect.. Everyone played their roles to perfection.. They didn’t try to glorify or heroize just one person.. It felt like a true team effort.. Even the supporting cast had some insane fight scenes and showed some mad skills.. It’s a knockout performance from everyone, full of blood, sweat and tears..

The cameos?? Just crazy.. Who would have thought eh?? So many of them.. Park Seo Joon?? Wow.. He was an intriguing character and someone I would honestly love to see more of if there is another season.. Oh and Kang Min Ah?? The transformation, slick.. Give her more badass roles.. She absolutely killed it with her screen presence..

Now.. The script is more straightforward.. It lacks a bit of emotional weight.. It doesn’t feel story driven.. Everything is more or less set up for the fights.. Which I don’t think is a bad thing honestly.. Because they really do make up for the script with some wild action..

One more thing I need to mention.. This time it felt like Hong U Jin was sort of sidelined.. He got his ass kicked more than once and didn’t feel as strong as he did in the first season.. Maybe that’s because of the five year break and his lack of actual boxing.. Still, I would have loved to see him do more..

Overall this season is darker, more violent and delivers an insane amount of wild, well choreographed, bloody, tactical fight scenes.. It doesn’t pull any punches, it goes all in on the action.. Everyone’s commitment to their character is genuinely impressive.. You can see they have put their whole heart into it.. WDH delivers an absolutely astonishing performance with Rain being purely evil and intimidating.. Season 2 feels bigger and more relentless.. I just hope we don’t have to call this underrated.. It really deserves more recognition..

P.S.. Oh, to be loved by so many people.. Kim Geon U is surrounded by people who love him dearly.. That’s who he is, that’s his character.. And WDH, he portrayed that innocence so well..

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Let me start by saying that I LOVED the 1st season of Scarlet Heart. I had recently come around to watching period dramas and was recommended that I watch it. And boy was I not disappointed...I wish the same could be said of this second season. Let me begin with the obvious: season 2 is set in modern day, so the feel is completely different as are the problems all of the characters face. The beginning started somewhat strong for me. There were flashbacks to season 1 and a few of the characters' reincarnated selves in modern day was a nice touch.

story: the plot was weak sauce. Nothing we drama fans haven't seen before: love triangle, poor girl catching the eye of the rich heirs and deciding who she truly loves. The revenge plots did keep me interested with just how far the characters will go for 'justice' and the truths behind long-kept family secrets. But the doppelganger storyline wasn't needed AT ALL. Plus, after the first few episodes, there isn't a whole lot of interaction between the main couple (Zhang Xiao & Yin Zheng) until episode 15, and even then the build up felt too rushed. Maybe because I couldn't really get a sense of time passing, or how much time passed from one problem popping up to another being resolved.

cast: the actors did what they could with the script they were given. And after watching the whole drama I know why more actors from the first season didn't sign on for the 2nd. From episode 1 to the finale the main actress was ALWAYS crying or on the verge of tears. It got to the point that her tears meant nothing to me as a viewer because she cried SOOOO much.

music: It didn't move me, and it wasn't memorable. But it served its purposed to give dramatic flair when needed.

Rewatch: Dear God NO! Knowing how it all came together and ended, I'd rather just rewatch the first season and pretend that (potential SPOILER ALERT for season 1) Ruoxi chases after 4th Prince in the museum with a smile on her face and a sense of hope. Honestly, had the 1st season ended on that note I wouldn't have bothered with the 2nd.

Overall: I'm harsh on this BECAUSE the 1st season was so good. In comparison, season 2 is a 5, but as a standalone I'd give it a solid 7.5. So in fairness, the actual 7 i'm giving this is more than it deserves :-(

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I LOVED THIS ABSOLUTELY

ERROR! ERROR! REVIEW REQUIRED!

I WILL ALWAYS SAY IT, THE POTENTIAL KOREAN BLs HAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But seriously, I was really shocked at the quality of it all, it was impressive and great, and I loved every second of it.
Before we kick off, I would like to highlight If you are someone looking for like just skinship, then I don't think this is the series for you, if you want story, great acting, production etc, then this is for you. Side Note: They had great kisses though
But the story is quite interesting and cool, I like how it wasn't focused on a guy struggling with his sexuality or any of that drama, but they knew what they wanted, and they went for it straight.

Reviews are usually broken into
1. Introduction
2. General Review, Themes, Specific Issues
3. Story arc and Storylines
4. Characters and Casting
5. Acting
6. Misses
7. Production
8. Rewatch Value

INTRODUCTION
Alright, no matter how much I want a change in the themes of BL to things like Manner of Death and the upcoming KinnPorsche the series, I won’t say I don’t appreciate my good old fluffy bls and Semantic Error was something in that manner. On a general I loved the series, it’s a great one.

GENERAL REVIEW and STORYARC
On an overall, we kinda went with the popular trope of bad boy and rebel who falls in love with the upright, top of the class, quiet kid. And I am not opposed to it because they executed it and I think part of it is tied down to the acting and the actors who really had great chemistry together. Loved the pacing of the series because it didn’t feel too rushed, though I wish we had more romance time between them, but they always had cuteness, so I don’t mind. The storyline was nothing too complex, just two boys who fate brings together in the weirdest way, they start off on a misunderstanding then eventually end up needing each other while being a balance to each other. From a boy who viewed the world through a binary view, thinking love was manipulation to becoming a boy who couldn’t understand what was happening to him when someone he considered to be a “virus” was removed. Loved the idea behind it

CHARACTERS, CASTING AND ACTING
First on the characters, I absolutely love the main characters and two support characters. They were funny, I mean watching Sangwoo go sassy on Choi when she tells them they weren’t the only ones in the office and watching Jang enjoy every moment of his boyfriend (to be) was so cool. The casting was perfect, the height difference between the actor that plays Jang and Sangwoo makes the casting all the much better, like the difference in their height made them more likeable.
For the acting, I think chemistry between the two actors helped so much in this because I love their acting, watching Sangwoo go from uptight to when he starts experiencing his error and then finally when he falls for Jang. Their acting was great.

MISSES
The only miss, which I would not necessarily call a miss for me was the stalker start that the show had because those things can easily go haywire and weird

PRODUCTION AND REWATCH VALUE
Loved the production on this show, it was great, the entire team tried with the direction of the show, and I would a hundred percent watch this show again in the future

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Generally speaking, I usually have the opposite effect for over-hyped things. The more hype a thing has, the more likely it is for me to not like it. I went into watching Eternal Love with low expectations and as I had predicted at the time, I didn't find it too extra ordinary in the beginning.

STORY:

Eternal Love is comprised of the following three stages:

Episode 1-15:
This is when Yang Mi plays Si Yin and we are mostly being introduced to the characters. Ye Hua and Su Su meet up. It sets the pace of the story. This part doesn't have any wow factors, rather it provides an undercurrent of mild amusement. At this point you're not completely invested in the story but you also cannot let it go.

Episode 16-30:
Now this part was just plain torturous. This constructs the build up towards the main plot. It showcases Su Su's and Ye Hua's love and all the hardships she had to face as a mortal. Even though their sweet moments were heart warming, over-all this is literally the deadest portion of the show. It's not exactly the shows fault, rather the sypnosis's. We already know that SuSu is going to go blind and kill herself and honestly, I just felt like only after that, the true story would kick in which is why I had to fast forward some scenes because the whole wait did get, frankly, very boring. I understood that it was necessary for the character development and it provided a strong basis for the story to continue but that didn't mean that I found the drag-on particularly enjoyable. But since my intuition said that the light at the end of the tunnel would be very bright, I persevered.

Episode 30-58:
And this is when the show sky rockets to its summit. I think Episode 30 was by far the best episode made. From here onwards there are so many emotions; one great scene followed by another and suddenly I went from being half-heartedly interested to full on obsessed.

Acting:
Damn, I think I have a little bit of a crush on Yang Mi. She's such an absolute star to be honest. She portrayed her different personalities excellently. From the youthful and mischievous Si Yin, to the kind-hearted and vulnerable SuSu and finally to the boss ass queen Bai Qian; she simply slayed. There is this utter grace with which she speaks and moves that you can't help but be entranced by her. She was the true embodiment of a Queen and a total badass. Her fighting scenes were so empowering and the way she wields that Jade Purity Fan; just dang. She's a woman of power to her core and when Ye Hua forcefully kisses her once, she doesn't just let it be -nuhhun- she bestows him with a five fingered bitch slap 'cause ain't nobody messing with the Queen of Qing Qiu.

Mark was also a very nice surprise. He expressed a multitude of emotions just with his eyes. He didn't have to speak or show rather even the slightest twitch of his face spoke volumes. To be honest, I really fell in love with Ye Hua's character in the later part of the show. He's so selfless and devoted in his affection for Bai Qian that you can't help but root for him. Mark's delivery of Mo Yuan's character was also very impressive. Mo Yuan is a personality that demands respect and he gave him the elegance and majestic aura that was required.

Their chemistry is sizzling hot and both of them compliment each other to the max. I love how their love story transcends all worlds and they're two people destined to be together. I mean towards the end I was so committed to seeing their happy ending that for the first time in my life, I deliberately went to seek out spoilers just so I could have a consolation that everything wouldn't be in vain. Even though the ending is pretty sappy and the consequent events just turn out to be interestingly very very convenient for everybody, I think I wouldn't have opted for less.

The most annoying part of this show probably has to do with everything that was related to the Ghost Realm. Xian nu is literally the world's dumbest villain to ever grace the screens. I mean sure if you gonna be a negative ass bitch, filled to the brim with inferiority complexes, the least you can do is actually have some brains to execute your deviltry, instead she remains pitiful throughout and besides being an annoyance, doesn't amount to much.
Never fear though, because her husband matches her toe to toe as far as stupidity is concerned. Li JIng has a constant "woe-is-me" expression plastered on. He always acts like he is the most tragic person alive and he's constantly throwing pity parties and pining after someone he wronged. Like really bitch, if you gon' whine about how pathetic your life is and how you're suffering so much you should've thought better when you decided to waste your life being a nuisance and cheating on someone you supposedly loved. Smh. I was very thankful when both of these roaches finally ended up dead 'cause they literally belonged with each other in hell.

One of the best things about Eternal Love are the side stories. I had so much love for Dijun and Feng Jiu. Dijun, with his constantly amused face (as if the whole world was a huge joke to him) and Feng Jiu, with her endearing personality and child like tendencies really won me over. This show has so much character development and attention to detail. With excellent emotional delivery and story writing, I think the hype surrounding it is more or less justified.

One thing that I found hilarious was how little Bai Qian truly cared for her son like, ain't nobody got time for that but A-li is legit a ball of adorableness and the few moments they share together are absolute bliss.

Rewatching a 58 episode show is no easy feat so I don't think that I'd be doing that but there are definitely some iconic moments that I have already watched a thousand times over and will continue to revisit.

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I had expected this to be a successful second season to a beautifully written drama.. Even if not better than the first but at least close to it.. But honestly, it wasn’t.. And I totally understand the low ratings.. I really do.. I am not going to blame the story itself.. If this had been a standalone drama or not a continuation, it would have actually been an excellent one.. But it wasn’t.. After watching 34 eps and waiting 5–6 months, you shouldn’t have to sit through another 12 eps of push and pull between the main leads.. Especially letting someone like Liu Lang who is a complete nobody affect their relationship.. The court politics, the mutiny and everything else were solid, but most of what happened in the first 12 eps felt totally unnecessary.. The foundation for the characters was already built.. What they needed to do was move the story forward.. Instead they were still stuck in the same loop.. Repeating what had already happened in the first season.. Honestly I respect the commitment the writing shows, it knows what it wants.. But I didn’t quite get the fulfillment I was hoping for.. I am only whining because I expected more..

If it were possible to erase someone from the story.. It would be Liu Lang.. Enemies?? Yeah I hate them.. But what about people who stay close to you and backstab you?? He literally got his life back and is living well because of the FL and yet he tried to destroy her relationship out of jealousy?? He was supposed to be like a younger brother to her.. His sister did the same thing and now he followed right in her footsteps.. And the fact that this guy hit the ML and still got let off?? I was honestly disappointed at how easily he was forgiven and also how his stupidity and jealousy were sugarcoated as concern for the FL.. Sure he got his redemption arc but he didnt pay for his mistakes..

Liu Chang was pathetic in the first season but here he completely turned into a character unworthy of any pity.. He did some truly nasty things.. It was actually satisfying when the FL hurt him repeatedly, the stabbing scene especially felt good.. But honestly, he still didn’t suffer enough.. That’s why I wasn’t satisfied with how things ended for him.. He should have suffered more pain..

I actually felt sorry for Princess You Zhen.. The cycle of her life was truly sad.. Hurt by the men around her, including her own father.. I am glad she didn’t die in the end.. It meant she had another chance at life, another opportunity to start over..

Ep 19.. I think they were too hasty in confronting Prince Ning.. I mean he literally crushed their decade old plan in just a few days, it felt way too easy.. And the final confrontation, the war could have been handled much better.. It just goes to show how little attention was given to the parts of the story that didn’t have the FL on screen..

While I wasn’t completely satisfied, this was still a watchable conclusion to an amazing story.. In the first season even though Mu Dan was the anchor, the others mattered too.. But in the second season, it became all about her.. No one else had a satisfying storyline.. Even the ML felt underused and sidelined, just to elevate Mu Dan’s character to glory.. I really wished everyone had a meaningful presence..

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Pro Bono vs. Lazy Critics: Guess Who Wins?

Pro Bono isn’t controversial, your privilege is. Some bubble dwellers voluntarily watched a legal drama (just 4 eps) and thought the biggest crime was queer representation or women’s autonomy. Spoiler: the only crime here is your complete lack of critical thinking. (You can find my criticism concerning this show at the end. This review only discusses first four episodes and the bad faith comments about them.)

“Too woke”
Okay, let’s unpack this embarrassing ‘hot take.’ You’re voluntarily watching a LAW drama, a genre literally about justice, society, and real life conflicts and your main critique is ‘too woke’? This show addresses teen pregnancy, anti abortion coercion, and queer rights (in first 4 eps). If that bothers you, maybe basic human rights just aren’t your thing….own it and move on.

“Pushing your agenda”
Calling women’s autonomy or queer existence an “agenda” is a rhetorical trick.
It reframes freedom as threat so that control looks like morality. Abortion as a personal vs. imposed choice. You completely ignore the distinction between personal belief and enforcing that belief on others. A religion can inform personal choices, but trying to force a fully grown woman/teen to carry a pregnancy against her will is coercion, not morality. Claiming this as “moral correctness” while decrying propaganda is contradictory.
If a belief cannot survive without being forced on others, then the belief, not the people living freely…. is the agenda. That’s the distinction.

“Propaganda”
Propaganda isn’t diversity, autonomy, or people living their truth, it’s the weaponization of belief to control others. Showing queer people on screen (for five minutes) or supporting women’s right to choose isn’t “pushing an agenda”; it’s acknowledging reality. The real agenda is hiding behind morality to take away agency: forcing a teen or sexual assault survivor to carry a pregnancy, dictating who people can love, or enforcing religious rules on everyone else while pretending it’s “for their own good.” It’s not about care or ethics; it’s about control. And the kicker? These people rarely give a damn about the outcomes, if the child is disabled, neglected, abused or struggling, that doesn’t matter. What matters is that their moral scoreboard looks clean. Freedom, choice, and empathy threaten them, so they call it an “agenda” to scare others into compliance. If your beliefs need chains to survive, that’s not morality, it’s coercion masquerading as virtue.

“This is Western crap, why bring it to Kdrama?”
Again, watching a LAW drama and complaining it’s “Western propaganda” is peak absurdity. This isn’t a romcom with rainbow sunshine; it’s a show about real societal issues which exist everywhere, not just in the U.S. Expecting a legal drama to ignore these realities is like complaining about rain during a storm. If discomfort equals propaganda, then reality itself is offensive, but maybe the problem isn’t the show, it’s the viewer.

Why did i take this drama as pro bono and defend it with my last two brain cells after scrolling through all the ignorant takes?
Because unlike some viewers, I actually understand what a law drama is, what human rights mean, and that empathy isn’t a ‘Western agenda.’ Yes, I got offended reading these comments deny basic human rights to fellow humans because it doesn’t align with their own religious beliefs. Religious beliefs should dictate how you lead your own life, not how you can control other’s life. I respect your religion and your beliefs. If you don’t want to abort your own baby, that is your choice and I will respect that. If you are not attracted to same sex, that is your orientation, I will respect that. Forcing it on others? Now thats a propaganda, not an opinion.

Media does not exist in a vacuum, it shapes what society sees as normal, moral, and acceptable. When topics addressed in this drama are ignored or softened, existing power structures are quietly validated. By portraying legal support for queer individuals and the real consequences of denying women choice over their own bodies, the show acknowledges lived realities that affect vulnerable people every day. This is not about promoting an ideology, but about refusing to romanticize control, questioning “clean” moral endings that overlook trauma, and reminding viewers that autonomy, consent, and dignity are essential to justice.


Addendum: Why I rated it high, what my actual critique is, and why that still doesn’t validate the comment section meltdown.

My initial high rating was intentional. The review space had already been flooded with low effort, ideologically driven ratings after just two/four episodes, people declaring the show “too woke” while admitting they barely watched it. The high rating was bait: to get people to actually read why this discourse matters.

That said, defending this drama from bad faith attacks does not mean I think it’s flawless or even particularly brave. In fact, my criticism starts precisely where the show pulls its punches. Despite gesturing toward queer rights, it never commits to a full queer centred legal case (yet). Representation remains implied, diluted, and safely peripheral present enough to signal progress, absent enough to avoid backlash. It is still a positive representation nonetheless. In a different perspective, this might be a stepping stone for upcoming law dramas. Similarly, the storyline involving a coerced teen pregnancy initially frames reproductive control as a legal and ethical violation, only to abandon that stance by episode four. The narrative retreats into a “neutral” resolution, having the disabled child adopted by an anti abortion hospital CEO, which conveniently avoids confronting the core issue: forcing a teenager to give birth against her will. This is narrative risk aversion. In other words, the show wants credit for raising hard questions without fully sitting in their consequences. That’s a valid critique. It reflects an industry tendency to appear progressive while ultimately reassuring conservative comfort zones. I also do not align with or endorse any alleged MAP symbolism or geopolitical propaganda some viewers have pointed out (till 4 eps).

Now here’s where the distinction matters: criticism is not the same as reactionary hate. Criticism interrogates execution, consistency, and ethical follow through. What I’m pushing back against in the comments is not thoughtful disagreement, it’s people collapsing at the mere presence of queer people or women exercising bodily autonomy and calling that collapse an “opinion.” Saying “the show avoids depth” or “it plays it too safe” is criticism. Saying “stop shoving this agenda down our throats” because marginalized people exist on screen is ideological panic.

When shows avoid fully confronting coercion, trauma, or queer legal realities, they don’t become “neutral”, they quietly reinforce existing power structures. My review defends the right of these issues to be addressed in this genre while holding the show accountable for how cautiously it ultimately does so. This review is not a blind praise. It is a refusal to let bad faith outrage masquerade as media critique. You’re allowed to dislike this drama. You’re allowed to critique its writing. What you’re not doing, no matter how loudly you insist is engaging in honest criticism when your problem is that other people’s rights make you uncomfortable.

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Don't expect to enjoy this unless you are a Cassie. It has quite the thin, holey plotline, makes very little sense, and is all around a bit silly. However, the cast of course is very nice to look at and if you already love DBSK then you will enjoy spending a little over an hour ogling and laughing at/with them. The acting is not terrible so much as the story is poorly constructed, so it is not horribly painful to watch (the strongest actors of DBSK get the lead roles, so that helps) but don't expect the feeling of "what a great movie!" after watching so much as "that was kind of amusing!" The best part, without a doubt, is definitely that the OST is 100% DBSK :) And of course, no matter how their acting skills may be, no one can deny their superior musical talent, so that is definitely a plus.



Overall, this was not -so- bad, and it was an entertaining way to waste some time, but unless you are a diehard Cassie or are just curious about DBSK, there are probably better things to watch out there.

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Aaaaand now I'm a mess.

With the final episode done, my face tear stained, eyes puffy, and nose looking like it could put Rudolf to shame... I wonder what I'm supposed to do with my life now.

I feel like a mess. A huge mess. I have been stalking my own TV since freaking OCTOBER! You know the second a new episode dropped, my nose was in the TV and best bet, I haven't made plans to do anything in fear of missing a episode. Lol

구미호뎐 was so gosh damn phenomenal. I just want to spend the rest of my days talking about how much I loved every inch of this show. I have this weird obsession with 구미호 anyway so when I heard there was going to be a show about it starring two of my favorite people - There was nothing else left to do except wait. I needed no other reason because I was instantly hooked. Whoever thought to put Kim Bum and Lee Dong-Wook in a show together... I love you. and thank you for traumatizing me. Okay not really thankful about that last part, but thank you for putting this amazing masterpiece together.

This show is the perfection of a roller coaster without going on those monstrosities (I said what I said) --
There were characters I adored from the start and ended up HATING! There were characters I hated that I ended up loving... but funny enough it ended with me loving everyone. Well... minus the bad people. Hot or not, I still don't like you 이무기 (Imoogi)!! Even though there were a lot of times I wished you weren't a dickbag.

ANYWHO! Every single episode held so much that sometimes I felt like I held my breath the whole time, only able to breathe when it was over. Lol It held a bit of a trance, I suppose. Not complaining. I love shows like that. It's rare for that to happen as well - So I know this show will stick with me forever and will always be a favorite of mine.

Everyone's acting was off the charts amazing, there wasn't a single terrible person that was casted and I really really REALLY hope this wins awards. That's how amazing I believe it is. Not only the whole show, the cast, storyline, even the MUSIC.. just... EVERYTHING should be won when it comes to this show! I'm talking Parasite level of awards. Fight me if you don't agree. lol

I knew getting close to the end it would be sad. It's inevitable, but COME ON!!! I wasn't expecting THAT! I don't think I have cried quiet that hard since I watched Goblin.... and my face turned purple from crying so hard watching that. You can imagine how I looked watching this...... please don't imagine. I'm sure it's scary AF. Lol

The only and I mean ONLYYYYY issue I had with this show isn't even really just a issue, more of a confusion? And that's how it ended the way that it ended. I don't understand? Was he? Wasn't he? kinda thing. So I am really confused. I'm kinda hoping they release some kind of statement about it or extra little piece to explain how that happened when all through the show - we heard different. While I'm happy, I'm confused and maybe a little scared? Also... I wish it could have ended happier, if you know what I mean. If you watch it, and I hope you do -- I hope you'll agree with me that that person deserved happiness too.

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Silk Robes & Side-Eyes: A Sweet Escape with “Prisoner of Beauty”

Watching Prisoner of Beauty felt like getting wrapped in a velvet blanket while two ridiculously good-looking people argued like an old married couple. 😂

Song Zu’er? Total gem 💎—graceful, sharp, and that face could lead armies or end wars. The way she glares at Liu Yuning every time he roasts the poor Scholar? Comedy gold 🤣. Her expressions deserve their own drama: fiery when mad 😤, cool when scheming 🧠, soft when in love 💕, and adorably guilty when apologising 🥺. It’s like an emoji keyboard came to life—with actual acting skills. Unlike most cookie-cutter FLs, she brings layers, not just eyeliner. Queen behavior. 👑

Liu Yuning—ugh yes please! 😍 The man is walking eye candy with a dash of brooding mystery and unexpected softness. That towering presence, those intense gazes, and his deep voice? Instant heart flutter 🫠. Plus, his fashion and armor game? On point. Whether he’s in battle robes or sulking in a corner, he serves main character energy with a side of “I’ll protect you but won’t talk about my feelings” charm 🖤🗡️. Love his style, love his vibe—10/10 would stare respectfully (and maybe a little disrespectfully) every episode. 😏🔥 He comes in all broody and battle-ready 🗡️, but surprise! He’s got deadpan sass and “emotionally constipated but trying” energy that grows on you like a reluctant houseplant. 🌱 Their chemistry? It’s giving enemies-to-lovers with a side of slow-burn eye contact and unspoken feelings longer than ancient scrolls 📜.

And here’s the best part—no unnecessary breakups, no stupid misunderstandings! 🙌 Yes, they bicker (and thank goodness, because the banter is gold), but they hash it out like mature, emotionally literate grownups. What a concept! 😂 It’s so refreshing to see leads who argue with logic, then move on with their lives together. Love them for it!

The four Wei generals and the advisor? Absolute comedy squad 🤣. Every time they showed up, it was like a mini sitcom in ancient robes. Whether they were panicking, plotting, or just being lovable idiots, they had me cackling 😂. And the advisor? The one brain cell holding them together—barely. It felt like watching a group project where only one guy read the instructions 🧠📜. Their loyalty was top-tier, but their chaos? Unmatched. I’d watch a spin-off of just them arguing over who gets the last dumpling 🥟.

The only tearjerker? Sweet, chubby General Wei Liang 😭💔. That man was a cinnamon roll in armor. His loyalty, his adorable crush, his pure friendship with the leads… I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. And his love story? Utterly precious and hilarious—like watching a puppy try to flirt 🐶💘.

The OST is like background fairy dust—gentle piano, wistful strings, and perfectly timed romantic tunes when someone almost says "I like you" but ends up staring instead 😳. And the cinematography? Stunning. Golden sunlight, flowing robes, petals flying like someone paid extra for wind effects 🍃. Every frame could hang in a museum, honestly.

Plot-wise, it’s not here to hurt you or melt your brain. No power-hungry schemes with a hundred backstabs—just heartfelt growth, palace whispers, clever plotting, and romantic tension so thick it could be sliced with a decorative hairpin. 🥢

Verdict? 10/10 for comfort, chemistry, visual snacks, and healthy communication. A drama that made my heart full, eyes happy, and left me whispering “just one more episode” at 2am like a liar. 😅📺💖

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Female lead that is equal with the male lead in brain and brawn

I must admit I didn’t start watching Under the Power until I finished all other Cdramas because Allen Ren (Lu Yi) and Seven Tan (Jinxia) doesn’t fit my preferred look for Cdrama leads who are candy cuties, with fairy faces, and winsome smiles (ex. Jung Jin yi, Zhao Lusi, Zhang Zehan, Jing Boran, etc.).

In terms of acting and chemistry, all I can say is that the actors gave their A game in this production. Though they might not win the most good looking award, Allen Ren and Seven Tan definitely deserve an award for their superb acting that made me fall in love with Lu Yi’s resting frowning face, and Jinxia’s impish character. The supporting actors also gave their best and I must commend Dong Han for giving us the sexiest, and most handsome villain (Yan Shifan) to date. He did a great job by giving us a villain that you love to hate with his smiling face while doing vile deeds that sometimes you get to question yourself if you’re a psycho for wanting to side with him.

For the plot and writing, I love that all the crime solving in the drama are just subplots to propel the story forward to resolve the overarching conspiracy plot. I also like that there are SEVERAL STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS in the story not just the main lead (ex. Ms Shengguan, Mrs. Qing, Zhai Lanye, etc). These female characters are just as strong, intelligent, cunning, and brave as the other male heroes in the story. I also felt that there were no filler scenes and that though this drama is 55 episodes long, it didn’t take 30+ episodes for the main romance to be established. Some dramas take the easy way out and give viewers a lot of kissing or sexy scenes, but the writer of this drama took the harder route by creating more logical scenes to establish the romance. Lu yi and Jinxia’s romance is not your cliched love at first sight or the martyr type romance. I fell in-love with Lu Yi and Jinxia’s romance, so much so that I didn’t care that they never had and never needed a full kiss to express their realistic love for each other. I also love the way the characters were written and that they remained consistent to their core until the end of the series. The main leads’ problems were never drawn out and was resolved in a satisfying manner that you don’t have to pray for their angst to end.

Lastly, only people who expect this drama to be either 100% crime solving or 100% rom com will be disappointed . Because this drama has the perfect blend of the elements for everyone. The breakdown of the drama elements are as follows:
40% crime solving
30% solving the main plot
30% romance between the leads

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