This review may contain spoilers
Lee Se Jin for World Domination
Most of this review is me gushing over Lee Se Jin and how much I'm in love with him. He is half of this review; just him being in this series is already five stars. I loved this series so much. It was mushy and cute, and it was just a really fun watch.Let's Dive In.
For the most part, I just liked this series cause it was lighthearted. After watching two very emotionally rating series, it was nice to get to this one and just be able to laugh along with the characters and their actions. Once again, Lee Se Jin had to have the best acting yet. He played an amazing bubbly and happy character, and he along with Jin Won made a perfect couple. The plot was new for me, I haven't seen any BL that revolved around track, or really sports in general. They both had their individual needs in why they needed to win the race, so them having to compete against one another while also being in love is a nice change in plot. The only things that I had a small problem with were how short the episodes were. It's a pattern that I'm noting all too well in Korean Bls. Why are they so short? Budgeting issues? set issues? Legal issues? I don't know, but just like Where your Eyes Linger, this BL in some parts felt rushed (a good example would be Go Sang Ha and the money he owed to that gang, it just wasn't developed well enough).
Overall, this was a very fu watch. This was one of those series that I would recommend to people getting into BL. It's lighthearted, a happy ending, and had excellent characters.
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Very well made and unique series.
A man working as a courier who will do everything except murder is given the task of finding out detailed information about the reporter whom he will eventually find out that they have a common past. This is probably Ji Chang Wook's most versatile work as an actor. Screenwriter Song Ji Na was able to beautifully combine humor and action and capture realistically evolving relationships between the main cast. The plot didn't drag on unnecessarily either and its occasional complexity managed to attract the attention of the viewer. I also have to praise the action scenes - they didn't seem to be too over the top, and they looked realistic (in my opinion) which is often not the case with Korean dramas. The series was pleasant to me, given the fact that the show aired in 2014 and even now, in 2022, the show remains unique with it's originality.Was this review helpful to you?
Love in Its Purest Form
I just finished watching this drama and am now in a state of post-drama blues. This drama shattered me emotionally. I cried and cried while watching the last few episodes.It really does epitomise the most purest form of love. Love without definition. Love which is unconditional, where each party gives everything they have to keep one another safe, while expecting nothing in return. This kind of love isn't strictly romantic or platonic, but is a delicate balance of both. It's the kind of love that remains within social boundaries, and transcends it, all at the same time.
I place the relationship portrayed in this drama between Park Dong-hoon and Lee Ji-an among my favourite literary couples - Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester, Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy, Margaret Hale and John Thornton, Mister Stevens and Miss Kenton, Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. It saddens me that I cannot share my deep empathy for these characters with anyone I know in the real world, and it saddens me further than this kind of love is so rare in this day and age.
I hope these words find their way to someone who is considering watching this drama, and convinces them to take the leap. Highly, highly recommend. My favourite Kdrama yet!
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"Back then, there were no good reporters. This time there is.” ~ Dal Po
The first episodes starts with a rollercoaster of feels. I like that this drama isn't the standard love square with scheming elders. While I was watching it, it kind of overtook my life. Although it was pretty stressful for me I couldn't stop watching it. I was also watching an action Kdrama at the same time as this one and Pinocchio made my heart beat so much faster and the plot and relationships really had me on the edge of my seat. I don't like foreshadowing though! Don't tell me something bad is going to happen, Dal Po! There are no dull parts in this drama, which, makes it really special in my opinion. And there are no useless side characters. Everyone is interesting and unique and screen-worthy. I actually loved every single secondary character even the ones that were just comic or even bordering on slapstick. They were all really good.
I liked that there are sub-plots and crises that arise and get dealt with as different news incidents happen. So there are a lot of small victories along the way and it's not just about one long-drawn overarching plot. It keeps the storyline fresh and exciting. I also appreciate how they portray the older generation of reporters influencing and mentoring the next generation but sometimes their words of wisdom come back to bite them in the butt. It's funny how a moment of fierce lecturing gets imprinted on a trainee's brain and informs their professional development.
It's also great that it's not just about fighting against the news industry. Sometimes the news drama took a backseat to the characters' personal development. I also like that it's not all an uphill battle. There are some higher up people rooting for In Ha and Dal Po too. There are humorous parts as the two competing news stations try and one up each other.
I thought the set up of the drama, was really thoughtful. Having the main characters be in a legally awkward position is great. And the whole uncle thing? Never gets old. It's so funny the way they got used to it. Although how they can stand to be in a relationship and still go back to “uncle” terms without batting an eye is beyond me.
I love how Korean dramas know how to uniquely demonstrate the relationships in the family in such a meaningful, but cutesy way. Actually, a surprising theme that emerged is the betrayal of family for the sake of justice.
Random note: In Ha wears heels to her first interview and then later on in the show she claims she doesn't have any heels.
Gyo Dong
I loved him. He seems really serious and upright and a good mentor to Dal Po but he gets caught up in the news rivalry shenanigans too. I love the way he'd be so mature and then encourage his subordinates to insult the other team. And he's easy on the eyes too. His little flirtation was so awkward but cute.
Mothers
In Ha's mother was not as evil as I thought she'd be. She was sensible and thought about her actions. Sure she was selfish but at least she was clever and cunning and made sense. I also liked seeing her loosen up and joke around. I like that even though she tries her best to make people feel like shit, Dal Po and In Ha are strong enough in themselves to continue to be professional towards her. Although, there is one point that In Ha confronts her and she does it in a way I thought I'd never see. It was good to see the icy Manager Sung pissed off. I was annoyed by the repetitive cycling of her arguments though. When she told lies she demanded other people prove them false. When others did the same, she disregarded them as assumptions.
Towards the end of the drama, I really liked her acting.
For Bum Jo's mother, I liked that she was more concerned about Bum Jo's happiness than status.
Romance
I really do not understand why Koreans think applying bandages to the opposite gender is so romantic.
Anyway, this is my first childhood friends/frenemies romance. I like seeing their casual relationship that sometimes sizzles. The chemistry between In Ha and Dal Po...it's good.
Also the toast kiss was more memorable for me because of what happened after...hahaha.
The way Kdramas dream up these convoluted obstacles...it's so sneaky and tricky. I kind of like the twist that Dal Po feels he's not good enough for her but In Ha's father actually thinks it's the other way around.
Dal Po, on the romance front, is strong and not afraid of rivals. He's so freakin' calm about it. I just like the way he doesn't dramatise things. He makes a lot of mistakes in his relationship with In Ha but I like his imperfections. Also, can we just have a shout out for Lee Jong Suk and his epic back hugs? The way he affectionately caresses In Ha's face is always so satisfying and sweet.
I like that Dal Po trusts In Ha and doesn't think he needs to be the big man and protect her from things. I like the way she trusts him back so there's little pointless arguing or her needing to prove herself. I do like that they have real arguments about their values.
In Ha is really thoughtful of everything that Dal Po has gone through. And when it comes to standing up for him, she's a tiger.
The crisis of the romance was stupid and yet tricky at the same time. There are no right answers. Is it a case of illogical noble martyrdom? I don't know. I really don't.
Jae Myung
I really loved this actor/character. His smile is perpetually sad and he just conveys this broken, and lonely persona so well.
Every time he was on the screen, my heart was in my mouth just being so achey. And he's so kind and so bitter and aghhhh.
He honestly, stole the show for me. He, out of everyone, is so strong. His powerful character is so intensely portrayed. I wanted to hug him and hi-five him and everything.
In Ha
I like seeing her expressions come alive. She has some great attitude and sass that I enjoyed.
My first drama with her was Flower Boy Next Door. I thought the hicupping thing would be overdone, but she owns it well. Her hiccups' concept stretches to scenarios as well. So it's not so much about lying but keeping quiet about the truth. And so she can't act either because her “body knows she's lying”. I wish they kept true to that, but they started to expand it so that her hiccups was basically her moral compass, which kind of made it preachy. Although I did like it when she'd say something like, “I do believe you *hiccup, oh, I guess not.”
I like her confidence. When she and Dal Po get into the reporting industry, In Ha is professional and not clingy. Yay! Dal Po has the smarts but In Ha has good instincts. She's level-headed and she does it in a way that's calm and not showy.
She also stands up for what she believes is right even if it means standing against Dal Po. It's always good to see a woman able to separate herself and her opinion from her boyfriend. She really whips Dal Po into shape. I was really surprised to see that kind of backbone coming from a Kdrama/Park Shin Hye. As the drama goes on, it becomes clear that you do not want to mess with In Ha.
In Ha is also really good around the second male lead. He's nothing to write home about, but she showed decisiveness when it came to him and didn't string him along.
Also, I love that she initiates kissing. And how many times have you seen a heroine cut off a hero's rambling with a kiss? In Ha is awesome.
Dal Po
I'm starting to see a trend with Lee Jong Suk characters being underestimated and looked down upon but possessing inner strength and confidence. I love the way he portrays his characters as arrogant and intelligent, yet vulnerable and with such a selfless and big heart.
Lee Jong Suk and his feelings. It's so easy to get caught up in them. Gah! Even with his ridiculous hairstyle my heart was beating for him. And seeing him as a sad little orphan again...oh, Lee Jong Suk...The way he lived his life...just to spare a poor old man's heart...*sigh. Such a sad little kid.
Dal Po gets caught up in the chase of the news too. The drama portrays a very cutthroat, unprofessional and dirty world of journalism. It was interesting how Dal Po, despite his hatred for the culture fell trap to it when he started in on the race to get that exclusive. The self-reflection was really spot on. He's a really mature character and even the elders respect him for it. He's also really clever with catching people out when he interviews/interrogates them.
As the drama builds, I hated to see him go through his crisis alone.
“I hate myself to a point where I can't even breathe.”
Lee Jong Suk knows how to act. I also really like his blank face when Yu Rae tries to flirt with him. Also, his disgruntled face makes me laugh every time. Seeing his range of emotions is impressive. I thought I'd seen all of his facial expressions. But then there was his tipsy scene. His drunk face...Oh gosh. Lee Jong Suk is epic. EPIC.
Bum Jo (that's such an unfortunate name!) Second Male Lead
I'm not sure if I've ever disliked a secondary male lead off the bat like I did this guy. He's all “In Ha is my destinyyy”.
He's also a spoiled mama's boy. This guy is so creepy. He's the kind of “nice” stalker that is fooling nobody. He's freakishly tall as well. How can someone be taller than Lee Jong Suk?
I did kind of appreciate that after In Ha draws the line, he takes the hint and stops chasing her. But of course, I did feel that he was being somewhat petty.
Actually, he probably has the least character development out of anyone I've seen in a Kdrama.
He's all kinds of ridiculous. But my favourite line of his was, “Did I just swear out loud?”
Jae Hwan
I love these competent and capable women in the media industry.
Dal Po - “We have to barge in there, so it might get ugly.”
Jae Hwan - “That's my speciality.”
I loved her relationship with the silly Hyun Gyu.
Yu Rae is pretty silly. “It's not easy to make copying paper look sexy.”
On an end note, I really loved the music and how emotional it was. It matched the story well and I just thought it was used really effectively.
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Only watch this for ZekeFifth!
Zeke, Fidth and Win are the only characters who didn’t make me cringe..This show was trying to do so many things: highlighting LGBTQ+ folks, make us laugh, make us cry, etc.. the problema is that none of them are done well.
The acting was hit & miss, either extremely uncomfortably/awkwardly bad, or very natural (ZekeFifth scenes).
The dialogue was ROUGH, and you can tell there’s a LOT of ad libbing, but not everyone can pull this off.
The storyline is a hot mess. You really have to forgive a lot to get thru this whole show, or fast forward much of it.
on the positive side-
I was happy to see ZekeFifth are getting lead roles in the next season, because they’re the only ones I’ll be watching.
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After careful consideration I've decided that... no.
I feel like I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel here.Long story short, this was questionably good. But the line that divides good from bad is extremely thin with this one, almost invisible.
~Story:
Boring. If I could describe it using food, it would be a soda cracker... because it's bland and tasteless. There's literally nothing here that I could find entertaining in the slightest. The episodes were slow paced, there were plenty of plot holes that left me confused, unanswered questions, and lack of organization.
First time in my gay life that I see a BL were everybody else had to carry the story because the mains were completely irrelevant. Like, what were they even doing here? And even though I see potential, I still think that even if you fixed it, it would still be boring.
~Cast:
Ugh. I mean UUUUUGGGGGHHHHHH with these leads!
- Solo/Gui: They were so dry I felt like I was in the desert. The biggest problem here was whoever the hell was playing Solo. Extremely monotone and forced. His character was socially awkward, but he took it to the next level. Now, there were some moments were he was genuinely funny and relatable but, unfortunately, I can only count those with one hand. Gui's actor was better, but there was so much disconnection between both characters. It's like two strangers suddenly met and began a relationship without knowing anything about the other... wait... that's EXACTLY what happened here. There's no flavor in this relationship.
- Kao/Pu: *insert angel chorus* the saviors! If it weren't for them I wouldn't have stayed until the end. They were a very basic couple with predictable reactions to predictable moments, but holy crap how much light the brought into this drama. They had a nice story going on and, luckily, both actors actually did a great job. If you guys think about it, they were a mirrored image of the main couple, but done right. If there's ever a season two (which I hope not, to be honest), they should bring them as the leads and completely remove the mains.
- Kim/Petch: Love them! Definitely on the same page as Kao/Pu. If it weren't for their funny, complicated, and crazy relationship, this drama wouldn't have survived in my eyes. Funny how a heterosexual relationship had better screen time than the supposed mains of a BL.
- Perth: Honorable mention because he is so my type of guy. He was a good actor too, although I am not a big fan of how his story ended. It's like the writers tried too force something that didn't even look good. Like I said, baseless plot holes that are unnecessary.
~Editing:
First of all, can we talk about the opening sequence? Mama all the budget went there. It was such a high quality edition that I couldn't bring myself to skip it because whoever edited it deserved the attention. Good job, sis! The rest of the drama was... in lack of better words... messy. There were things here and there that could have been changed or just completely removed. The lack of a coherent story made the editing go all over the place sometimes.
Girl, this show has everything: questionable leads, questionable relationship, questionable story line, manipulative relationships, and relationships that deserved the main roles. Honestly, I do not recommend it, but it isn't too bad to not give it a try. I mean, it's not Tossara levels of bad that I can't even think about it. It's so so.
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Since it's really hard to describe what this show is about, I like to explain it as that weird dream you strangely don't want to leave so you can see how it plays out. YYY is a funny show, and the characters are each compelling in their own ways. If you're looking for a different BL show or simply a comedy you've never seen before, check this one out. It's a breath of fresh air and the OST will make you dance at the beginning of every episode.
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Rotting, sweet, tooth fluff.
Nothing more to say about this special because it's all it was. But I loved it! Like how it closed off both DaoKluen's story and FahPrince's. Nice touch of adding marriage rights in there too. Kluenand Fah's competiveness had me laughing and the sweetness of the couple's had me smiling from ear to ear thru the episode. Nice of GMMTV to give it an extra closure. TBH I'm gonna miss Fah & Prince the most.It was nice to hear: "My Starlight" in the special too.
I give it a 10 because the fluff was exactly what I needed. Oh, and I liked how Fah's workaholic situation was handled and how much Prince was a supportive boyfriend. Bye Star & Sky gonna miss them as brothers too.
Well onto the next one.
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+/- Plot:
The plot went from thick and thin, and I mean that in a good way. They didn't leave you too confused from the get go, but they would subtly unfold different factors so that you could come up with your own theories not only on the investigations but the actual backstory too. I loved how each of the crimes were told in a different way, some cases from the start you knew who the culprit was, but others left you guessing. But it wasn't the investigations that left me satisfied with this drama's storyline and production, but the actual backstory that linked all the characters together. As we slowly started uncovering the corruption I couldn't even handle! I was actually bawling my eyes out from anger at one point and I couldn't even stop it.
I loved how they producers perfectly weaved the present with the past, at no point was ever confused.
+/- Acting/Cast:
All of the actors really did an amazing job at telling their characters' stories. I was deeply moved by all of them. I have to say though that Jo Jin Woong really stole the show. What made me love his character all the more was how dedicated he was as a detective, friend, etc. He was so upright and true to morals, no matter who was persuading him to do the wrong thing, and that's what I admired so much about him. He really was extraordinarily charming.
Lee Je Hoon portrayed his character fairly well too, I really felt the anguish with him during the times we found out the wrongs committed against him and his family. I will say that in the first episode or two I was a little annoyed with him, not sure if it was his uppity character or a little exaggeration on his part, but it took me a couple episodes to warm up to him. But once the fondness developed, I began to really enjoy his acting and portrayal of his character.
Kim Hye Soo's character was a little off putting to me for some reason. I think it was how much they contrasted her throughout the show, I was just a little unsure of her throughout the whole thing. In the present she's a complete badass, but then that's contrasted with her character of the past with the 'flashbacks'. And we see her in a completely different light, timid, innocent, and kind of dumb. I mean, I really liked her present portrayal which is probably why I was a little disappointed in how much her character differed. I guess it's just that I wanted her to be the strong woman character that's so rarely seen in dramas, but in the end I guess everyone has a weakness.
+/- Music:
I loved how they chose to remake some old 80's songs for their soundtrack, I thought it was a really nice addition and touch to the whole show. It exposed me to a lot of songs that I would have never otherwise known about. They also put in the suspense tracks at the right points, got my blood pressure up and left my palms sweating even!
Rewatch Value: I would definitely rewatch this drama, the storyline hands down is amazing and the cast worked really well together. I think it would still have the same suspense factor that it had the first time I watched it.
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This review may contain spoilers
The good parts about this was when it felt like I was watching Inuyasha or some other early 00's anime like that. At other times it felt confused, contrived, and also extremely focused on product merchandising and on Lee Min Ho's face.I mean - there was this single episode even my parents couldn't stop counting how many product placements happened. I think it was around episode 10/11. Almost every scene featured the king drinking some royal coffee or eating some royal instant kimchi. This suits my taste!
Oh God.
PS: Giving the acting a high grade for Kim Go Eun and Jung Eun Chae, they didn't deserve this mess
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I loved the concept of this game and seeing the differences between the two societies. It's interesting to see how people persuade each other to join their alliance. Because there were new games and challenges every episode, it always made it fun to watch the contestants compete. Rather than just competing on one category, the Society Game tests its contestants on 3 categories: physical, dexterity and mental. I think that was a good idea because it changes the games up a bit and challenges the contestants on wondering who they should eliminate next based on their contribution to the town.
Besides the games and the town, because the set was a fake town, I also enjoyed the contestants having to make their own food and survive in the jail-like town. It gave me Family Outing vibes when they were chasing chickens for dinner and eating only potatoes and rice throughout the entire show.
The cast was pretty good except for a few bland people and people that just suddenly randomly got more screen-time . It made me upset when certain people who were more talented got eliminated due to town politics but it was still fun to watch.
Overall, it you enjoyed The Genius, you'll probably like this show as well. It's more sheep-like compared to the extremities of The Genius.
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I cried all the time, but it was worth it!
I was not convinced that I wanted to see this evening. The incipit seemed too dramatic to me and I prefer the more relaxing and romantic stories. But, hey, this series is so awesome! I couldn't get off the screen for two days. Each episode was really well written and I always wanted to know how the story unfolded.The subject of reincarnation has been treated well. The theme of acceptance of homosexuality and love between two people of the same sex also had its space, from episode to episode. There was no shortage of funny and cheerful moments, but the dramatic ones ... I cried so much! This series got me excited in every single moment. The actors are really good and they manage to involve in every scene.
This series deserves to be seen!
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This review may contain spoilers
Less than extraordinary, but still more than good
It is obvious that this drama wants to promote the difficulties, changes and positive energy encountered in the new media era. I love how the FLs represent three different kinds of women working in that field, who encounter various situations in real life.The heroine He Huan (Liu Tao) is a wealthy and successful lady both in marriage and carrier as a newscaster/ host. After her husband ran away leaving her and their child with debts, she chose to sell her expensive bags, trying to rent out their house, and doing some odd jobs. She didn't run away from the creditors even though she's not obligated to pay the debts. Her show also got cancelled and she had to accept the new change happens in her workplace. I appreciate her character that was brave to return to zero, very hardworking, and keeping on her professional ethics even when she's in the lowest moment of her life.
Bai Yang (Qin Hailu) is a news producer who represents a strong woman dedicated to her career. Her story tells us the perspective of a single, older, and career-minded woman facing a blind date and the thoughts of marriage. Her love line with her rival Ren Jie was fun to see, without knowing it i was rooting for them all along.
Jiang Junhao (Liu Yuning) is responsible for making the refreshing, funny and sweet atmosphere in the drama. I appreciate that our ML isn't the kind of rich second-generation. He just suddenly appeared in the life of the heroine, is an ordinary person working hard as a chef who was cheated for money. On the road to collect the debt with the other creditors, he actually wasn't that stupid as he tried to play tricks to get the money back, but in the end his soft heart made him lost. He grew together with the heroine and support each other. I like how their love story isn't fabricating an unrealistic dream of a prince charming for the audience.
Last FL is Yuanyuan (Chai Biyun), although she is a bit vicious and likes to scheme, she is actually not annoying, has positive vibes and a bright character instead. As a child from an ordinary family in the countryside, she needs to work 100 times harder than others. All she can do is try to seize every opportunity to survive. She has clear mind about what she wants both in love life and career, and honestly she has the best character development among the FLs.
In general, this drama is unexpectedly relaxing and funny, as well as warm and relatable. The friendship among the FLs and their respective love stories are well-written. There are some dialogues that i felt like being written and acted carefully and it's succeed to convey the message to viewers. The drama title was well-chosen too, since the story tells us that friends and lovers might enlighten you in life, but the one who can make you stand up again is your own self.
I wish they could shorten the episodes though, we alr have 3FLs and 1ML, they shouldn't add more unnecessary parts about the supporting characters who actually don't have significant roles to the main story.
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Quite unique but seemed incomplete
I am damn sure that i watched all 16 episodes but it seems like i missed out on few episodes, they jump from one scene to the another during the end of each episode and give us a fuller version of it in the next episode but somehow for me , it was confusing , that probably led to this 7.5 . Had they maintained the same quality as the first half this would have been a 9 without a doubt.What i loved about this?
This is not one of those dramas that focuses on only the main couple, i loved how each charactee had their own importance and behind story. I was looking forward to knowing more about each of them and absolutely enjoyed every minute of it.
I loved how they were aware of their situation and dealt with it with dignity, in the end they embraced their insecurities and learnt how to be happy
I fell for Chang Hee, though he is often seen being frustrated and keeps venting out his anger but whatever he spoke , he stated Facts . I loved how he dint hold back when ever he was angry and upset and blurted eveything out loudly and very fast. I bet it would have still been difficult for me to understand his dialogues had i known korean. He became one of my favorite kdrama characters and i also am satisfied with how things ended with him.
The three sibling bond is well written, though we see them fighting and glaring at each other often, i could see through each of them , how they cared for each other and how strong their bond was.
They say it is "liberation notes" definetly i see liberation here but only 40%. Would have been great had they ended Mr Gu's character with more certainity . For me he was a mystery in the beggining and remained a mystery even in the end
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