Reviews

I gave myself a total of two months before writing this review. Why? Because the ending will make you hate it. But after these two months I took a step back and looked at the whole show. And wow, it was really good. Actors played their parts very very well. Plot development was amazing. The music...wow..the music, the OST has a spanish swing to it that just sticks in your head. I have to talk about character development here, because that is what it comes down to and what people hate the ending for. Character development is very key in this drama. Characters were depicted perfectly as greedy, jealous, self-living, spineless, backstabbing people left and right. Each episode developed the conflict further and further (which could have just been solved by taking to each other, but that doesn't happen in Kdrama land). Until a boiling point is reached and the last episode shows the reality of the Fashion world and that its not always pretty. (which is why people hated the show)

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Masterpiece of a drama

This is one of those rare dramas that unexpectedly draws you in and then make you obsess over the characters' happiness. There is a purity to the story that the main leads bring to the characters. Episode 1 immediately hooks you in with the cold open of Manami's diving scene. Then you're not sure if you like Kaoru, even though you're pretty sure he's the male lead. But by the end of the episode, you're firmly starting to root for the connection between Manami and Taiga. The obsession with the drama just takes off from there.

The OST is gorgeous, and the cinematography is unique. The drama is marketed as a story of "pure love," so you won't find a lot of steamy scenes despite the red light district setting. If you like tug-at-your-heartstrings feels and watching 2 characters from opposite sides of town fall in love in spite of the odds, do yourself a favor and start this series. Enjoy the ride and don't even try to guess how the story will go-- most likely it won't be what you expect, in a good way. I've also never seen so much growth and strength in characters before, even supporting ones.

As we are waiting for the last episode or 2, I know many of us are rewatching the released episodes over and over, because it's just that good. 15-year age be damned, it sounds alarming, but the characters of Kaoru/Taiga and Manami simply fit and match each other. So much so that they have most everyone from viewers to supporting characters rooting for them.

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This is my first time writing a review & I hope it goes well. & English is not my first language so forgive me if there is any mistake .

I have mixed reactions about this drama. The first 8-10 episodes were too good. It was realistic with a decent plot & had so many heart fluttering moments. The chemistry between the two leads is GREAT & both the actors did a very good job.
The first half was great but
but then everything went downhill after that.I had to force myself to sit down & watch each episode. Disappointing coz I had lots of expectations & I really adored this drama.
I think the main issue was that there wasn't enough plot to fill 16 episodes so they created unnecessary drama towards the end.
If I could just rate just the first half , I would rate it 8.5/10
It had potentials to be a great drama but the writers ruined it.

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Started well, but went downhill after that...

First few episodes had a good pace and lots happening. We see FL catching her fiancé having an affair, she calls off the wedding. But because they work in the same place, they still see each other. You get scenes where she’s telling him off for not only cheating on her, but scamming her for money as well!!

The ML also gets dumped by his gf, who happens to be the person who is having the affair with the FL’s ex fiancé! And guess what? The two cheaters actually get married!! Also in the first few episodes, the FL and ML have a fling, which eventually becomes a relationship.. which is great! However, after they get together, things seem to change in their relationship dynamics. You don’t see much chemistry or PDA or much development in their relationship. It gets quite dull and boring.

The exes are annoying as hell, after getting married they realise they are having problems, arguing a lot... and the most annoying thing is, when they argue, they run back to their exes (yes the FL and ML) for comfort and advice!! It’s beyond ridiculous. What kind of foursome dynamics is this???!!!

Sigh... this one had so much potential. Pretty disappointed with the how it’s turning out.. but will finish it since it’s only two episodes left. :(

Update: The last two episodes were boring unfortunately... :( and the ending hug and kiss from Song Kang and Park Min Young lacked any sort of chemistry or passion :(:( (sorry! )

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Free The Imperfect Truth And You Will See The Potential Of This Show

First of all, I won´t go deep into the storyline in my review, since that would take me too long to explain why this show is in my opinion a good one, even though some episodes caused a lot of hate. I firstly state that I am NOT playing down the TWs such as those portrayed in this series, nor will I say that I don´t understand those offended. I can definitely see where antipathy comes from.

Their acting performances were substantial and they were embodying their roles well. (I am talking about the main cast here)


Ye Xing Si/ Fu Yong Jie:
The beginning of this show is very light and most viewers may have not expected the quick turn in the XS and YJ couple, which was truly shocking for me as well. However, I did not judge the cast or production for it, since they were just doing their job in recreating the written. Many viewers started a hate wave against them and I can not understand what the History-Production has to do with the storyline.

The storyline was not too exaggerated nor was it something casual. I agree that Yong Jie made a complete reckless move on his brother while he was drunk and you should not take advantage of drunk people, on the other hand, wasn´t it to take the blame for his brothers coming out? (I want to point out the conversation in minute 11 of episode 19) Wasn´t he willing to lose his father to enable XS an opportunity to come out? He was hiding all his life and YJ just wanted to end the suffering by taking the blame. YJ is also mentally not okay and of course, that is NOT an excuse to stalk nor to use a drunk person and this is exactly what I am trying to say here:

1. Disorders are part of our everyday life. They lead to activities or behaviours that can damage yourself and others. They portrayed it well.
2. His brother forgave him. He wasn´t forced to do so, he had the choice to hate him and even take the video to the police. He didn´t. Not because he was afraid but because he understood the intentions and also fell in love with him, unforced.

Also, the episode when the father himself, who saw the video and everything, agreed to support them. Therefore there is a lot more behind that night than just pleasing a long-standing desire.

Xiao Li Cheng/ Teng Mu Ren:
To be honest, I was kinda annoyed with the beginning of their story because I thought Xiao Li Cheng was hiding too much behind his superficiality. It only took me another episode tho to fall in love with their storyline as well. It was very contrasting to the other couple. While these two have a bubbly and messy relationship, in which two friends discovered their feelings for each other, the other couple had a dark and complicated one. I loved the build-up and how realistic the misfortunes and downsides of their discovery were. Shock. Denial. Frustration. Dedication. All of the build-ups leading to a positive outcome of their relationship.

In general, this show had me jumping with joy and down on my knees the next second. No other story had made me question the reasons, connections and similarities to real-life as this one did. Not because it was dramatic and confusing, but because it was IMPERFECT. Just like us. We are not perfect either. That´s okay. We also know that this is not an excuse to hurt others but something that makes us human. If that show had no frailty, it wouldn´t have been this catchy.

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When good CGI meets questionable loveline

Having watched the trailer months ago I highly anticipated this drama. Especially with the amazing costumes, high profile actors/actresses and beautiful CGI effects. However my excitement got quickly met with disappointment upon watching the first few episodes and onwards. Not only did the plot fell flat, I also still can't wrap my head around the mainleads loveline.

Let me explain: The story starts out with a child (ML) crossing the border of Tushan in an attempt to survive an attack. After this he gets taken in by a seemingly older lady (FL) who could've passed as his aunt. The difference in age, appearance and demeanor had immediately set the tone for me as to what their relationship was: either aunt-cousin or teacher-student. Even though ML grew into a full fletched adult as the story progressed, his personality remained more or less the same to me: playful (even childlike I might say) and expressive whereas FL remained stoic and authorative (haven't seen any expression from her other than the go to pokerface). The lack of character development made it nearly impossible for me to break free from the initial aunt-cousin perception that I had formed at the beginning of the story (I mean hell, she basically raised him, saw him grow up into an adult and from time to time still mentions this throughout the drama). Their love therefore, just felt downright wrong and out of place to me.

I honestly wished that they casted a more younger looking actress for the role of FL. I mean don't get me wrong Yang Mi looks absolutely beautiful for her age but when put next to ML, the age gap can be seen and felt, making it much more difficult for viewers like me to break free from the initial "protective/stern aunt - rebelious cousin" image. That being said, I'll still continue to watch the rest of the story as we're only halfway through. I wanna give it a fair chance though I don't have much hope for it.

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VEGAS APOLOGIST

VEGAS PETE

Everything about their relationship flies in the face of all that I know is LOVE. This couple breaks into your vulnerability and turns you weak for them. They’re deeply, violently kinky, and that just does it for me, and no amount of moral's can make me doubt that what they have is real. Pete and Vegas are both people who protect their hearts, they have chains locked around their emotions so it's hard for them to define any of this. They are closed off to the world and maybe they will be each other's freedom but it starts as an understanding. Vegas is seeking validation so he doesn't want to hurt Pete because he is the only one who can provide it. He unlocks something new and exciting far from reality and beyond heaven but not hell. It's again something right but at the same time wrong. Their relationship simply can't be described in black and white. The last close-up in ep 12 is very important with Pete is smiling like he feels fulfilled about unlocking this side of him, he finally allowed his dark side to come to the surface and it's clear he feels liberated.

The dynamic between these two characters is too complex to decipher. Both of them wear professional crafted masks. Vegas is a psycho seemingly without empathy. Pete, on the other hand, is a ray of sunshine with a layer of darkness underneath. Pete's desires are covered and Vegas is bringing them to the surface, we can already see that in episode 11-- he physically reacts when Vegas licks his face, his eyes close, he is shivering under vegas's tongue. Pete feels connected to Vegas because of his own childhood, they are bonding over their trauma and Vegas is reticent to connect with Pete but the chains are already tied between them both and there is no escape any more. Both Vegas and Pete will cave in irrevocably. And we can see the last drop of their self control when the hedgehog dies. Pete chooses to console him and Vegas willingly let's him. When Vegas hurts himself, Pete is finally discovering the unseen hatred he has towards himself and he tries to reason with him without success until Vegas brings his layered, cold behavior out again. He tries to lure Pete in a new game thinking he won't play along but Pete surprises him and takes the lead, easily winning. Vegas uses his body as a catalyst and it's electrifying. Their body language lays everything they feel bare for the audience to see. They are tiying the chains around them tighter, they strengthen their connection through physical attachment. An other thing I want to point out is Vegas's blood type. AB means universal receiver, he will take any love he can get because he's that starved for it and Pete's blood type is O which means universal donar, he has the capacity of loving anyone and this is a clear metaphor for the receiving dynamics and I admire the details in the show.

In the end Vegas is the one who is trapped. The same man who likes to be ahead of everyone, who is calculated enough to over do everyone, simply doesn't know what to do anymore. He is scared. He is actually afraid of the consequences because it'll all be like a chain reaction. He is the vulnerable one despite being free, he may not have physical restraints but I assure you his head is in a cage.

Now compared to the novel, their story seems to go faster than the speedlight, it's extremely rushed and I don't think that what they have is anything rational to begin with. To me it seems like they developed an emotional support that they gradually got addicted to. Vegas is layered with so much affection but there is an unabashed violence to this because of his trauma as for Pete, he seems to free himself into chains, he was masked with this fake appearance his entire life and now Vegas undressed him, leaving his dark side exposed and Pete can finally be himself. Vegas is the other way around, he can be evil when he pleases but his sensitivity must be hidden from the world, with Pete he is able to let it out. They are literally like Yin and Yang. They need each other for balance. Pete needs Vegas to be dark and Vegas needs Pete to be light. It's not love, it's balance.

The scene where Pete was "eating" the ramyeon and breaks down crying reminded me that he is alone, no one really knows him beside Vegas.

Vegas and Pete can't kill each other because if one of them dies, the other will crumble. If one of them is hurt the other one will shatter in pain. That's why Pete couldn't pull the trigger.

They honestly broke my heart, together & individually.

Also can we talk about the tenderness with which vegas treats Pete in the moments where he lets himself be vulnerable? He looks at Pete like he's the most precious thing he's ever laid his eyes on, he touches him as if he was a fragile treasure that was too frail to break. Especially when he comes down from his anger and suddenly turns into a little puppy, you see his eyes change and you realize he is guided by his feelings for Pete.

Honestly, even though their story is going faster than expected it surprises me how a few episodes managed to get me this invested, the writers are following through with all the angst and twisted devotion between them and it's truly gratifying to watch. I think the development was carefully done and rightfully so because it's a very complex story and I’m so happy both characters have been given adequate time to process their individual trauma and desires.

KINNPORSCHE

Porsche and Chay display their affection through physical service act of service, their care is established properly and visibly. And for kinn is the exact opposite, within his family It's always the small details that covey their feelings. They are used to different environments and I think it's important, kinn's perspective on what " caring " means is very different in contrast to what it means for Porsche, they are different but somehow the same and I loved to see their journey together, they balance each other out so well. They ended the season trusting each other, going through various extreme situations together, fighting together, keeping their mutual attraction. They had time to built their relationship, they were cared by the creators and it shows, nothing was rushed and it was all perfectly executed.

KIMCHAY

The power imbalance between them is more celebrity/fan. For most of their relationship, Chay has seen Kim through rose-colored glasses. Because Chay was obsessed with the celebrity, there’s still a lot to be discovered with their relationship and their feelings together. But there is definitely a change in control now compared to how it started, and I’m interested to see how it will evolve in season 2.

ACTING

I'll give a special row of lines to Build. Those screams are just so raw and extremely convincing. He truly made me believe his pain is real. Bible was so great with Vegas as well, I was shocked to find out how introverted and shy he is in real life, I have deep respect for them. Bible sells it at every moment, he is magnificent in his role. For every one of Pete’s panicked, despaired looks, Vegas returns an equally unsettling one, their dynamic on set is actually mindblowing. Vegas is such a convincing manipulator, he is a master minded psychopath and it’s hard to distinguish him. We see Vegas's eyes seizing Pete, analyzing him with each stare and there’s a degree of arrogance there as if he's trying to be superior when in reality he's inferior. The way they both observe with the details of their eyes is immaculate. They are delivering.

Mile and apo's friendship is so authentic and real compared to so, so many actors and musicians and other entertainers who work together and claim to be close, but these two seem incredibly bonded and their connection is brought onto the screen which makes their acting even more phenomenal, their chemistry feels natural and it's easy to watch them without cringing one bit.

Jeff and barcode managed to steal my breath for each 5 minutes of the little screen time they had, with such a short amount of time they succeed to convey so many emotions and draw the audience so deep within their story.

OVERALL

I can only describe this show as vulnerable -- It was done so tastefully and grounded in humanity. It was sexy yes, but it was fragile. It was immaculate accompanied by the perfect scenery and an outstanding cinematography, watching their love bloom was so heart wrenching but evenly so beautiful.

ON A SIDE NOTE

The fantasy is aimed at the people who are mature enough to see it for what it is, and to distinguish between the morality and ethics of real life and those of a immoral fictional universe, if anyone is questioning the series based on the representation of a healthy relationship then you shouldn't watch it.

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I had high hopes for this one. The two male leads are two of my favourite actors and I know they always provide good performances. So, at that department I was left very satisfied, as the performances from all the actors and actresses were really good. However, the story was boring. It lacked intensity and it didn't ignite any interest. The plot as well wasn't anything special. It actually started slow and continued slow. The ending was good and satisfying, but there was no surprise or interesting twist happening in the whole drama. So, after the tragedy of the past was revealed, the drama had nothing to offer. So, 6.5 out of 10.

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This was a story of nostalgia for older viewers, If you have finished high school and gone on to college and beyond you can reflect about all of the missed moments, friendships, hardships, missteps and challenges. Life's lessons as a young inexperienced person dealing withe the reality of a cruel older world of greed and thoughtlessness. The writer/director started out with this amazing story - almost like sweet ice cream - each episode had a moment or moments of life's reflections - almost wanted to re-watch with a diary to write down these life's lessons. However, in the end they fail to keep the sweetness of the drama - it melts onto the ground near the end and you feel sorry you bought the ice cream, Disappointment was all I felt in the last 6 episodes -- but the initial 40 have redeemable value for anyone to watch. I always wonder whether anyone watches these things before they show them to the public -- You have two main characters then what is the purpose of making them just shadows in the story line near the conclusion. Felt ripped off after so much time invested and the anxiousness of running each day to make sure I saw the two episodes released before I watched anything else.

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Initially, this drama felt like a breath of fresh air. It's very different from any Chinese drama I've watched that's set in modern day. The female lead is so mysterious and composed, and I was compelled to watch due to curiosity rather than any investment in the main couple. Individually they are both nice characters, their relationship is sweet, but I didn't feel like they had any chemistry. I wanted answers about her identity and past, and ultimately found the storyline disappointing and too simple. The last few episodes felt rushed and irrational. However, there were many moments that made me laugh out loud and some fun side characters (A Jiu, Er Yang).

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This is a big, complicated story to get into. It's going to take the first 5-6 episodes before you are up to speed with what's going on so stick with it, it's worth it. The story is spread over two lifetimes, in the 1800's and in present day and I felt it was done so extremely well. The story in the present day moves along as they then cut to scenes in history to provide back story at appropriate moments, which are then re-reflected on later to provide reminders so you don't need to be worried about "how am I going to remember everything going on here?!" . I like stories that bring a mix of Joseon and modern day as I feel it adds extra depth and history to the story.

Originally chose this one because of Shin Se Kyung having enjoyed her work in another drama and this only helped enhance my appreciation for her work.

I did Initially think about dropping it simply because one of the reasons I am so interested in K-Drama's is to learn more about Korea and Korean history and this one kicks off in Slovenia. I don't have anything against Slovenia of course, and it actually does end up spend most of its time in Korea. Ultimately I really appreciated the visuals and the contrasting scenes from Slovenia as well.

Kim Rae Won, as the male lead, also pulled off the highly charismatic role brilliantly as well.

I found little to criticise in this one, it's a deeply emotional story that will have you reaching for tissues on a number of occasions and fill your heart with warmth on just as many. You're going to really get involved in all the characters and their stories, their feelings and emotions and the long journey some of them have taken to be where they are, which makes even the "bad" character(s) such that you can empathise.

I struggled with the ending to this one, it's nicely concluded but it left me a bit of an emotional wreck for a few days if i'm going to be honest. I get it, I love it - but line yourself up something warm and fluffy like What's Wrong with Secretary Kim as the dessert for this one.

He was her black knight, on so many levels. Totally recommend this without reservation.

My final words - Red Bean Bread right back to the cast and crew, that final slide was perfect.

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It is crime physiological fantasy drama about a man who last his loved one,
Oh Hyun-jae (Jang Hyuk) was a genius profiler who cracked many cold cases using his unsurpassed profiling skills. One day, his fiancee was killed in an explosion set by a serial killer and Hyun-jae lived in seclusion after that. Five years later, a new murder takes place using the same method as that serial killer. While investigating the case, team leader Hwang Ha-young (Jin Seo-yeon) meets a detective from the countryside, Cha Soo-young, who has a photographic memory (Choi Soo-young). She introduced Soo-young to Hyun-jae and they work together to go after the serial killer.
Now they both team up to catch the real culprit behind the these murders.

I was so impressed by this drama that I waited patiently everyweek to watch this drama from last one and half months was one of my most exciting months of all time,
This drama has everything from perfect story to perfect cast and the acting of the actors was so amazing that it felt so real and our villian so amazing the way he kill people was so good and brutal by a cycle break wire (awasome).
What ever I need this drama has everything thing,
So I will recommend to everyone whoever is reading this review please watch the drama you will not regert my words I can guarantee you about this.

Peace out
Aniket Yadav
@theaniketyadav

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Great start, weak finish.

Female lead is something else, quite different from usual. The female lead is a joy and a treat to watch. She is funny, captivating, witty and actually clever. Quite a badass as well. I find it intriging especially the mystery element in it. I like how the female lead negaivgates everything, she is not a push over. She tries to get to the bottom of what happened. Then all that changed, she just became weak, like why???

The other characters are also interesting to watch, there are layers to them. The dynamics of everyone is quite good. The comedic timing is great the chemistry between the cast was good.

I thought this was going to be a show that I will use to pass time but every mintue of the first half was worth it. And then it just started to fall apart. I felt so let down, the first 8-10 eps were so good and then all just became boring. Waste of actors, poorly written towards the end.

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