'Finding Happiness Again'
The New Beginning.Not having some great story, relatively some or to be honest many plot holes doesn't mean that drama wasn't good, there's nothing like perfection. Having some cons is a good thing from my perspective. So now let's talk about drama. Fluffy, comedy, sweet, light with mild romance (Don't expect too much even romance is in main genres) ... it's the full package fluff drama but it also gives some messages which make us think about ourselves our life and the decision we made.
The story wasn't perfect but the execution was done well, kind of predictable still a fun and interesting journey. Really like the character development wasn't just about only one character but about every... the journey of learning something and it was for everyone that at the end you can see not phenomenal but at least a good change indeed!
Talking about the cast and acting... for me everyone was perfect for their respective roles and characters really liked Bahn Ha-Ni's both version the younger and the present one it's always great to see two different sides of the same character though I can't say they both are same haha.. the ML was definitely chocolate boy, adorable, liked the chemistry between them but still I won't say we get much romance here.
So overall it was a good show indeed won't say very good, coz I didn't get answers for some of my questions and had some plot holes but it's really good and light show indeed!
“We all do things we desperately wish we could undo. Those regrets just become part of who we are, along with everything else. To spend time trying to change that, well, it's like chasing clouds.”
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#Letsgetdrunk!
Perfect in every single way.I went into this drama absolutely blind - i saw Eun Ji (who i love since R97) and “female friends drinking alcohol” and i thought to myself: this might be nice. And it was not JUST nice. It was perfect. In a span of 12 unusually short episodes, this drama managed to fulfill each and every single of my drama desires/needs.
STORY - the concept of 3 friends vs. the world is not unique. We’ve all seen at least 5 dramas with such theme. But why WLDN feels so good and refreshing?! Most of the issues the main leads go through are not new but the way our main leads carry though the mishaps is so much fun. The writer wasnt afraid to explore harder topics (though oftentimes only marginally or very nonverbally) like depression, lgbt, sex, harassment, patriarchy… this might seem like an explosive/too stacked mix but it was executed quite well in my opinion. And the dialogues were so good!
The drama started with very hilarious and bizarre comedy (imo on par with Chief Kim and Pegasus Market) and then it suddenly slipped into drama with very serious topics. The transition felt almost seamless.
CHARACTERS - at first, the main leads seemed very one-dimensional - weirdo Ji Goo, beauty Ji Yeon, worcoholic So Hee, creep Kang PD. But oh boy, do they all have LAYERS. And such beautiful and interesting layers to boot!
Ji Yeon is one of the most interesting and funny characters i've seen in a drama these days. So unapologetically feminine and over the top. So Hee and her endless inner (and outer) battle with her feelings. And jI Goo - seemingly so strong on the outside but in fact very vulnerable, too. Despite some of their character traits being overexaggerated for entertainment purposes, all of them feel like real complex women who are able to be both strong and weak, emotional, rational and irrational... And their friendship is something so beautifully written and perfectly acted by all 3 main leads!
OTHER ASPECTS - visually, this drama was so much fun - be it cute outfits for all main leads, nice coloring of the scene/shot, or the food/alcohol aspect of the drama. I am no expert in the field of camera technique, but i quite enjoyed the camera movement. idk…i didnt pay much attention to ost (cause the drama was stacked in other departments) but all the main leads sang a song for this drama and the songs are pretty good!
CONCLUSION - i love this drama so much. I found the finale a little … lacking but i suppose they are hoping for season 2. The rewatch value is high for this drama - especially early episodes when the characters are only showing their layers and the comedy is just perfect. With this drama i cried both - happy and sad tears (I actually shed so many different types of tears!) so it seems like it will be perfect for a rewatch during the time when one needs to unwind so many emotions. I had a really great time watching WLDN and it gave me all sorts of warm and fluffy feelings!
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Complete Waste of Time
I hate to give such a terrible review to any Korean BL, but this one was terrible.100 minutes is plenty of time to tell a story - there are very few films that are longer than that. But it's a problem when you try to tell a 1,000 minute story in 100 minutes and so you film 100 of those 1,000 minutes, but apparently randomly selected.
It's perfectly OK to hint at backstory without fleshing it out, like the relationship between Yi Bin and Ki Jin - that was fine. It only takes a few seconds to set the stage & show us Yeong Woo's life - that was fine too. But what is the story that was being told? I have no idea, because it was entirely skipped and no context provided. Did Ki Jin break up with Yeong Wu? Ghost him? Give his job to Yi Bin? Flee the country for several years? Or did only a week or two pass? Yi Bin more or less says that everything we thought was happening didn't happen, so where was Ki Jin for the last few episodes, and why was he suddenly behaving like an old woman instead of a puckish young designer?
If Ki Jin broke up with Yeong Woo, that might have been a nice scene to see. If there was a big fashion show (which appeared to be the climax to which this was building), I can understand it not being shown due to cost, but we could at least have seen the aftermath. Likewise, in Nobleman Ryu's Wedding, we didn't need to see the actual wedding - people complained about that, but do you really expect them to produce a Joseon-era noble wedding? That would blow the annual budget of a small nation.
The production quality of this was very average, and perhaps below. There are lots of sound mistakes, and the acting is mediocre - the two mains are good enough to enjoy, but uninspiring. The best that can be said is that the kisses looked pretty good, not the usual rubber lip-touch.
My best guess is that they filmed a lot more but the acting or production quality was too poor to put in the final cut and they didn't have money or time for reshoots. Either that or the director's dog ate the script and they had to dig whatever scraps of it that they could out of its poop.
I would stay away from this one.
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So if you are a fan of the manga, but unsure whether to watch, this review is mainly for you. (And even if you're just looking for a good BL movie to pass the time, I hope I can write a worthy review as well)
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The plot isn't exactly anything new, especially for such a short movie. It's about two people meeting, hooking up, falling in love, and the hardships they must overcome.
What makes this movie stand out from others is the rawness of the emotions, the harsh yet beautiful reality. There is nothing romanticized about their meeting or their relationship. It could be me or you, falling in and out of love.
Shima and Togawa in the manga have prickly personalities. They are very different, yet there is an attraction and spark that even transcends their sexualities. I was worried whether there could be actors who would portray their characters well. Thankfully, Yonehara Kousuke and Taniguchi Kenji both did a great job. Shima lost a bit of his cheekiness and seems more timid, but it has to do with the generally darker tone of the movie, right from the beginning, due to time-constraints.
The music was matching but not really memorable. I was surprised at how sensual they even portrayed the erotic scenes. They could have granted a closer view on the kissing scenes, but in BL it's probably something we can only wish for.
What really drives this film is the atmosphere, that is very similar to the manga Doushitemo Furetakunai. This simplicity and 'realness' is visible in every part of the movie. Some people find the long still shots and the calmness boring. I find it beautiful. Not everything in life is restless and fast-paced. Some moments are agonizingly slow. The cinematography, while somewhat simple, plays a big role in this, and it does a superb job. The writing and directing are both also spot-on.
After finishing the movie, I went and re-read the manga, and I was surprised to see how much of the original dialogue was kept. While I was reading, the scenes from the movie kept appearing in my mind, and I found myself unable to separate the two. Usually when it comes to book or manga adaptations, once I return to the original, I cannot help but think: "Oh, but this is so much better after all. They should have done this differently"; However, I didn't have that feeling with Doushitemo Furetakunai. While there were parts that were left out or could have been fleshed out more, there were even moments where I thought the dialogue in the movie was more natural and poignant than in the manga.
I dislike dramas that take the easy way out by having too much narration or monologues to make sure the viewer gets exactly what the characters are feeling at that moment. There is no room for speculation, no room for the viewer to get a grasp on the emotion, just by observing. Eventually, this trait of the movie, the actors' ability to convey their pain and longing without using too many words, is what made me applaud to this successful adaption of Yoneda Kou's manga.
In summary: It's a bit slow-paced, but if you learn to appreciate the beauty within this calm atmosphere, you will be presented with a fairly satisfying movie that you won't easily forget. I recommend it whole-heartedly.
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This review may contain spoilers
Surprisingly engaging. Entirely bingeable!!
I started watching this fully expecting it to be silly and nonsensical and a good distraction - and it was - but interestingly - it was quite a bit more… and I actually enjoyed it.The overall story is not new and seemed like a “mush-mash” of other fluffy historicals. But even though the FL was typically over the top and antics-oriented - the drama managed to convey a FL character that was independent and open-minded. The values portrayed were female empowering and I liked that.
It has a reverse harem theme but not in a gratuitous way. The FL openly admires the male form - and female as well - she can admire a beautiful woman without malice. She is Portrayed as comfortable with her own emotions and wishes and demanding equality in her relationship. At first she could be viewed as silly but we do get a sense of her pure and honest heart. She is practical and direct in her admiration.
The MLS are both wonderful and our FL has good chemistry with both. I loved that this was a love triangle but - not really. Instead it actually came across as our our FL just exploring her options to figure out who she connected better with physically and from the heart. She had enough chances to check out who really made her heart race! She also treats both MLs sincerely and wholeheartedly. Once she figures it out she commits to her choice and all parties respect and support that. So no toxic love triangle.
Our course all is that aside — this was a visual feast when it comes to MLs. Enough shirtless scenes of these two gorgeous men who emoted strength as well as tenderness just like I like my leading characters.
If you are okay with a bit of silliness with a not so perfect story nir production - this is a fun quick watch with a twist at the end that might mean another season —— and I would not mind giving a second season a try if that’s the case.
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The idea of putting together the trinity, in a setting that somewhat reminded me of 'Friends' was genius(ok well maybe not genius but the fanservice is totally appreciated) - it was a break from GMMtV's usual Friday night BL schedule - even without the BL elements.
The plot was kind of forced and silly - six guys with the same name living in one house. Each one has their own phobia and will overcome it with the help of each other. This is a family drama with each one having their own backstory and a time to shine, although i feel like Singto's screentime was less than the others.
The acting and the production is outstanding, their house (production design) is also great, i especially love seeing the full glory of the house during the end credits. The pacing is perfect.
What i love the most is just seeing all of them together. Their chemistry is fantastic, its like watching real friends in real life.
What i hate is the fact that it is shorter than the average Thai dramas, and with only eight episodes i am left wanting more! Also i feel like i may have enjoyed this drama simply because im already a fan of all these 6 actors, but if it maybe a different stort if this was seen by someone who doesnt know them at all.
Still, im thankful for this series and will be rewatching.
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no guitars pulled out in a college/campus thai bl???
the low reviews don't make sense to me since this was better than a lotttt of college thai bls i've watched (i've probably watched all of them) storywise it might've not been a great start cus it seemed too typical but I did not care since I started it not expecting much anyways...howeverrrrrr the more it went on the better it got...i really liked the main couple's relationship development they were adorable and the side couples' stories were also good....all of the actors had good chemistry and the acting was surprisingly good....it was just generally less cringe than ur average thai bl.....production wise it was not the best but it wasn't bad...overall if ur looking for something nonserious yet still enjoyable to watch u should watch thisWas this review helpful to you?
1Love & Hate. Trust & Betrayal. A hopeless romantic drama with a dash of politics.
The core of this drama is the love story between the leads, with a bit of a mix of Beauty and the Beast + Romeo and Juliet vibes. The drama is about the female lead, who is sent to form a marriage alliance with the male lead’s family, in order to stop the feud between them. However, the male lead, a General and Lord of his clan, is reluctant to accept her, as he still harbours resentment towards her family. From distrust and hate, the leads slowly build trust and fall in love, while working together towards their common goal - to help their people live a peaceful life.The best thing about this drama is that it made me FEEL. The characters were written so well, they all felt like real people. I laughed with them, I cried with them and worried for them. The angst hit hard, the romance was sweetness overload and the emotional moments landed at the perfect timing. It is indeed rare to find a drama that pulls you in so deeply, that you connect with so much emotionally, and this one totally did.
POSITIVE:
- Smart & strong female lead. She used her brain to fight war and I loved it.
- Red to green flag male lead. He was a layered character. Started off as a red flag and kind of a jerk towards everyone. But knowing what he has experienced, it all made sense. Falling for his wife softened him - towards her and his people. But at the same time, as a Lord and General, he was still badass, smart, firm and masculine.
- Rom-com vibes. Unexpectedly, the middle of the drama was non-stop laughter and cute romantic scenes. I’m usually all for angst but I absolutely loved this part as it truly built up the characters and love story.
- Comedy was gold. There were so many ridiculously funny and very entertaining scenes that made me smile all day. It’s been a long time since a drama made me laugh this much.
- Emotional rollercoaster. The heartwarming romance made me smile all day, while the heartbreaking moments made me cry buckets of tears.
- Slow burn romance that burned HARD. The romantic tension between the leads was the driving force of this drama and their enemies to lovers arc was brilliantly written.
- Hot kisses. Only 2-3 scenes but they totally broke the scale in terms of heat.
- Support cast was great. I’m looking at the four generals, especially dear Wei Liang, who was the heart of this drama and made me giggle like crazy.
- Villains. What I liked about this drama is that all villains felt human. Their actions made sense, their evil deeds made sense. In fact, if the script was flipped at the start, I could see some of them being the heroes. The villains weren’t villains for the sake of it but because their life circumstances and past pain had shaped them to be this way.
- Cinematography, OST, costumes - everything was done really well.
NEGATIVE:
There were little bits that bugged me. I wasn’t a fan of the second male lead but I did grow fond of him later. The political and war side towards the end felt a bit rushed. I wouldn’t have minded if the drama had 2 more episodes to extend the story. I’m guessing they didn’t have that much budget for a huge war scene in the finale episode, but the villain just standing there doing nothing was kind of lame. But still, none of these things were a huge overkill because the core of the drama was always romance, not politics or war.
OVERALL:
This is one of the best 2025 cdramas for me. It has everything, from well developed characters, brilliantly crafted romance, to a perfect blend of suspense, tragedy, angst and comedy. If you are here for logic, politics and war, you will most likely be disappointed. But if you want a brilliantly crafted love story, packed with a rollercoaster of emotions and an adorable support cast of generals, PLUS you are a hopeless romantic at heart, I highly, highly, highly recommend this drama.
FAVOURITE QUOTE:
“You see me as a jewel but you treat all others as ants” by the female lead
“If I succeed, it is my fortune. If I fail it is my fate. Even if I die, I’ll have no regrets.” by the villain
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Kim Hee Sun is perfect as loving and protective mom Jo Kang Ja as well as teenage friend Jo Bang Wool. I can't say enough about her acting. All of the actors were great from the young to the veteran actors. Regardless of Ji Soo's good looks, that boy can act. His emotional versatility as Go Bok Dong will take him a long way in the future. I look forward to seeing more of him. Kim Tae Hoon makes it easy and strangely sad to hate Do Jeong Woo. The person I felt the most conflict for was Kim Hee Won as Ahn Dong Chil. I wasn't sure what to think of him until the very end. I'm so glad the writer clears every thing up with him. His character was the link that held the story together. Besides the female lead, my favorite character is Go Su Hee as the quirky and totally lovable and ultimate best friend, Han Gong Joo. I adore her!!! I think the weak link is surprisingly Ji Hyun Woo as Park Noh Ah although I will say as the drama went on he got better. It may have been his character being that he seemed naive and weak that became stronger while remaining nice.
The music is really good.
I will probably rewatch this at some point.
I recommend this drama to everyone. It is really well written and acted,
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This was so good!
Wow, I can’t believe I already finished this drama! I loved it so much and genuinely enjoyed every part of it. Honestly, when I first started watching, I kinda regretted picking it up while it was airing because waiting every week for a new episode was actual torture.I loved how the story developed, the romance, and OMG—the chemistry between the actors was insane. I would’ve loved an extra episode just focused on their dating era, but I’m still pretty satisfied with what we got in the finale. I adored their moments together and how slowly and naturally they fell in love—especially the ML. And the kisses?! (//ω//) There were only two scenes, but they were absolutely unforgettable, lol.
The romance was very soft and subtle, built through quiet moments, shared silences, and emotional safety rather than big dramatic declarations. It’s in the small, everyday interactions where their bond really shines—lingering looks, gentle teasing, and the way they slowly learn to trust each other. So when we finally get a confession, a kiss, and a compliment, it actually feels earned. Their relationship works because it grows with healing, not despite past trauma, making it feel genuine, comforting, and emotionally satisfying. ♥
I also loved the OST—especially It’s Me by Kim Jae Young. I’ve been playing it nonstop because it’s just so beautiful. And his voice?! Gorgeous. I had no idea he could sing that well. It’s also kind of wild that he’s friends with Byeon Woo Seok and that both of them sing and have dramas where they play idols.
I also enjoyed the mystery surrounding the bandmate’s murder. We were all out here making theories, and in the end, it was such a twist! (At least for me) I did suspect the real culprit for a second, but then everyone (myself included) got distracted by the manager and the CEO. So yeah, I liked the twist—even if the mystery side was a bit weak, as a romance? I’m fully sold.
Overall, I loved this drama. It might not be a masterpiece or the greatest thing ever, but within its genre, it really stands out. I’d 100% recommend it, and I’ll definitely be rewatching it in the future! (･ω･ﾉﾉﾞ
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Horribly xenophobic and manipulative...
Oh god, where do I even begin???Girls Planet started off very strong. My friend convinced me to watch this show and I immediately fell in love with all the girls and their talents (Hikaru in particular ♡). The performances began like any normal show, but this time with the unique premise of cells. One Korean girl, one Japanese girl, and one Chinese girl in each. Seeing them work together with their cultural differences in how they were raised and trained was a joy to watch...at first.
See, the thing about Korean shows is well...they're Korean. That's mainly where the problem stems from. As the episodes progress, you begin to get the feeling that something feels a bit off. That's because the show is wildly xenophobic. Once you reach a certain point in the show you'll begin noticing some key patterns within each group: the Japanese member is obsolete. Who even is that??? The Chinese girl is terrible. She has an absolutely AWFUL attitude or she's so overwhelmingly unskilled and selfish. And the Korean girl is AMAZING!!! She's so talented, she's final-group-ready. She is even skilled enough to help the Chinese and Japanese members, how kind of her!!! This is an ongoing "storyline" in each group. It's not even something that happens once or twice, it's ALL THE TIME. Not even exaggerating. I think it was the same exact thing for two entire episodes.
In that xenophobia lies another problem: voting manipulation. You may be wondering "how could they possibly have voting manipulation when they were caught from the Produce series???" and you're right. They probably didn't have direct manipulation, but oh man did they have MANIPULATION. Take the above scenario as an example. You now have a Japanese girl you don't know, a Chinese girl you hate, and a Korean girl who performed perfectly. Who are you going to vote for? Not only do you have that form of indirect manipulation, you also have screen time. Whenever I voted, I swear to you I recognized ALL the Korean girls and maybe 3-5 from Japanese and Chinese. It was no coincidence. Every scene, every praise, every moment was Korean! Korean! Korean! Don't even get me started on how the final votes were 50% KOREA, 50% THE REST OF THE FREAKING WORLD. YEAH, IT REALLY WAS. It's almost unbelievable how much they were able to get away with. It's actually offensive tbh.
So what about other aspects of the show besides the xenophobia? The mentors (or "masters" as they like to call it). Useless tbh, besides the dance instructors. However, other than choreographing for some songs (that they could've done without mentoring), none of them ever did anything except sit there and critique them. How come they never got up and gave them pointers??? How come the dance instructors never showed them how to perfect a move??? How come the vocal coaches never showed them how to sing properly??? Instead, you get a girl who practices to the point of straining her voice and the vocal coaches complain about her not being able to hit a high note :/// Sunmi and Tiffany were also just as useless. I enjoyed Tiffany's critiques, yet she barely got any screen time for some reason. Yeo Jingoo was the saving grace of this adult side of the cast. He did well as the MC and oftentimes made jokes with the girls, trying his best to genuinely bond with them. Even if the masters and the trainees bonded off-screen, how come they never give us a tiny glimpse of that?
Okay so xenophobia, useless mentors, what else? One of the most important parts of a survival show: personality. Yeah...little to none. They barely have any games, bonding exercises, or activities. There are a few more later on with less girls, but still the bare minimum. I could not tell you what most of the personalities on this show are like. Unless they're very expressive, like Wen Zhe or Hikaru, it's next to impossible to really know. You barely even know which members are close friends unless you stalk social media feeds. You should NOT need an outside source to be able to recognize friends in a survival show. One of the absolute worst offenses they committed on this show was not showing any of the eliminated girls. They never asked about their thoughts, showed the girls crying or hugging, or showed their wishes for the future. As sad as it is to see girls go, I usually enjoy getting to see their emotional final moments with their friends. It's touching to see them loving and supporting one another until they later show up in the finale. In this, I legit had to look online to see which girls got eliminated because they didn't give any of them screen time whatsoever. That's insane.
The last thing I wanted to talk about were the songs. This is one of the best parts of the show. They had quite good song selections (besides the sexual ones they made minors sing) and their original songs were pretty good. Snake was a real banger. The uniforms were super pretty as well, along with the sets and stages. Overall, the performances were really really good. Some are super memorable like Yes or Yes 1, Snake, Ice Cream, etc. Basically, anything with the girls themselves was fantastic. Everything else was big yikes.
And I am not blaming any of the girls at all for how poor this show is. All of them are extremely talented, hard-working, skilled, loving, sweet, gorgeous individuals that deserve to debut somewhere or some time. MNET just needs to stop. Someone please stop them for the sake of all Chinese girls who have a dream ://
In conclusion: save your precious freaking time.
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1A light entertainment meant to be enjoyed without heavy emotional demands
By the time Duang With You reaches its finale, what initially presents itself as a simple, chaotic university romcom reveals a surprising emotional core beneath its bright and playful surface. The early episodes establish a tone that feels intentionally exaggerated, full of awkward encounters, comedic timing, and almost cartoonish reactions, but as the story unfolds, that lightness becomes the foundation for something more grounded. The series never abandons its cheerful identity, but it gradually allows quieter, more vulnerable moments to take space, creating a balance between humor and emotional sincerity that feels earned rather than forced.Much of the show’s charm comes from Duang, a protagonist whose expansive personality drives much of the story. Optimistic, impulsive, and completely transparent about his feelings, he turns his pursuit of Qin into a constant stream of awkward yet surprisingly endearing moments. Qin, in contrast, serves as the perfect counterbalance. More reserved and seemingly cold at first, he occasionally lets small reactions slip through, hinting that there is far more going on beneath his composed exterior. The contrast between them creates a romantic dynamic that is simple but effective, keeping the story engaging even when it follows familiar paths.
A large part of why Duang works so well lies in TeeTee’s performance. Characters this energetic can easily become exhausting, but he gives Duang a charm that keeps the character consistently endearing. His bursts of excitement, exaggerated reactions, and playful high-pitched tones feel natural rather than forced. What stands out most, however, is how smoothly he shifts between moods. When scenes turn serious, his voice lowers and his energy changes, revealing a more grounded side of the character. In emotional moments, that shift becomes even more noticeable, with Duang’s usual brightness giving way to a heavier, more vulnerable presence.
What truly elevates the series, however, is Qin’s development. If the beginning frames him as distant and emotionally guarded, the later episodes carefully peel back those layers, revealing a character shaped by past pain and unresolved trauma. His journey is not rushed; instead, it unfolds through small, meaningful changes, including lingering glances, hesitant honesty, moments of jealousy, and eventually open affection. By the final episodes, Qin is no longer simply reacting to Duang’s presence; he actively chooses him, and that shift carries significant emotional weight. His growth transforms the title itself into something more meaningful, as “with you” becomes less about proximity and more about emotional safety, trust, and the ability to love without fear.
Their relationship benefits greatly from this progression. What starts as one-sided persistence evolves into a partnership where both characters support and heal each other. Duang’s role as a steady, almost unwavering emotional anchor becomes especially important during the series’ more dramatic conflicts. Episodes that introduce misunderstandings or external interference, particularly the arc that places strain on their relationship, push both characters into uncomfortable emotional territory. Duang, usually so bright and confident, is allowed to feel insecure and lost, while Qin is forced to confront his fears of vulnerability and abandonment. These moments, while at times frustrating, ultimately strengthen the narrative by giving the romance real stakes.
The series also deserves credit for how it handles intimacy. Rather than feeling like a superficial addition, the romantic and physical moments between Duang and Qin are carefully built and emotionally grounded. When they finally come together, those scenes carry a mix of tenderness, longing, and vulnerability that reflects how far both characters have come. It is not just about attraction, but about trust and emotional openness, which makes their connection feel believable and rewarding.
Beyond the main couple, the supporting cast continues to play an important role throughout the series. The friends remain active participants in the story, adding humor, warmth, and occasional chaos, while also reinforcing the sense of community within the university setting. Their presence helps maintain the lighter tone even during heavier narrative arcs, preventing the series from becoming overly dramatic.
From a production standpoint, Duang With You remains consistent in its strengths. The soft visual palette, steady direction, and cohesive soundtrack create a comfortable atmosphere that complements both the comedic and emotional beats. While the music may not be particularly experimental, it supports the tone effectively and reinforces the series’ identity. The direction, in particular, deserves recognition for maintaining a clear vision: even when the plot follows familiar tropes, the execution keeps it engaging.
That said, the series is not without flaws. Some comedic elements, especially the exaggerated sound effects, can feel overused, particularly in the earlier episodes. Certain side storylines, such as the exploration of Qin’s family, could have benefited from more depth and nuance. Additionally, one of the mid-series conflicts leans heavily on miscommunication, which may feel frustrating to some viewers. However, these issues rarely overshadow the overall experience, especially as the emotional core of the story becomes more prominent.
By the end, Duang With You proves that it never needed a complex or groundbreaking plot to leave a lasting impression. Its strength lies in execution: in the chemistry between its leads, in the gradual and believable emotional growth, and in the way it balances lighthearted charm with genuine feeling. What begins as a fun, slightly chaotic romcom ultimately becomes a story about healing, emotional courage, and the quiet but powerful act of choosing someone, and being chosen in return.
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A drama for serial killer fanatics
Netflix originals can always be a hit or a miss, but this was so good in my opinion. The only reason it's not a ten in my book is that there were a few things left unanswered/things I would've liked to delve more into. The acting was almost too good, to the point I was uncomfortable with some scenes. Now that being said this drama is not for those with a faint of heart!! It's super gory and has quite a few triggering scenes (animal murder, graphic murder, rape, etc) but what can you expect from a Netflix show. Now what surprised me the most was the amount of sex scenes in the show, and they were SUPER explicit, especially for a k-drama! Their was almost a sex scene in every episode, if not multiple in one episode ( I think one went on for like 7 minutes if not longer, which is pretty long for me lol) Maybe it's just because I'm not use to seeing those type of scenes in Korean dramas . The chemistry between the two leads was also sooooo good, I would definitely be pleased to see them in another work together. If you're looking for a good psychological thriller, with a really good plot then give this a try!Was this review helpful to you?
The story was the only thing lacking in this drama, but not even by much. The only problem that occurred was that there was barely any cheerleading whatsoever. They used the sport as a background setting, and only ever included two performances in total (excluding the practice trials). But besides that, I want to thank the writers for so many things. For saving a perfectly salvageable villain who didn't understand any other way of dealing with her problems, for making the love triangle all so lovable and making me ship all three of them together with each other (yes, I shipped not only the end couple and the second-lead couple, but also the bromance), and for making all the characters so cherishable. And also, thank you for showing great character development with every single character, especially Seo Ha Joon and Kwon Soo Ah. I thought there couldn't be a single school drama that would beat Who Are You: School 2015, but here we are, half a year later, with an ever better school drama.
I think all of us can agree that the cast did a superb job, and all agree that when Ji Soo gets a role in another romance drama, he needs to win over the heart of his crush so all of his fangirls don't internally die. Anyway, Ji Soo did an amazing job and I felt so emotionally attached to his character. Angry Mom is a definite watch for me now. Moving on, Lee Won Gun. My new-found bias. I had previously watched his supporting role in Hyde, Jekyll, Me, but I never took much notice of his character as I always had my eyes on Hyun Bin. I never realized how well done his acting is. He is awesome, and my god, that smile of his! I found myself squealing every time he even so much as smirked. Anyway, Jung Eun Ji and N have definitely broken the idols-can't-act stereotype, and I am looking forward to watching more of their works. Finally, Chae Soo Bin. Her character was extremely irritable, but she was the first ever antagonist that I could never fully hate. Deep down, she was just a down-to-earth character who was trying to learn from her mistakes in the wrong way. And with that, Soo Bin had better rise to stardom very soon because she is a spectacular actress.
All of these soundtracks are just too lovable and I can't pick a favourite. There is Fly Like An Eagle, Rely, Shooting Star and Flower. They are all so amazing, I could listen to them all day long. Seriously, look up the playlist online and you can just sit there and listen to them.
Yes, oh god yes. I would do anything to have this series on disc so that I could carry it anywhere with me and just rewatch over and over again. Everyone has that one show that they could always watch, and Cheer Up! is one of them for me.
Overall, this drama was almost perfect, with only the flaw of not having enough cheerleading featured. Every single acting choice was amazing, the script and writing was brilliant, and the music is flawless. Please make more good quality school dramas like Cheer Up!.
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