Reviews

Come to watch My Liberation Notes with high expectation and end up with great disappointment

With so many good reviews, I was anticipated this drama to be one of the best. First couple of episode look promising, characters were intriguing and storyline was interesting. However, then the drama started to drag and becoming boring. I end up skip all the middle episodes and watched the final couple of episodes and did not miss anything. None of the characters make me want to continue watching them. The endings were nothing special, you can kind of guess what would happen in the earlier episodes. If I am going to watch three siblings with dead end lives, then my life must be more pathetic than theirs since I am wasting my time watching theirs.

Read More

Fluffy but shallow, has a lot of cute moments

This series got off to a strong start, with an age difference plot where a 17-year old (almost 18) aggressively pursues a man 10 years older. At first it's charming and fun, as Akira, the 27-ish owner of a local laundramat, is a bit scandalized that a high school kid is after him. The dialog and interplay between Akira's discomfort with the situation and Shin's cocky confidence that he was going to get his man was entertaining and cute.

But instead of dwelling more on what I would think would be the central conflict (the age difference), the plot devolves into an endless loop of both characters drawing back from each other - Akira because he's afraid that if Shin spends so much time with him his schoolwork will suffer and he won't get into a good school, and Shin because he doesn't want Akira to blame himself if Shin can't get into a good school.

The thing is, it's not zero-sum. Being with someone you love is energizing and their support can help you get through difficulty, so it just feels like the story is just forcing the characters into a holding pattern until Shin is 18 and graduated.

In addition, Akira has been harboring an old crush on his high school teacher, Sakuma, who is an interesting character - a bit hapless but mature and a real gentleman, an ably acted. The storyline was too long and dragged-out, however, like much of this series.

The other problem for me is that Akira is so immature and devoid of any impulse toward self-examination that there is no character progression - just a passive 2D character that things happen to.

The series really has nothing to say and follows a fairly conventional course, which is a shame given it's "forbidden relationship" elements. It's a fluff piece, with a lot of cute moments, but by the end the characters have been running in circles so long that I stopped caring what happened to them.

The ending is quite lovely and doesn't follow the usual fomula, which made it a delight because I wasn't correctly anticipating every line of dialog like I usually can in series like this.

If you like cute and fluffy, you may enjoy this. I don't mind recommending it - but you may want to give in to the urge to fast-forward though tiresome parts - you won't miss anything and it may make the show more enjoyable for you.

This would have benefitted from being about a third shorter - then the thin plot would have marched foward without repeating the same pattersn over and over, and the ending would be more anticipated.

Read More

100% RECOMMENDED HP CASTS, DIRECTOR, WRITER, AND STAFFS U DA BOMB

Everything in this drama is just so perfect. It gives you the warm feeling while watching it. It made me smile, laugh, cry, and get hungry the whole season. As a med student myself, this drama is very realistic and it really tackles about what people go through within the walls of a hospital. I'M SURE ALL OF YOU WILL LOVE IT!

Story - 10/10
You would think that the story might be boring at first since they really need to introduce a big cast, but if you continue, you'll realize how good the plot and progression of the story goes. This slice of life drama really lets people realize how important friendship is. They have their own lives and their problems but they were always there for each other. The cases of the patient were also realistic and we can see here that the story was not exaggerated. Just like the other works of Shin PD, we really can't predict anything.

THEY ALSO HAVE THE BEST SEASON FINALE! I wasn't disappointed with how the story went. The finale was really worth the wait, I wanna cry I'm so happy. Shin PD and Writer Lee, good job!!

Acting/Cast - 10/10
The cast is perfect. I love all of them. They acted so sincerely and we can really see how much effort they put into their roles. They trained very hard for this. Every emotion shown here will really make the viewers feel like they're in the same shoes. Whether you are in the field of medicine or not, you'll feel their struggles. We all experience these things one way or another. Even the kids in these drama acted so well. Shout out to U-ju, gyeopta!

Music - 10/10
The title says it all! I love their band and their songs so much. It really feels good to listen to their songs especially the covers they make. I saw how much effort they put into practicing the songs which makes it feel more special.

Rewatch Value - 10/10
Most people say that the rewatch value is low BUT IT'S ALSO A 10/10 FOR ME! Just the fact that there are meanings in the small details in the drama makes me want to rewatch everything. The cliffhangers and the clues given also make my mind go crazy. I also love rewatching their band practices. Season 2 will air on 2021 so we have a year to rewatch the episodes, the interviews and the relay cams. I'll rewatch their scenes whenever I'll miss them. Ugh I can't wait for the next season!!

Watch this!! 100% recommended <3

Shout out to Yoo Yeon Seok!!! I love you oppa! I hope more people will come to appreciate you.

Read More

Too many plots, too many questions, yet too many answers

A good mystery has questions and uncertainty, but gives answers as well, right or wrong. It lets viewers, even casual ones, come to their own concrete guesses, and when things are solved or revealed, it adds to the fun.

The problem with Mouse then, is that it has way too many questions, grossly overuses cliffhangers and fake outs, makes the viewer question the show's writers and not themselves, and has far too many subplots and characters to keep track of. In other words, the questions you as are "wait, what just happened again?" instead of "how does this evidence play into the story?"

First the good: all the actors play their role super well. The music, though mostly atmospheric, is fitting. The handful of characters you pay attention to get good development. And despite what I said above, the show holds your attention.

It's disappointing because the first half of the show, particularly the first episodes, was gripping. The plot was well paced, the writers let the viewers get answers and figure things out. Then things went down the toilet rapidly after the middle of the show. It got to the point that I, at least, wasn't really interested in any big reveals, cliffhangers, or those "character stares at something off screen in horror" moments because I knew in the very next episode it was going to be a fake out / misleading camera angle. That, to me, is bad writing to overuse plot progression devices and not give answers. Doesn't help that they tried to stuff a "conspiracy" plot in as well, as it hitting every genre possible.

Then there's the problem with way too many characters. It wouldn't be so bad if they let us match faces to names, but most of them, particularly the victims, get little to no screentime to get to know them before they're relegated to plot devices as victims or exposition dumps. This makes most of the characters have no depth and they all become the same thing: murder victims. Deep into the show, when they rapid fire off names and their relations without showing faces I just nod along and not care because they're just victims without history - they only matter that way, and not as their own character. Heck people had to make graphs and documents to keep track of who's who. That's really not fun to consult when watching.

Other minor things: the abusive use of jump cuts / supercuts, particularly in the mid-to-end of the show, is extremely jarring. Sometimes the scene would last like five seconds before it cuts into the character now in the next day with no proper transition. Some characters start off strong then turn into a wet emotional noodle (you know what I'm talking about). Some of the plot at the end will really make your eyes roll even if it does give closure to some scenes at the beginning.

In the end, It's a show carried by its wonderful actors.

Read More

A Love Forged On The Edge Of Hatred, Tempered By Silence And Pain

"Feud", also known as "Lin Jiang Xian" (Lament of the River Immortal), presents itself as a xianxia drama rooted in misunderstanding, but beneath its surface lies a haunting, layered tale of how grief can blur the line between love and hatred.

At the heart of the story is the tragic bond between Hua Ruyue and Bai Jiusi: two souls once intertwined by fate, only to be torn apart by pain and betrayal. Their relationship, rich with longing and unresolved devotion, forms the emotional backbone of the drama. Their journey was never about romance, but of healing — a reflection of how love, when wounded deeply, can either wither into ruin or be transformed into redemption.

STORYLINE ₊ ⊹❀
The drama opens with a deceptively lighthearted tone, focusing on the fairytale-like romance between Li Qingyue and Bai Jiusi. Their sweet, almost innocent dynamic hints at a familiar setup. At first glance, it feels like a typical love story within a xianxia setting, and yet, something about it feels quietly off. There were no backstories offered, no clear exposition given, especially regarding the main leads. This deliberate withholding of context created a sense of mystery which piqued at my interest. I thought this choice of narrative is one of the drama's strength because as the story progresses, it unravels into something far more tragic and complex.

After the illusion of simplicity fades with the revelation of Li Qingyue's true identity as Hua Ruyue, the tone of the drama takes a dramatic and somber turn. Her reemergence is not merely just a shocking twist, but a pivotal moment that reframes everything that came before. What once appeared to be the beginning of their love is actually just a continuation of a deeply fractured bond. For me, this arc marks the start of their true story, it is what made the drama more emotionally engaging and narratively unique. Each revelation drew me deeper into their twisted entanglement.

The transition from the first half to the second half of the story was seamless —it felt organic rather than jarring. The pacing struck the right balance, and the nonlinear structure of storytelling, through the use of flashbacks, added richness and layers to the characters and their relationship. What stood out most during this part was how the drama avoided a simplistic narrative of right and wrong. Instead, it carved out a space for both Hua Ruyue and Bia Jiusi to exist as flawed, grieving individuals — not heroes or villains, but as two souls shaped by their heartbreak and longing. The moral ambiguity embedded in their contrasting ideologies became the lens through which their pain and conflict were explored. I appreciated how the drama didn't ask to choose sides, it rather asked to understand.

Furthermore, the side characters weren't merely added as background figures, each of them carried enough weight and nuance to feel real rather than one-dimensional. Fan Linger wasn't confined to the typical trope of an annoying second female lead ; her arc became one of self-love and growth. The Jingyuan Sect deviated from the usual portrayal of a hypocritical or power-hungry factions in xianxia dramas. Even Xiao Jingshan, who walked the darker path wasn't portrayed as inherently evil but as someone affected by the weight of his pain. While the romance wasn't the central focus of the drama, the chemistry between the main leads was palpable, and the few moments of affection and tenderness they shared felt both authentic and heart fluttering.

The drama's conclusion wasn't a conventional happy ending, but one far more meaningful and symbolic. It didn't erase the suffering and tragedy Bai Jiusi and Hua Ruyue endured, instead it illuminated their long emotional journey towards healing. It was deeply moving to witness each character learn to let go of their hatred, resentment, attachments, and obsession. In the end, it wasn't about neat resolutions, but about choosing peace after pain, and choosing love even in the aftermath of loss.

The CGI in the drama wasn't anything groundbreaking, it was more in line with what you'd expect from older xianxia productions but it did serve its purpose. The cinematography, on the other hand, was visually pleasing and managed to capture the tone of the story well. As for the costume designs, what particularly stood out for me was for the main leads. I especially adored the intricate details in Hua Ruyue's hair pieces, and the soft, elegant color tones of Bai Jiusi's hanfu which suited him perfectly. I only found one aspect lacking, it was the sound effects. At times, they were overpowering the dialogue in certain scenes. Also, the comedic sound cues felt misplaced and distracting, like the glass shattering sounds.

CHARACTERS & ACTING ₊ ⊹❀
Bai Lu as Hua Ruyue | Li Qingyue
Hua Ru Yue is the most compassionate immortal god to exist. From the moment she first opened her eyes to the world, her heart was already soft. Despite her divine status, she never turned a blind eye to mortals suffering. She saw their pain, recognized their worth, and treated them not as lesser beings, but as lives equally deserving of dignity and care. Beneath her gentle spirit, lies an unshakable will. Hua Ruyue doesn't confine herself to the rigid laws of heaven, nor does she flinch at the face of fate. She is strong minded and unyielding, she follows her own truth even when the cost is great.

Meeting Meng Chi, a mortal whom she saved, marked the beginning of Hua Ruyue’s fated entanglement with cause and effect. His life was like a mirror — one that reflected the eternal divide between immortals and mortals. Birth, aging, sickness, death… the joys and sorrows of mortal life pass like fleeting shadows in the eyes of gods. But in an instant, Hua Ruyue came to understand the weight of those fleeting moments. She saw how "love" — that fragile, flickering flame, is what mortals cling to even when knowing they are destined to fade. And in that, she realized how divine power means nothing if it’s only used to look down with pity. Its true meaning lies in the courage to share in the pain of all living beings.

Though Meng Chi's life was brief, his impact on Hua Ruyue was profound. She came to see that if immortals are eternal but unfeeling, then they are no different from stone. Mortals may be fragile, but their suffering, born of love and foolish hope, weighs heavier than the sky. Hua Ruyue’s sword did not only slay the drought dragon — it shattered the cold, unyielding rules of the heavenly realm. For only by loving the fleeting can one become unafraid of the impermanence of life.

But even the kindest hearts can break. Hua Ruyue’s descent into hatred was never born of malice, but from heartbreak. A grief so vast, it devoured her light and twisted her love into vengeance. Losing her child, Shi An, was a wound deeper than any suffering she endured afterward. Her hatred towards Bai Jiusi blinded her to the truth, but before she was an immortal god Siling, she was a grieving mother. Hua Ruyue was trapped between the thin line of love and hatred, and though her anger burned fiercely, it was clear she still only loved Bai Jiusi. Each time she tried to kill him, she wasn't afraid to die along with him, because deep down, that love never left. And if proof was ever needed, it lies in Li Qingyue. Although she wasn't real, she was still Hua Ruyue, a part of her untouched by time, pain, and betrayal. How can someone who has endured so much still carry a version of herself so loving, so pure, so tender? That alone speaks of a heart that never fully closed — of a love that, no matter how scarred, still quietly endured.

Hua Ruyue was able to let go of her hatred through the quiet acceptance. It was the time artifact which Xiao Jingshan gave her that allowed her this final journey. She wasn't returning to the past to alter the future or reverse her pain. Instead, she was rewriting it as an act of healing, a way of finding peace within herself. This time, she chose to reunite with Bai Jiusi once more, not as someone who is broken by grief, but as someone who had lived through it, carried its weight, and slowly learned to lay it down. She approached him no longer as a mother ravaged by loss, but as Hua Ruyue, a woman who had loved deeply, suffered greatly, and finally made peace with both.

Hua Ruyue is now undoubtedly one of my most favorite character that Bai Lu had portrayed. She didn't disappoint. She delivered a performance that was both powerful and deeply moving. I have always admired her talent, especially in angsty and emotionally charged scenes, yet she still managed to surprise me with her stellar performance here, particularly during the revelation of Hua Ruyue's suffering in the mortal realm. Those scenes were gut-wrenching, it reminded me of the same emotional devastation I felt when watching her in One and Only. This truly stands out as one of her finest performances to have ever come around. Although, it is a pity that she didn't dub the character herself, her raw acting carried every scene with grace and intensity.

Zeng Shunxi as Bai Jiusi
Bai Jiusi is the opposite of Hua Ruyue. He is bound by the laws of heaven and carried the immense burden of guarding the infinite steel. He had a great sense of responsibility and never wavered from his duty, he was someone more restrained. Unlike Hua Ruyue, he doesn't resist the wheel of fate but accepts it. This wasn’t because he lacked the courage to fight, but because he believes in a natural cycle governed by karma and heaven's order. But that acceptance came at a cost.

Beneath his composed exterior lies a soul full of ache. He loved Hua Ruyue deeply, yet he never once voiced it aloud. Instead, his love was reflected in the way he remained steady, like still water, quietly enduring the storm of her resentment. Every part of him belonged to her. That love never wavered— not even when he lost his memories, not even when his soul was shattered. Even his sword remembered only the love he bore for Hua Ruyue.

Bai Jiusi's tragedy is that of a man who loved too deeply but spoke too little. He often chose restraint over expression as a way to protect others. But in doing so, he unknowingly built a wall between himself and Hua Ruyue. His passivity, though rooted in care, became the very force that allowed distance and misunderstanding to take root. He was not without flaws. Every time he withheld his truth, every time he let the moment pass without reaching for her, the space between them grew. His understanding became a substitute for confrontation, and in trying not to hurt her, he ended up letting her hurt alone. The weight of things unsaid, pain endured quietly and love never spoken became the very ache that defined their bond. In the end, his greatest flaw wasn’t a lack of love, but the silence that cloaked it.

After he learned the truth of Hua Ruyue's suffering and his unintentional role in Shi An's death, he became consumed by overwhelming guilt. That realization shattered what little composure he had left, however, he didn't try to justify himself. His redemption came in the form of self-erasure — allowing Hua Ruyue to strike him down if it could ease even a fraction of her grief. And even in death or near-death, his love remained resolute, never tainted by bitterness or resentment. He let himself become the villain in her story because he believed her pain mattered more than clearing his name.

Yet, his ultimate redemption was not in dying, but in surviving long enough to be there when Hua Ruyue finally let go of her hatred. He was still there, quietly enduring, when she returned from the past having found her peace. And that quiet reunion, free of drama or grand declarations, was his final offering. His love was the kind that asked for nothing in return, a love that didn't seek to be seen, but only to remain.

Zeng Shunxi's performance is remarkable considering this is his first time starring in a xianxia genre drama. His portrayal of Bai Jiusi's inner turmoil and quiet devotion with subtlety spoke volumes of his emotions even in silence. The expression in his eyes which often held more sorrow than words could express added depth to his character. He absolutely also gave an impactful and memorable performance with his heavier scenes. I am looking forward to see him act in this genre again.

OSTs ₊ ⊹❀
The drama didn't have any powerhouse OSTs and the rest of the songs used were not that memorable. The only two songs which I really ended up loving were the ones sang by Bai Lu and Joseph, both these songs had lyrics that matched with the story and characters too.

OVERALL IMPRESSION ₊ ⊹❀
Feud is a compelling tale that goes beyond romance and traditional xianxia. It explores the fragility of love, the devastation of grief, and the moral ambiguity of choice. With its rich character depth, emotional storytelling, and quiet reflections on healing and forgiveness, it's a drama that lingers, not because of how dramatic it is, but because of how deeply it makes you feel. This drama was worth every emotion it pulled from me. I genuinely hope to see Bai Lu and Zeng Shunxi reunite in another project, as their chemistry and performances left a lasting impression.

FAVE SCENES ₊ ⊹❀
- Li Qingyue proposal to Bai Jiusi
- Fan Linger using her shadow to kill Li Qingyue
- Revelation of Li Qingyue being Hua Ruyue
- Sweet moments of Bai Jiusi and Hua Ruyue during the first time they descended to the mortal realm
- Hua Ruyue seeing Meng Chi's painting of her after he passed away
- Hua Ruyue walking to awaken Bai Jiusi who was frozen
- Bai Jiusi learning how to coax his wife from his friends
- Bai Jiusi's amnesia and search of his wife
- Hua Ruyue and her masters late night drinking talks
- Hua Ruyue time with Shi An
- Bai Jiusi soul guiding Hua Ruyue during the final fight

˖ . ݁❀𝜗𝜚❀. ݁₊

"In the long endless night, only the sun brings light. The warmth of the sun is like hope at the end of darkness. And that radiant warmth is what the color gold is like" — Hua Ruyue

Read More

I'll put this out there - this drama had SO much potential.

I started off on this one a little skeptical, because fantasy elements in Korean dramas always tend to be a little corny. I held that skepticism until about midway into the first episode, when the plot started to reveal itself, and things actually started to get really interesting.

While the genre of VR gaming has already been vastly explored, this was probably the first high production AR drama to hit the scene. Augmented Reality (AR), for those who are unfamiliar, is a technology which shows computer generated images projected into the real world. Think Pokemon GO. As you can imagine, this sets up some rather amusing scenarios where a person swings around randomly and everyone else gives you weird looks as they can't see what you're seeing. This drama starts off as just that - a rather light hearted take on VR, which not only tries to be funny, but looks silly in the process. As a result, I could not take the first episode seriously and almost dropped it as soon as I began, but things take a turn for the serious rather quickly.

And this is where the problems started arising. The drama, while it made some very interesting plot twists and smart little ideas, seemed like it had no direction. The plot twists, and smart ideas almost felt like the end goal of the writer, only put in there to entertain for the shock factor, just for the sake of it. There was no balance of light-heartedness and seriousness. This then gave rise to a bevy of problems including some major plot holes, pacing issues, and lack of character development - not to mention some ridiculous technologically impossible feats.

All in all, the plot started out a little silly, got really interesting, and ended up really silly because they couldn't fix their mess.

Don't want to talk too much about the other topics really - the actors are top grade, and the musical variety, while small, did the job. The production quality/value was superb - the fact that this was partly shot in Granada speaks volumes.

It's just a shame the plot completely lost itself. If it weren't for the rest of the factors, this would definitely have gotten a much lower score in my books.

I would say that if you like the genre to definitely give it a try as it still invokes interesting thoughts, but all in all it was a little disappointing.

Read More

One more "Flower Boy" series are over... and I am left with yet another broadly smiling face. Though I will not spill compliments that these series left me breathless, like the previous, "Shut Up Flower Boy Band", did, but this drama, in its genre of bubbly, funny, cutey-cutey-cutey, totally had me from the first moment till the last.

First of all, I am now noticing a pattern in the series as I have watched all of them, though they are called "Pretty Boy" and hey, who can say you don't see enough pretty here, but has anyone also caught him/herself on the thought that the characters crated for these series seem very real? I mean, forgetting about the bubbly front, there were real people, real feeling, real problems, and I like it so much, that it feels real watching these characters. I like characters that have depth, and the series have never failed to give me the characters. And though at first you may thing Enrique is the most funny, cute and bubbly character you could ever see, throughout the series he will show you so much humanity, so much sadness, so many unforgettable words... Though Dok-Mi may seem the girl who has closed herself and hasn't thought about her life ever since, will show you so much smile, so much strength, so much pain that she has been through and how much she grows by the end of the series, how much she changes Enrique and changes herself...

As the drama is mostly a comedy, I thought it is important to note that you'll find here not only comedy but also real characters who will make you feel for them, which I really appreciate.

This was the 3rd drama I was watching with Park Shin-Hye, and she again proved her abilities, I adore the girl.
Yoo Si-Yoon was just adorable as puppy-panda Enrique, I hope to watch other things with him.

Music was, like the drama, cute and calm. I really like the slow piece during the sad parts, and Park Shin-Hye's song, so alike her character and warm to my heart.

Read More

My Mister C drama remake

It's not that I don't love the C cast, but anyone who watched My Mister the K drama with Lee Sun Kyun & IU will always compare & it's unavoidable. While watching this made me miss Lee Sun Kyun (RIP) more. His voice was so iconic and I watched enough of his dramas where I was deeply saddened by his passing.

They made plenty minor adaptions for the C drama version but overall story is the same. It's worth watching as a standalone but if you watched the K version then the C version will feel different.

-Lee Sun Kyun felt more depressed than Mark Chao
-IU felt darker than Zhang Zi Feng
-Jang Ki Young the debt collector was way more convincing than Zhang Xin Cheng
-The bad guy GU Chen's character didn't give off the one dimensional sleazy vibe so I actually like this character better than than the K drama version.

I am a fan of the C cast but My Mister holds a special place in my drama list

Read More

Underwhelming

EDITED: [REVIEW] A Disappointing Yet Memorable Ride: My Thoughts After Rewatching

I finally got to rewatch the series, and honestly, my opinion hasn’t changed. It still feels underwhelming and didn’t quite live up to the excitement it promised.

The Strong Start That Didn't Last

The first three episodes were gripping — great pacing, strong buildup, and enough tension to keep you wanting more. But after that, things started to unravel. The plot lost momentum and fell into predictable revenge-drama clichés.


---

1. The “Too Easy” Path for the Protagonist

Everything suddenly became too convenient for DH. People appeared left and right to help her — no real struggle, no real fallback plan. That made me wonder: What was her original strategy?
She spent over a decade planning revenge, yet the execution relied too heavily on unexpected allies. What if they hadn’t shown up?

I’m still waiting for a revenge drama where the lead has a solid, well-thought-out plan that doesn't rely on sudden plot devices or savior side characters.


---

2. Screaming and Hysteria Everywhere

At one point, almost every character was screaming and acting hysterical. One or two characters? Fine. But when it becomes a trend, it loses impact and becomes exhausting to watch.

What really baffled me was how powerful, composed villains suddenly turned into clueless wrecks. Instead of fighting back or outwitting the protagonist, they panicked. Their only move? Humiliate DH by using her mother. That’s it. That’s their big counterattack?


---

3. Emotional Breakdown... But Why?

Near the end, these villains — who lived shamelessly for years — suddenly broke down. Lee Sa Ra’s descent into drug addiction felt abrupt. PYJ’s unraveling also came out of nowhere.

I would’ve preferred to see them punished with their minds intact — fully aware of the consequences. That would have made the revenge more satisfying.


---

A Scene That Didn’t Sit Right

One scene I strongly disliked was Lee Sa Ra’s scandal. She was drugged, and yet the way they exposed her was framed as if she deserved public shame. That crossed a line. She was a victim in that moment — and the show shouldn’t have treated it like justice.


---

The Unnecessary Shaman (Yes, That Happened)

Don’t even get me started on the shaman subplot. Completely unnecessary.


---

No Sparks in the Romance

The romance angle? Flat. There was no chemistry between the leads. It felt forced and disconnected from the main narrative.


---

It Could Have Ended Sooner

Honestly, the series could have wrapped up in five episodes. The second half dragged. Flashbacks were used to stretch time, not to add value.

That scene of DE leaving the school, finally smiling — that should’ve been the ending. Everything that followed just felt like filler.

Also, what’s with the “everyone secretly knows each other” twist? It made the story feel small and too coincidental.


---

The “Avenger Team” Ending

I had high hopes for the assistant’s character arc. I thought she’d seek a new life for herself or her daughter. But instead, she joined the revenge squad?

As for JYJ, I expected him to walk away from his father’s killer — a man too far gone to feel guilt. Sometimes, the best revenge is healing. Being happy is a kind of revenge, too. And yet, the show went with a cliché “Let’s build an avenger team!” ending.


---

The Most Powerful Scene

If there’s one moment that stayed with me, it’s DE’s scenes with her mother.
She didn’t cry in front of her bullies. She didn’t cry over the past. But when her own mother tried to destroy her — that’s when she broke.
That betrayal hurt more than anything.
I understood her when she said she was glad her mother never changed. If her mother had shown even a bit of warmth, DE would’ve had to process and possibly forgive. But knowing she never cared made it easier to let go.
She was done — and in that moment, you could feel it.


---

Final Thoughts

While the story had its flaws, the cast delivered incredible performances — especially the actors who portrayed the villains. They carried the show with their intensity and depth.

🟨 Rating: 4/10
Disappointing in execution, but memorable for its early tension and complex characters.

Read More

Don't like the ending at all!!!

This drama was great at the beginning but in my opinion she was really mean to him, and in the end he always came back to her i think she was really narcissistic and thinks only on her and not on hyuk feelings for my it wasn't fair or gain at all , and she only said that she loves him in the last episode when all he did for her from the beginning was love .
They deserve better ending, the secondary leads had better ending than theirs this was a complete disappointment for me because it was a great drama.
For me was more gain than love , for the secondary actors than them .

Read More

How to Wreck a Popular Franchise—Trigger Warning Edition

Trashing Consent in Sexual Relations and a Respected Franchise—all in one toxic package!

VERDICT

HIStory 4: Close to You has no redeeming qualities. I’d like to believe its lazy storyline, fetishization of gay relationships, and disregard for the virtue of seeking consent before pursuing sex will remain unsurpassed as a nadir for the genre. Given the warmth a substantial section of BL fandom has bestowed upon this toxic swill, however, I fear that filmmakers in the future may continue to believe that audiences will overlook the absence of consent as long as they cast handsome men in lead roles and contrive plot lines that lead those men to bat eyelashes at one another, smile warmly, and then kiss. It’s true, I think, that BL audiences like those things. Like them a lot. But it’s absolutely possible to create those moments without resorting to sexual assaults as technique for courtship. A writer need only put some effort into depicting wooing and warmth. Way more satisfying to observe than the rape of an unconscious victim. Any potential viewer who wishes to avoid the promotion of rape culture, ought to pass this series by without bothering to sample it.

And that criticism doesn’t even approach the other potentially toxic issue here, an incestuous affair between stepbrothers. Close to You is not the first BL series with a rape storyline. It’s not the first BL series with a sexual harassment storyline. It’s not the first BL series with a stepbrother incest storyline. But no other example comes to mind where a series is so unapologetic about all of those things. It’s as if the makers said, “Let’s bundle every trope, every plot device that has provoked backlash in the past and stuff them into this story as the main plot. Then, let’s see how far we can push those boundaries before people protest.” Sadly, many people think the fact the raped character accepts his stepbrother’s affections proves that such things are possible. Um, no. It proves that the writers can write any outcome they like, no matter how implausible, and people will think it’s charming. You know, as long as handsome men kiss.

Previous iterations of the HIStory franchise earned a great deal of goodwill in BL fandom. And not just the straight female segment of BL fandom. The earlier incarnations also appealed to gay male audiences who could see aspects of their lives in those stories. As a genre, BL sometimes gets accused of fetishizing gay lives for the entertainment of straight women. For me, the HIStory series largely avoided those pitfalls, as it told thoughtful and provocative stories. The thoughtfulness of those stories is certainly a reason I stuck around for this series long after it raised my hackles. I had faith the makers would somehow redeem themselves. In this instance, that faith went unrewarded. Close to You has sullied the venerable franchise so severely I’m not sure it can recover.

Read More

NOT dark BUT spicy

I went into this expecting a dark drama and while there are mature themes sprinkled in, the vibe leans more toward comedy but I wasn’t mad about it, just a little surprised. Like, one minute I was watching someone get shot and the next, I was hit with the most unserious dialogues that had me questioning why I was even watching (but also unable to stop)

FirstKhao ↓

First Kanaphan and Khaotung Thanawat, what the fuck can I even say? Seeing them together again felt like a homecoming. The moment they appeared on my screen I couldn’t help but scream. They have this unparalleled chemistry that no one else in the industry quite achieves. I missed them so much and they absolutely delivered. Watching them reunite reminded me of why they have become icons in the BL world. My kings are back hehe. First really balances his edgy exterior with just the right amount of vulnerability and Khao as Bison is HOLY HELL, he nails it. His portrayal is soft but with a charm that makes you understand why Kant couldn’t resist him the first moment he laid eyes on him lmao. Khaotung knows how to work the smallest expressions and the subtlest body language, to make him (and us) obsessed with him.

JoongDunk ↓

Now, I gotta be real...I wasn’t expecting to be blown away by JoongDunk. Their past performances never fully sold me so I went in with very low expectations. But Joong?? This man stepped up his game. His emotional scenes in this drama were so well done, he carried those moments in a way that actually hit me. I genuinely felt for his character which was a surprise because in previous projects, I didn’t connect with his acting. But here, he delivered. Dunk, on the other hand… Listen. He had his moments. His portrayal of Style’s chaotic energy was honestly entertaining as hell. There’s something about the way he plays unhinged, reckless characters that just works...he was fun to watch and I have to give him credit for that. But when it came to emotional moments? Hmm… still needs some work imo. That being said, the kissing scenes between them were INSANELY GOOD. They did not hold back and for that, I am grateful.

The Highlight ↓

One thing that really stood out to me was how well they balanced the screen time between both main couples. In a lot of dramas, one pair usually ends up taking center stage while the other gets pushed into the background as filler. But not here. Both couples got their own moments to shine and they served in ways that felt equal and intentional. It was refreshing to watch a drama that actually treated both love stories with the same level of care.

The Downside ↓

I can't say I loved every second of it. Because, babes…some scenes? STRAIGHT-UP CRINGE. Like, I physically recoiled at certain dialogues. The secondhand embarrassment was REAL. I get that some of it was meant to be funny but whew, some moments had me covering my face. Also, the sound issues were really putting me off...the audio quality was straight-up tragic in some parts.

↓↓↓

So this was a mixed bag for me. Some episodes had me fully invested, eyes glued to the screen, living for every second. Others had me side-eyeing my laptop.

Give it a try and see how YOU feel about it.

Read More