Consequences of a Photo
Hm, a high school girl falls in love with another girl, but did she really fall in love or did she just find a new best friend? Is it real or just a phase of growing up? This film tackles the sensitive and provocative topic of same-sex love in a careful but still quite stereotypical way.Careful because it tries to create space for different interpretations and gives hints of many challenges that come with such feelings. It also uses the camera as a prop to represent the voice of the heart. The stereotypes, however, are visible in the plot development — I could spontaneously predict what would happen next. Also, the role of the older person as support, and the other side characters who only appear when it serves the protagonist, make the film feel less convincing and more like a collection of tropes typical of this kind of coming-of-age indie film.
I can understand that the film will find its fans, and I do believe these topics should be discussed, but it lacks a bit of critical commentary. The film isn’t explicit in anything and doesn’t dare to clearly promote it, even though the intention is obvious. The allegorical use of the camera is actually the best part of the film. To photograph something or someone means to answer an inner voice — that’s why we take photos when the heart speaks. This is especially touching in the relationship between the main protagonist and her father.
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Colony VS Colony
Not perfect but very, very good. I can say that the film is very tense and exciting despite the predictable and unoriginal resolution regarding the threat of the zombie colony. We can call them zombies, although they’re based on a slightly different concept. Production-wise, the behaviour of these “zombies” is shown in a very attractive way. Their movements are unnatural, but in a way I haven’t seen in any other movie before — and I really liked that.Opposite the zombie colony, we have a group of people who could also be called a colony, because they too must work in sync and together to survive. However, with humans that coordination works a bit less smoothly than with zombies. That element of the challenge in human cooperation was my favourite part of the film.
A few scenes weren’t perfectly developed or edited, but I can’t really nitpick because I got exactly the kind of movie I like: a tense story with a serious survival threat and themes of humanity and human nature that leave plenty to think about and discuss.
P.S. I had the luck to watch this in a cinema in Korea and it was funny to see people running in and out of the theatre for toilet breaks because they didn’t want to miss anything from the movie. A satisfactory summer blockbuster from Korea.
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See the Enemy
I watched this film in the cinema and I can say that the sound is excellent and greatly contributes to the tense atmosphere. The film has an interesting premise about a woman with vision problems who is being followed by a person with malicious intentions. However, the plot and especially the final resolution didn’t offer anything particularly original. The film is half thriller and half horror, but unfortunately it doesn’t excel in either genre, even though it has some solid plot moments and jump scares.The actors are very good and have their own charisma. The scene that impressed me the most was the one with the blind women in the locker room. That was the most exciting moment in the film for me. However, by the end, despite the chaotic plot, I slowly started losing interest. Still, in the lack of newer thrillers, I’m grateful to Korean cinema for giving us this film.
P.S. I had a really brutal nightmare after watching this movie. That means it leaves a strong impression, at least subconsciously.
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Universe of Love
A very well-made animated film that beautifully combines a romantic story with a sci-fi journey to Mars. In fact, it seems to me that love itself belongs to the category of science fiction, because it’s impossible to fully explain or understand it. The best part of this film are the characters who, although animated, look very realistic and are easy to relate to. The original animation helps make the scenes rich and beautiful, and in some moments truly breathtakingly magical. As far as the animation goes, I have no complaints whatsoever — only praise.An important theme of the film is also the music, but I would have preferred the songs to be in Korean instead of English. That might give the film more universality, but in a Korean film I prefer to hear the Korean language. As for the story itself, it is well-developed and well-paced, but the finale didn’t give me any strong emotional satisfaction — the main emotional moments were somewhere in the middle. In any case, it’s a very beautiful film that inspires us equally toward love and toward exploring the vastness of space.
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"No one here tells the truth"
I’ve enjoyed most of Koreeda Hirokazu’s films that I’ve watched but The Third Murder was more of a challenge. Fukuyama Masaharu and Yakusho Koji gave powerful performances in a glacially slow courtroom drama where nothing was as it seemed and everyone lied. Right to the bitter end.Attorney Shigemori Tomoaki has been assigned to a case where the defendant has already confessed to the murder of a factory owner. Because he is a repeat offender and robbery was involved, he’s likely to be sentenced to death. If Shigemori can convince the jury robbery wasn’t the motivating factor he can likely get the sentence reduced to life in prison. A grudge related murder is somehow less damaging than robbery (selfish). Shigemori doesn’t care to understand Misumi and the truth is irrelevant. All he needs is an argument to reduce Misumi’s sentence. The victim’s daughter becomes involved in the case muddying the waters as does her mother. Despite his trained instincts, Shigemori begins to question their planned defense and seeks to understand the truth behind the murder.
“We’re all on the same ship called Justice.” Well, buddy, that ship was sinking fast. Neither side of the courtroom was interested in the truth. Schedules had to be kept, reputations had to be protected, judicial economy was important, and cases had to be won. And it didn’t help that the defendant’s story changed from day to day. What was one to believe? This film also touched on the ways "good citizens" harmed each other every day by pretending to not see injustice and crimes and who abused and took advantage of the vulnerable.
As much as I love Koji’s acting, this film belonged to Masaharu. Watching Shigemori go from cocky, strategic planner with no emotional attachments to his clients to a man completely ensnared by Misumi and Sakie’s stories was mesmerizing. That’s saying something given how slowly and repetitively the film moved. Koji, of course, knew exactly how to play his character to draw both Shigemori and the audience in. The acting was superb and well worth the time to watch these two actors play off each other in a life and death dance.
The Third Murder had great potential, especially with the acting as I just mentioned and the cinematography was excellent. Koreeda’s esoteric dream board of themes-free will, justice, truth, control, judgement, predestination, and understanding—was never fully served by the film. Worst of all, the characters and story were too enigmatic to care about. If the writer/director wasn’t committed enough to answer the most basic questions of who did what to whom and why, why should the viewer care? If you enjoy either of the leads or mysterious films that leave all the details to the audience to decide upon, it’s worth a watch.
"Do you believe that story?"
22 July 2026
Koji Murder Movies Note: Under the Open Sky (2020) was a better film starring Yakusho Koji as a lifetime criminal.
Ratings Note: I rarely go by the MDL suggestion as rewatch rating and music rating play almost zero roles in my ratings. This time I filled out the stars and let MDL choose the rating as I was torn between a 7.0 and 7.5, largely influenced by the acting skills over film satisfaction.
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Wow just wow
The Handmaiden (2016) is genuinely one of the most unforgettable movies I’ve ever watched. I went into it without knowing much about director Park Chan-wook, and I honestly wasn’t prepared for how incredible it would be.The cinematography is absolutely stunning, every shot feels carefully crafted, almost like a painting. The storytelling is brilliant as well. Just when you think you’ve figured everything out, the film completely shifts your perspective and reveals another layer. It’s one of those rare movies that rewards paying attention to every little detail.
Beyond the plot twists, what really stayed with me was the atmosphere. The tension, the emotions, the soundtrack, and the performances all come together perfectly. It’s beautiful, unsettling, romantic, and heartbreaking at the same time.
This isn’t just a movie you watch for entertainment, it’s an experience. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with incredible cinematography and masterful storytelling, The Handmaiden is a must-watch. It’s the kind of film I wish I could experience again for the first time.
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Hilarious ride
after a long while i watched a korean movie and it was highly entertaining, its a comedic spin on slasher and horror movies and it takes a full advantage of it, most of its fun comes from the heavily misundertood main characters and increasingly bizzare situations they endup in cuz of said misunderstandings and on top of all things they convinced themselves that they are stylish and handsome. To give you a gist of it, they are couple of good natured people who can easily pass for serial killers.main actors really embodied their characters and i always liked the actress so thats a bonus for me. this is not a horror movie, its mostly comedy.
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More Than a Wuxia Film—A Beautiful Story of Power and Sacrifice
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker **Zhang Yimou**, *Shadow* is far more than a martial arts epic. It is a visually breathtaking story of power, loyalty, deception, and the price of ambition. Set during China's Three Kingdoms-inspired era, the film follows a kingdom desperate to reclaim a lost city. Behind the political struggles lies a dangerous secret—a powerful commander has hidden himself from the world, allowing a carefully trained "shadow," or double, to stand in his place. As the battle for power unfolds, every character is forced to confront questions of identity, honor, and sacrifice.The male lead, **Jingzhou** (Deng Chao), delivers one of the film's most compelling performances. As the commander's shadow, Jingzhou has spent his life living in another man's image, surrendering his own identity for a purpose he never chose. Deng Chao masterfully portrays his quiet transformation from an obedient replacement into a man determined to control his own destiny. His emotional journey is every bit as gripping as the film's spectacular action sequences, making him a hero whose greatest battle is fought within himself.
The female lead, **Madam Xiao Ai** (Sun Li), is far more than a supporting character. Intelligent, observant, and emotionally resilient, Xiao Ai becomes the moral center of the story. Caught between loyalty to her husband and growing compassion for the man forced to live in his shadow, she navigates impossible choices with remarkable strength. Sun Li delivers a nuanced performance filled with quiet emotion, allowing Xiao Ai's inner conflict to unfold through subtle expressions rather than dramatic speeches. Her relationship with Jingzhou adds emotional depth to a story otherwise dominated by political intrigue and warfare.
One of *Shadow's* greatest achievements is its extraordinary visual style. Zhang Yimou creates an almost monochromatic world inspired by traditional Chinese ink-wash paintings. Shades of black, white, and gray dominate every frame, making bursts of movement and bloodshed feel even more striking. The choreography is equally mesmerizing, particularly the inventive use of umbrella weapons and fluid combat techniques that transform every duel into a work of art.
Beyond its stunning visuals, *Shadow* explores timeless themes about identity, manipulation, and the human desire for freedom. It asks whether a person defined by someone else's life can ever truly become themselves, and whether power is worth the sacrifices required to obtain it. Every alliance is uncertain, every victory comes with a cost, and every decision carries lasting consequences.
If you're expecting nonstop action, *Shadow* may surprise you with its thoughtful pacing and intricate political strategy. But for viewers who appreciate intelligent storytelling, unforgettable cinematography, and layered performances, it stands as one of the most visually distinctive wuxia films ever made. It is a film where every frame resembles a traditional Chinese painting, and every character leaves a shadow upon your heart long after the story ends.
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Two Souls Destined to Meet Beyond the Mortal World
The Enchanting Phantom is a visually captivating fantasy romance inspired by one of China's most beloved supernatural tales from *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio*. Blending romance, mystery, action, and Chinese folklore, the film tells the story of a young scholar whose chance encounter with a mysterious woman leads him into a world where love, sacrifice, and destiny blur the line between the living and the dead.The female lead, **Nie Xiaoqian** (Li Kaixin), is both graceful and tragic. At first, she appears to be an enchanting young woman living in isolation, but beneath her beauty lies a heartbreaking existence filled with loneliness and circumstances beyond her control. Li Kaixin portrays Xiaoqian with elegance and quiet sorrow, making it easy to understand why her kindness shines even in the darkest moments. Rather than being simply a supernatural spirit, she is a woman longing for freedom, genuine love, and the chance to choose her own fate.
The male lead, **Ning Caichen** (Chen Xingxu), is a kind-hearted scholar whose compassion becomes his greatest strength. Unlike heroes who rely solely on martial arts or power, Ning's courage comes from his unwavering belief that people should be judged by their hearts rather than appearances. Chen Xingxu brings warmth, sincerity, and quiet determination to the role, making Ning's growing relationship with Xiaoqian feel believable and deeply emotional. Their chemistry captures the bittersweet feeling of two souls connected by fate despite impossible circumstances.
Supporting the story is the legendary demon hunter **Yan Chixia**, whose wisdom and powerful presence add excitement to the film's action sequences while reminding viewers that not every battle can be won with a sword alone. His character provides an important balance between justice, compassion, and sacrifice.
Visually, *The Enchanting Phantom* is stunning. The ethereal forests, ancient temples, flowing costumes, and supernatural effects create a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's romantic tone. While the action scenes are beautifully choreographed, the movie's greatest strength lies in its emotional storytelling. It asks whether love can survive fear, prejudice, and even death itself.
Although this version reimagines a classic Chinese ghost story with modern visual effects, it never loses sight of what made the original tale endure for generations—the emotional connection between two lonely souls searching for hope in a world filled with darkness.
If you enjoy fantasy romances inspired by Chinese mythology, breathtaking cinematography, and heartfelt performances, *The Enchanting Phantom* is a wonderful watch. It is a story that reminds us true love is not measured by the world we come from, but by the sacrifices we are willing to make for one another.
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A Love That Survived the Cruelty of the Forbidden City
The Palace is a beautifully filmed historical romance set during the Qing Dynasty, where friendship, ambition, and forbidden love collide within the walls of the Forbidden City. The story follows **Chenxiang**, a kind-hearted palace maid whose quiet life changes after she falls in love with the Thirteenth Prince, **Yinxiang**. But in a palace where power is everything, betrayal comes from the person she trusts most, forcing her to endure heartbreak, humiliation, and unimaginable sacrifices in order to protect the people she loves.The female lead, **Chenxiang** (Zhou Dongyu), is the emotional heart of the film. Unlike many palace heroines who rely on schemes and manipulation, Chenxiang remains compassionate and sincere even when surrounded by deception. Zhou Dongyu delivers a touching performance, allowing the audience to feel every ounce of Chenxiang's pain, resilience, and unwavering hope. Watching her struggle to hold onto her kindness in a world filled with greed and betrayal is what makes her journey so memorable.
The male lead, **Prince Yinxiang** (Chen Xiao), is everything you hope for in a romantic hero. Noble, gentle, and fiercely loyal, Yinxiang never lets his royal status define the way he treats others. Chen Xiao brings warmth and quiet strength to the character, making it easy to understand why Chenxiang falls in love with him. Their relationship isn't built on grand gestures alone—it grows through trust, sacrifice, and genuine affection, making every obstacle they face all the more heartbreaking.
One of the film's standout performances comes from **Zhao Liying** as **Liuli**, Chenxiang's childhood friend. Liuli's ambition slowly transforms her into someone willing to betray friendship for status and power. Zhao Liying portrays the character with enough charm and complexity that you can understand her desires, even as her choices become increasingly painful to watch.
What impressed me most was the emotional contrast between love and ambition. While many palace dramas focus heavily on political intrigue, *The Palace* never loses sight of its characters' emotions. Every betrayal carries weight, every sacrifice has consequences, and every decision shapes the lives of those trapped within the palace walls. Combined with elegant costumes, beautiful cinematography, and a haunting musical score, the film creates an atmosphere that is both romantic and tragic.
If you enjoy historical romances filled with palace intrigue, heartbreaking love stories, and characters forced to choose between power and loyalty, *The Palace* is well worth watching. It reminds us that in a place where ambition can destroy even the strongest friendships, love remains the one thing truly worth fighting for.
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A Beautiful Dance of Blades, Betrayal, and Destiny
Memories of the Sword is a visually stunning historical action film that weaves together themes of loyalty, betrayal, revenge, and forgiveness. Set during the late Goryeo Dynasty, the story follows a young woman raised in secret by the very person who has spent years preparing her for a destiny she never fully understood. Every sword strike, hidden truth, and emotional revelation brings her closer to uncovering the painful past that shaped her life.The female lead, **Hong-yi** (Kim Go-eun), is the soul of the film. Raised as an ordinary young woman, she gradually discovers that her life has been built upon secrets, sacrifice, and a promise made long before she was born. Kim Go-eun gives Hong-yi a wonderful balance of innocence, determination, and emotional depth. As she grows into a skilled swordswoman, her journey becomes less about revenge alone and more about discovering who she truly is and deciding what kind of future she wants to create.
Standing beside her is **Yul** (Lee Joon-ho), a loyal royal guard whose calm demeanor and unwavering sense of justice make him one of the film's most admirable characters. Although he is a gifted swordsman, Yul's greatest strength lies in his compassion and integrity. Lee Joon-ho portrays him with quiet confidence, creating a character who offers Hong-yi trust and support without overshadowing her own journey. Their relationship develops naturally, providing moments of warmth amid the film's darker themes.
Kim Hye-soo delivers a commanding performance as **Wol-so**, Hong-yi's mentor, whose life has been consumed by guilt, loss, and a vow she has carried for nearly two decades. Opposing them is the ambitious **Deok-gi** (Lee Byung-hun), whose hunger for power sets the entire tragedy in motion. His presence serves as a constant reminder of how betrayal can destroy friendships, families, and even kingdoms.
What truly sets *Memories of the Sword* apart is its breathtaking cinematography. Every duel feels less like a fight and more like a carefully choreographed dance, blending elegant swordplay with emotional storytelling. Rather than relying solely on action, the film explores the heavy burdens carried by those seeking revenge and asks whether vengeance can ever truly heal a wounded heart.
While the pacing is more reflective than fast-paced, those who appreciate character-driven historical dramas will find much to admire. The performances are outstanding, the visuals are unforgettable, and the emotional weight behind every decision gives the story lasting impact.
Memories of the Sword is ultimately about far more than mastering a blade. It is a story of broken promises, enduring love, painful sacrifice, and the difficult choice between revenge and forgiveness. Long after the final duel ends, the emotions behind each character's journey remain the film's sharpest weapon.
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When One Brave Soul Stands Against Evil
Brave Citizen is an action-packed thriller that blends dark humor, intense fight scenes, and social commentary into a story about standing up to injustice. Based on the popular webtoon, the film follows a once-promising boxing champion who takes a temporary teaching job at a high school, hoping to earn a permanent position. Instead, she finds herself surrounded by corruption, fear, and a violent student who believes he is untouchable.The female lead, **So Si-min** (played by Shin Hye-sun), is the heart of the movie. Once a national boxing champion, she has spent years hiding her true abilities to avoid trouble and protect her future. Shin Hye-sun perfectly balances Si-min's warm, compassionate personality with the fierce determination that emerges when she can no longer ignore the suffering around her. Watching her struggle between doing what is safe and doing what is right makes her an incredibly relatable and inspiring heroine.
The male lead and primary antagonist, **Han Su-gang** (played by Lee Jun-young), is one of the film's greatest strengths. Su-gang is arrogant, manipulative, and terrifying because he believes his family's wealth and influence place him above the law. Lee Jun-young delivers a chilling performance, portraying a bully who uses fear and violence to control everyone around him. Rather than being a one-dimensional villain, he represents the consequences of power without accountability, making every confrontation with Si-min feel meaningful and intensely satisfying.
What makes *Brave Citizen* stand out is that it isn't just about physical fights. It explores how fear allows bullying to grow, how people often remain silent to protect themselves, and how one person's courage can inspire others to stand up against injustice. The action choreography is exciting, but the emotional victories are just as rewarding.
Shin Hye-sun once again proves why she is one of Korea's most versatile actresses, effortlessly shifting between comedy, heartfelt emotion, and explosive action. Combined with Lee Jun-young's commanding performance, the two create a compelling battle of strength, determination, and willpower.
If you enjoy stories featuring a strong female protagonist, satisfying action, memorable villains, and a message about standing up for those who cannot defend themselves, *Brave Citizen* is a film well worth watching. It reminds us that true courage isn't about being fearless—it's about choosing to do the right thing, even when the odds are stacked against you.
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Even Meng Po Couldn't Make Me Forget This Love
Ferryman: Manjusaka is much more than a fantasy romance—it is a heartbreaking tale about sacrifice, fate, and the painful cost of loving someone you can never truly keep. Set in the mysterious Yellow Springs, where souls pass into the afterlife, the film blends Chinese mythology with stunning visuals and an emotional story that lingers long after the credits roll.The female lead, Sanqi, is unlike the typical heroine. Born missing part of her soul, she appears simple-minded and awkward, yet beneath that innocence is one of the purest hearts you'll find. As the future Meng Po, the keeper of the soup of forgetfulness, she has spent her life surrounded by loneliness, duty, and the endless procession of lost souls. Watching her discover love for the first time is both beautiful and devastating. He Hua delivers a performance filled with vulnerability, making Sanqi's innocence feel genuine rather than childish.
The male lead, Changsheng, enters Sanqi's lonely world as a wandering young cultivator, bringing warmth, hope, and mystery. While his arrival awakens emotions Sanqi never knew existed, his own hidden past and the secrets surrounding his identity slowly unravel into a heartbreaking truth. Wang Ruichang gives Changsheng a quiet strength that perfectly balances Sanqi's emotional openness, and their chemistry makes every joyful moment feel precious because you know fate is working against them.
What impressed me most was how the movie explores love through sacrifice instead of grand declarations. Every choice carries consequences, and every revelation deepens the tragedy. The film's mythology surrounding the Yellow Springs, the red Manjusaka flowers, and reincarnation creates an unforgettable atmosphere that feels both magical and melancholic.
If you're looking for nonstop action, this may not be the movie for you. But if you enjoy emotional fantasy romances with rich Chinese mythology, unforgettable characters, and a love story destined to make you cry, *Ferryman: Manjusaka* is absolutely worth watching. It reminds us that even in a place where souls are meant to forget everything, true love can leave a mark that not even reincarnation can erase.
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This review may contain spoilers
They should've been their own movies
Before anything else, I just want to say I watched this with no subtitles. So, I really had to go off of context clues and the little bit of Thai I know. I just really wanted to watch it since Nani was in it. Anyway, since this is broken up into three stories, I'll also breakup my thoughts for each story.Story one:
This one was my favorite out of the three. I thought the story was the most interesting. It was a pretty standard story of homophobia but also added that the gay character was also disabled and overweight. I do think the two were cute friends, but they really didn't respect each other at all. Gent was embarrassed to be friends with Gent and wanted to keep it a secret and Nana posted about him anyway. I'm not condoning how Gent treated him at all, I just wanted to point out that Nana wasn't perfect either. I think this story could've been better if it also showed Gent's perspective and not just Nana's so we could see how both of them were truly thinking. It was a good concept, but it could've used some tweaking a bit.
Story two:
This one was really boring to me and pretty forgettable. I think it was because it needed to be longer and more fleshed out but instead was the shortest out of the three. I loved the concept of this one a lot, but it was so rushed. It would've been nice to see more of it all. I like that he returned home accepting and even with a boyfriend at the end, but because it was so short it just felt like we didn't really get to see him struggle with it all and then come to terms with it.
Story three:
This one I think was the longest out of the three. Tae was such an unlikeable character. I feel bad that he has to prostitute himself out, but he was such a jerk. He was awful to everyone. I didn't like Nont either since he was sleeping with high schoolers, but somehow, he was still more likeable than Tae. This story was entertaining, but you really will hate everyone in it.
Overall, I did enjoy this movie especially for not knowing what exactly is being said half the time. I think even without subtitles though, it was pretty easy to understand and follow along to. I think all three stories could've just been better as a movie of their own instead of all crammed into one.
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This review may contain spoilers
Park Jihoon does it again
I finally had the chance to watch this and I absolutely loved it! The acting from everyone was incredible, especially Park Jihoon! Jihoon's acting will never fail to amaze me. I liked the story a lot as well. It was a great story with such a tragic ending and the fact it's based off a real event makes it even more devastating. I loved seeing King Dan Jong bond with the village folk. You can tell he was a very loved ruler by how many people were willing to die for him and to fight by his side. He was very kind as well. I loved his friendship with Mae Hwa a lot. His letter to her in the end made me cry. The ending in general made me cry quite a bit, which I wasn't expecting at all. My only complaint was I wish they explained some characters titles a bit better (Some of the people of the palace for example), other than that I had no complaints. The costuming and sets were beautiful as well. This movie was really fantastic, and I can see why it was doing so well in numbers in Korea!Was this review helpful to you?
