Reviews

Letdown by this supernatural-romance series

I love supernatural series such as Lucifer, Angel, Buffy, iZombie so I had high hopes on 'My Demon'. This series felt like a Korean version of Twilight. So much potential not explored, I decided to drop this series halfway through.

What I like
1. The song by NewJeans
2. Do Do Hee's fashion
3. Episode 1 was beautifully shot.
4. Park Bok Kyu & Ms Shin's banter

What I dislike
1. Do Do Hee's characterisation - I want to scream out my frustrations. The character is written like a Harlequin romance novel from the 90s. She started off as a clear-headed, no-nonsense CEO but episode 2 onwards, she became easily distracted/influenced by Gu-Won. Wish she struck partnership with Gu-Won like a business deal - weigh the cost of benefits and risks. Negotiate a protection and a marriage deal that benefits you too - I don't like that Gu-Won dictated the terms and Do Hee easily agreed.
2. Gu-Won's characterisation - I don't like Jeong Gu-Won. I expected cockiness but his arrogance, solemn & cold demeanour irked me. I wish he enjoyed his demonic responsibility and had cheeky personality like Lucifer.
3. Too much push in the romance angle too. Not enough supernatural moments.
4. Ga Young's clinginess annoyed me.
5. Slapstick comedy is fine for some episodes but get tiresome after awhile.
6. Song Kang's acting - I feel that he's miscast in this series. I'd like to see Woo Do Hwan as Gu-Won because he was mighty fine in Divine Fury and he'd be up against Lee Sang Yi's character to win over Do Hee's heart.
7. Reincarnation/past lives trope - I am tired of this trope since it's also used in other dramas released around same time such as The Story of Park's Marriage Contract, Moon in the Day.

Favourite scene
When Do Hee first met Gu-Won. The cake!

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Overhyped, overrated waste of talents!

I had high hopes on 'King the Land' as I only became a fan of 2PM in 2023. I was disappointed by the quality of this series.

What I like
1. The flight attendant -Pyunghwa's struggle and love life kept me watching this series.
2. Jeju island - so pretty

What I dislike
1. Poor writing - Aigo, King the Land has no proper plot. The showrunner is banking so much on Junho-Yoona chemistry.
2. Gu Won's characterisation - My number #1 issue with his character is that he lacks motivation/drive to run family business. I don't mind so much about him being rich, pampered/spoiled brat but if you don't want to run family business then why so greedy? I can't deal with mediocre employee who knows nothing but kissing boss's ass. That's my view of his character.
3. Sa-rang's characterisation - started off as ambitious & driven woman who now gets distracted by her boss's charms. Why is a hardworking female lead's romantic interest a nice nepo baby?
4. Visit Thailand ad - what a filler episode!


Favourite scene
Da-eul's re-enactment of RoWoon's deep voice & coolness during a sleepover. That's hilarious!

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ITS GOOD UNTIL THAT PLOT

I was really excited when I found out that Minato Coin Laundry had a season 2, from the beginning of the first episode I found that this story was more enjoyable with Shuu's feelings for Asuka being more open. Even though Minato here still can't talk normally to Shin. But why does the memory loss plot have to be in a drama this good? I cried in the last 2 episodes because I was so frustrated. Especially during the scene of returning the key, even though I like it, Shin here not only blames himself, but he also starts to question "why I was the one who looked wrong instead of Minato who was the first to say we were friends again". Good ending although a bit surprising with the sex scene that appears right after the sad scene.

I hope there is another special episode about shuu and asuka love story.

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It still worth it

Are you scrolling through the reviews to figure out if you should watch this drama or not? Then my answer is definitely: yes, you should give it a try. And I'm a 90% sure you will watch it to the end (especially if you're Changwook biased like myself).

The main reason for it is the cast. I want to acknowledge that for a romantic drama the characters here are nice written as such: there are backgrounds, traumas I believed in, interests and traits. But without these actresses and actors portraying them this drama wouldn't have had the same effect on me. Main leads and supporting cast did a really amazing job making me care about them all (or hate some of them from the bottom of my heart).

And yes. Yes, I do admit that Ji Changwook still outdid them all. Endearingly nerdy, a little bit awkward, sometimes too emotional, but nice and caring he made me fall in love with his character again (istg why am i so weak for this man).

The plot of 10 first episodes was good written as well: the detective story was exciting, the romantic line was lovely and the struggles the character had were relatable. I was anticipating every episode and excited how they are going to catch the killer.

But

But then the drama-makers made their main (but so common) mistake: they added the second subplot with father's issue and everything turned into mediocre story with a bunch of cliches. On my opinion this plotline was really unnecessary. Focusing only on suspense around the serial murder and the relationship between the main leads would allow to reduce the amount of episodes and keep audience involved till the very last minute.

As many reviews have already said this drama is way too long and yeah, I agree with it. But let's be honest it's something we all know and even used to, don't we? And since the first part of this story makes you fall in love with characters, you could still enjoy the last couple of the episodes, even if they are indeed kinda boring.

The one thing I want to insist on: DO NOT choose this drama as your first one with Ji Changwook. Don't do it. Watch "Healer" and "The worst of evil", allow yourself to fall in love with him deeply and irrevocably. And then enjoy him in "Suspicious partner".

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Heartwarming Couple and Community

It's so lovely that Suzu and Issei's friends/coworkers learned sign to communicate with him and I really love how the main couple match each other in both maturity, kindness, and sense of fun regardless of one being in their mid twenties and the other in their mid thirties. It's so beautiful they both become close friends with the other guy who was also interested in her. He's also really nice, as is their whole community. They are going through their respective hardships, but they all help each other out. They showcase some different aspects and attitudes regarding pregnancy with the setting being a gynecologist office. It might not be the message the show is sending directly, but it really is always potentially life threatening for women to give birth even up to today. The stalker storyline felt very abruptly finished. It was missing that transition point where Ban realized he was projecting all his grief and anger onto Suzu. I understand the show wants to portray compassion for someone who is in continual mental distress from grief, but he was clearly a danger to himself or others. It would have been good to see a better way to handle the situation other than let him physically assault the entire clinic staff. The ending of him finally letting go and properly paying attention to raising his daughter is nice though. There are random little moments of sudden humor throughout the show that is fun. The balance of the couple being with each other and their respective jobs, friendships, and family and themselves and some of the other characters getting their own storylines are pretty good. The ending of Suzu and Issei living together at a beautiful seaside home is so sweet.

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it’s fine to enjoy media that isn’t revolutionary

Overall i really enjoyed it. It was a short watch, about 3 and 1/2 hours total. And it was entertaining. it’s not the best most revolutionary piece of queer media to ever exist and it’s not pushing boundaries it’s just relatively simple love story.
They never kiss, which is fine, and they also never officially say they’re together and that’s also okay. I really like their relationship and the mutual understanding that they have about their love for eachother. Not all things have to be explained through spoken exposition, we the audience are supposed understand the subtext.
I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much. i am not a fan of queer media with homophobia. as a queer person myself, i am painfully aware of homophobia so i don’t want to experience it vicariously through characters.
the time skips at the end were a bit confusing but that’s probably my biggest complaint.
Anyways i genuinely enjoyed it, i recommend it if you just want smth to casually enjoy and wanna turn off ur brain for 3 hours.

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Exciting science-y non-romance Jdorama

Once upon a time, I considered a career in forensic science but didn't pursue. I find Jdrama Unnatural exciting watch!

What I like:
1. Writing - I love the cases that were presented in this series. My favourite episode is the death by drowning. I didn't expect the fiancee/boyfriend to go ahead with his intention. What a sad moment for him and humanity! The father-and-son arcs in death in burning building was awesome great. Tearjerker.
2. Love story - I like that romance was hinted at the start of the series but never explored. Instead the writers focused on the love between Mikoto and her mum and brother.
3. Acting - Fine acting by cast especially from Satomi Ishihara and Arata Iura.
4. Mystery - Three main characters have mysterious background (Mikoto, Kai & Rokuro) and I like how it's related to their work.

What I dislike:
1. I am unclear about Mr Kibayashi's connection to Nakado. Why is he so willing to help him out?
2. Shishido is a despicable man!
3. The arc of the serial killer. It feels rushed.

Favourite scene
When Mikoto informed parents of burnt victim about how their son died saving people from burning building.

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The Guests Were More Interesting Than The Mains

First off, I did not hate this drama. There is a lot to like and I found parts of the drama thoroughly entertaining. However, I kept bumping into some major problems as it went along. The main issues were… the mains; the main plot, the main characters, the main actors, and the main message.

But let me start with the things I liked. The production value is STELLAR. Every "life" felt like a different drama that was often so cinematic that each felt like their own movie. The cinematography is exquisite and creative, each life with its own vibe and theme. Some of the action sequences were incredibly exhilarating and got the blood pumping. Each incarnation and the side characters in the different lives were unique and believable. Not to mention the crazy A+ gallery of guest lead actors!

So this leads to my issues with the mains. The subplots were more compelling than the main plot. The incarnations were more deserving of life than the main character. The ML is a whiny brat. Death is boring and does very little. We would often have to cut away from some incredible story arch, only for it to end abruptly and be met with the constipated sad sac face of Choi Ye Jae and the bland and petty Death standing in an empty black room. "NOOOO!" I thought, "Go back! That was way more interesting!"

Also, I think it has to be said... Seo In Guk seems limited as an actor. Choi Si Won, Sung Hoon, Lee Jae Wook, Lee Do Hyun, and pretty much every incarnation were acting circles around him. To the point where I had trouble believing these people were the same character. After each death, we see the same forced expression from Seo In Guk, with little to no growth of his character throughout the entire drama. Shouldn't you show some change after living and dying in each life? I don't mean to be mean, It's just my natural reaction while watching the drama. I have seen him in other dramas where he had shown himself to be a capable actor who can bring a certain charm and suaveness to a role. But I can't help but think he was horribly miscast as some studious, impoverished underdog. As for Park So Dam, she is a legendary actress, one of the industry's best. I can not for the life of me understand why she chose this role. The role itself is so limiting and lacks any depth or dynamic. 99% of her role is standing in a dark room talking blandly at Seo In Guk. A complete waste of Park So Dam.

Which leads me to the main message. I have to agree with a lot of the other reviews. The message of suicide being portrayed so shallowly and haphazardly and blaming the victim is not only overly simplistic and problematic but also dangerous for anyone struggling with such real issues. Perhaps something was lost from the webtoon source material but the message spoiled an otherwise great premise.

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Ever so cliche.

If you can tolerate useless love triangles then go for it.
If you love a male lead with dragging trauma that mde him cold hearted and immature then go for it.
If you like a childishhh FL with no character development then go for it.
If you want second lead syndrome that hurts(I feel bad for seojun) then go for it.
If you like the accident plot that helps the leads to connect then go for it.
If you like the typical friend betraying other friend for a guy and breaking a promise of keeping the secret of her friend safe then go for it.
If you like Suicide attempt plot then go for it.
If you like annoying friends plot, bullying plot, pointless break-up plot, sudden patch-up plot etc etc then go for it.

I watched it completely and I feel what have I done it's same over and over again the very typical plots. Nothing new.

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the Operation Scenes were awesome

I do not rewatch dramas. But this is worth watching again. the OR scenes and the different roles each attending person, as well as, how important the presence of assistant doctors are in case of emergency is great. I am aware that this is a show and not reality. But I am pretty sure that there is a small bit of reality to it. This almost became educational for me. after watching a few episodes, I researched on the heart, its parts and how it works. The actors, the plot, and production are amazing. Even the way they ended the drama is good. It did not feel rushed. I wish there was a Season 2.

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Lots of loops, fell for the cast though 乁⁠ ⁠˘⁠ ⁠o⁠ ⁠˘⁠ ⁠ㄏ

Okay so firstly I was tracking the drama ever since the cast was finalized and I was pretty much sure it will create a buzz since Byeon WooSeok and Kim HyeYoon had already given good performances earlier. But despite a glittering cast including Geon Hee the plot totally disappointed me. I have watched many time travel dramas so I was not expecting something new but I did expect it to tell a story which it didn't.

The Not So Good Parts: ┐⁠(⁠ ⁠˘⁠_⁠˘⁠)⁠┌
Kim HyeYoon travelled back in time and it is still unclear to me why whyyy and howww did that watch get the magical or technical power to make her time travel. They just don't reveal it common dude I left to wonder if it's a magic of the deity or maybe SunJae cast a spell on the watch so that when Sol finds it she'll know what to do. They could have made it a time loop like a better time loop and showed how Sol fixes each loop rather they just make her travel again and again untill SunJae dies and they she clicks the watch's button and wooshh we are backkk. Also the murderer intent is unvlear, why is he after Sol is he a psychopath or just a killer on a spree.I wanted the writers to tell me a story how did Sol get linked up with it the 1st episodes was good when it showed the accident plot and I expected to learn more about it but then it became a murder plot all of a sudden.And why is he after SunJae, just because he saved his target Sol from the accident.I honestly wanted more plot here but again it disappointed. Also why and how did SunJae fall for Sol. It's okay with the live at first sight stuff but when they are 34 yr old adults it's still same.

The Good Parts:╮⁠(⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)⁠╭
love the Grandma, she was so cute and I expected Sol will spend good time with her as she had Alzheimer's i guess so she should have prioritised her family too but nah we have to save SunJae. Well even I wanted to "Kidnap SunJae and Run". Because I like Byeon WooSeok since strong girl Namsoon like the man did well there despite the drama being crazy. Also Kim HyeYoon is also my favourite since Extraordinary You and other dramas but but I think there her childish acting can be justified it's comedy to me but here she was 34 yrs old and still acting like 15 yr old...Ahhh if I'm a 34 yrs old who travels back I really would like be mature about the ways in which I want to save the guy and cherish my happy time with grandma and mom. Well I'm writing the good parts so yess back to it. So that's it. OMO I'm crying I waited for each ep to air so badly and here I am writing a not so popular review. My thumbs itch but I have to say the approach could have been better rather than a time slip it should have been a time loop.

Overall you can watch it and enjoyy it for the fun parts because I laughed a lot at various scenes especially at Kim Geon Hee's reaction to this car drowning. That episode specifically was memorable for these light moments. (⁠◠⁠ᴥ⁠◕⁠ʋ⁠)

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Supposed to be inspirational but falls flat

First - kudos to the actress/director Jia Ling for managing to lose 100 lbs in a year! I don't blame her for wanting to make money/get popular from it too in the form of a movie. I feel like fans seem to be divided on the whole weight loss stuff but good for her on getting more healthy. A Lululemon deal doesn't hurt at the end of the journey either, lol. So get that bag sis.

For the movie itself:
PROS
❀ Character growth
In the beginning, we see Le Ying essentially get bullied by everyone in her life. She's a people pleaser and thinks about others before herself - even to her own detriment. Her sister walked all over her, her best friend and ex-boyfriend walked all over her (and cheated in the meantime), and even her lover/coach walked all over her in the end. Boxing was the one thing though that she genuinely wanted to do for HERSELF. Getting into that ring and having a sparring session. She stayed strong in that regard and eventually got her goal in the end. One might think that winning the boxing match is her goal, but I think a more subtle - and important - goal is the ability to say no. And I enjoyed how that manifested at the end of the movie.

❀ Decent cinematography
I really liked the filters they used - it almost reminded me of a Wes Anderson color scheme. The shots were done pretty well and the boxing match was great. I heard that they consulted with an actual famous female boxer on that scene and it shows.

CONS
✕ Anticlimactic ending
I know I went off about the character growth lol but I thought the results of the boxing match would have been more... inspirational, I guess. This is probably the American in me lol. You kind of end it with an "all that and for what?" thought. I mean, obviously for the MC's own internal growth. But it makes it less powerful when the physical reality doesn't match the mental. I think maybe, they were aiming for a match like in Rocky where the journey is what matters, not the outcome. Basically if you give it your all then it doesn't matter what happens. But for some reason it doesn't feel as satisfying. Yes, she discovered her self-worth in the end, but I feel like she was so abused/mistreated in the beginning that the trade-off doesn't really match.

OVERALL
YOLO is one of those movies where right after I ended, I was like "this all?" But after sitting with the message, I started to appreciate it more. Is it inspiring? It's supposed to be, yes. It didn't quite reach the mark for me, though, although I can still appreciate the intent.

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Missed opportunity but appreciated the effort!

I actually watched all (most since I fast forwarded some of Duan Ning's scenes) of the episodes and if you don't mind my candor, this was a missed opportunity for the writers! Many of us, including family members, really enjoyed listening to Teresa's songs!

The drama failed to showcase how popular (i.e. how successful she was, all of her merits, fandoms, etc) Teresa was (due to her talents/diligence/beautiful voice) ! Furthermore, it would have been better if they included more of her songs (they only used a few songs...probably due to royalty fees). As a sentimentalist, her songs are nostalgic since my beloved parents liked them!

My rant: Wished they excluded most of her selfish friend, Duan Ning's storylines, etc!! ??‍♀️. This drama should have been less than 30 eps sans Duan Ning's family storylines. It is Teresa Teng's story; NOT Duan freaking 'annoying' Ning's. lol

Truly disappointed!

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