Reviews

A story that left me wanting for more, then episode 11 happened.

Watching this series in the first 10 episodes made me stop having a skipping through episodes problem. I haven't been enjoying a kdrama since maybe 2020 the way that I enjoyed the first 10 episodes, and I hoped that nothing would ruin it.

I loved all couples, all men were green flags, and none of the women were written as annoying or intolerable. It was a bit insane that I didn't have any character that I hated, it has been so long since I loved all main characters, so this was such a good surprise.

Chan and Haran were the type of couple I prayed to see in any media, they were communicating, no misunderstandings even though Chan was hiding things, they loved each other so much. Even for Chan, I totally understood the reasons why he couldn't say anything, it all made perfect sense. I loved the scene where Haran heard him talk to his grandma and she didn't dwell on it, she went in the car and immediately asked 'Hey so what was that about?'. She was an icon of communicating, it was sooo perfect.

Hayoung and Taeseok were also such a cute couple. Mr. Yeon's feelings were so obvious to everything around them lmao, yet he tried to bottle them up (spoiler alert, he couldn't). Hayoung was honestly my fav character in the entire series, she was just perfect (episode 10 Hayoung I will never forget you).

And then we have our teenage couple, Hadam and Yugyeom, and honestly at first I thought they would just be a moment to breathe between all that angst, but instead they brought tears to my eyes. They love each other so goddamn much, it was adorable to see.

Now, let's talk about episode 11. Tell me why the hell our communication queen Haran suddenly didn't listen when she had to listen? Her entire character was built on listening to Chan and waiting for him, but when she had to wait and listen, her whole personality changed. That episode absolutely ruined the way I view this kdrama. It felt like they wanted to prolong the drama and didn't know how else to do it because Haran was such a perfect character, so they ruined her. She was exactly how I wanted a character to be, she had flaws and she had strong points, and that was perfect. Listen, they could've made her have an entire panic attack and leave after Chan explained, because honestly all that information, plus Chan thinking he killed Hyeokchan, would make her spiral, but instead they choose to do the worst thing ever and make her unbearable to watch. I don't even know what they had in their minds. Did they think I would feel bad for her? NO?? If she had listened, then I would've, but that was sooo unnecessery.

Honestly, if episode 11 would've been different, this kdrama would've gotten a 10/10 in everything. It was a runner up for my top 1 kdramas of all time, and usually modern kdramas don't come close to my fav EVER. Which says just how much I loved the first 10 episodes. I had a hard time rating it, honestly. Because as much as I hate episode 11, I can't give it a bad rating because of the first 10 episodes. I'm sad.

Also, why the HELL did they use so much AI that was so fucking annoying bruh. In a kdrama about design and shit they keep using AI like that's such an insult i cant do this.

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Imperfect, but definitely worth a watch

This story has some unrealistic plot points, some uneven story telling, and meanders at times. But it also never fully unravels like so many other dramas these days. By the end it tells a coherent story that feels intentional and that shows real character growth and poignantly explores its themes.

I really enjoyed having 4 separate and quite different types of romances to follow, and that the usual leads love triangle was subverted by it being with her already-dead boyfriend. Watching the ML/FL slowly fall in love was really lovely and beautiful. But they definitely dragged out the secret storyline too far, to the point where it was getting frustrating to watch, and it made the character arcs more rough than they could have been. The resolution for 3 of the 4 couples was perfect, but the second couple, which was at times even more compelling than the leads, completely putters out by the end. That was one of the most disappointing aspects of the show.

I also loved the emphasis on the non-romantic relationships. On the connection between the sisters, on the different relationships that each character had with their parents, both dead (or treated as dead) and alive, both those they were born to and those that became a stand in through choice and love.

Some of the acting performances were better than others. Kim Tae Young is a sweetie, but felt out of his league in this drama and made the youngest couple's storyline weaker than it could have been. Interestingly Oh Ye Ju was my favorite of the sisters, I loved her in every scene and she kept the youngest couple's storyline grounded enough to enjoy regardless. Han Ji Hyeon, who I have really liked in other roles, felt a bit one note here, possibly because the writing didn't give her much other choice. Lee Sung Kyung has that enchanting bubbly warmth and genuineness she brings to every role, but she still struggles to show the more subtle and deeper emotional energy in the quieter moments that would have made her character feel truly layered and alive.

The standout by far was Chae Jong Hyeop. I've never seen him in anything before this, but he has my attention. It is a lot easier to make an impact with a smoldering, closed off, reserved, mysterious ML. A ML who is open, generous, and upbeat is much more challenging to make compelling. But his Chan had me engaged and rooting for him from the start. At first I was confused by how Chan's happiness felt subtly forced at times, but I came to realize as we learned more of his backstory that each smile was an active choice, a decision to be happy in that moment, and you really felt this hard-earned hope and resilience stubbornly burning and alight even through all his moments of loneliness, fear, and pain. It made him seem so alive and grounded, and was a really beautiful and subtle characterization. He was also just as believable as the depressed loner without any hope in his past as the more mature ray of sunshine we saw in the present, and he brought such vulnerable and deep emotion to every scene. My heart ached so deeply for him at times. He was the heart and soul of the show, and what made it all work as well as it did.

This is not an addictive show you will binge watch obsessively, it is one you will be quietly drawn to throughout. And one that will hit you deeply in moments if you have the patience to allow it to unfold. There are some moments and some insights that transcend the drama and that I will think about months or years from now.

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Had to drop it. Felt the acting was too forced.

I went into really excited because I like both of the lead actors and their past projects. I honestly thought this was going to be one of those easy binge watches for me. But after giving it a fair chance, I ended up dropping it before finishing all 40 episodes.

To be clear, I don’t think the acting itself was bad. The problem is more with the story, pacing, and overall direction. A lot of scenes felt overly structured, and the flow didn’t come across as natural. Because of that, even moments that were supposed to feel emotional ended up feeling forced.

The biggest disappointment for me was the chemistry between the leads. Not because they’re bad actors, but because the way the story was written didn’t really allow their relationship to develop in a way that felt organic. It ended up feeling like a mismatch on screen, even though I know both actors are capable.

The first half of the drama, especially the first 20 episodes, focused heavily on the AI and medical industry. I understand what they were trying to do, and I can appreciate the effort to add depth, but it felt like too much. I found myself watching more for the industry storyline than the romance, which wasn’t what I came for. Personally, I would have preferred more focus on character development and the relationship itself.

On top of that, the drama felt overcrowded with side characters and multiple couples. There was just too much going on, and instead of adding layers, it made the story feel dragged and unfocused. I even lost track of how many storylines were happening at once.

Overall, this drama had a lot of potential, especially with its cast, but the execution didn’t quite land for me. I came in expecting a strong, natural romance, but the uneven pacing and lack of focus made it hard to stay invested.

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Such an amazing first episode that you'll want to finish all of it.

The setup for this show was a hook, line, and sinker. An absolute chef’s kiss. I can’t recall a setup this good from a romance from a single episode. This single plot point kept me intrigued until the very end. The secret ML holds from FL is the backbone of the show, but amazingly, Radiant Season held itself up despite all the other storylines it has also.

FL has two sisters and her grandmother that all live together and each one has their own story that runs the course of the entire show. I was impressed with how well these other stories turned out. I didn’t expect much from the youngest sister, but even her little high school romance was pretty solid.

Onto ML. This guy carried the show. Sure, FL can act too, but I thought ML was great. I really liked how early on he was basically told off by FL to kick rocks by being so pushy, and he respected her decision by stopping completely. The show literally would have been over with credits rolling. He actually respected her decision. I know. Unheard of. It’s so silly but I really liked his character for that.

I think the only real criticism I have for the show is its blatant use of AI. Everyone is working at this design clothing studio or whatever, but all concept art is AI slop. Yuck.

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1983 to 1994 - Zhou Ye and Zhai Xiaowen in a thrilling drama where time is a puzzle

This is an interesting alternate reality drama starting with the transmigration of 30 years old Xia Xiaolan from 2026 : suddenly, after having been wronged in the company she worked in, she woke up in the 18 year old body of another Xia Xiaolan, being bullied in a village in in 1983. The story is about her tackling on hurdles to become a successful store owner and next architect, until the New Year of 1994 (around the time when the first XXL should have been born).

The drama itself is a roller-coaster of events, involving a large cast of people who all are made memorable so they are easy to recognize, when they reappear in later episodes. Among them is DU ZHAOHUI (Wang Guanyi/Lawrence Wong), son of a mob boss who, out of unrequited love for Xia Xiaolan, turns a leaf and enlists her help to build a legitimate business. And GRANNY YU (Gui Yalei) the owner of the building Xia Xiaolan and her mother first settle in the new city, a lady with a secret. Xia Xiaolan is injured by her cousin, but manages to pass the entrance examination to university brilliantly. The drama does not dwell on her time the, jumping quickly to her first business ventures in boom town SEZ « Shencheng » (Shenzhen). Her faithful friend and future husband lawyer Zhou Cheng found himself embroiled in the hunt for a murderer, linked to the « Gangdao » (Hong Kong) mob.

There are many couples that are formed, dissolved, or emerge in the drama, although none that hog too much time : they contribute organically to the thriller story.

Here is a list of the ones that contributed most to that engaging drama :
* XIA XIAOLAN (Zhou Ye) & ZHOU CHENG (Zhai Xiaowen) lawyer at Zhiyuan law firm
LIU FEN (Dong Xuan), XXL’s mother & Xia Dajun (Dong Ai) XXL’s father, divorced
LIU YONG (Zhao Da) & LI FENGMEI (Tu Ling) XXL’s mother’s brother and aunt in the village, parents of Liu Taotao (Ding Yi), XXL’ boy cousin.
Xia Changzheng (Li Xiaochuan) & Zhang Cui (Wang Yichan) XXL’s uncle and aunt in the village, parents of Xiao Hongxia (Chai Ye) food vendor and Xia Junbao (He Chen) XXL boy cousin
Xia Hong Bin (Li Bo) & Wang Jingui (Hu Xiaoting), XXL’s second uncle and aunt in the village, parents of Xia Ziyu
Chen taitai (Cui Yi) & Chen Wangda (Tan Jianchang), villagers, parents of XXLclassmate Chen Qing (Jiang Bowen)
* CHEN XILIANG (Jiang Yi) Luna founder and Theresa Li (Wang Zijia) celeb singer, 1st couple to marry in the drama
JI YA (Lan Xi) designer, founder of « Elegance » & George (Danny Ray) Ji Ya’s business partner
* LIU FEN (Dong Xuan), XXL’s mother & TANG HONG’EN (Zhang Duo) mayor of Shencheng, 2nd couple to marry in the drama
* BAI ZHENZHU (Lin Xiao) stall owner and martial artist & PAN BAOHUA (Fan Linfeng) restaurant owner, friends of XXL, 3rd couple to marry in the drama
KANG WEI (Kevin Z) Zhou Cheng’s friend & YOU LI (Jia Xiaohan) Luna salesperson and later XXL PA
XIA ZIYU (Jiang Zixin) aka WeiWei or VIVI (Zhao YuanYuan), XXL’s cousin & Du Chengrong (Hugo Ng) Gangdao mob boss
GONG YANG (Oakley Wen), painter & HOU Qi (Zeng Shuabgyi) architect at the firm – last couple to start dating end of 1993

The OST is very pleasant enhanced by a compilation of 1980s and 1990s Cantopop hits in background music (see Discussions section for more about these songs : https://mydramalist.com/discussions/776939-again-my-life/149650-1983-dream-of-golden-years-ost-music)

In addition, many sequences allow audience to hear other accents and especially Cantonese, since the city that serves as backdrop was a melting pot of newcomers, both from putonghua speaking mainland but also from Hong Kong, from the Cantonese speaking part of the mainland, and even from English speaking countries (although those few foreigner actors are less convincing sometimes).

Zhai Xiaowen, who is also a pro singer, contributed one song and a duet with Zhou Ye ; we also hear them sing briefly in short moments of a couple of episodes. Zhai Xiaowen’s voice has a mellow, calming quality that contrasts with and complements Zhou Ye’s ebullient voice. His acting is engaging, although the drama does not focus much on romance : his steady and reassuring presence as Zhou Cheng who slowly realizes that Xia Xiaolan is « not from his world » and might disappear, makes the growing love between the two a natural evolution. The promise he makes to her is fulfilled in the last images, despite the 32 years gap...

This drama has become my favorite among the Zhou Ye dramas and movies that I have watched. Her acting and styling is excellent, conveying very believably the vibe of that past Reform era, when China’s new economic zones propelled the country into growing prosperity from very humble beginnings. Special kudos to the costume designers who found colorful dresses of the time, and many earrings that were in fashion then.

To me, this drama had « never a dull moment », so I warmly recommend it, to discover a thrilling side of the Reform era through the acting of an excellent cast which conveys many emotions !

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Final spoiler about ending and meaning of the drama : to be read only after having watched the final quarter of an hour in the drama, preferably) :

[I know the constraints of adapting to screen in China such novels as the one that was adapted here : the imaginary world or alternate world should not be made more desirable than the real one. So of course Xia Xiaolan needed to get back to "real 2026", but computing that she did so at the time when she was "born" and that she finally encountered again her true-love as if he too followed in the threads of alternate reality, was actually a neatly scripted ending. It does not negate the value of imagination and it is also an illustration of a modern science concept. What happened after she "left" in the alternate reality can be up to each to imagine.
If it was an alternate reality, then her body did not dissolve in sparks but only seemed to do so at the "junction moment", and lawyer Xu did not lose her as both feared: they went on living and having the twins, living in the house she designed ; but that other reality would then have split from than "junction" and have no contact with ours any longer, evolving differently. That's a soft illustration of the "reality threads" that modern science and science-fiction speculate about, regarding the fundamental nature of reality, particularly in quantum physics and cosmology.
The "real world" 2026 "modern" Xia Xiaolan, on the other hand, if she did only "dream", benefited from that contact with the perhaps imaginary, perhaps alternate reality, to get what the drama aimed at: boost confidence in oneself and be courageous to chase one's dreams, in line with guidelines for broadcast entertainment. And that was well done, not too abrupt, not leaving sourness or too much nostalgia, staying inspirational. But also adding appreciation for the real past through its possible comparison with the made more glowing alternate version of the real "historical decade", including the timeless songs that live on even today, which colored both versions of the mid 1980s to mid 1990s decade. Once the final chapter is closed,nostalgia is left behind and audience is encouraged to tackle their own future life challenges with as much confidence as they can muster in a world without "cheat cards" derived from foreseen events.]

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Ok watch but FL gave bland performance

I was browsing Shorts collection on iQIYI when I saw this drama. I was intrigued about Korean verticals because I am a fan of Chinese vertical dramas. I clicked play and gosh, this was a letdown.

What I liked:
1. Ji Ho Geun - Ji Ho Geun was very handsome. He added mystery to his character.
2. Romance - I could feel the sexual tension between FL and ML.
3. Antagonist - I liked his arc and the actor who played the character did well with given role. He is handsome too.
4. Styling - The styling for ML & SML was impeccable.
5. Supporting characters - FL's sister was likeable.
6. Length - Only 50 episodes so it was a quick watch.

What I disliked:
1. Park Xi Yeon - I was letdown by her performance. Her facial expressions were lacking and I didn't believe the helplessness that she was trying to portray.

Favourite scene
When ML saved FL

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More Than Just a Zombie Movie

I watched Train to Busan expecting a good zombie movie, but it turned out to be one of the best Korean films I have ever seen. It is not just about zombies and survival, it is also about family, sacrifice, humanity, and how people show their true selves during difficult situations.

What makes this movie so special is how intense it feels from beginning to end. Once the story starts, it never slows down. Every scene keeps you nervous and emotional at the same time. Even though there are so many action scenes, the movie never forgets its emotional side, which is why it feels much deeper than a normal zombie film.

The relationship between the father and daughter was easily the strongest part of the movie for me. Their bond felt real, and watching their journey together made many scenes even more emotional. I also liked how every character had a different personality and different way of reacting to fear. Some characters were selfish, some were brave, and some were heartbreaking to watch.

The acting was incredible. Everyone felt natural, especially during the panic and emotional moments. The fear on their faces never felt fake, and that made the movie even more intense. The action scenes were also very well done. The zombies looked terrifying, and the train setting made everything feel more claustrophobic and stressful in the best way possible.

One thing I really loved is that Train to Busan is not only scary, but also emotional. There were moments that made me sad, angry, shocked, and even emotional enough to almost cry. Very few movies can balance action, horror, and emotion this well.

For me, this movie deserves a full 10/10 because it is exciting, emotional, unforgettable, and perfectly made. Even if someone does not usually like zombie movies, I think Train to Busan is still worth watching because it is much more than that.

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When Silence Heals You

Summer Strike was such a beautiful and comforting drama. I started it thinking it would just be a slow healing story, but it turned out to be much more emotional and meaningful than I expected. It is one of those dramas that does not need huge twists or constant drama to keep you interested because the emotions alone are enough.

What I loved most about Summer Strike is how peaceful and realistic it feels. The story of leaving behind a stressful life and trying to find happiness in a quiet place felt very relatable. Sometimes life becomes too overwhelming, and this drama perfectly shows that feeling of wanting to escape everything and start again.

The chemistry between the leads was one of the best parts for me. Their relationship was soft, calm, and natural. It did not feel rushed or forced. They understood each other without saying too much, and that made their connection even more beautiful. I also loved how the drama focused not only on romance but also on healing, loneliness, friendship, and finding comfort in small things.

The small-town atmosphere made the drama even more special. The quiet streets, library scenes, beach moments, and simple daily life made everything feel warm and peaceful. The cinematography was beautiful, and every scene had a soft feeling that matched the story perfectly.

The acting was amazing too. The emotions felt very real, especially during the sad moments. There were scenes that made me emotional because they felt so honest and relatable. It is rare to find a drama that feels this calm but still leaves such a strong impact.

For me, Summer Strike deserves a 9.5/10 because it is healing, emotional, and beautifully written. It is the kind of drama you watch when you are tired of everything and just want something that feels warm and comforting. Even after finishing it, the feeling stays with you for a long time.

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A Story That Hurts Quietly

Pawane was one of those movies that slowly grows on you while watching it. At first, it feels simple and calm, but as the story moves forward, it becomes much more emotional and meaningful. It is the kind of film that does not need big dramatic moments to leave an impact.

What I liked most about this movie was how natural everything felt. The emotions were not forced, and the characters felt real. Their struggles, conversations, and relationships felt believable, which made it easier to connect with them. I think that is one of the strongest points of the film.

The movie has a quiet and emotional atmosphere throughout. It is not very fast-paced, but that works in its favor because it gives you time to understand the characters and what they are going through. Some scenes are very simple, but they stay in your mind because of how honest they feel.

The cinematography was also beautiful. There were many scenes that looked visually soft and emotional without trying too hard. The background music matched the mood perfectly and made some scenes feel even more touching.

The acting was really strong too. The actors did a great job showing pain, loneliness, and hope in a very realistic way. It never felt overdramatic, which made the emotional moments hit harder.

For me, Pawane is not a perfect movie, which is why I would give it an 8.5/10, but it is still very memorable. It is emotional, beautifully made, and has a story that stays with you after it ends. If you like slow and meaningful Korean movies, then this one is definitely worth watching.

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Some Goodbyes Stay Forever

I did not expect Once We Were Us to affect me this much. I started watching it thinking it would be another emotional romance film, but it turned out to be much deeper than that. It is not just about love, it is about timing, memories, regret, and the people we become after losing someone important.

What I loved most about this movie is how realistic it feels. The characters do not act like perfect movie characters. They feel like real people carrying pain, confusion, and feelings they do not know how to express properly. Their chemistry feels natural, and even the quiet scenes say so much without needing too many words.

The movie has a very soft and melancholic atmosphere. Every scene feels beautiful in a simple way, especially with the cinematography and background music. There were moments where I had to pause because some scenes felt too real. It reminded me that sometimes the hardest part is not losing someone, but learning how to live with the memories they leave behind.

The acting was also one of the strongest parts of the movie. Both leads delivered their emotions so naturally that I never felt like I was watching acting. Their expressions alone were enough to show heartbreak, longing, and the pain of unfinished feelings.

What makes Once We Were Us special is that it does not try too hard to be dramatic. It is emotional in a quiet way, and that is what makes it hit even harder. It leaves you thinking about your own past, the people you once loved, and the things you wish you had said.

For me, this movie deserves a 9/10 because it is beautiful, emotional, and unforgettable. It is the kind of film that stays with you long after it ends.

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A Fun and Heartwarming Opposites-Attract Drama Worth Watching

I gave Dali and Cocky Prince an 8.5/10 because it was fun, emotional, and different from most romance dramas. At first, I thought it would just be another rich guy and classy girl story, but it actually had more charm than I expected.

The biggest reason I enjoyed this drama was the chemistry between the two main leads. They are complete opposites, which made their scenes really entertaining. Moo Hak is loud, straightforward, and sometimes even childish, while Dali is calm, elegant, and intelligent. Normally, this type of pairing can feel forced, but here it worked really well. Their different personalities balanced each other, and watching them slowly understand each other was honestly the best part of the drama.

Moo Hak was probably my favorite character. At first, he seemed annoying and too over-the-top, but as the drama went on, I started liking him more and more. He was funny without trying too hard, and even though he was not very educated, he had a good heart. He genuinely cared about Dali and was always there for her. I think that is what made him lovable.

Dali was also a very good female lead. She was graceful and smart, but she was not perfect. She had her own struggles and emotional moments, which made her feel realistic. I liked that she stayed strong even when things became difficult.

The romance in this drama was sweet and natural. It had a lot of funny moments, but there were also emotional scenes that made their relationship feel deeper. I liked that they actually communicated instead of creating too many misunderstandings for no reason.

The side characters were decent too. Some of them were annoying, especially the villains, but I guess that was the point. There were times when the business and family issues felt a little repetitive, and some side plots dragged more than they needed to. That is one reason why I did not give it a higher rating.

Visually, the drama looked beautiful. The art museum setting made it feel elegant and different from other dramas. The outfits, colors, and cinematography were really nice. The soundtrack was also good and matched the mood of the drama.

The ending was satisfying overall, even if it felt slightly rushed in some parts. I think the drama did a good job mixing romance, comedy, and emotional moments without becoming too heavy.

Overall, Dali and Cocky Prince is a drama that is easy to enjoy. It has a unique couple, strong chemistry, funny moments, and enough emotional depth to keep you invested. It is not perfect, but it is definitely worth watching if you like romantic dramas with opposites-attract couples.

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Slow and boring with the FL acting like a little girl

I started watching this series because Bi Wen Jun is one of my favorite actors and all of his performances are great. Very talented young actor. However, now I simply can't continue watching the terrible acting of the FL. She may have misunderstood her character in this drama and instead of portraying an interesting, smart, fairly strong but soft at the same time character, someone who is a worthwhile partner to Han Zeng,,'s character. Instead, she is portraying a baby speaking, nagging, clingy, fake cutsie little girl character. So we are supposed to believe that this infantile girl is actually working as a constable and is a crime solving genius. Seriously?? I continued to episode 17, this very slow drama with too much boring dialogue and repeated themes over and over thinking that the director/writers may realize how awful the FL acting is and try to remedy it by giving her a character growth like the ML had. But no....I jumped ahead to the 34 episode to see if there were any changes in the FL acting/character/behavior, but unfortunately same little girl act. So at this point I can't spend more of my time on her bad acting and are dropping this show. Honestly, at this point I don't even care who the murderer is. I just feel sorry for Bi Wen Jun wasting his talent as he deserves a better FL who is not bringing the show down. I also really liked He Rui Xian and Yang Shi Ze roles and acting. Both are very talented young actors.

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