Reviews

Supposed To Be A Mystery Thriller Drama But Without Much Mystery

Positive Points
1. The biggest positive point is that the FL is well written, and Bai Lu portrayed the Li Pei Yi character brilliantly. Her body language as the imperial investigating officer was very convincing. She actually looked like a women well trained in martial arts. Though I did not like much how action scenes were choreographed at some scenes, Bai Lu herself covered up for those shortcomings. Nothing to say about her acting. The helplessness, loneliness, and pain of the character was protrayed well by Bai Lu.
2. ML and FL are both smart and rational people who are clear-headed and witty enough to match each other well.
3. The tragic and bitter reality of the women due to the lack of empowerment and high dependence on men due to social circumstances during those days, and their fight for survival, for a better future, was the central character of the show for me.
4. Production value was good.

Negative Points
1. The biggest downpoint for me was the lack of mystery in a mystery thriller drama. The writing is the biggest letdown. The cases felt too generic to me and the screenplay probably was the reason that I hardly felt interested or curious enough to know what happened and who did it. It could not make me engaged with the story. The reason was probably that there were many cases and all were unrelated to each other. The main villain did not manage to blow me over. The main villain in fact felt quite foolish to me. He does not know martial arts but charges to the palace with his army as a commander. What nonsense. He was not witty enough either. This big mystery felt really flat to me.
2. ML is an astrologer who does not have any martial arts but is chasing criminals with the palace investigating team. Visiting scenes and giving opinions, helping with the investigation, is fine. But he was going on the field chasing criminals at many scenes without martial arts and in some scenes writer suddenly remembers that he can't do it as ML does not know martial arts. It is a big writing inconsistency. ML is an astrologer who is solving cases with the palace investigation bureau, while his own job is on pause. Moreover, due to some reasons, Wang Xing Yue looked a bit uncomfortable to me. His expressions looked a bit stiff to me in many scenes. He is a good actor, and I really like him, but this role did not seem suitable for him. Bai Lu and Wang Xing Yue don't have any chemistry, unfortunately (at least not to me).
3. There were quite a few editing inconsistencies, especially during the initial episodes, which felt quite weird to me. Though it got reduced later but this quite spoiled some of the action scenes for me. Moreover, the way of storytelling was quite boring.
4. During the initial episode, the sister of the investigating team member, Mr. Gu gets missing and falls under such a big racket, but the brother, who has a very good relationship with his sister, does not know anything. Later, a common palace worker sealed someone inside a palace wall, which was supposed to be a highly visited place by the king and his consorts. How did he do it without anyone knowing, and where did he have the money to actually do it privately as the materials used in the palace must be expensive. Highly delusional and drunk writing. The so-called mystery and drama felt forced to me.
5. In later episodes, how did a body not decompose even after so many days? Ok, it was preserved with ice/chemicals. But suddenly, several butterflies came that had a certain chemical sprinkled on their wings. The body got instantly vaporized, and only a skeleton was left. What nonsense.
6. An epidemic was going on, and everyone was wearing a thin veil as if it would help. Even though I ignore it, ML was touching a dissecting equipment used for cutting disease-infected bodies open, bare-handed was sloppy writing. The Female doctor had already developed a cure and treated the FL, but was still searching for a cure (to make it affordable for all, which I understand) and dissecting bodies. Though the medical herbs are rare and expensive, it is highly unlikely the royal family will allow infected people inside the palace around themselves when a cure already exists. What nonsense. The doctor was dissecting infected people with her bare hands. Writing prescriptions and formulas with blood and still not getting infected. Also, she just cuts open a dead body (her friend) and bam, she found the cure for a disease that she already had found a cure for. The writer was probably drunk when he/she was writing such sloppy twists. Culprit tried to commit suicide by swallowing poison, and all were waiting for the FL to come and prick her with a needle so she could be saved. Furthermore, no damage was done from a life-threatening poison. Where she even found the poison to commit suicide is even out of question. Logic is dead.
7. All 34 episodes revolved around tracking criminals and everything, not because the criminals here were really smart, but because though they were quite foolish, they all carried bombs which they used at the right moment to throw under the nose of our super smart investigating team, and they got out unharmed. How convenient.
Overall, if you are a fan of the main leads, you might be able to finish it like me. Otherwise, if you are expecting romance or some creepy, mystery thriller, then this drama may not be for you, as it lacks quite a bit of punch in that department.

PS. I won't even question what that giant Alligator was even doing in the storeroom.

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MOST of this story is believable

EARTH PLAYING a character that is meant to be like 40 is not believable. Not because of the performance, it is a 100% believable, but simply because he is way too young.

Any BL series that is not about high school or university already gets bonus points. Even when one of the characters is still in a high school, it is not shown, but his life outside school is depicted, which is great.

Unheard of in BL that they show a former couple, and unique thst they even shown verbal fights between them, as well as cover some other real life circumstances.

It is also important that the series raises human rights issues, which is rare for such a vapid format as BL.

All in all, this is more like a real drama, instead, which is commendable. Especially for GMMTV, which almost never does things like this.

DETAILS of what is believable and not are in a comment with a spoiler tags below.

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Becoming human

Embedded in this long-winded drama is a poignant and profound discourse on what it means to be human. Or rather, one could say the story discusses that we should pursue to be the better version of our selves as humans and not seek for something that is not meant for us. Greed, immortality - these are perennial xianxia themes, but they are explored in more detail here than in most dramas of the same genre.

The execution of this story does hold some flaws, however. The writing is dense and often redundant - perhaps an oversight in direction or editing. There are simply too many scenes of exposition where people sit and talk about the same thing multiple times. Additionally, some characters and storylines feel superfluous and not well-integrated with the main story revolving around Lu Qianqiao and the treacherous immortals. The first half certainly does a better job of balancing all the story strands. The second half loses focus a bit and feels underwhelming at the climax. The story builds to a moment where ordinary men would triumph over evil (RIP Senior Bai), but suddenly Lu Qianqiao becomes a Perfect War Demon? A bit of a sudden turn in the character's journey to become wholly human and in the story's themes, if you ask me.

Nevertheless, this is still worth watching if you are a fan of the genre - it does hold some genuinely stirring moments from a great ensemble cast. However, it is far from a masterpiece and will likely not stand the test of time - certainly no rewatches from me.

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Not a BL and that’s ok

Firstly, I’d like to acknowledge that they portrayed the characters v well, and I loved that the focus wasn’t solely on their sexuality but on isolation, loneliness, and need for human connection. And although this wasn’t necessarily a BL, it felt like they positioned it that way and for the most part, the romance was lacking. Even with the drawings and trips, these gestures and experiences still felt like a deep bromance. Two men completely comfortable with each other and sharing a beautiful bond. Skin-ship isn’t necessary to show romance, but there was barely any longing, tension, or intimacy while they were living together and growing closer. Part of me feels this may have been because Taecyeon was stepping outside his comfort zone as an idol-actor? Whilst he did well, the romantic chemistry didn’t fully land for me. These were grown (fine) men attracted to each other, and yet we never even got something as small as a face touch? Or an unnecessarily long and dragged out longing gaze? Thankfully, the ending redeemed it slightly in that aspect to confirm their romantic feelings for one another :(. Without that ending, it would simply be an incredibly touching bond between two queer male besties. I love but they definitely sold us a romance, so I’m a bit salty the chemistry and yearning was lacking.

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This drama could have been so much better.

Why only 7? Because of the lack of chemistry between the two lead actors. PLEASE stop matching older actresses with baby boys. Both leads are good actors, but could only do so much in this drama. And impossible to make sparks fly when Ding Yu Xi is directed to act like a 15 year old begging for his Mom's approval instead of the grown man the part called for. "Shy" does not equal juvenile. The closest thing I saw to sparks was between Victoria Song and Zhang Tian Yang in the first 3 episodes. THAT was possible chemistry. Sorry all, this drama could have been so much better.

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Soul Mate

Stories like these are important. I went into this expecting a romance, mainly because that’s how the advertising presented it.

Queer stories aren’t extremely taboo in Korea and Japan, but most productions centred around LGBTQ+ characters tend to be lower-budget shows with shorter episode counts and relatively unknown actors. In bigger flagship productions, queer characters are often pushed into minor supporting roles and used for comedic effect, with stereotypes becoming the punchline. Strong Woman Do Bong-soon and Vincenzo are two examples that come to mind.

I would still classify Soul Mate as a romance. It’s heavily implied that the two main characters are gay, and they both say they love each other by the end of the show. There are no real love interests outside of each other. This just isn’t a conventional love story — it’s much more restrained and subtle.

Personally, I wish it had been less subtle. High-profile queer stories in these countries often rely on implication rather than direct representation, and it feels like Soul Mate had the opportunity to do something more daring. The story works as it is, but at times it feels as though the restraint comes from a fear of fully crossing that line. One day we'll get a story that doesn't restrain itself.

I’m also tired of queer stories constantly ending in tragedy. What message does that send when so many of these stories conclude with one character dying?

Overall, I did like the show, even if I think it was slightly misadvertised. I do believe it’s a love story, but one that never fully commits to going all the way. Still, the performances are brilliant, the soundtrack is excellent, and the characters are genuinely compelling.

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IF LIFE GOES DOWN WATCH THIS SHOW.

I just have only and only love to give towards every aspect of this series. I have never seen such a flawless show EVER. This clearly is in my top bls without a doubt. I have INHALED every scene of this show to a point that if you show me a random pic of any scene I could tell you which scene does it belong to. Here is the character breakdown.
1) POND NARAVIT: THIS MAN. I REPEAT THIS MAN IS A LEGEND. The way he portrayed Khun Thee is absolutely phenomenal. NO ONE could slay this role as much as him. His acting, expressions, body language, looks, voice and overall personality is EXACTLY what this character and show needed. Warning: After watching this show you are so gonna start calling him Khun Thee and this image of his is gonna stick with you till the end. I kid you not. His acting didn't seem excessive in ANY part of the show.
2) PHUWIN: I am in love with this man and his character of Peachayarat. His acting was so amazing. His character was SO well written and human, it was the most relatable and genuine characters I've ever seen. Choosing Phuwin for this role was the best decision ever. Every emotion that was portrayed could be felt deep into the hearts of the audience I can assure you that. Again I have nothing bad to say about his acting or any aspect of his.
3) EST: I had never ever pictured him in a role of a bodyguard but he ATE. That firmness, sort of a stiffness that is required to be in a bodyguard he gave exactly that. His special expressions in certain scenes (like he had to exaggerate) it sat so well with the theme of the show.
4) SANTA: My man is such a phenomenal actor. I've reached the point in which I've started repeating certain words as compliments because there are no enough words in English that could compliment these actors/ characters. His acting felt so genuine. I cried when he cried, I laughed when he laughed, I blushed when he acted all cute. First time seeing him act (I haven't watched Perfect 10 liners yet) and he is marvelous.
5) PERTH: He gave it his all and I can clearly see it. He acted so well as this character that I really start to hate him but yeah then I watch love you teacher and I started loving him again so well.
6) WILLIAM: My man got less screentime but that didn't stop from excelling. I loved every scene in which Rome was present. He was such a mood brightener. I LOVE HIM. The perfect brother Khun Thee could ever have.
7) Bonnie: She was such a perfect fit as Peach's sister. Like idk what the team did but Phuwin and Bonnie look so alike, like actual siblings. She is such a cutie.
8) ALL THE OTHER ACTORS I SEE YOU AND I LOVE YOU ALL!!! YOU GUYS SLAYED!!!! THAT'S ALL I'LL SAY!
9) OVERALL COMMENTS: Every scene from the show has managed to give me so much happiness, the tiny bits of the show has made such an impact in my life. It has become a show that I watch when I feel really depressed and it lifts my mood instantly! I don't know what magic this is! Also the music of the show is so accurate I love each and every ost of it!! It managed to make me laugh in the comedy scenes and make me cry in the emotional scenes. It was like I was living the show, I was living the characters, I could relate to them that much!

IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THIS SHOW PLSPLSPLSPLSPLSPLS WATCH IT YOU ARE SO NOT GONNA REGRET IT!

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A ONE TIME WATCH.

BEFORE YOU READ THIS REMEMBER THAT I INTEND FOR NO HATE/ DISRESPECT TO THE ACTORS NOR AM I MAKING A PERSONAL COMMENTARY TOWARDS ANYONE IN ANY ASPECT. I AM SIMPLY GIVING MY OPINION. KEEPING THIS IN MIND PLEASE CONTINUE!
I seriously am one of those fans who have been waiting for this series since a really long time, and I was very happy when I came to know the series is going to be released. I really do understand why Jeff and Barcode are hyped. I really get it. You get to see an entirely different version of themselves, not the same version which we saw in Kinnporsche. Let's break the characters one by one:
1) Jeff is a phenomenal actor. This dude slayed it with his looks, expressions and dialogues. The outfits I feel could have been better. They could have gone with something better than what they gave him and all the other aliens. It was too typical. I really liked the white fit he wore though. I feel it suited him. In that scene where Barcode is like mesmerized by his looks and stares at him (Me too) the way it was captured was pretty impressive, but at the same time pretty standard. I don't know how to explain it but yeah, that scene showed his features in like a phenomenal way and I could see that alienish face of his (Once you see the scene you'll get it). I feel his character was poorly written tho. Jeff deserves better.
2) Barcode: Can I say that Barcode did his best but disappointed me? It was like he was not giving his whole acting potential into the series. His face his innocence is overall personality voice able to match that innocent young boy who is struggling a lot and has gone through a lot of stuff in life. I hate saying this, but his acting didn't exactly impress me. The scene in which he comes to know who killed his parents. He could have done SO MUCH better. I really couldn't get those vibes which was supposed to be conveyed. Overall I feel he couldn't match the charisma of Jeff. How much affection I had for him in Kinnporsche I couldn't exactly feel that for him here in Wooju Bakery.
3) JeffBarcode chemistry: AMAZING. They were amazing together, but there was lack of good scenes and no room for character development. I wish they got better dialogues and scenes. I mean I could feel sparks in certain scenes but JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE JEFFBARCODE!!!! Also yeah there relationship was left incomplete btw. They could have given us a better ending for RaolWuju!!!
4) Other opinions: Overall a series that had an amazing cast but failed to utilise their full potential. Other actors overall did a good job but yeah the actor playing the dog (no insult to the actor/character but I forgot his name) could have acted better. He felt out of place in some scenes except for the ones in which he was acting like a full blown dog. (No insults whatsoever) The person who played the princess did an AMAZING JOB! My love towards the actor and character. Also his character could have had better scenes with the Policeman. I mean I get it the series was short but yeah it could be shown better. Everything felt rush. Was the wait worth it? I mean seeing JeffBarcode in this vibe it was. Too bad their talents weren't fully utilised.

Overall summary in one sentence: IT'S A ONE TIME WATCH!

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Uhm...

At first, I expected too much because we waited for almost 3 years, right? I was expecting the outcome to be great, but it didn’t really meet my expectations. Still, it didn’t matter that much to me since it was also good because the actors and actresses did what they could in the series.

I really don’t understand why it had to be dubbed in three languages (Thai, Korean, and English). Well, I know that aliens can translate different kinds of languages, but it felt a bit off to me.

What I loved about this series was that it somehow made me laugh and enjoy it, even though it was less than an hour long. I also adored Jeff Satur and Barcode Tinnasit in the series because of their interactions with each other, even if they weren’t shown for that long. I also missed seeing them together since KinnPorsche.

The other actors did well, but I didn’t really like how the two Filipino actors, Jayson and Alpha, delivered their lines.

This series was almost going to get sued because it wasn’t officially announced, and GagaOOLala just announced it without the actors’ permission, to the point that it caused issues on social media. Overall it's good, though some of you didn't like the series. But I hope we still support the actors hard work of this series. <3

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Lots of questions

First of all why were Nari's scenes super short and her story ignored most of the time? Why did none of the friends care for her if shes supposed to be in the friend group? Why did they kill her and didnt even go to pray for her like they did to the first guy? There was no explanation, no reason as to why one of the side characters was randomly killed. The main girl is not as good as the others think, she changes the curse, then killed Nari and lived normal after that. The two guys were involved but it just felt like they were side characters too, because everything somehow ended up surrounding the girl with the short hair.

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