Reviews

Our universe...

This drama is really bad... full disappointment why it was written like that, cos wdym she'll take custody for her nephew but proceeds to find love instead?

It was awful to the point that I skipped the parts which Uju aren't in it. I love the actors tho, they really did a good job portraying their roles but choosing their scripts isn't their forte... I think 🥲

Music? I can't remember, the storyline is so awful to the point that all I can remember is Uju's cuteness all throughout.

I will definitely not rewatch but watch tt edits of Uju to make my day 💗

Lastly, I'm literally speechless for this drama... and the reviews, too. People are blaming the actors but please blame the writers or whoever produced this drama. We're annoyed in the FL and that's surely because she can act (hence, the annoyance) but the terrible scripts and why the drama spiralled like that? Blame the one's behind the film and the management of the actors who can't choose the best for their actors.

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Were we just cinematically edged and why am I okay with it??

Nobody promised me romance, I didn't expect it, and yet it was there....but still so far away. And then the end. Me = gagged.

I really enjoyed the law aspect and found each case to be very intriguing--- with the exception of that whole B plot with Atty Kwon's justice thing, which was really just not that captivating to me. Acting was excellent for the most part-- again, I had issues with Atty Kwon and some of the side lawyers, but not even a huge issue.

The romance, or lack thereof...so different from what I usually watch. I'm used to the first couple episodes establishing an interest between the ML and FL, then building tension, a kiss scene, the breakup scene, the makeup scene, and round it out with a happy ending. This did not have that, but we still managed to build that same pressure and interest between the ML and FL, so each episode I was expecting that kiss scene or typical kdrama trope to pop up...and it didn't!! It was infuriating but also y'all better be writing that second season because I need moreee!

The age gap...in the words of my role-model and muse Britney Spears, "gimme, gimme (more)." Looove to see it and love to see it done tastefully...although, we never really got a full-blown relationship in this drama, but the carrot was definitely dangling in front of us. Hopefully there's a season two and hopefully this is explored more <3

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A jade totally worth pursuing ❤️

What a wonderful joy ride this drama has been, and this is coming from someone who's read the novel multiple times and is able to make the comparison between the drama and novel.

I'll start with the visuals and the cinematography, I'm just in awe of how amazing this director is with his craft. As a fan of Blossom, I knew his cinematography would not disappoint, but dang, he seriously up an entire level with POJ. Every scene, frame, and transition is with thought and purpose. His style of filming, especially during the first arc of the village life really made me feel like I'm immersed in their world. The glimpses we get of people's lives in the village, really gave off a sense of authenticity and tranquility and just so captivating. I will continue to follow this directors work for sure!

Casting. I cannot emphasize how perfectly casted to have ZLH and TXW as the cold but handsome marquis and the sweet, whimsical, straight forward, no BS, and strong butcher girl, respectively. To not only have 2 visually stunning actors take the lead but also matching the novel's descriptions of them both, is simply peak casting!!! ts almost like the characters were written with them in mind. I'm curious if the author had a say in the casting 🤔.  TXW really stands out from start to finish, she carried out this role exceptionally well and has definitely lived up to the character of Changyu. TXW's emotionally range and versatility is something we don't see in most Cdramas. Bravo my girl! ⭐️⭐️

POJ has had the best overall casting that I've seen in a long time, aside from ZLH and TXW , all the supporting characters, even the child star has had their spotlight moments, every actor/actresses carried out such memorable performances. I'm confident to say that this drama has given a much needed career boost for alot these talented actors.

As for the storyline and plot, I would say the drama follows about 60-70% of the drama at most. In the beginning it appears the drama was choosing to faithfully follow the novel,  besides the early development of Changyu and Xie Zheng's relationship in the village (a very welcome change 🤭), everything else was pretty much on par with the novel's progression in the first arc. Honestly, I think the first arc up to when they reunited at the camp was just excellently done 👌, the pacing and development was so engaging. Unfortunately, it is when they hit the military and Changyu's general arc that it started deviating from the novel and while I don't mind some of these changes, in fact, I even enjoyed some of them,  I just felt there were certain parts they should've been faithful to: an example is when they changed the part where Xie Zheng chooses to break up with Changyu after finding out about her family, how he torments himself physically and mentally, and then goes chasing to be with her after accepting punishment. This was such a emotionally powerful arc that was not portrayed on screen and its such a missed opportunity cause ZLH would've slayed it. 😢 Another scene I would loved to see on screen is their official wedding, it was such a symbolic ending to the novel as the leads started with a fake marriage and ends up falling in love, going through thick and thin, preservere  and finally having their happily ever after. A full circle moment. ❤️

Last but not least, our CP 😍🔥🔥🔥🔥. Seriously don't even know where to start as I'm sooo obsessed with their chemistry!! Even a glance at each other is making my toes curl - yes, big credit goes to the director for his emotionally impactful direction, but like I said before, there is only so much that camera angles and filters can help with bringing out the chemistry, the leads' acting is as equally as important as the director's artistic vision. ZLH and TXW has elevated the level of chemistry in Cdrama and will be hard to match for me. I'm really praying for a second collaboration between this two !!! 🔥🔥🔥😭😭

This is definitely one that I will re-watch ♾️!!!! 😭⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Started off well until it stopped making sense

The production quality is great and the acting is above average so far. The pacing of the story is going well and is actually quite interesting. So why am I dropping this so early on? Because the entirety the plot is meant to be around the FL and ML - and the character of the FL is making less and less sense.

The FL was quite charming initially but they built up the relationship between the two far too quickly and she gets away with too much. It stopped making sense when she suddenly starts acting incredibly arrogant in front of the princess when she only just met her. Then she feels comfortable throwing tantrums in front of the ML despite his "reputation" and not knowing anything about him. The Queen kills a maid for touching her candle yet the FL has no repercussions for setting her dress on fire? And she sneaks out of the mourning hall just like that without anyone trying to stop her? Despite her not wanting to die but yet acting with such shameless fervor and not actually even being intelligent about it... just killed her character for me. When the little prince dies, she has no empathetic reaction to it despite having met him. Then approaches the ML and just quite simply asks him if he's the culprit? They severely emphasized how easily people are killed for nothing but the FL just happens to get away with this narcissism? Having experienced being a concubine previously, one would think that she would know to at least pretend to be humble.

It's a shame because it has nothing to do with the actors but rather the character they are trying to paint. If they wanted it to be humorously believable, then they should have just gone that route fully instead of the very somber setting for the first impression.

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wishes, regrets and love

Overall: this series got me in the feels several times. 12 episodes about 35 minutes each. Aired on GagaOOLala, https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/6336/wishing-upon-the-shooting-star-2026-e01 (not available in Japan, Taiwan or Korea); Viki https://www.viki.com/tv/41438c-wishing-upon-the-shooting-stars#about and Youku https://www.youku.tv/v/v_show/id_XNjUxNzIyOTU1Ng==.html ; and iQIYI https://www.iq.com/album/wishing-upon-the-shooting-stars-2026-1ytj5n9hiid?lang=en_us

Content Warning: I'm not sure what it exactly was (update: attempted suicide, it was complicated), you can start episode 1 at 1m5s to skip it and then start episode 12 at 17:45, beaten up/fight/punches

What I Liked
- ocean side, small-town vibe
- supportive uncle
- some mystery
- a character who was forthright at the end of episode 2
- intimacy
- the fortune teller like woman/author had a very unique style that we rarely see in media

Room For Improvement
- I was a bit confused who the two characters were in the flashback but I did get it figured out
- episode 6 was too delayed to show what the deal was in the past
- didn't make sense why he would agree to pay that giant fine
- cliche female character in the past
- in the finale they tried to do too much with the scifi/fantasy element and it felt corny

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Totally worth my time

I personally didn't quite really enjoyed the ending, so i really hope that they have the 2nd season in plan. Overall, its a matter of taste and preferences. The acting was really good, the casting did a really good job because i cannot imagine someone else playing those 2 specific characters - Kim Nam Gil is just the perfect actor to play characters with sad/traumatic background. Can definitely say that i related to the anger issues thing. The plot itself was rushed, even if i enjoyed the story as a whole. Too bad it had only 10 episodes.

P. S. the main characters were GAY for each other.

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Sirens Kiss is one of those dramas that immediately pulls you in and keeps you constantly questioning what’s going to happen next. Every episode leaves you thinking, analyzing, and honestly… a little obsessed. It has that addictive quality where you just need to know what’s coming, even when the story starts to feel unpredictable.

One of the biggest highlights for me is Wi Ha-joon. He’s already one of my favorite Korean actors, but this role really shows how dedicated he is to his craft. I know some people have said his character can come off as intense or even “too much,” but he actually mentioned in interviews that this is how real SIU workers can be. Knowing that makes his performance feel even more authentic. You can tell he really did his research, and it shows in every scene—his presence is strong, controlled, and completely captivating.

And then there’s the chemistry between him and Park Min-young… it’s honestly magnetic. The best way to describe it is exactly how they said in their Jenga Q&A—it’s like a push and pull. They drift apart, but somehow always find their way back into each other’s space. It’s not just about physical closeness; it’s in the way they look at each other, the tension, the emotions. Their chemistry feels deeper than just “skinship”—it’s emotional, intense, and very real.

The OST is another thing that really stood out to me. Every song fits perfectly with the scenes, enhancing the emotions and making moments feel even more powerful. It’s one of those soundtracks where you hear a song and immediately think of a specific scene—that’s how well it’s done.

Visually, the drama is stunning. The cinematography is absolutely beautiful and adds so much to the overall mood of the story. Every frame feels intentional, almost like you’re watching a piece of art rather than just a show.

That being said, the drama isn’t perfect—and that’s okay. The chairwoman’s storyline, for example, can feel a bit all over the place at times. It left me confused in certain moments, but at the same time, it made me even more suspicious of her character, which I think might have been intentional. The plot overall can also shift quickly—from light, funny scenes to serious, intense moments—which might feel inconsistent to some viewers. But for me, it adds to the unpredictability of the show.

What really makes Sirens Kiss special to me is how rewatchable it is. I can go back to it again and again and still feel the same emotions—but not only that, every time I rewatch it, I notice something new. There are little hidden details and clues that you don’t always catch the first time, which makes you think even more deeply about the story. It’s like what the director mentioned—there are layers to this drama, and the more you watch, the more you start to piece things together.

I originally started watching it because of Wi Ha-joon, but through this drama, Park Min-young has easily become one of my favorite actresses too. Both of them portray emotion so well—you can literally feel what their characters are going through just by the way they look at each other.

I also want to mention something people have been talking about—Park Min-young’s weight loss. From what’s been shared, she lost weight to fully immerse herself into her character, who lives on water and alcohol. That level of dedication really shows how passionate she is about acting and bringing authenticity to her roles.

Overall, I know this drama has mixed opinions, and I completely understand why. It’s not perfectly structured, and it can feel chaotic at times. But for me, that’s part of its charm. Sirens Kiss is emotional, unpredictable, visually stunning, and carried by incredible performances and chemistry that truly stands out.

I’ve been waiting for this drama for a long time and I can’t believe it’s about to end. Just 4 more episodes left and I really really hope we see more chemistry with Wi Ha-Joon and Park Min-Young they deserve such a happy ending because they’ve been through so much.

And honestly… I’ll keep rewatching it 🤍

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Soft, Simple, Yet Deeply Moving

Pavane tells the story of three people, each struggling with their own life problems. At first glance, the trope of a handsome man and an “unattractive” woman might feel familiar, but this film presents it in a refreshing and different way.

I genuinely loved everything about this movie—the storyline, the characters, their chemistry, and even the cinematography. It all comes together beautifully.

What makes the story feel so fresh to me is its setting. It focuses on the lives of a mall parking attendant and a sales promotion girl (SPG), which is something I’ve rarely, if ever, seen in films or dramas. And surprisingly, I ended up loving it so much—our “poor couple” really stole my heart.

Even though the film has a slow pace, I didn’t feel bored at all. In fact, despite its nearly two-hour runtime, it felt surprisingly fast to me—which says a lot about how engaging the story is.

As for the chemistry, I honestly didn’t expect much at first because of the noticeable age gap. However, their acting completely changed my perspective. They made the relationship feel so genuine and beautiful. What stood out even more wasn’t just the romantic chemistry, but also the warmth of their friendship. Even though they didn’t have many scenes showing them spending time together, simple moments—like eating together after work—felt incredibly meaningful and intimate.

The acting overall was amazing—truly a perfect cast. Moon Sang-min did an especially great job. I could really feel his emotions in every scene, and his performance left a strong impact on me.

The film doesn’t go deeply into each character’s backstory, but somehow, you can still understand their struggles and why they live the way they do. That subtle storytelling makes it even more powerful.

Even though I didn’t cry, the ending still left me feeling sad and bittersweet.

The cinematography and overall tone of the film are also incredibly beautiful—I completely fell in love with them.

If I could rate this movie, I wouldn’t just give it a 10/10—I’d give it a 10.000/10. It’s just that good.

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Beautiful Start But Rocky End

To be honest, I was very conflicted about rating this drama. I absolutely loved the first 30 or so episodes but really felt that the quality of the plot, humour, and pacing of the later episodes to be completely different from the earlier ones. What was initially a captivating and heartfelt plot became shallow and (badly) comedic.

As for the characters...

Listen, I loved the FL. I loved her love for everyone around her, her strength and her compassion. I thought TXW did a great job in her fight scenes - I was convinced she was powerful and she looked every part the soldier. However, I was still not convinced in her presence as a commanding general. I would have loved some sort of montage to actually show her actually living towards this role and title but it just seemed like one day everyone was just falling over her with no real obstacles in the way. However, this is in no part TXW's fault, who I thought absolutely carried this drama, especially during the emotional scenes.

The ML felt more like a complement to the FL, which I have no problems with because this seems to mostly be a FL-centric drama but this also meant I had no emotional attachment to the ML as a person. I did love both of them and their chemistry together but as the plot progressed, I felt they were being overshadowed by the SFL and SML by both relationship development and chemistry.

If I could rate this in parts, I would probably have it as 9.5/10 for the first 30, and 8.5/10 for the last 10. In the end, I settled for something in the middle because despite its shortcomings in the later episodes, I did really enjoy and love everything else, from the production to the acting.

Also, bonus points to the makeup and costume for this drama because while ZLH is a very handsome man, this was 100% his best looking drama to date and I have to admit that my shallow ass would have started watching this just for him and TXW's visuals alone.

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A painful but necessary watch

I usually never write reviews, I've been watching asian shows and movies for years but never felt the need to write a review. After watching this movie, I just feel like have to. I'm also pretty picky about giving a good rate to a show or a movie but this one... man how can I not?

Idk where to start but 1st of all, this movie **is not for everyone**, I started watching this movie just based on the cover of the movie, I wasn't aware it's a well-known movie so TW!!! Fortunately, I can handle these subjects so I was able to actually watch the movie. Even if I knew where the direction of this movie was going into, I still wanted to watch it by curiosity but also for understanding how painful such experience for the victim and her family, it can be. It is SO SO important to educate people and show what it is like, because it can happen to anyone, no matter what their sex and age is. And this movie taught me SO MUCH on how it is so important to really be there for one and other, even in the little things. How important it is to have a community. Without the support of the friends and the therapist, how would that family survive? That is a very genuine question I'm asking because not only the father needed money to cover the hospital bills for his daughter but also his wife since she's pregnant BUT also just simply the emotional support. Just imagine how painful and lonely it is for the victims and their family who have no one to rely on. This is why such movies are so important just to let alone show how community, asking help, never giving up, being there for each other or having hope is primordial for surviving. And yes, it may seem dramatic a bit to say it like that but for them it's like dying, knowing their child went through something so horrible, not being sure if the aggressor (that mf) will get the punishment he deserves...

One scene for me which really touched me was when the parents say they wanted other kids to go through what their daughter went through and they really feel bad that they think like that. As a woman who never went through SA, nor my surroundings, I fully understand what they mean and I do not blame them at all. There's this raw truth in this movie that made me feel like I was not watching a movie, almost unfortunately like a documentary. Only later did I learn that this movie was inspired by true events... Truy horrific... But this is why it is so important to watch this movie and respect the work.

The acting? Man 100/10, I mean I felt everything to my bones, I cried idk how many times, the actors did an excellent excellent job. It must have been difficult for them so I can't even imagine irl how terrible and horrific it would feel, just thinking about it I want to cry ugh. But the little girl? WOW she did an outstanding job, I hope she was not traumatized from playing in this movie and that it did not affect her today as an adult.

The production was great, nothing bad to say. The pacing of the movie was beautiful, the scenes were cut nicely, everything felt coherent and heartfelt. I really liked and was very touched about the scene where the little girl was explaining her worries to her therapist that she's worried her friends wouldn't want to see her or that she is ashamed after knowing what happened to her. And throughout the scene, we see the kids from the school sticking drawings on the door of their home to let her know they think of her. Man I cried a lot... But it was very beautiful and sad, because she thought no one would want to care about her after what happened but little did she know everyone cared and thought about her. This is also why I think the movie did a good job to show how therapy is important and necessary for feeling heard and understood even in the most difficult times.

I also think they showed really well the psychological consequences after a such horrific crime not only for the girl, but also for the parents and how it impacts the family dynamic. It was healing to see their relationship get stronger by the end of the movie and the newborn, I think really was a good timing for bringing them even closer. That last line really hit me because it's little things that bring joy even when someone went through the most horrible thing ever.

Rewatch value is a 2 for me because it would cause me sm pain and sadness to go through this movie again. OFC I'll recommand this to people who are curious about these topics. Like I said, it is important to educate people and show the impact and the consequences it can bring.

It's a long review, I don't think anyone would read this much but yeah this is a 10/10, a difficult watch but necessary one. I hope the victims and their family are doing well.... Oh also f**ck the justice system and the police officiers who won't move their butt like omg.... i was so MAD but hey unfortunately that's the reality we live in... Like the title of the movie says, let's not lose hope :)

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Visually Stunning Story of Love, War & Secrets

Appearances are deceiving in this tale of love and revenge that unfolds during wartime. None of the main characters are quite what they seem to be at face value, including the heroes of our story: Fan Chang Yu, a petite girl with a lovely face who works as a butcher and has exceptional physical strength, and Yan Zheng, a nobleman in disguise whose scholarly gentleness conceals a hidden dangerous edge and sometimes sharp temper. Their marriage of convenience forms the backdrop for their journey to untangle a web of political schemes, family secrets, and complicated relationships.

Tian Xi Wei as Fan Chang Yu strikes a believable balance between fierceness and femininity. She’s a “strong female character” (though I dislike that term) that’s also likable, something that many series struggle to get right. I liked TXW as the female lead in the 2022 historical drama “New Life Begins,” but her role here is much richer and more layered, and she delivers a fine performance as a character whose larger-than-life qualities are balanced out by a sweet personality, strong principles, and moments of vulnerability.

As with the female lead, there’s more to Zhang Ling He’s male lead than his refined appearance and manner. As Yan Zheng — a war refugee rescued by Chang Yu — he’s loyal, compassionate, and supportive. But when his hidden skills and reflexes come out to play — throwing unseen stones to cripple an evildoer, breaking a chopstick or teacup to use as an impromptu weapon — it’s clear his identity isn’t a simple one.

ZLH often plays gentle characters (and does it well with that tender gaze of his), but I didn’t expect that he would be so convincing in a warlord type of role. However, he inhabits the role with sensitivity and charisma as his character grapples with conflicting sides of his personality and identity — the warm and quietly protective Yan Zheng versus the cold and commanding Marquis Xie Zheng.

It seems that only Chang Yu (and her adorable little sister) can unlock this gentler side of him, and their romance is slow and sweet at the beginning, with lots of stolen glances and lingering looks. It gradually builds into unspoken feelings and, strengthened by shared hardship, becomes an unbreakable bond that survives war and separation. Their romance is not the primary plot focus, but their devotion and unconditional support for each other shine through in small moments throughout the story.

Aside from the leads, every character is complex, even the villains. Deng Kai in particular has a standout role as one of the antagonists, a prince whose elegant appearance hides a dark past and a disregard for human life. It’s fascinating watching him grapple with his inner demons, and you know an actor is doing a good job when you can’t help but feel compassion for a deeply flawed, contemptible character.

While the cast is exceptional, it’s the gorgeous cinematography that drew me in first. The visual style is cinematic, even painterly, with soft colors and natural, diffused lighting. The director really knows how to make his subjects — both people and sets — look stunning. Even the villains and violence are beautiful. However, while the fighting is bloodier than your typical costume drama, war and killing aren’t glamorized.

To sum up, “Pursuit of Jade” is a feast for the eyes, with beautiful costumes, styling, and scenery. The story itself isn’t unique, and the political intrigue and allegiances are confusing in places, but the cast and cinematography elevate this drama to another level. It’s the best historical drama I’ve seen since “Prisoner of Beauty” (2025), and worth watching if only to appreciate the visual craftsmanship.

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Slowburn drama that’s so slow it forgets where it’s headed

Our Generation is a slow-burn character study about youth — first crushes, academic pressure, and the awkward stretch from small-town innocence into the messier world of adulthood. At its core Our Generation is a collection of realistic moments of how childhood memories can grow into something that transcends time and distance.

The best part

Zhang Linghe as aloof math genius Jiang Qiaoxi, is why you want to see this. I’ve been following him since Love Between Fairy and Devil, but this is the first contemporary drama of his I’ve watched. (I know I know there’s The Best Thing). He’s extremely talented — while he shines in idol and costume dramas, his subtle performance here is a real standout and feels different from his more popular roles. I liked that the creators didn’t just throw his “face card” at us to distract from character development. He isn’t scared to be shown in an unflattering light here. And I respect an actor with entire image built on his looks attempting to do something different for a change. And that honesty might be the best part of the drama, that tired, beaten down young man in Hong Kong stretch of episodes. If for nothing else (and there is truly nothing else), the drama is probably worth watching for Zhang Linghe’s performance alone.

Zhao Jinmai as Yingtao is good, but I’m not a big fan overall. Her performance here doesn’t measure up to her work in The Princess Royal, which I enjoyed much more because she was actually convincing there. In Our Generation there are really great emotional moments where she lands the feelings like a blow, but her overall portrayal as a high school girl didn’t fully convince me and it was a little hard to watch at times. It’s like you can tell it’s a grown woman acting as a little girl. I don’t think she’s cut out for those roles. She has her strengths elsewhere. Still, I like Zhao Jinmai in this drama better than in Shine on Me. Plus the emotional scenes between her and Zhang Linghe when they are both playing adults is where she really packs a mean punch.

There are lot of interesting supporting characters, but this is also the drama’s one of biggest issue. Some supporting roles got a lot of screen time while others felt like they were there just for the sake of having supporting characters. The stories weren’t distributed evenly across the gang. A lot of stories had foundation, but nothing ever came out of that foundation. I wish the drama had either stayed tightly focused on the main couple or actually distributed storylines evenly among the whole group.

I liked the family dynamics between in Yingtao and her parents. I liked how they were contrasted with Jiang Qiaoxi’s completely opposite family dynamics to showcase why he is the way he is. It’s an understanding and loving family against a dysfunctional family that doesn’t remember what it means to be a family. Still I wish they showed his parents at the end asking for forgiveness, even for a second, especially his mother. There was so much emphasis on her broken relationship with her son at the beginning of the drama that it felt strange not to have their story come full circle.

Pacing is the biggest problem

The show has a really strong foundation, but it drags. And I mean it. You can skip through minutes and minutes of dialogue and still not miss anything crucial to the plot. Yes, this is mostly character-driven rather than plot-driven — slice-of-life youth vibes for the most part — but the pacing still hurts the overall impact. Stretching the high-school portion of their lives across so many episodes and leaving only a handful of episodes for their adult reconnection does the story a huge disservice.

The drama does have a great ending — you get butterflies — but the last couple of episodes feel almost like a different drama: faster paced, upbeat, with comic relief we hardly see earlier. That tonal shift is jarring but it does leave you satisfied.

Bottom line

If anything, watch this drama for Zhang Linghe’s performance. I skipped quite a lot, and his acting was the only reason I powered through. There is plot, but it’s paper thin and nothing new and so much screen time could have been just taken out and it wouldn’t affect the plot one bit. The show has real heart and honest moments, but uneven supporting arcs and painfully slow pacing keep it from being great. Still, when it works, it really works — just be ready to grit through long stretches to get there. Or skip. In the end, it’s hard to say if the show is trying to be a youth drama, a family drama or a romance.

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