Reviews

A must watch drama ...

what started as a simple crime mystery drama turned out to be more intricate and emotional one .
for me this was one of xu kai 's best works so far , overall the plot and acting were superbe .

in the beginning , you think that chen hui is that simple boy running his skating rink and trying to gather money for his girlfriend's kidney transplant surgery but as this goes on we discover that he is a drug trafficker , from him he was doing it to gather the money for the operation yet the more he tried to get out of this illegal business the more he sank deep.
ML was a big manipulator , he manipulated huo kaiming which lead him to killing lu yuan , he even tricked his family into believing he was paralyzed so his father won't ask him why he was kidnapped by huo kaiming , but here is what didn't make sense, songge was supposedly sick and weak why did he let her do the drug dealings ? even after lu yuan attacked her and her fistula bleed and she almost died, I mean he got into drug trafficking for her operation but couldn't think she might be attacked and killed in one of those drug dealings ????

songge is she really loved him why didn't she convince him to stop selling drugs ? couldn't she think of the consequences ? she should tried to stop him at some point instead of doing everything he asked her to do , but did it out of guilt that he is doing all this for her.

hui's father was sos hell bent on accusing and putting is son behind bars which was really annoying , I am talking about the first part when he doubted his son might be the drug trafficker , he had no solid evidence but he kept accusing him , even when hui did something to remove that doubt he still didn't believe it and kept digging deeper , did he trust his son in the first place??

chen hui 's character development came along way as they showed us how he sank deeper into darkness from killing tian jin hai and huo kaiming to pinning tian jian hai's death on detective liu.

the ending was very tragic , he managed to save her life and she had the operation but at what cost.
despite the tragic ending this is a must watch drama and truly deserves your time .

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That'll do, cells. That'll do.

I know this is technically a self-contained drama, but it will make more sense if we include Yumi's Cells 1 and 2 in our discussions.

Let's get the easy bits out of the way. The production quality is solid. Everything has a glow up. The FL is now a successful writer. She works in a swanky studio of her own and has a Padawan . . I mean assistant writer. However, she has been surviving in an emotional desert for years. No distractions = max productivity. That is a double edged sword though. Her romantic stories are more polished, but they are becoming tropey as they are no longer fuelled by raw emotions from her heart.

In terms of acting, Kim Go Eun IS Yumi. She owns the titular role by now. Her cells exist in a familiar space, mostly leading a sedate existence or placed in suspended animation as she locks away emotions that are deemed unproductive.

The ML is a young, up and coming actor. He already appeared in several high-profile dramas in various capacities. He is tall and handsome. His role swings from a cold, detached professional to a hot-blooded lovesick puppy. He has good chemistry with the FL and there are some nice skinship. Occasionally, he will drift into this bemused expression as if he couldn't believe he is the ML. He has room to grow and I'll be keeping an eye on his progress.

As expected, the cells shared almost equal billing. This time, we are introduced to the ML's cells as well. While there are some commonalities, there are also unique variants. The General who oversees the ML's principles is a gem. Thankfully, the cells are less of a filler gimmick this time round.

We now need to look at the series as a whole. While the first series planted the FL firmly in the role of a supportive girlfriend with limited agency. The second show took a different path as Yumi discovered self-love and developed a backbone. She is the tragic example of win some and lose some in the game of love.

This third installment starts off feeling same-y, yet . . different. For starters, this series is only 8 eps long instead of the usual 14/16. This means the story is much more focused. Once it hit its stride, the show really motors along. This is a good thing. While the first series feels about right in its pacing, the second one can feel a little draggy at times. Maybe it is due to the heavier tonal shift in YC2.

If I'm honest, I came onto this show with some trepidation as well. I'm happy to report that this series has found its mojo again. :)

To wit, instead of more awkward push-pulls as Yumi navigate a new romance. We are given a much more straightforward preposition. The ML is totally smitten by Yumi and he is not wasting time. Woof! It was cute to see all the cells that have been sidelined or even placed in suspended animation came back to life. The naughty cell is a hoot!

So, if we look at Yumi's journey as a three act play then this shortened drama makes a lot more sense. She is finally in the position to recognise when True Love™ comes knocking. In stead of the uncertainties and self-doubts earlier, she was able to push through and make the right decision for the right reasons. There are no fireworks or epic battle of Wills. Just a quiet confidence that speaks volumes.

The final scenes are beautifully done and firmly cemented the cells’ place in our hearts. It was a fitting finale to a years long journey.

The writer-nim hit paydirt when they created the animated cells, but all good things must come to an end. Fare thee well, cells! Peace.

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Cute but a bit boring

I found the premise of this drama quite interesting. Also, as a foreigner living in Japan, I could relate to her struggles a lot.
Their meet cute was really cute too, and I loved the connection with food and how they both were struggling in life but trying to make the best out of it. Sometimes, life take a completely different, unexpected turn, and this drama showed it really well. I even cried at a few scenes especially at the end.

Although their relationship was cute most of the time, there were a fee things I found annoying and childish, especially that midway break-up. It was intense and unnecessary…

I also didn’t like how the second female lead was such a pushover to her bum of a boyfriend 🤯🤯🤯how can she date someone like that????? with no job, addicted to pachinko games on top of it too… omg! I was just sooo icked out and didn’t understand why she was still together with him…

For the main couple, I also can’t say that I liked their ending… it wasn’t bad but not what i hoped for…

All in all, it was an ok drama. Good enough to watch in-between, but tbh I wasn’t really looking forward to watching it every week. whenever I had free time between my usual dramas or nothing else to watch I would turn it on.

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The best psychological, family and social drama of a decade

I lived in 90, I was then ofcthe age of main heroes Chen Hui and Gao SongGe. I lived in Poland on this time of big economical transformation, when system collapsed and nobody was protected from anything. Money rulled. This is a drama about similar times. And being young and inteligent, goodhearted and full od empathy, but without a good choice, without chances to live normal life. About love that is missing and deadly conflict between those, who should love and protect, but they dont even know how. And about love, that charish and protects till the end, to the extreme. It is about fighting the fate, about trying to change the path, about finding prace eventually. Great story, Great acting, Great directing, Great sets, really recreating mid 90.s. In Poland we had "Cinema of moral anxiety ". This movie like that Polish cultural phenomenon, shows person destroyed and eventually killed by the system, family system, economical system, system of opression. This drama is so a piece of art.

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não se deixe enganar pelos óculos ✍?

Eu gostei muito do enredo da história, e da química dos atores que é absurda. Amei todos os episódios, apesar que com esse final deixou muita gente dividida porém eu gostei sabe, uma vibe meio realista meio melancólica, obviamenteee preferia que ele não fosse preso, mas como desde o início dar a entender que estão investigando sobre as gangues não achei sem sentido. Meu sonho segunda temporada. Porém aff poderia só ter mais episódios, não tenho o que reclamar.
Eu acredito porém, que poderia ter entrado mais no desenvolvimento do casal secundário, no final a gente ainda descobre um plot sobre o personagem do irmão dele, a única coisa chata é que são poucos episódios com pouca duração 😭😭😭, pq eu acredito que poderia ter tido até um episódio único sobre o casal secundário pra a gente conseguir entender mais da dinâmica deles.

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Just another Sageuk: The chronology of Lee Joon Gi's face cards

Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo,2016
Date completed: May, 2026
Rating: 8.3

I finally got around to watching this classic, a drama that has enjoyed “legendary heartbreak” status for years. Naturally, I went in expecting emotional devastation, poetic storytelling, and lot of tears, Instead… I found myself pausing mid-episode like, wait… is this the part I’m supposed to be crying? Anyone who has been around Sageuks knows that everyone dies.. An incurable insect bite is all the writer needs to send a whole King to his ancestors.. Anyway.

As with any historical ,I took my usual quick trip down Wikipedia lane. The story draws from the reign of King Gwangjong of Goryeo, and while some major events are rooted in reality, there’s no record of Hae Soo(FL) ever existing. Fairly, fictional inserts are basically a normal day in the writer's office. But considering Gwangjong’s real life already had enough intrigue (and, let’s be honest, questionable family tree decisions), I couldn’t help but feel like the extra dramatization of his bad romance was just to create heartbreaks with the viewers… for no clear reason.

Where things started to itch for me was in the character writing, especially our female lead...As we know the rest of the literature should follow the history books and there is no magic wand to change that. So as an added character, our attention is on her. She begins as someone you can root for: lively, modern, fearless around the princes of Goryeo. And then somewhere along the way, it’s like the script said, “how many bad choices can one person make in a day” Her decisions often feel less like natural progression and more like the plot gently (or aggressively) pushing her into chaos. At times, it genuinely felt like her main role was to accidentally set fires and then stand in the middle wondering why it’s hot. Frustration? Frequently.

That said, the cast really understood the assignment. Lee Joon-gi , Kang Ha-neul, IU and the rest deliver performances that carry the emotional weight of the script they were handed and they do it well. Even when the writing starts to wander, they keep things grounded and compelling. Also...and this is just my personal take, the 3rd Prince, played by Hong Jong-hyun (from Positively Yours and What Comes After Love), carries a presence that almost makes you pause and think, he could’ve delivered a striking portrayal of Prince Wang So(ML).There’s something about his physique and dark aura that fits the intensity you’d imagine for that role. But then you are reminded that the casting draws from a real history. Gwangjong of Goryeo wasn’t necessarily known for a commanding physical frame based on his the last portrait we get a glimpse of in the museum scene.

I came in prepared for the infamous “K-trauma” experience this drama is known for. I braced myself. I hydrated. I emotionally stretched. And while the story definitely leans into tragedy (as expected), I found myself less in tears and more in a state of mild, simmering annoyance, mostly directed at certain narrative choices. Not exactly the emotional cleanse I was promised.

In the end, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a drama lifted significantly by its performances but, at least for me, held back by inconsistent writing. It’s one of those classics that you respect… and tick off just for the stats.

A fan favorite? Absolutely.
A flawless one? I wouldn't get carried away.

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A cute feel good school drama with great feels

I can't believe this drama has no reviews yet. I' not one to write reviews but think this is too good to not write one.

Firstly, this drama does come with a range of tags. Mainly domestic /child abuse, alcoholism, attempted suicide and parental loss. Do not watch if sensitive to these tags.

Summery of the plot, Yuan Bao and Qing Yun are childhood friends. Their parents were work colleagues and lived int he same complex. When a tragic accident took the lives of Yuan Boa's parents, Yuan Bao continued to live in the complex along with her grandmother with the support of Qing Yun parents.

The story unfolds as a heart warming school-based drama around not just YB and QY but also about their friends.

The full 24 episodes feature the last 3 years of high school before graduation and moving to college (university). There is a small section at the end of 24 that is 7 years later.

The feels are just right. I'm not afraid to say I shed a couple of tears. It's very heart-warming

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First time seeing Park Minyoung in a dark thriller

This drama came as a surprise. I was really intrigued by the plot. It first took me a while to get into the story. The first episode was actually quite intriguing and it definitely started with a bang.
The beginning was intriguing, especially the creept music got me hooked. I was also lowkey shocked about Park Minyoung’s appearance. She looks soooo skinny in this drama that it gives her a haggard, skeleton-like appearance which was more scary than attractive to me. idk if she lost weight bcs of this role or bcs of beauty standards, but I found her much more beautiful in her usual weight. She literally looked sick in this drama which somehow made sense because she was mentally struggling, so the fact that she didn’t look healthy supported the reveal later in the drama.

At the beginning, everyone was naturally suspecting her, including the audience, but the more we saw of her and the other characters the more we realized that she was innocent, especially when she tried to commit suicide at the ex-fiancee’s funeral.

I started to suspect her male bestie Eun-hyuk pretty soon. However I did change my theory when Baek Jun-Beom appeared more and more so I thought he was the main villain. But then he died and I was back at Eun-hyuk again.
And ofc I suspected the CEO Kim too, especially after the scene she goes into her vault and creepily admires the painting of Seol-Ah’s dad… That’s when I realized that sth was wrong with her. Tbh she also reallyyyyy looked like a psychopath anyway…

Definitely a crazy reveal at the end. Tbh all the art forgery stuff got a bit too much for me in the end but luckily it was not the main plot in the drama.

I also thought it was soooo sad that her bestie was the culprit… like, I really felt for Eun-hyuk, his sister and Seol-Ah’s childhood stories and how much pain they must have suffered 🥺🥺🥺 Eun-Hyuk was such a cute boy! He didn’t deserve all that… It was sad that he had an abusive father and a mother who abandoned him 🥺🥺🥺 It really shows how parental love or neglect or violence can form a child’s future… And although I can understand how Seol-Ah must have felt and that she can never forgive him, I was lowkey hoping for redemption… The suicide was sad but I think the only solution for the mess he created… soooo so sad! At least she knows that she never killed her parents…

Although the end was wrapped up nicely, there were still some things I didn’t understand / like. For example, why did Eun-hyuk not shoot the ML immediately?
Also, how did the ceo know that it was him who set the fire?? Did she peak from the window?
Anyway, I give this drama an 8/10 for the great message, amazing soundtrack, and a clean wrap up at the end. ☺️I loved the message that we never know what everyone is going through. And no matter how beautiful, successful or desirable someone seems, there is always something that they are hurting from. It’s a great reminder to not judge people.

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MUST WATCH THIS SERIE

If you are not watching it then go and watch because you are missing this masterpiece series the drama, the cast, the songs, and everything of this drama is sooooo good. IF YOU ARE NOT WATCHING THIS SERIE THEN WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING????? I was waiting for this drama since James was part of it but destiny had another plan and net James got separated and we get #NETJJ and after almost 2 years we get this masterpiece where JJ have did his best not even best it's more than that, that I can't even explain I really loved him sooooo much and NET my bby, his acting was already soo mind-blowing and still it's mind-blowing. I love both of them and they are doing great together I love this ship of dmd. I didn't imagined that this series will turn out so good I really loved this series. Bro you guys are missing a masterpiece, bro whyy are you not watching thisss ???

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Truly a kidney touching story. I'm in tears.

This drama served nothing but looks😆 not acting, nor plot. I've seen these actors in other dramas and their acting was fine but here it was a disaster.

Jaonine really sucked at playing the toxic red flag obsessive male lead and Tiger couldn't play the "victim" right either😆 it was supposed to serve "jinx" but served nothing but good looks ngl i really liked their costume and makeup. It looked amazing on them. The plot was fine for a while but then after a while it felt repetitive especially when Alo kept running away cz of his gambling addiction 🙄

I hated both their parents especially the grandpa like bro adopted Zane and once his son dies he abuses him in the name of teaching?? Then once he gets to know he has a grandson not a granddaughter he's like bye bye Zane ur no longer the heir. WHAT?? that's the kid u raised. He's been managing that business all his life while your biological grandson was an art teacher and that's what u do??

Well atleast thank god they were not brothers i was 👌this close to vomiting when Zane was like i love him eventhough he is my brother 💀💀 and the old man opened his mouth and i was saved from trauma

Anyways it's a total brainrot😆😆 u can just watch it for fun.

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A rushed ending to an amazing series

This season can be summed up in 1 word: rushed. Everything was rushed in terms of relationship progression (how they started developing feelings, their dating story, … etc.).

Until this day, I still can’t understand how both of them started to develop feelings for one another. Yumi went from hating Soonrok’s guts to crushing on him in a span of 5 minutes. The reasons for her hating him was just super petty and unreasonable for a person who is in their mid-30s. I understand some of Soonrok’s actions could be seen as off-putting to other people who don’t understand him but most of his actions didn’t justify the extreme hatred (?) that Yumi had for him. For example, she felt awkward because he didn’t return her light banter during their meeting, he isn’t obligated to say more “Yes” sometimes people just don’t have much to say. The worst plot is the fact that she got annoyed because he insulted her Maltese’s storyline. The writers must be have ran out of ideas for this one because why are we going for middle-school level pettiness for adults in their early to mid 30s? I can’t believe I had to watch 2 adults arguing about whether Malteses are dumb or not like I actually couldn’t care.

Then all of a sudden Yumi likes Soonrok? Why? Because he took off his glasses, wore casual clothes and smiled at her? Actually whats even harder to understand is how did Soonrok start liking Yumi? All the conversations they had with each other on screen was almost all work-related. What is even more bizarre is that Soonrok proposed to Yumi a month into their relationship. Where did all of these come from? They came rushing and pushing everything into the last 2 episodes when we could’ve had more characterization process for both Yumi and Soonrok and come to a clearer understanding of how both of them came to realize their feelings for one another. But no! We get unnecessary plot lines like the annoying male writer who doesn’t take no for an answer.

Also I feel like Yumi was more relatable in the previous 2 seasons. Maybe it’s because I’m not a successful writer while Yumi in the previous season was such a normal 9-5 office worker/unemployed person who is trying to re-find her passion in writing again whilst navigating the relationships around her. This season just focused on her romance plot line and not a lot of focus on her career aspects? Of course you can’t fit everything into only 8 episodes, thats why this season needed more.

Overall still love Yumi’s Cells, the actors and actresses did a phenomenal job, I thought Kim Jae Won did pretty decent portraying Soonrok. The plot and maybe soundtrack could’ve been better.

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Sin Sun Rok is The Greenest Flag Ever

This was by far the best season compared to the previous ones, especially because of the story and the ending. Sin Sun Rok was the best character—also the cutest I’ve ever seen. Yu Mi felt very realistic this season, but what annoyed me the most was how she handled her relationship. She chose to date a younger guy even though she wasn’t sure, and then started having doubts when he proposed. If she wasn’t certain from the beginning, she shouldn’t have started the relationship at all.

The moment she asked Sin Sun Rok to wait for her broke my heart. Even without words, you could feel his pain. Thankfully, Yu Mi’s parents stepped in and handled the situation well, because based on how her character developed, she could have easily hurt him without even realizing it. Her past breakups made her more guarded and distant.

In the end, all I really cared about was how it would finish. From the moment their relationship started, seeing Sin Sun Rok’s pure and genuine side made me hope they would stay together. I was constantly worried something would go wrong, especially after what happened in previous seasons, but thankfully this time it didn’t. I’m really happy—nowadays it’s hard to find a Korean drama that makes my heart flutter, but this one truly did.

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incest

starting was weird I thought it will change in mid but no it doesn't I drop at 9
FML ml parents want to marry eachother because of this they come together in one house or live next door, FML ml both are mutual but some stupid misunderstanding and ml rejects FML ? he thought she is faking or prank the confession, is he stupid? he doesn't know her ? she will fake a confession? that was really dumb I like FML character not ml , the 2nd couple even worse ,the hookup from start till end ? and they're always making out seriously? why cdrama copy paste other cdrama? writing worst story ever the 2nd couple in every drama?
so it's very dragging and slow , ml suddenly confess her and forcing her now ?(also everything is stupid worse poor writing , ml acts only when FML is meeting other guy seriously? even confession is done only when he find FML and the other guy will be together) and saying it doesn't matter if parents get married seriously? 😂 i didn't expected this I thought the ml will stop the marriage but he is okay with that and be wants both father and son get together with the mother daughter the ml is sick author is sick, FML is right to avoid him , it was already 9 and I wasted my time
some sick people rating it 9 calling cute romance ?

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