Reviews

BEST BL OF THE YEAR

I went into it expecting a mediocre plotline and okay acting like most bls do have.... But i was FLABBERGASTED by how AMAZING it was. The writer/actors knew what they wanted and they DELIVERED.

**The clash between evil and good, crazy and sane, life and death.**
Fan Xiao was so well written and well acted that although he is a big red flag, i was rooting for him the whole series. He managed to manipulate me the viewer and That's how a good plot is made.
You Shu Lang was not the pathetic victim you'd expect from series like this. He likes justice and keeps trying to get an eye for an eye, except some rare times with Fan Xiao, his weakness. You Shu Lang doesnt need a savior. He is the savior.

They nailed the trope of deity and devotee, and then they dismantled it only to build it again for us.

This is the type of series that is gonna have its place in my favorites for a loooooong time.

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É um bom drama, mas acredito que poderia ter entregado muito mais no desenvolvimento do casal principal. Na minha visão, o foco da história nunca foi o romance em si, e sim mostrar uma mulher ocupando espaços de poder e enfrentando questões políticas em uma época em que isso era extremamente difícil. A prota é determinada, inteligente e muito corajosa. Ela enfrenta situações complicadas com firmeza e autenticidade, o que é um dos pontos fortes do drama. Porém, boa parte das suas conquistas acontece porque ela é constantemente protegida e salva pelos dois homens da história: tanto pelo prota quanto pelo personagem que muitos enxergam como antagonista (eu o vejo como parte do triângulo amoroso em que colocaram alguém q eu amei), ele era charmoso e tinha horas que se destacava até mais que o prota afff.

Confesso que houve momentos em que a “braveza” da prota me irritou um pouco. Em algumas cenas eu simplesmente não conseguia compreender seus sentimentos ou suas decisões. Ainda assim, considerando o contexto histórico e das vontades dela, ela fez muito mais do que seria esperado para uma mulher daquela época, e isso merece reconhecimento. Mas ao mesmo tempo, fica a sensação de que ela sempre tinha uma rede de proteção. Havia dois homens dispostos a mover montanhas por ela, abrindo caminho para que alcançasse seus objetivos. Talvez por isso o desfecho do antagonista tenha doído tanto, ele não era um vilão, ele só queria ser o escolhido. E foi triste. Eu fiquei triste!

No geral, gostei bastante do drama. Para mim, o casal secundário roubou a cena. Eles tinham uma química muito mais natural e cativante, e eu realmente queria ter visto um casamento deles, juro. Seria TUDO. Mas enfim, se eu falar acabarei dando spoilers, mas é bom, acho engraçado as cenas de ciúmes e acho que apesar da prota ser um POUCO chata, ela é movida por seus sonhos e as vezes é isso que a faz feliz e só isso basta. Né?

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Quite Nice

This drama is quite the display. Not the best start in explaining the story but it’s alright. I very much like the head strong female lead being able to do anything and everything on her own. From my past watches this type of female lead is very rare to come by. I do see some hate comments on how quickly the male lead fell for her but I think it was pretty obvious from the start when he saved her he had been captivated by her beauty and his interest in her grew seeing her strong will and mindset, we don’t always need a slow burn in every cdrama guys.
Only downside I’d say the drama isn’t doing the best in giving the details. And why is it so obviously thrown away that she dosen’t have a single thought about her ex-husband? Like can we get some details. But that’s my review!

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Refreshing to see a romance that isn't full of drama

I went into this drama after reading the really good reviews on it. And I was not disappointed. It's so refreshing to see a male lead that isn't a jerk to the main character; I know that's a popular troupe but it's nice to see a normal guy who loves his girlfriend. The slow burn was real, but the story still keeps you engaged even through that burn. The music was great, and the story is just one that I would watch over and over. This is going on my top 5 list, especially as far as watchability goes. The only thing that I don't like...is that there isn't more!

If you like Chinese romance dramas, this is the one for you. It's silly, it's got a tiny bit of drama that gets resolved rather quickly, and it has an engaging plot.

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After the strong impact of season 1, season 2 successfully continues the revenge story and delivers the conclusion that many viewers were waiting for. The biggest question was whether FL carefully planned revenge would be satisfying, and fortunately, the drama manages to provide a strong payoff. Instead of relying only on physical confrontation, the drama focuses on psychological warfare, exposing secrets, destroying relationships, and making the perpetrators face the consequences of their actions. Watching each member of the bullying group slowly lose control is extremely satisfying.

Song Hye-kyo once again proves why this role was such a perfect choice for her. As Moon Dong-eun, she portrays a character who is emotionally damaged but incredibly determined. Her restrained acting, cold expressions, and moments of vulnerability make the character feel realistic and powerful.

The villains also continue to be the highlight. Lim Ji-yeon gives an exceptional performance as Park Yeon-jin, creating a character who is arrogant, selfish, and incapable of accepting responsibility. Her downfall is one of the most satisfying parts of the drama.

However, compared to S1, S2 feels slightly more focused on the resolution rather than the mystery and buildup. Some revenge elements happen faster than expected, and a few developments feel convenient. The final confrontation could have had even more emotional depth considering how long FL waited for her revenge.

Despite those minor issues, the conclusion remains satisfying. The drama does not simply show revenge as victory, but also explores the emotional cost of living with hatred for many years. FL journey is not only about punishing others but also about finding a way to heal and move forward.

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YOU DIDA DIDA ME, I HUALA HUALA YOUUU!!

One of the best dramas of the year! From ep 1 to 32, I was literally so locked into the vibe... Being a teacher is honestly no joke... Shout out to all the best teachers out there.. you guys truly deserve all the respect.

TBH I lowkey had zero expectations at first and only tuned in because of Xinxin. Thanks to Xinxin, I ended up watching it ongoing and I definitely don't regret it at all...

Since I'm a rom-com sucker, the romance is solid. It's Xinxin, so her acting is always top-tier... but after a few early eps, I feel like the friendship and family dynamics are what make this drama so precious!!!

Also, my absolute favorite part is that everyone got equal screentime. Major thanks to the production crew 🫶🏻

Gonna miss HONGJING TEAM so badly! Sending big fat hugs to all my Fineshytzzkuuuu!! 🫂

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This was the drama that reminded everyone why Song Hye-kyo remains one of the top actresses in Korea. After several romance dramas where the scripts did not fully showcase her potential, this role was the perfect opportunity for her to demonstrate a completely different side of her acting.

The biggest strength of this drama is its writing. Unlike typical revenge stories that focus only on dramatic confrontations, This drama carefully builds the pain, anger, and determination of the main character. The revenge plan is not rushed; every step feels calculated and satisfying as FL slowly takes control of the situation.

Song Hye-kyo's performance as Moon Dong-eun is outstanding. Her portrayal of a woman who has endured years of trauma is subtle but powerful. Instead of relying on exaggerated emotions, she uses her expressions, silence, and small gestures to show the character's deep pain and hatred. This is one of her strongest performances in her career.

The villains are also one of the drama's greatest strengths. The bullying group is not simply evil for the sake of being evil, their arrogance, lack of remorse, and cruel personalities make them truly frustrating to watch. Lim Ji-yeon especially delivers an unforgettable performance as Park Yeon-jin, creating a villain that viewers will love to hate.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, especially the characters who join FL revenge journey. Each character has their own motivation and emotional weight, making the story more than just a simple revenge fantasy.

However, the drama is not perfect. Some parts of the revenge process feel almost too convenient, and certain plot developments require viewers to accept some unrealistic coincidences. The pacing in some sections can also feel slow because the drama spends a lot of time building the foundation for the revenge.

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It‘s a republican drama!!

Im pretty disappointed that ppl give this drama soo much hate. It is a republican drama, which means that the story is pretty messy and angsty. It means also that the story is very fast-paced.

But yeah, here I am trying to review objectively.

One pretty negative point is the AI intro, Im not gonna say anything about it, I just hope they change it asap.

But hey, the story itself is pretty nice for the genre-of course, as I said before, messy, but reasonable and doesnt make it difficult to make it enjoyable.

The acting is top-notch, there are the typical angsty scenes which might give short-drama vibe, but they absolutely also pay a lot of attention and add a lot of emotional depth in the character development. Besides, all actors and actresses are absolute eye-catchers!!! And the chemistry between ZLH and WCH is breathtaking, in my humble opinion.
About the hate on directing and so, I don‘t understand anything about it, but in most of the scenes (except the flower burning) I didnt see a big issue. Not at all perfect-Ive seen many dramas better directed for sure, but no absolute disaster either
The OSTs are absolutely beautiful, the sound effects annoying sometimes,but not too bad.
Rewatch value: I just watched till ep 5 yet, but I had to rewatch scenes over and over again because they were soo good (im not spoilering but watch it and youll know what i mean)-absolutely

All in all, I know, in many historical and modern dramas, the romance is more slow paced and the directing better, but THIS IS A REPUBLICAN DRAMA! Please consider this before watching it!!!!! For a republican drama, this is definitely very, very good (I did watch some and dropped even more). Besides, I feel that this genre is not fully developed yet, so please, for the sake of everything that makes you watch this, DONT APPLY THE SAME CRITERIAS AS FOR S TIER HISTORICAL DRAMAS!! Because this simply isnt one.

So if you have an open mind and dont mind fast pace and angst and love ZLH and WCH, I‘d definitely recommend you to check it out :))

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As a fan of Song Hye-kyo, I was really looking forward to this drama. Unfortunately, I felt that this time she chose the wrong script. With her acting experience and star power, I expected a more memorable project, but the story itself failed to create a strong impression.

The direction of the story feels unclear. The drama tries to combine romance, workplace issues, family problems, and emotional healing, but none of these elements are explored deeply enough. Instead of creating a strong central conflict, the story often feels like it is moving without a clear purpose. Main leads acting is not the problem, the issue lies more with the writing and character development.

The chemistry between the leads is also not as strong as expected. While the actors have good visuals and deliver their roles professionally, the relationship does not develop in a way that creates a powerful emotional connection. The romance feels somewhat predictable and lacks the spark needed to carry the entire drama.

The fashion industry setting had potential, especially with the opportunity to explore creativity, competition, and the reality behind the glamorous world of fashion. However, the drama does not fully utilize this background, making the setting feel more like decoration rather than an important part of the story.

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Un univers fascinant... mais donnez-moi 4 épisodes de plus !!!

Avec "The East Palace", on plonge dans un sageuk fantastique où le palais royal cache bien plus que des complots politiques 👀.

Derrière ses murs se trouvent des phénomènes surnaturels, des esprits malveillants et des secrets qui semblent liés à la famille royale elle-même. Au milieu de tout ça, un homme doté d'une capacité particulière va se retrouver entraîné dans une lutte entre le monde des vivants et celui des créatures invisibles 🌙👻.

Autant dire que son quotidien risque d'être beaucoup plus mouvementé que prévu... 😅

Je vais commencer par le point qui m'a clairement motivée à lancer ce drama : le retour de Nam Joo Hyuk 😍. Après son excellente prestation dans "Vigilante", j'étais contente de le revoir dans un registre totalement différent. Et franchement... il m'a convaincue une nouvelle fois. J'ai aimé découvrir une autre facette de son jeu, plus mystérieuse et plus en retenue. Et alors... je confirme, le hanbok lui va particulièrement bien 🤭👑.

Mais au-delà du casting, ce qui m'a vraiment frappée, c'est l'esthétique du drama... ✨ PWALALA... Netflix s'est vraiment fait plaisir 🤩. Les décors, les costumes, les lumières, les effets spéciaux... tout est extrêmement soigné. J'ai réellement ressenti le travail derrière chaque scène et le drama réussit à créer une vraie atmosphère.

D'ailleurs, petite remarque totalement personnelle 🤣, mais le monde des esprits m'a énormément rappelé "L'Upside Down" de Stranger Things 🙃. Entre les couleurs rouges, les racines gigantesques qui envahissent l'espace et cette ambiance oppressante... impossible pour moi de ne pas penser à Vecna 😭.

Après, le drama réussit quand même à trouver sa propre identité grâce au folklore coréen. Et c'est justement ce que j'ai le plus apprécié ❤️. On n'est pas simplement face à une histoire de fantômes. Chaque esprit, chaque créature et chaque malédiction semblent avoir leur place dans cette univers inspiré des croyances coréennes.

Le monde des esprits est clairement ce qui m'a le plus fascinée... mais paradoxalement, c'est aussi ce qui m'a laissée avec le plus de questions 🤔. J'aurais adoré comprendre davantage l'origine des pouvoirs de Saeng Gang, la logique derrière certaines créatures ou encore les règles qui régissent cet univers.

Et finalement, c'est un peu le sentiment général que j'ai eu tout le long de mon visionnage. Le drama a énormément d'idées... peut-être même trop pour seulement 8 épisodes 😭. Et même si l'histoire fonctionne, que je me suis jamais ennuyée, j'ai parfois eu la sensation que tout allait trop vite.

Entre les différents personnages du palais qui avancent leurs propres pions, les complots, les retournements et les responsables qui semblent toujours cacher quelqu'un derrière eux... il y avait énormément de choses à suivre 😅. J'aurais bien aimé que certaines intrigues prennent davantage leur temps pour être développées.

Sinon, concernant le casting, rien à redire 😍. J'ai trouvé que tout le monde était parfaitement à sa place. Personne n'en fait trop, personne ne cherche à voler la vedette et chacun apporte quelque chose à cette ambiance mystérieuse. Petite mention quand même pour Roh Yoon Seo qui m'a agréablement surprise. J'ai trouvé Saeng Gang particulièrement expressive et elle apporte beaucoup au duo principal 🫶🏻.

Et justement, parlons de ce duo... Si vous cherchez une romance qui prend toute la place, ce n'est clairement pas ce drama-là 😅. Mais personnellement, j'ai beaucoup aimé leur dynamique. Leur relation se construit doucement, à travers les regards, la confiance... Ce n'est pas une romance à proprement parlé, mais plutôt une connexion qui évolue naturellement 🥹.

Un truc aussi que j'ai trouvé super original, ce sont les OST 🎶. J'ai adoré ce mélange rock 🤘🏻, et l'univers historique du drama. Ça aurait pu casser complètement l'immersion... mais j'ai trouvé que ça renforcé encore plus cette ambiance "particulière" qui fait l'identité de la série.

Au final, j'ai vraiment passé un bon moment 🫶🏻. Ce n'est pas le drama parfait, et je pense qu'il aurait énormément gagné à avoir quelques épisodes supplémentaires pour développer son univers et certaines intrigues... Mais malgré ça, j'ai adoré plongée dans ce sageuk fantastique 👌🏻.

Ma seule frustration ?!? Avoir eu l'impression de quitter cet univers trop vite 😭😉. J'aurais aimé rester plus longtemps dans ce palais rempli de secrets.

Bref, "The East Palace" reste une très belle surprise. C'est un drama qui a osé mélanger les genres, et qui propose une ambiance différente. C'est vraiment un sageuks qui sort des sentiers battus, et qui mérite le coup d'œil ✌🏻.

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My personal opinion.

This was a drama that had a lot of expectations surrounding it, especially because it starred two popular actors. The combination of their visuals and the beautiful overseas filming locations created a lot of anticipation, but unfortunately, this drama was simply not my type.

The biggest strength of this drama is its visual presentation. The cinematography is beautiful, with stunning scenery, carefully composed shots, and a very elegant atmosphere. The drama feels like a visual painting, and every scene is aesthetically pleasing.

However, beyond its visuals, I found the story quite difficult to stay engaged with. The pacing is very slow, and the drama relies heavily on atmosphere and emotions rather than a strong plot. Many scenes focus on long conversations, silence, and beautiful imagery, which may appeal to viewers who enjoy slow and poetic romances, but for me, it became boring at times.

The chemistry between Song Hye-kyo and Park Bo-gum is pleasant, and both actors deliver good performances. However, the romance itself feels too idealistic and lacks enough conflict or development to create stronger emotional investment.

The drama has a very calm and mature tone, but that also becomes its weakness. There is not enough tension or momentum to keep the story moving, making some episodes feel longer than they actually are.

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Overrated because of the cast

I was really looking forward to watch this drama, especially because it was Song Hye-kyo first drama after a three year break. At that time, Song Joong-ki was also at the peak of his popularity because of Running Man and his others project, and the drama had an impressive cast. The second female lead also showed a lot of potential, making the series feel like it had everything needed to become a legendary K-drama.

Unfortunately, despite its massive popularity, the drama did not live up to my expectations.

The biggest problem is that the story often feels too cheesy and overly dramatic. Many romantic scenes that were meant to be emotional instead felt unrealistic and sometimes even cringe. For a drama with such a high production value and a cast full of top stars, I expected a more solid and convincing storyline.

The plot also has many weaknesses, especially with its logic and consistency. Several situations feel unrealistic, and there are many plot holes that are difficult to ignore. The drama relies heavily on the charm of the actors and the fantasy of the romance rather than building a truly strong narrative.

The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and the performances are enjoyable, especially during emotional moments. The action scenes and overseas setting also give the drama a grand scale. However, the beautiful visuals and star power cannot completely cover the weaknesses in the writing.

Looking back, I also have mixed feelings about rewatching this drama, especially after everything that happened in Song Hye-kyo's personal life. Sometimes a drama is not only remembered through its story, but also through the memories and emotions attached to the actors behind it. Because of that, this series no longer has the same appeal for me as when I first watched it.

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This drama follows a concept that has become increasingly popular in Korean webtoons and web novel. Regression, returning to the past, and taking revenge using future knowledge. While this type of story was once fresh and exciting, it has now become a very common formula, making the drama feel less unique.

After seeing many webtoons with similar themes, such as characters returning to the past to destroy their enemies, expose corruption, and rise to power, the storyline in this drama feels predictable. Many of the developments can be guessed early, reducing the sense of surprise.

The revenge aspect is entertaining at first, especially when watching the main character use his future knowledge to manipulate situations and gain advantages. However, because the formula is already widely used, the drama needs something more distinctive, stronger character development, deeper moral conflicts, or a more creative approach, to truly stand out.

The legal setting could have been the drama's biggest advantage, but sometimes it feels secondary compared to the regression and revenge elements. Instead of fully exploring the complexity of being a judge and the justice system, the story focuses more on the satisfaction of defeating enemies.

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Ji Sung perfectly portrays a mysterious and charismatic judge whose methods are difficult to predict. His presence dominates every scene, making it easy to stay interested in his character and his hidden motives.

Jin Young also delivers a good performance, creating an interesting contrast with Male lead. Their relationship, filled with suspicion, conflict, and gradual understanding, is one of the main reasons the drama remains engaging.

The visual style is another highlight. The dramatic courtroom scenes, powerful cinematography, and intense atmosphere give the drama a unique identity. The idea of turning justice into a reality show is also a creative concept that reflects issues about public opinion, power, and corruption.

However, the drama starts to lose some of its strength toward the ending. The final episodes feel less satisfying compared to the strong buildup earlier in the series. Some character decisions and plot developments feel rushed, and the conclusion does not fully deliver the impact that the story seemed to be building toward.

The villains also sometimes feel exaggerated, which makes certain conflicts less realistic. While the drama successfully creates a grand and dramatic atmosphere, some parts prioritize style over deeper exploration of the characters and themes.

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Soft boy versus hot mess girl.

This drama has a very unique dynamic between its main characters, with a gentle and emotionally wounded male lead paired with a bold, unpredictable, and complicated female lead.

Seo Ye-ji delivers an outstanding performance as Ko Moon-young. Her character is difficult, intense, and sometimes frustrating, but Seo Ye-ji manages to make her fascinating to watch. Her expressions, voice, and unique presence make the character unforgettable.

On the other hand, Male lead extremely kind and patient person. He is almost too good for his own sake, always prioritizing others' feelings while hiding his own pain. While this makes him a lovable character, there were moments when I felt his kindness was unrealistic and his character development was overshadowed by the stronger personality of the female lead.

Surprisingly, my favorite character was actually the older brother of the male lead, Moon Sang-tae, played by Oh Jung-se. His performance was incredible and emotionally powerful. He brought so much depth, innocence, and warmth to the character, making Sang-tae one of the most memorable parts of the entire drama. His portrayal felt genuine and respectful, and he often became the emotional heart of the story.

The drama's visual style is also one of its strongest aspects. The cinematography, fashion, and fairytale-like atmosphere create a unique identity that separates it from typical Korean romances. The storytelling about trauma, healing, and emotional wounds is also meaningful.

However, the romance itself may not work for everyone. The relationship between the leads is intense and unconventional, and some viewers may find the female lead's behavior too extreme or difficult to accept. The drama sometimes focuses more on style and symbolism than natural character progression.

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