Reviews

Golden Retriever Energy Meets Police Team Chaos

This was such a good drama. I would absolutely recommend it!
PLOT
I loved the story. There were ridiculous antics and a great team dynamic, but also lots of fight sequences and large-scale action. I thought the friendships and bickering provided much of the show's humour and heart.
CHARACTERS
Dong-ju had peak golden retriever energy. Park Bo-gum's smile is absolutely dazzling. He was also incredibly determined and resilient. His combination of toughness, vulnerability and charisma was appealing.
Han-na was very cool and capable.
Each of the characters had distinct backgrounds and personalities. The group dynamic was strong.
The villains were great. Min Ju-yeong was threatening, smart and powerful. He was fascinating, and his network of corruption gave the police team a meaningful opponent. His villain team of Baek Seok-chun, Oh Jeong-gu, Leo, and Drugmon were compelling as they had competing motivations that slowly unravelled.
ROMANCE
The romance provided welcome softness in an otherwise intense and violent drama. I loved Dong-ju and Han-na together. They really embodied the grumpy x sunshine trope.
MY ONE COMPLAINT
The romance was refreshingly uncomplicated as Dong-ju made his feelings for Han-na incredibly clear. However, I was a bit uncomfortable in the beginning as Han-na explicitly told him that she didn’t return his feelings and wanted him to stop liking her. He persisted, and it worked out well in this story, but I wasn’t a huge fan of him initially refusing to respect her boundaries.

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"If the victim was a young woman, would he be in custody by now?"

Director Im Seon Ae shone a spotlight on a topic rarely spoken about---sexual abuse of elders in An Old Lady. If rape is hard to prosecute with a young healthy woman, it’s even harder to prosecute with an “old lady.” There was nothing gratuitous in the film but Im made her point quite clear nonetheless.

Sim Hyo Jeong is having a follow-up appointment after knee surgery. The casual conversation with the nursing assistant begins to make her uncomfortable and then the unthinkable happens. She later tells her live-in boyfriend, Nam Dong In, that she needs to go to the police. With some difficulty she fills out the paperwork to report a rape. With even more difficulty she endures a police interrogation where an officer quips that the nurse took “hospitality” too far. The investigation drives a wedge between her and Nam. While Sim handles the situation quietly and begins to distance herself from it as the prosecution shows disinterest, Nam ramps up his efforts to have the nurse arrested.

The film was set in 2012, apparently after a new law was enacted. The crux of the issue for the prosecutor was that who would believe a 29-year-old would rape a 69-year-old? Excuse me while I climb up on my soapbox. For all those sitting in the back: Rape is not a crime of desire, it is a crime of power and violence. Rapists don’t care how old or young a woman is, whether a woman is in a coma, or anything else. These are men who prey on the defenseless. They will prey on “friends”, the drunk girl at the party who passed out on the couch, a stranger, a small child, or old women in nursing homes. It doesn’t matter what a woman is wearing, her makeup or her sexual history. These men are predators plain and simple. The law in most countries barely protects obvious victims of violent sexual assault, much less ones with fewer physical wounds. And too often the law worries about “ruining” a man’s life disregarding the permanent wound in the woman’s.

Ye Soo Jung is an excellent veteran actress who brought quiet dignity and even quieter pain to the role of Sim. Ki Ju Bong as Nam, the widower and once poet, turned determined crusader for Sim also gave a powerful performance. If I have any quibbles, the transitions were wobbly at times, not explaining the changes in the characters’ lives clearly enough.

Despite my reservations about the vague transitions and revelations, this was an important film. Too often, the elderly are scuttled to the shadows so that people can forget them and their own mortality. 10% of people older than 69 suffer from some form of abuse-in their own home, a facility, or elsewhere. They may not be able to defend themselves physically, cognitively, or financially. I applaud Im Seon Ae for calling out the gross deficiencies in the social mindset and law enforcement for sexual abuse of older women. Sim found her own path to justice when the law let her down. Not as satisfying, but what she needed for peace of mind.

“The spring sun shines even on a teardrop.”

25 August 2026

Trigger warnings: Obviously, sexual assault. The assault was alluded to, but not shown graphically.

Notes: In my country it is important to go to a hospital immediately after a sexual assault so that a rape kit can be performed and evidence preserved. Even if you don't think you'll press charges, you might change your mind later and at least in this way you are covered. The rape kits are not always processed in a timely manner, and getting a prosecutor to bring charges is still hit or miss, but at least it boosts the chances of a conviction.

Unprofessional conduct note: The nursing assistant used the "she was asking for it" defense. He should have at least been fired for copulating on duty, even if admin didn't believe Sim's accusation. Try explaining that one in his next job interview.

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Lack of atraction

I watched this because they say is a "enemies to lovers" and I have to admit it's good at least to the ep 3, then it falls apart slowly, slowly enough to make me watch the entire thing.
So I will say the few good thing first: is entertaining and the main actors are good. And I really liked the crazy lawyer behavior. That's it.
Now the bad things: bad script, bad production, bad editing and effects, bad fight scenes, flat characters.
An the "romance" does very well the tension betweet the leads, but for two grown ass man I expected at leass good kisses my lord !! When they got together at episode 6, the series was dead to me.

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Beautiful multi-layered love story

Summary
A beautiful story of two very different souls coming together through love and loss. The story was occasionally confusing, and the second couple wasn’t very engaging, but the main couple was riveting. Beautiful locations, music, and spectacular cinematography raise the production value enormously. It had its flaws but still made an indelible mark on me. 9.0
The rest of this review is super long and contains spoilers. It has sub-headings if you only want to read part of it.

Story
The story of the main couple is about a BL actor, Qinglang, who, now in his 30s, has closed himself off from love after being hurt in the past. While he takes time away from the spotlight and spends it in the mountains, he meets Changyang, who breaks down his walls and they fall in love. Changyang is young (20) when they first meet, but he is already determined to win Qinglang’s heart. He devotes himself to caring for Qinglang with such tenderness and attention that Qinglang cannot resist him. Their love is passionate and they become utterly devoted to each other. Unfortunately, Qinglang is a big star and lives life in the spotlight, which is not easy.
They try to keep their love discreet, but both cannot avoid being affected by scandal. Qinglang doesn’t care as much about his own image as he does about Changyang, but after Changyang’s father makes it clear that their relationship will damage Qinglang’s future, they break up. This was definitely some “noble idiocy” in my mind because Qinglang doesn’t tell Changyang why they are breaking up, and it happens after they have pledged to stay together, so you know they will end up back together. But it was still very much a typical romance trope, and the lack of communication was, as usual, annoying.
In general, the story of their love and their scandals is meant to shed light on the difficulties of the BL industry, and even the toxic shipping culture. This is especially displayed through Changyang’s sister, who reveals her brother’s relationship online because she ships Qinglang with his on-screen partner and wants them together, not her brother and Qinglang. Here we see how what she wants and imagines as a fan is more important than what actually makes Qinglang or her brother happy. It is infuriating! Qinglang’s former partner also tries to use the fans of their ship to revive his career, despite having hurt Qinglang in the past in real life. While it is important to make BL viewers aware of the problems that go on behind the scenes, I was not especially surprised by most of what happened in this regard. If it opens people’s eyes, though, that’s good.
The story of the second couple is supposed to mirror the past realities and struggles of Qinglang and his BL partner, Yuhao. Unfortunately, the second couple doesn’t pull the viewers in the way the main couple’s story does. There is clearly both love and manipulation involved, but it’s just not engaging in the same way. In addition, it is often confusing and hard to understand what is exactly going on with this couple. At times it was frustrating having so much time devoted to them, when really we just want to see Qinglang and Changyang.
Qinglang and Changyang’s love story surpasses time and place. They love each other beyond words, yet they also let each other have their separate lives. Only at the end do they finally both leave their professions and decide to live together in the mountains. The final scene of their mountain wedding, with imagined blessings from all the characters, lends a beautiful sense of closure to their story.
Watching Qinglang and Changyang together is incredibly moving. They clearly love each other with everything they have. Despite being radically different from each other, they balance each other perfectly. The sacrifices they make for each other as well as the effort to connect while apart is beautiful to watch, and they express a love that all of us would wish to find.

Problems with the story:
It is confusing at times and sometimes hard to follow. I spent a lot of time on Reddit trying to understand what was going on and why. This lack of clarity in the events that unfold really interrupts the flow of the romance and takes away from the beauty and pain of it.
The second couple is not very interesting and is sometimes annoying. Too much time was devoted to them.

Loss and Death in the Story
Three people die in this drama, and they are all significant characters. This lends a layer of sadness to the whole story. The losses are a counterpoint to the beauty of the love story. They affect the characters and viewers deeply. This is especially true of the death of Qingtian, Qinglang’s younger brother and Changyang’s friend, who is portrayed as a beautiful soul and loving presence. His loss hits the viewers especially hard. All the deaths are a reminder that we cannot control the events of our lives, only guide them. Sometimes terrible, devastating things happen. Death exists alongside life and love. The fact that Qinglang is able to continue to love Changyang and lean on him throughout is even more powerful in light of these losses. Changyang suffers too, yet he does all he can to protect Qingyang from the worst of what happened to Qingtian. And in the end they still celebrate their love, despite all that they have lost.
While I found it difficult to watch so many characters die, I don’t see this as a problem with the story. It is an important element in lending meaning to everything that happens.

Symbolism
The title: Changyang is the “winter sun.” He brings slow, steady warmth to the coldness of winter (Qinglang) without being overwhelming.
The wind represents change, as Qinglang opens his heart to Changyang. The wind can cause disruption too, as evidenced by difficulties on the path as well as loss.
“Spring Hills Dream” is Qinglang’s rebirth each time he escapes to the mountains and replenishes his soul through nature. The dreams also represent his connections to those he has lost and a way to see and remember them in his mind.
Tea has great symbolism in the story as well. The best tea takes time to grow and pick and seep. It requires patience in the face of nature and in the process of brewing. It takes time to extract meaning from life’s chaos, just as it takes time and effort to brew the best tea. Qinglang takes the tea thermos Changyang gave him everywhere he goes. It helps him cultivate quiet reflection and connects him to Changyang and to the mountains where the tea comes from. In quiet reflection and dreams he is able to process loss and recognize true love.

Production Value
Locations—the mountains are a spectacular backdrop and provide beautiful scenery to the story.
Cinematography—The cinematography in Winter Sun rates up therewith the best I have ever seen. Every shot is carefully and beautifully laid out. From figures in shadow to overheads of the mountain road to reflections in a mirror or pond, the shots are cleverly thought out, gorgeous to behold, and add the the feeling and meaning of every scene. Quiet, ethereal beauty shines through the whole series and elevates the entire production.
Music—The music is also beautiful and ethereal, and adds another impeccable layer of quality to the production. Sometimes there is no music and just slow and quiet scenes.
Acting—The actors playing Changyang, Qinglang, and Qingtian stood out the most for me. They brought their characters to life with depth and emotion. Sometimes a simple look or movement revealed so much, while other times passionate feelings or desires were expressed physically and viscerally. The MLs had amazing chemistry. The intimate scenes were spicy without being too revealing. I felt I really knew these characters by the end of the series, and I will miss them.

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?

Let's skip to the gossip!!


🥵🥵the actors are 🥵🥵🥵
Main couple,super cute ,super funny,super gud looking ...I'm like fulfilled
I loved how they portrayed their love story,like romance with laughter,lots and lots of laughter.
What I was surprised and Actually couldn't stop rewatching,was the scene where they discussed whose the top and whose the bottom ...that killed me ...I loved the singing too ,I fell in love.

Second couple 😍😍😍I was shipping so hard so that it doesn't sink like the Titanic ship....Marvis is flawless no lie, Jamie is hot,duang is like rocking handsome and cute at the same time and Qin is beautifully nonchalant..they all ate
Im happy the second couple did not cloud the first couple but also wld have loved just an extra episode of the couple...I'm selfish I know...but understood that the series is called duang with u and they need to serve wat they advertising...

Overall I'm happy with the series,Imma give it a month to cool down den rewatch again,...I'll be searching for more serieses of the actors and give u guys feed back...just check my profile


RECOMMENDED TO WATCH

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the crew need to practice to clean their lenses and not show up on camera on randomly placed

the drama was good the visuals in this series is 10/10 the kisses could’ve been better, for such a short drama i think it’s good. the acting is done very well and the relationship between them is good.

THE CREW NEED TO CLEAN THEIR LENSES! randomy you could see in the series the screen was dirty…
and one of the crew members was showing on the balcony where the 1st lead role was hanging on.

let’s not talk about the power in the house that he didn’t have because how expensive it was (idk if it was only at night) but you could see the reflection of the light in the wall or something and it was on…. cheap made drama but well acted so it’s okey

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Team no one LOL

The formula for a successful clichéd rom-com usually includes:

1. A strong, heroic male lead. (Not really.)
2. An appealing second male lead who gives viewers serious Second Lead Syndrome. (Also not really)
3. A cute side couple. (Still not quite there.)
4. Fun besties and scene-stealing sidekicks. (This was the closest thing to a success, but they barely got any screen time.)

I started this drama for Kim Hye-jun, since I've loved many of her previous works. Unfortunately, I didn't feel much chemistry between her and either ML, and the bromance didn't land for me either. I'll finish it for Kim Hye-jun, but I don't see it being as memorable as Spooky in Love or Business Proposal.

What I did enjoy:

The positive workplace vibes and supportive coworkers.
The Korean traditional knot-making scenes.
The touch on the darker side of sasaeng fan culture.
The OST.

Overall: Watchable and pleasant, especially if you're a Kim Hye-jun fan, but not a rom-com I'll be thinking about months later

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It couldn’t finish strong

I really enjoyed this in the beginning. it wasn’t a deep or brilliant plot, but it was a silly/cute comedy of errors kind of thing. The secondary couple is adorable (although they could learn about privacy a bit) and was actually my favorite part. The main couple just got to a point where I didn’t understand why either of them were behaving the way they did. Both knew the relationship was built on a lie. One pretended to not notice while the other was super guilty, and then instead of Itt being angry he was lied to, Ritt is angry that he hid knowing it was a lie all the time?! Ritt began the deception (even if it didn’t work). Having the multi-episode tantrum and not “believing they were real” when he began this farce was just irritating. I expected Itt to eventually also be angry or at least not put up with it, but he kept apologizing in most expensive ways. Between that and the grandfather’s whole health story line and end, I just felt like something light and silly became a heavy mess for no reason.

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Watch at your own risk

I only have a few words to say. No character is simple in this series, everyone has their own personality issues. I have issues with ML over a lot of things. He has done things which are disgusting but I never understood MC's personality. He is someone who love being a victim. Always dependent on ML for everything. There is no growth in his character throughout the series but the things he did at the end, you would think twice to do to your enemy. I went in thinking I'll pity MC because of his circumstances. But the only advice I can give is one can love a snake but never love a person like MC. I have never seen an abominable main character like him.

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A gang leader has found someone worse than himself : the property manager. Real estate is truly one of the worst industries, where all prices are completely false and made up. Most housing units are unsanitary, substandard, or vacant, and yet people are left to die on the streets while exorbitant rents are maintained so that landlords can continue to bleed tenants dry.

A series with simple, deadpan humor. The theme of the chosen family works really well. But the ending was a bit disappointing, with these last two episodes being frankly average.

The sister who cancels her vacation to come to work at her boss's request ? even though she wanted to quit ? I don't buy it.
Fatphobia is still not funny.

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Lack Luster Drama with Zero Chemistry

A hugely disappointing drama that follows the traditional template of all Korean drama.s

Sweet Stranger and Me offers nothing new to the drama world audience.

Its a typical drama of a guy who falls for a girl during this childhood and forms a one sided love for her. Nam Gil grows up in an orphanage where the mother of the FL works. He wants her to be his mother and the only way he thinks that is possible ifhe marries her daughter, Na Ri and thus starts the beginning of his one sided love her. Na Ri is older and does not even acknowledge his existence.

At 16 he is adopted by a loan shark and raised as a thug who remains a wholesome virgin and loves Na Ri from a far. Na Ri then enters into a 9 year love affair with a guy who cheats on her and this where she returns home to find her deceased mother has married Nam Gil and he is now the owner of her mother's dumpling shop and land.

The whole show focuses on unveiling on how it happened (which is basically a paper marriage to protect the land from ruthless gangsters with whom he worked for). In this drama we have the developers lead by the 2nd ML who also develops a one sided relationship with Na Ri and wants to date her. These developers want the land.

So the whole drama is based on asking who is Nam Gil, did he have a proper marriage with Na Ri's mother. If not, can Na Ri have one with Nam Gil. And what is the mystery about the land.

The saving grace are the comedic scenes involving the 2nd ML sister who has a crush on Nam Gil and the young dumpling maker staff.

The romance between the ML and FL is a drag to watch. No witty dialogue, nothing original and just the FL taking in third person and treating him like dirt - toying with him and just acting like a total B___ towards a guy who has done so much for her. She then fools around with the 2nd ML failing to set any boundaries with him and also messes with the ex-boyfriend all the while forcing Nam Gil into the life a monk.

Please do not waste your time watching this drama.

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