Reviews

A solid watch from start to finish.

I'll start saying how much I loved this drama. It grabbed my attention from the very first episode and just kept getting better.
There isn't much else to say because I genuinely enjoyed every aspect of it, from the action to the comedy, which surprisingly worked really well as comic relief. While it did feel a bit anticlimactic at times, it always managed to win me back.
The cast and acting were excellent, and I'd like to give special mention to the actress who played Minji. In my opinion, she really stood out, especially considering (as far as I know) this was her acting debut. She did a fantastic job.
On another note, I know there are mixed opinions regarding the use of AI in the show, but I won't get into that since I feel like it's already a losing battle at this point.
Anyway, that's just my take, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for some action and a fun time.

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This is making me want to join a club or start one...

A social club is a great way to expand ones sense of self. Each of the Fingers had their own distinct personalities, and were open-minded and non-judgmental of U Yeon, even going as far as helping her find her own color. Beyond romance, this drama is about self-growth, growing pains, unlearning insecurities, and pursuing the things (and people) one truly loves, regardless of age, background, or external opinions.

Great casting. Lots of characters, but it never felt overcrowded. The tension between Se Ra and Tae Seon is incredible even just with their gazes. Kang Hye Won is surprisingly a convincing villain. Park Ji Hu and Cho Jun Young are promising young actors. I look forward to seeing more of their future work. It's surprising to see the juxtaposition of Gi Jeong's dispostion from Cho Jun Young's real-life personality. We also see the way Park Ji Hu acts as U Yeon vs. her ego (Delulu) vs. Slightly Dressed Up U Yeon Trying To Break Out Of Her Shell vs. U Yeon With New Found Confidence & Self-Trust. These are all the same character in drastically different states of mind, and her ability to execute the subtle differences speaks well about her acting skill.

I almost dropped this show for several reasons, and one of them was because of Gi Jeong seeming like an absolute airhead. I know it is a Himbo trope, but sometimes, the things he says early on are outright nonsensical. (Which is confusing, because his character seems to have some hidden depth, that I feel was not explored enough in the show.) But, I'm glad I returned and kept watching. Glad to know he is not an entirely flat character who only exists for the female lead's validation. He also discovers things about himself along the way, through loving U Yeon. I love that they both grow individually as they love each other.

The other reason was, I felt impatient with Mint Finger and Blue Finger's storyline. It starts as the cliche miscommunication trope where the guy has always had feelings for the girl, which is a story that is kind of tiring to watch, at least for me. It got interesting when Mint Finger's inner conflict was given light, but I wish they had done it sooner (and shorter), because the earlier episodes prior to the confession felt like dragged out filler scenes at some point.

My primary issue with the show is the way it was directed. Some cuts felt abrupt and random, and the CGI was frankly awful. Occasionally, a romantic scene that is obviously mellow would happen, just to be accompanied by really upbeat background music that kind of makes me confused about the vibe. The flaws do add a campy feel to the show that suits the feeling of being in high school. I heard that the filming was delayed several times, so I wonder what it would have been like if it went smoothly. Overall, it was nice. Not the best show I've watched, but still comforting, in a sense. The actors, set/costume design, and overarching message carried.

P.S. This is the perspective of someone who has never read the Manhwa.

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meh

this is the first and might be the last drama i will watch with bai lu as a main lead. she is so overrated, yet i can’t connect with her acting (just my preference tho). this drama has so much potential. They did TTJ dirty on this one, the character development of each character also feels so off. I think the only reason why i finish the 40 episodes was because of the cinematography but how the story runs and how their characters were written? meh. i honestly have super high expectations on this one since it was recommended by many, unfortunately it was not worth it.

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Feels Like Dropping It, But Still Clocking In!

I like the story and all, the sweetness of FL and ML scenes and the second couple are really nice. I know conflicts should make the story interesting, but just for me, I've seen the tropes way too much in every office-related drama series, and the conflicts sometimes can be unbearable to watch. What just really brings it to me is the actors are doing their part really well. I would commend Ga-Eul's actor as he represent the most clingy and pathetic ex, and the Mr. Ko's actor as well for acting the stereotypical office drama boss who likes to play on his superiority on the others. Overall, wished that it could just be different.

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pathetic FL | no sparks whatsoever

I don't like FL's character at all. Even the makeup doesn't help, she looks 20 years older than she is. She is absolutely unbearable, and EMOTIONALLY immature.

FL and ML dont have aby chemistry.

why most of women act like children, why don't act like grown adults. So tired of this. They are very good at work but the private life, emotional, communication is disastrous. And dont do anything to grow.

I would love to see women and men that inspire us emotional, mental, creative... I was waiting to see this series. now, o mega disappointed in k land.

It was such an effort to watch and finish the 6th episode. Two bland people who meet in an office.

I like the second couple, the acting, the chemistry. I wish Seo In Guk to choose better scripts and to have good parteners in acting, that evidence his talent and uniqueness. This man is a pleasure to watch him. Sadly the drama was a floppy.

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The Rawest Love Story

Mr Plankton is the core definition of this phrase: "Happiness doesn't have to be permanent for it to be meaningful". The entirety of this series highlights the actuality of life and its no-so-happy-ever-after trope, that no matter how much we desperately want to stay, we simply cannot. Time is precious. Time is special. But time is limited. Hae-jo realises the significance of life far too late, and as he intensely cries out that he "wants to live" as his life begins to end, it depicts that even those who endure severe hardship and struggles throughout their time on earth are ultimately able to find comfort and peace in someone or something, making them wish that they had cherished them prior to their time running out. The beauty of Mr Plankton is not simply just in its visuals and imagery, but in the sheer heart-wrenching illustration of humanity. The comedy and sarcasm displayed by Hae-Jo towards Jae-mi and the fellow characters is meant to create a humane connection with the viewers, wiping the audience's recollection of the starting scene where Hae-Jo explains that he is going to die. As the series comes to an end, the viewers are then shocked by the unexpected memory of his death, and then understand the shows notion: that the happiness you just experienced was temporary, but extremely meaningful. Yes, Hae-Joe is going to die. Yes Hae-Jo is dead. But are you seriously going to diminish the thrill and joy you felt as you watched the show simply because life ran its course? No. Because happiness is precious, and lives forever in our minds. Death is strong, but always remember, our memories are stronger.

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If I was gonna sell Byeon Woo Seok, I too would make a perfect crown shaped ad

I don't really have a lot of nice things to say about this show but I also didn't hate it. This is a very simple show. It's not here to challenge you or inspire great emotions in viewers. It's a comfort show. The type where you have to turn your brain off and let the romantic tropes sweep you off your feet in a classic waltz scene or a kiss in a rose garden. This show is a challenge to the romantic affectionado's ability to locate as many romantic conventions as possible. But the turning off your brain part is imperative! Because if you think too hard...this show is a nightmare! but we're not going to do that! I'm actually turning my brain off for this! This is about watching a hot man do his hot man thing, gorgeous gowns, royal parties, perfect date settings, and just nice colors and castles! I'm not even being sarcastic! This is one of those shows that will make you smile after a hard day. It's just feel good! but That's it!

It follows an unconventional Cinderella story in which the Cinderella isn't poor or mistreated but instead she is a rich and ambitious CEO whose biggest hardship in life is a lack of legitimate status. On the other hand, the prince charming isn't a real prince at all. He's the grand prince and the uncle to the king; hated and sidelined by the royal family but loved (I'm assuming for his unearthly good looks) by the people who must all want to get with him (same, public, same!). And their romance? It's not a romantic at all! It's a contractual marriage that will presumably benefit them both. She gets her much wanted status and he gets...I don't know, an excuse to piss the dowager queen off?! I forgot. But it doesn't matter anyway, because this is not really to his benefit. He clearly has a massive crush on this vain, brash, and cold-hearted woman since they were schoolmates in high school! So he's in it for real! And that's about as far as the romance in this story goes.

Very simple premise. And most importantly the show doesn't rock the boat by doing anything new or unconventional. The prince is extremely handsome and gallant and he's just...so swoon-worthy! And the show knows it! Most of this show is beauty shots of him walking around or sitting around while wearing the most gorgeous outfits with perfect lighting, a devil-may-care smile, and a smoldering gaze that pierces straight through the camera to reach the equally mesmerized female lead and viewers alike. His main personality is being vaguely melancholic due to his grief and hardships, and "protect the female lead at all costs" vibes. He can be petty or irritable. But only in that vaguely inoffensive way that pretty people are so you forgive him all his faults. Because he has none! He is perfect! Shut up!
Our female lead gets ALL the personality. Selfish, vain, ambitious, obsessed with power, and cold. She is set up to be hated and I bet all her high school classmates were crying when they found out *she* landed the most eligible man in Korea (side note: This is alternative Korea so BTS don't exist, I guess...). And yet...She's IU! She's adorable! And while she gets these temper tantrum moments, mostly she's just...nice to people! If anything, she's hard only on herself. Even the sibling she seems to hate is not really hated by her. They're like unhappy co-conspirators! Antagonistic towards each other until some common enemy shows up. So you can't really hate her! She's not actively doing anything. Her biggest crime are those cringe aegyo poses but we can't really get mad at anyone in Korea for that because no one will be left!
So you see, these are very easy to deal with characters! In a very palatable and easy to digest plot! With nice locations and cinematography and yeah...it's just that.
Every sweet and swoon-worthy romantic kdrama trope shows up here. The couple are trapped in this never-ending cycle of perfect date set ups. Every interaction is another chapter in a perfectly crafted romance novel. Even the drama that comes their way is simply another chance for him to play the knight in shining armor or for her to sweep in and piss off his enemies! Perfect harmony on paper.
But then...is it actually romantic?! It's kind of meta. Everything is the perfect romantic set up...because it is a set up! They're crafting this fake romance narrative for the cameras and the public. And as a viewer, you get swept up in their constructed reality too! You swoon and sigh when you know they're faking it. Are they also falling in love along the way? Yeah, they are but that's almost happening in spite of the plot. Things in this relationship are moving too fast and too slow at the same time. They're already kissing and that's somehow a moment of emotional revelation for them when they can barely hold a conversation with the other. This was rushed and under developed. You're only telling yourself this is romantic because they're performing every romance trope like a checklist!
I had the weirdest emptiness feeling while watching this. I would smile goofily as they delivered another perfect romantic moment and the next I would feel so...cold. Like seeing a picture of fire and remembering warmth but not actually feeling warm!
This was such a nothing sandwich with every filling stuffed inside it!
Was it good? No. Was it bad? No. It just sort of...was. But while you watch it, you enjoy it. And then it's over and I'm like...that's it?!
The last two episodes, the show suddenly grows a spine and develops an opinion but it works to the detriment of our romance which becomes very dry and compulsory as a result. The last episode too is just a crash course through sponsorships and the cliche happy-couple tropes. Everything is neatly wrapped with a bow and finished off.
I can't say I disliked this. I liked it. But it was also embarrassing to watch something that so blatantly plays into tested and assured romantic traps. So I didn't love it. I just sat through it.
The acting was good? Though...I don't think you're supposed to care about that while watching Byeon Woo Seok here. Like I started to question if he could ever act or if I just hallucinated that amazing personality from Lovely Runner. Like...what was he even doing before this?! I don't remember! I just know he looks nice when he wears lowcut V neck silk shirts! Ad his hair stands nice and his skin glows! And his lips are definitely kissable AS F!
...Anyway, I'm not even talking about anything beside the male lead's good looks and IU kinda being there too because that's all I took away from this show. But everyone else was operating exactly as you would expect too. Yes, the second leads are evil. There's a child who is cute and also cried a lot. The assistants are loyal and funny and devoted as always while the parents are disapproving. Family dynamics need mending, and the media is a bunch of evil vultures, as always. This is an alternative world. The world of kdrama where everything is exactly as you expect it to be. And that's nice. But also a bit weird?
Maybe, I'm just not used to not being stressed, I don't know. Maybe peace and fluff just feel alienating to me because everything else has always had a struggle and this was a little too smooth sailing? I don't know!
Do I recommend it? Yes! Go watch this for 13 hours and relax and enjoy the eye candy! It's fun and light like a fluffy pancake. All sweetness and air.

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Powerful ML smart FL - Enemies, to pawns to... romance ;)

ML dashing, smart, emperor, physically strong, righteous, has rizz and sarcastic comments, elegant and calm but not aloof.very perceptive, notices things before others, can catch small hints and changes. very attractive, which is rarely achieved in the emperor role because it is to powerfull and stoic, but this one has that manly kindness that ML can pull of.

FL very smart, top female scholar, kind, playful, a bit mischevious, can survive various surrounding with her sharp tongue and whits. Elegant, nice, kind, and she can pull this all together in a cute way. overal impression is cuteness, ehich is hard when you're playing superior smart FL.

Director - we know him from the double, catching that close up during important scenes, to catch full range of emotions. Not to slow, but perfectly executed to guide us through those glares and glimpses to catch full range of emotions of characters involved.
Also, ML and FL are always beautiful, but through this camera we can actually enjoy it.

Plot - palace intrigues well mixed with combat scenes, actions, conversations and romance

Chemistry - main couple is 10/10, FL and SFL friendship is one of the best

Rewatch material - definitely,

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As Bad As People Said

This was as bad as people say, wow. I actually wanted to persevere, but then I remembered who I am, and decided I must DNF because this is not worth my time at all.

Bai Lu is fine in this drama; I don’t think it’s a crazy role to play, but she looks pretty, acts well with what she’s given, and has wonderful comedic timing in my opinion. She definitely brings in some peps to an otherwise bland show. Dylan Wang … looks good, that’s it. His acting/performance is stiff and posy, very bland and boring. Also, I wish he was dubbed because I feel like his character would benefit from a deeper voice.

The female lead’s bestie does indeed give bad advice lowkey, and from what I have seen, she seems to be a hypocrite. She dates around, but once “her” man kind of does the same, she looks sad. Girl. Please. Anyway. I actually have some other opinions about her character, but I feel like I’m perpetuating something, so I’ll just be toxic by myself.

I honestly feel like Bai Lu and Wei Zhe Ming kind of deserve their own drama, their characters’ interactions feel very natural and they have decent chemistry (better than Dylan x Bai Lu in my opinion).

The male lead’s work is boring to watch, and the female lead’s work environment is immature and unprofessional. Her senior Xu Yu Ling doesn’t just plagiarize, but outright STEALS her interview outline, and isn’t even punished. This whole plot point made no sense anyway: You think the female lead wouldn’t call the secretary to tell him that the interview would be held with someone else other than her IF she truly couldn’t make it? Instead, they just allow a random person to make a claim and call it a day. Then, Yu Ling uses her intern to have an invitation destroyed and proceeds to gaslight said intern. Just despicable. AND THEN Yu Ling and her team slut shame the female lead because unlike them Shu Yi is good at her job and actually writes articles worthy to be headlines for their finance magazine. Maybe work on your writing skills and gossip less, you untalented snakes! I guess they’ll drag that immature bully behavior until the last episode for drama purposes, but this is such bad storytelling and characterization that I don’t want to waste my time. Bye Bye!

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What people thinks

Many people think A Time Called You is just a romance with time travel, but it is much deeper than that. At its heart, it is a story about grief, love, loss, and learning to let go. The time travel is not only a plot device it represents the desire to change the past and save the person you love.
The story requires careful attention because many important details are hidden in the dialogue and small clues. Every conversation has meaning, and understanding the timeline is essential. If you pay close attention, the series becomes much easier to follow.
In the end, A Time Called You is not really about changing the past. It is about accepting that some things cannot be changed and finding the strength to move forward while keeping the memories of those we love.

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Phew, what a ride!

Manager Kim is just a normal average looking middle aged man, a single parent raising a teenage daughter going through her rebellious phase. Problem starts to arise when his daughter Kim Minji is bullied at school by a rich kid. Kim realized his daughter went missing right after the parent meeting with the rich girl’s overbearing parents. Following the leads as he tracks down his daughter, he inadvertently initiated a full blown national security crises when the North Korea noticed his existence and sent an agent to bring him back, which prompted the South Korean Special Missions Department (SMD) to also join the hunt to silence him.

I gotta say I am not a fan of So Jisub cuz I found him to be too expressionless and stoney in Doctor Lawyer. I honestly didnt think that he is great as an actor. But this drama managed to change my view. He presented quite a wide range of emotions despite being depicted as a quiet man of little words and actions as Manager Kim. From stoic to anger to sadness to anxiety, he did it all. Everything changed when his daughter plunged into danger which forced him to break out of his disguise and become the man that he is, the most feared Agent 66.

Along with his retired South Korean agent buddies, the eccentric Park Jincheol and Taekwondo gold medalist Olympian, Seong Hansu, Manager Kim bulldozed one obstacle after another set by the North Korean, the rich kid’s ex-gangster dad Ju Gangchan and South Korean SMD agents led by General Jang. Every episode doesnt disappoint as the audience is presented with fight after fights after fights that could keep me at the edge of my seat. The guy who played Ju Gangchan is extremely handsome, though I was a bit disappointed that despite being recounted as extremely scary as a oldtime gangster, Ju really didnt put up much of a fight against Manager Kim. He got squashed every single time.

I really love Kim’s duo sidekick Park and Seong, they really spice up the vibe with their non-stop banter that are comedic in nature. Damn I am so into the crazy-ass armour body Park Jincheol who yells Rock’n’Roll before each fight. 🤣 I commend the screenwriter for coming up with such comedic characters, and that little monologue of Ju Gangchan’s right hand man Chief Nam as he was sent flying out of the truck by Park was so unexpectedly hilarious.

Hoping that they would come up with Season 2.

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