Reviews

10/10 slayyyyyyyyy

It is one of the best k-dramas in recent years I feel like the plot of the story is incredible and how she executes her revenge is it's just so satisfying to watch seeing her executing and how she works just a masterpiece. They tried to slow her down but she was playing chess while the others were playing checkers. likee she was always 2 steps ahead of them. She deserved her glory and her bullies got what they deserved. The storyline is wonderful the development of the story is awesome. I love how people were willing to help her to reach her goal and how she was so determined not only to avenge herself but her classmate who was bullied. She is so admirable. I love her character and the development of the story.10/10, would recommend it if you like thrillers and a little bit of cutesy stuff in between, also the acting was impeccable on all parts every one completed their assignment.

Leer más

10/10 3 episodes in - bursting with delight; all 16 episodes watched - pure joy!

It is very rare for me to review a series before finishing it, but this was so darn delightful that I could not stop myself sharing the good news. After 3 episodes I wrote that if you are not watching this you are missing out. Also that Eun-bin Park is simply wonderful as the autistic attorney at the centre of this drama, coping so movingly with the challenges she faces.
Having now watched the whole series my opinion has not changed. This is a joy to watch. All the usual elements of good K drama are here: fine acting, well drawn characters, believable relationships, deft plotting. I could go on: K dramas do so many things well.
But the absolute clincher is the performance of Eun-bin Park. She makes us believe in her character's difficulties.
But she also makes us believe in her ability to find a path through that does not contradict her autism. You are on her side the whole series through. She managed to convey a character that struggled with emotions but also gave us those emotions. Remarkable. Utterly believable.
I am no expert on autism. I have read reviews here from those with experience of the condition both decrying and lauding the accuracy of the portrayal. Perhaps another reviewer got it right when he/she said that the condition is a spectrum, so those with experience can find that it varies considerably.

Leer más

My School President: "It's a trap!"

I sat down to watch "My School President" as a light, entertaining palate cleanser between more serious BLs, and as surprisingly high-quality fluff, it worked beautifully. The high school setting, the band, the great music, the broad comedy, the sound effects, the adorbs versus the dorks all worked together to create a surprisingly well-thought out, well-written, well-acted, cohesive series that was light entertainment at its best.

I was fully, happily, unguardedly charmed, but then, it introduced … issues. Sincere, genuine, mature issues that work within the world the series creates: the difficulty of some parents coming to grips with having a Gay child, the ever present threat of homophobic violence, a couple trying to decide how to come out to their friends, how a Gay couple establishes a relationship with each others’ parents, the clash of people coming together from two vastly different socio-economic backgrounds, the importance of friendship, and more, and I am left with a new understanding: fluff can be important.

Conflict is often introduced in BL as an excuse for writers running out of ideas. Instead of furthering character or plot, conflict therefore often serves as filler. This “conflict for conflict’s sake” is so common that BL fans even have a term for it, the “Episode 11 Curse.”

That is almost never the case in "My School President." Tinn's mother (Pim Pympan) hesitates because of genuine concern for a Gay child in a homophobic world (not a cartoonish knee-jerk rejection) and she gradually grows in her understanding and acceptance. And yet, the introduction of a homophobic character proved her concerns were not only valid but unfortunately relevant to the real world -  the world beyond the protective, sheltering BL bubble.

The Episode 11 Curse still occurs, however, in, yes, Episode 11. The conflict is relatively minor, but that’s not the problem. Rather, almost all of Episode 11 is filler. It could have been cut by 3/4 and still made its points. Once again, writers seem to approach a series’ end, run out of ideas, and tread water until Episode 12. To their credit, however, the writers did not introduce shock value and kept the padding within the tone already established by the series. It may have been boring and unnecessary, but it wasn’t a tonal whiplash.

The fact that I remained invested even during a slow section is due largely to an outstanding performance by Fourth, who anchors - no, carries, almost singlehandedly - the entire series. Acting since he was a child and with GMMTV since he was 15, Fourth brought a grounded naturalness, a mature professionalism, energy, and a sense of being fully present in every scene despite the fact that he was only 17 when filming started. His group of close friends (the adorbs) complement the high-energy joy Fourth brings to the series.

In contrast are the student council members (the dorks), led by Gemini, who are more tightly-wound. The dorks include some well-known GMMTV stars, such as Mark Pakin (outstanding in both "Moonlight Chicken" and "Only Friends") and Aun ("Only Boo!," "Perfect 10 Liners"). The high-personality supporting actors are needed to balance Gemini’s woodenness.

I first saw Gemini in "Moonlight Chicken," where he played a withdrawn hearing-impaired teenager being gently introduced to the larger world by his sensitive and caring new friend, played by Fourth. Being hearing-impaired can impose its own special kind of isolation, leading sometimes to a noticeable decrease in the outward expression of emotion (low affect). When Gemini displayed a limited emotional range, I therefore thought he was in character. After seeing him now in three series playing three different characters, each of whom had contained emotions, I’m no longer so sure.

Whatever the source of Gemini’s controlled performance - character choice or natural register - Fourth more than just compensates for it; he transforms it into something that works. Gemini and Fourth together are truly more than the sum of their parts.

The overwhelming reaction to "My School President" was that it was an exceptional example of BL fluff at its best, and it certainly is, but that, I think missed the point. My School President proved that sheer fun and social meaning do not have to be mutually exclusive. As entertaining as it is, it carries an important, mature message exemplified by Mark’s question to Fourth, "Why can’t people be as kind as the series we watch?” That question lingers with me.

Leer más

10/10 Viva la vida -- Long live life!

This Korean drama is at turns delightfully light and emotional. The music is superb. The actors are adorable.
There are elements of coming-of-age, rom-com, and fantasy time travel. But, foremost, it embodies a celebration of life -- especially of aspects that are sweet and sparkly like the title, Twinkling Watermelon.
The emotional core involves the enduring dilemma faced by young people: whether to live a life that makes their heart beat or follow the lead of their parents. The main character Ha Eun-gyeol, a CODA (child of deaf adult) youth, grapples between following his passions and serving the needs of his family, when he is presented with an opportunity to change the trajectory of their lives by slipping back in time when his parents were his age. We're also presented with the question, would life really be better if the past changed to our liking?
As the story transpires, we see some of the joys and sparks of youth, its conflicts and uncertainties. It delves into teenage anxiety and mental health issues and the pressures from parents and society. The show also portrays beautiful friendships and loving, albeit sometimes misunderstood, family relationships. The deaf character portrayed by Shin Eun-soo is a gem. And Choi Hyun-wook is a master at capturing the spirit and zest of youth.
In a way, the show follows some of the winning formulae of other recent successes. As in the movie CODA, it peers into the lives of the deaf who face many challenges but lead meaningful lives. As in Someday or One Day, it makes you dream about rewriting the past, preventing accidents, and letting go of guilt and resentment. As in 2521 and the Reply series, it taps into 90s nostalgia, when times were simpler, when you had to run to a pay phone to answer urgent beeper messages and could drop by your friend's home anytime.
So, in a way, it is not groundbreaking but a good story nonetheless.
If splitting hairs, the series is not without imperfections.
Time travel presents logic problems. It's apparent from the proficiency of signing that the actors are not deaf themselves. And there is a reliance on common tropes to create obstacles for the characters. But I recommend you watch this for its emotional journey and uplifting message.
The main character's parents are deaf, but they are
'cheerful, healthy, and happy because they could communicate with their eyes, their hearts, and their hands!' We all have problems, but we can also grow, adapt, and have fun. The show promotes embracing music and loved ones:
Seize the day, its joys and opportunities! ¡Viva la vida!

Leer más

10/10 Best Kdrama of 2023

My Demon emerges as a standout in the realm of K-dramas, weaving a narrative that not only captivates but also leaves a lasting impression. At the heart of its success lies the exceptional acting prowess of its cast. Song Kang and Kim Yoojung, the dynamic duo leading the show, bring their characters to life with an unparalleled authenticity.
The on-screen chemistry between Song Kang and Kim Yoojung is nothing short of mesmerizing. Their performances create a palpable connection that transcends the screen, drawing viewers into the intricate web of emotions woven throughout the storyline. It's a testament to their skill and dedication that their portrayals resonate so deeply with the audience.
What sets "My Demon" apart is not just the plot, but the flawless execution of each line delivered by the cast. The dialogue is not merely spoken; it's imbued with nuance and emotion, making every word count. The actors' ability to convey the complexities of their characters through these lines adds layers to the storytelling, making the drama a compelling and immersive experience.
Moreover, the well-crafted script deserves commendation.
The writing not only provides a solid foundation for the actors but also keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, eager to unravel the mysteries and emotional intricacies of the characters' lives. It's a delicate balance of drama, romance, and suspense, expertly interwoven to create a tapestry of storytelling that resonates long after the final episode.
In essence, "My Demon" is a testament to the magic that happens when a talented cast, a compelling script, and seamless direction come together. It's a K-drama that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts of the genre.

Leer más

A nostalgic Jeju love story about first love, growth and quiet resilience

When Life Gives You Tangerines captures such a beautiful Jeju and 90s aesthetic that immediately pulls you into a world of soft nostalgia and first love. There is something warm yet quietly heartbreaking about the way the story unfolds, like you are watching memories being lived rather than just a drama.

The relationship between Ae-sun and Gwan-sik is the heart of everything. Ae-sun is incredibly strong in the way she always stands up for Gwan-sik, even when life keeps testing them, and Gwan-sik truly feels like a green forest of a person, steady, grounding and quietly devoted in a way that doesn’t need many words.

Episode 6, Life Goes On and On, completely broke me. It felt so real and heavy in the way it showed that life continues no matter what, even through pain, loss and change. It stayed with me long after it ended.

Overall, it is a deeply emotional drama about love, endurance and growing up, wrapped in a soft nostalgic atmosphere that feels both comforting and heartbreaking at the same time. It also made me cherish my loved ones even more and appreciate the small moments with them that we often take for granted.

Leer más

10/10 Touched my heart

I'm not really a fan of Japanese dramas, but "Marry My Husband" completely changed my perspective. This is the only Japanese drama that truly captured my heart and left a deep impression on me. From the very first episode, I was drawn into the story and couldn't stop watching. It's a drama filled with raw emotions, unexpected twists, and a beautiful message about love, betrayal, revenge, and personal growth.
What I loved most was the character development. The lead female character was so relatable, and her journey from pain to empowerment was inspiring. You could feel every emotion she went through - from heartbreak, anger, and sadness, to strength, courage, and healing. The way she fought for herself after being betrayed by the people she loved most was powerful and moving.
The drama also made me reflect on life, relationships, and second chances. It reminded me how important it is to value ourselves, to walk away from toxic people, and to never be afraid to start again. Every episode was engaging and full of meaning, and even the side characters had depth and unique stories.
The acting was top-notch, the music enhanced the emotional scenes, and the pacing of the plot kept me hooked. "Marry My Husband" is not just a revenge drama - it's a story of strength, forgiveness, and finding love and happiness in unexpected places. I honestly didn't expect to love it this much, but I'm so glad I gave it a chance.
I highly recommend this drama to anyone looking for something emotionally powerful, with meaningful lessons and unforgettable characters. It's one of those rare series that stays in your heart long after the final episode.

Leer más

10/10 Perfect it everything

l've seen manhwa adoptions before (both with actors, as well as in animated form). Some better than others but when I stumbled over this one on my prime account, I dropped my viewing plans and cleared my schedule and watched the first 3 episodes (hours).
I don't know if it's the score (music), the scrip (that looks like it holds hand in hand with its source (love that •) or if the actors, direction or lighting and stylist had a finger in making this magical. Perhaps all of the above because it just CLICKED for me. I got swept off into the story, it took me where I first went in the manhwa and I couldn't say any negatives about it,
Sure, Su-min doesn't have her "pink'ish" hair, nor does a-hole of the year not his brown'ish hair but the actors ARE these characters. I have NO trouble believing them or notice who is who from a glance since the behavior (dirty or sweet) shines through everyone of the main cast.
Deep respect for the actors here. Not sure if they read the manhwa and laughed, cried and raged at some characters and that's why they are so incredibly adjusted to just BE THEM! But everyone had me mimic their faces. I was so caught up in it! Sumin pouted and I wondered why my brows hurt: I was glaring at her while at the same time "mirrored" her pout because I was so deeply invested into it.
When our heroine cried, feared or raged internally | "felt" all those emotions and was sobbing at several points, to the point that I had to apologize to the rest of the house that I just found a REALLY GOOD series, so that's why there is cheering, shouting and crying
Needless to say, I cannot speak highly enough for this.
I know some will take issue with the lack of hair color on a few character, however I understand and have to respect the different culture of "blending in" rather than looking like a peacock in between shoots (or have horribly wigs that fans would perhaps also fault them for).

Leer más

10/10 Low ratings are BS, undeserving of hate, a masterpiece truly

10/10 Low ratings are BS, undeserving of hate, a masterpiece truly
Don't let the low ratings fool you. There is just a low number of reviews right now since this series dropped around a week ago. The ratings will definitely skyrocket once everyone's finished this masterpiece. For the record, this is my first time writing a review for a K-drama and i have been watching them for 6 years now, Anyway, if you haven't started this show yet then i envy you because i would do anything to watch this for the first time again. I cannot express how good hierarchy is, it's just something you must see for yourself. From the cast to the plot and even the OSTs, it is perfect in my humble opinion. Without a doubt one of my favourites this year. Thats why i was initially flabbergasted as to why the overall ratings are so unbelievably low. I could really go in depth about every detail of hierarchy but just know that once you start watching episode 1 you will find yourself binging it until the end. I will be eagerly awaiting a season two as soon as possible.

Leer más

A Story That Trusted Me

I don’t write reviews immediately after finishing a drama. I need time to process what I watched. But this is one of those rare dramas that I knew I wanted to write about the moment the credits rolled.

This is not a conventional romance. It is not a conventional political drama. It is not even structured in a conventional way.

The story unfolds through layers rather than a straight line. The past and present constantly weave together, asking the audience to pay attention instead of simply waiting for the next exposition dump. I was continually asking myself: Who did this? When did it happen? Is this connected to the current timeline or to the events eight years ago? Instead of frustrating me, it pulled me deeper into the story. The writers trusted the audience to assemble the puzzle, and that trust paid off beautifully.

The romance is one of the most mature I have seen in a historical drama.

Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li don’t fall in love because the plot says it’s time. They become each other’s refuge through shared grief, loyalty, respect, and healing. Their marriage begins in Episode 1, yet physical intimacy is almost irrelevant. Watching their relationship grow through quiet moments, unwavering support, and genuine understanding was far more satisfying than grand declarations ever could have been.

The political intrigue is equally impressive.

Every decision has consequences years later. Small details that seem insignificant early on become central pieces of the larger picture. By the final episodes, I realized just how carefully everything had been constructed. Nothing important felt random.

The acting deserves enormous praise.

Bai Lu delivers one of the strongest performances I’ve seen from her. Ye Li is extraordinarily competent, but underneath that competence is unimaginable grief. The gradual revelation of what she endured completely recontextualizes her behavior throughout the series. Watching those pieces fall into place was heartbreaking.

Cheng Lei gives Mo Xiuyao tremendous dignity and restraint. His performance is built on subtle changes rather than dramatic speeches. You watch a man who has spent years believing he no longer deserves happiness slowly return to life. His transformation feels earned every step of the way.

The supporting cast is equally strong. Even characters I disagreed with rarely felt one-dimensional. Prince Li, in particular, became far more tragic than I initially expected. His story is not simply about unrequited love but about a man trying to reclaim an entire life that history stole from him.

One scene near the end will stay with me for a long time. Ye Li returns to Lishan Mountain after we finally learn the truth of what happened there. The emotional weight of that revelation reframes everything that came before it. By the time the mountain opens once again to new scholars, the story has moved beyond revenge into something much deeper: healing, remembrance, and choosing to build a future without forgetting the past.

Very few dramas genuinely surprise me anymore.

This one did.

It surprised me with its structure, with its emotional restraint, with its confidence, and with its willingness to let its audience think.

This is unquestionably one of the finest historical dramas I’ve seen and it unquestionably earns a place among my highest recommendations.

Leer más

She Wasn’t Broken. She Was Holding the World Together with Her Bare Hands

Historical dramas love giving their female leads tragic backstories. A dead parent here, a betrayal there maybe a few episodes of crying into a pillow before she “gets over it” and the plot moves on to the romance everyone actually tuned in for. The First Jasmine does not do this. It refuses to do this, and that refusal is the whole reason this drama stayed with me.

What gets me is how the show treats Ye Li’s pain. It doesn’t play her composure as denial. It plays it as discipline, as a woman making an active, conscious choice, again and again to carry her grief privately so it doesn’t get in the way of what she has to do. Standing calm at the funeral of the grandmother who murdered her own mother isn’t a woman who’s “lost it.” It’s a woman who has decided, on her own terms, exactly how much of herself the world is allowed to see. That is not weakness. That’s armour she built alone with no one’s help because no one ever offered.

And here’s the part that really won me over. Even while carrying all of that, even while fractured, even while lonely in a way most of the people around her couldn’t begin to imagine, she still got up and did what needed to be done. She tracked down the men who destroyed Lishan and orchestrated their downfalls one by one, patiently, using their own pride and greed against them until they walked themselves into the trap. She helped heal her husband’s legs when the royal physicians had given up. She rebuilt a household that was falling apart around her. None of it came from anyone holding her hand through it. It came from her own intelligence, her own will, dragging herself forward one task at a time even while unraveling underneath. That’s the part of her character that feels the most real to me. She didn’t need to be whole to be capable.

And then, just when she lets that armour down, just when her husband finally earns enough trust that she’s willing to believe she doesn’t need to carry it alone anymore, he hands her divorce papers. Not out of cruelty exactly but out of his own wounded pride misreading her devotion as obligation. He doesn’t realise that the one promise she actually believed was that she wouldn’t have to go back to being alone. And the moment he breaks that, even unintentionally, she fractures further than before, because now even the version of “alone” she’d survived once already feels unbearable a second time with someone she trusted standing right there.

That’s not a romance plot device. That’s what happens to women, to people, who are taught that being needed is conditional that their pain is only acceptable as long as it doesn’t inconvenience anyone else’s feelings.

Ye Li isn’t a woman who needed fixing. She’s a woman who needed someone to finally stay.


This drama understood the difference and so did I, watching it.

Leer más

Started Strong, Lost Its Spark

It was really good... until it wasn't.

The show actually started off so strong. I was hooked from the beginning—the story was fun, the pacing was great, and who doesn't love a yearning male lead? The chemistry was there, and I genuinely thought this was going to be one of my favorites.

Unfortunately, the last 5–6 episodes completely lost me. They weren't necessarily bad, but they became so boring that I genuinely struggled to finish them. The writing feels very inconsistent. One moment it's engaging, and the next it's falling back on the same overused K-drama tropes we've seen a hundred times before. Nothing really felt fresh.

What disappointed me the most was the romance. It had so much spark at the beginning, but somewhere along the way it just fizzled out. It felt like the characters kept going in circles—every time they made progress, they'd have another misunderstanding and end up right back where they started. They never seemed to communicate properly, and after a while it just became repetitive instead of emotional.

The show had so much potential, especially with the reincarnation storyline, but it barely scratched the surface. They could've explored it in a much deeper and more meaningful way, but instead it felt underdeveloped. The characters also had so much potential to be incredibly well written, but the execution just didn't live up to it.

One thing I will give it credit for is the editing and overall production—it looks great, and some scenes are genuinely beautiful. Sadly, good editing can't make up for weak writing.

Overall, it's an easy watch and not overly complicated, but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it. It starts off incredibly promising, but the second half really drags, and the ending feels rushed. It's one of those dramas that had all the ingredients to be great but ultimately missed the mark.

Leer más

A Beautiful Drama with a Heartbreaking Ending

I just finished Snowdrop and... yeah, I have my thoughts and frustrations with that ending.

I genuinely enjoyed the drama more than my expectations . But that finale? It was way too much to process. Now I completely understand why people call it a K-trauma.

My biggest disappointment was that Soo-ho and his comrades went through ALL. OF. THAT. just to end up dead. 😭 What was the point of dragging the hostage situation till the very end, making multiple deals with the ANSP, and giving the spies (and us viewers) hope that they might actually survive... only to kill them all anyway?

I was so relieved when they finally escaped the dorm. I thought, "Finally! They're free!" But then Soo-ho decided to go back inside. I literally yelled, WHAT ARE YOU DOING? JUST RUN! He basically dug his own grave. The main couple wasn't going to get a happy ending anyway, so was it really necessary to kill him and all his comrades?

Another thing that disappointed me was the romance. Soo-ho and Yeong-ro had amazing chemistry in the beginning, but after the first few episodes the romance was almost nonexistent. They barely got any meaningful moments together. By the end, the story became all about survival, and honestly, I just wanted them to stay alive, even if it meant living separately. The spark, chemistry, and emotional tension they had at the start completely faded. What was supposed to be a romantic story slowly turned into an action thriller, with the romance pushed into the background. I didn’t mind that but I really wanted more Soo-ho and Yeong-ro... but alas.

I have to give a special shoutout to Dr. Kang. She was an absolute boss. I did not expect her character to become one of my favorites, but she surprised me in the best way possible. Smart, fearless, and always in control I'm so glad she survived.

Han-na annoyed me so much in the beginning, but she really redeemed herself. She played such an important role in trying to save the students, and by the end, I loved her too. These two boss ladies carried themselves so well.

One thing the drama never cleared up, though: What happened to Soo-ho's sister? Did she survive? I kept waiting for some closure, but they just... never mentioned her again.

Leer más

fun watch but forgettable

This drama was a nice surprise. It offers an interesting story about agents and spies living in hiding, blending action and comedy with just a touch of romance.

I really loved the team and their journey to becoming a unified group. Their bickering was entertaining, and the fight scenes were well-executed. The acting is great across the board—the cast is filled with talented performers who brought their characters to life.

The drama kept my attention for the most part, though I did start losing interest towards the end. Still, it was a good watch—just don't go in expecting a top-tier drama.

Verdict: A fun, lighthearted spy drama with solid action and comedy. Entertaining enough, but not groundbreaking.

Leer más

What exactly is the bridge between storytelling and life?

We Are All Trying Here (2026) 🎥

I did enjoy Eun-a's story, but honestly, her mother's subplot was easily the least interesting for me. Otherwise, I am reminded of what I really enjoy about Park Hae-young's works, her ability to craft complex characters and show how life is never as straightforward as we want it to be. There is no one way to solve something, and we have push and pulls that make these stories, our cries to say that we exist humourously, happily, pitifully, and everything else. The emotion watches were a rather provocative tool, and they were used in a way that allowed the characters to still exist and learn to deal with their greatest mental setbacks. Eun-a and Dong-man bonded over the unknown emotional pattern flashing red, and learned to address the feeling rather than repress it. Specifically, the main thing here is how they know when they feel it and the reason why they cannot feel as in touch with their emotions.

I really got to know and understand these characters as human beings, and maybe learned a lot about why stories are ingrained into our lives, where I sympathized with these creatives, who, above all, are people, criticized their actions often, and sat back without saying a word, watching this. I need to probably rewatch some episodes and reflect a bit more, but this was still a fascinating drama. Sometimes the pacing was not to my standard, but I still think I will take their words with me every time I choose to create anything; those simple reminders will help me. Dong-man is very flawed, but he has heart and chooses stories to achieve a lighthearted approach that is not consumed by anxiety and envy at its best. I did not feel bad about how people chose to respond towards him because he is just not the hero you can root for; he can maybe write those heroes, but with grit and honesty, as with the stories he tells his friends. Eun-a mostly relied on facial expressions to craft her story, but she was also the perfect balance for all the relationships encompassed. She got to understand the root of her trauma and grab it while she still can.

Ko Hye-jin was someone who also stole the spotlight, and she was equally intriguing and complex, someone you would want to root for in the film business, too. I enjoyed seeing Jang Mi-ran, too, and Hwang Jin-man for his insights but felt his ending was rather rushed, besides the other directors in this drama. Choi Dong-heon of Choi Film was also a businessman who invests in films, but that doesn't make him completely unlikable, besides his treatment of Eun-a. Eun-a, changing her name from Si-on, reminded me of My Mister, quoted by Lee Ji-an, where she says she wants to live as a new person, change her name, and move to a place where no one knows her.

Highly recommended, and I would say that the character writing of Dong-man exceeds the work in My Mister and My Liberation Notes. But just take your time with it and don't take long breaks in between episodes either.

Leer más