Reviews

Characters and story

There will be have a season 2 ? Absolute Value of Romance is a lighthearted Korean romantic comedy that combines school life, fantasy, and romance in a unique way. The story follows Yeo Eui-ju, a high school student who secretly enjoys writing romance and BL (Boys' Love) web novels. She has a vivid imagination and often escapes into the fictional worlds she creates. However, her ordinary school life becomes much more complicated when the events and relationships from her stories begin to influence reality. As she navigates friendships, misunderstandings, and unexpected romantic situations, Eui-ju learns important lessons about love, honesty, and growing up.
One of the drama's biggest strengths is its fresh and creative premise. The idea of a student writer seeing elements of her fiction affect real life creates many funny and entertaining moments. The series balances comedy and romance well, making it easy to watch and enjoyable for viewers who prefer lighter dramas. The school setting also adds charm, as the characters experience the typical challenges of youth, including crushes, friendships, and self-discovery.
The cast delivers energetic performances, especially the lead actress, who portrays Eui-ju's awkwardness and enthusiasm in a believable way. The chemistry among the characters helps keep the story engaging, while the fast-paced episodes prevent the plot from feeling slow. Although some situations are exaggerated and unrealistic, they fit the drama's playful tone.
Overall, Absolute Value of Romance is a fun and refreshing drama that does not take itself too seriously. It offers plenty of laughter, sweet romantic moments, and a unique storyline that sets it apart from many traditional school romances. Viewers looking for a cheerful, easy-to-watch series with comedy, romance, and youthful energy are likely to enjoy this drama. It may not be ideal for those seeking a realistic or deeply emotional story, but it succeeds as an entertaining and charming romantic comedy.

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"You must be brave. Bravery is all we have."

A Foggy Tale took place in 1953 Taiwan during the period of the White Terror. The story focused on a young girl traveling from her rural community to Taipei to retrieve her beloved brother’s body after he was executed for his ideas. The trek was harrowing as she faced numerous challenges in her desire to bring her brother home.

Huang Chih Yue has been secretly bringing food and water to her brother Yun who has been hiding in the sugar cane fields. He gives her his watch, telling her that with it she can travel forward in time and imagine better days when the going gets too rough. The young artist is chased down, arrested, and later executed. Yue is determined to bring his body home instead of letting the government dump it in a mass grave. When she arrives alone in Taipei she is overwhelmed by the sheer size of it. She’s quickly set upon by traffickers, but luckily enough rescued by a rough and ready pedicab driver. The two make an awkward pair and whether Chao Kung Tao is there as a helper or to help fleece her remains to be seen.

Caitlin Fang and Will Or gave strong performances as the odd couple scrambling to keep putting one foot in front of the other on a broken beam. This film was primarily Yue’s and Caitlin’s, following the young girl’s trials in the complete unknown of Taipei. Aside from navigating the large city under martial law populated with human traffickers and thieves, Yue’s primary obstacle was money. The fees for retrieving the body of an executed prisoner were astronomical for a poor girl from Chiayi. Yue also had no plans for how she would pay to transport Yun home. All she had was her bravery and perseverance. Chao’s interventions were at times beneficial and at others disastrous. He had an interesting skill set. Chao had been a soldier and learned to curse in several languages and dialects during his time in the military. A skill he frequently displayed. He also had a traumatic past having run afoul of the KMT merely by army associations. Terrifying agent Fan Chun dropped by on occasion to menace Chao and to try and gather information from his former prisoner on wanted men.

MDL currently has 9m88 listed as a lead, but she was in the film less than 30 minutes if you are a fan and wanted to watch this for her. She played Yue’s older and absent sister, Chiu Hsiu Hsia. Due to the family’s poverty, Hsiu Hsia had been adopted out as a child to a family in Taipei. 9m88 was given a three-minute song and dance routine on her introduction which seemed to be overkill for the supporting character, especially since she wasn’t seen again until near the end of the film. I don’t know the name of the actor who played the Robin Hood styled thief, Kao Chin Chung, Kao’s brief appearances were welcome levity in the film.

The film glanced over much of the terror that went on with the KMT despite the number of people who had been killed in the film by the secret police. Money was extorted and/or confiscated, especially by the police. Poverty was omnipresent in the rural and urban areas. Sometimes a finger was all a person could afford to pay for in regards to their deceased loved one. Chao was so broke he could only buy one cigarette at a time. Scarce jobs were lost at the whisper of an agent looking for a person. Yet food was still shared and grace offered.

If I have one complaint it’s that the flow of the story could be stilted at times with characters on the periphery distracting from Yue and Chao’s narrative trajectory and making the film unnecessarily longer.

A Foggy Tale contained moments that were tense, heartwarming, heartbreaking, and gently humorous. The unlikely alliance of Yue and Chao strengthened Yue’s resolve and brought out the bravery in Chao he believed he’d lost. Sparks of human kindness gave glimpses of light in the grim darkness all around. Friends and random strangers rendered unexpected support in a sea of people doing whatever it took to survive and get ahead. And nestled in Yue’s quest were her brother’s words of hope that in the future there would be peace. That there would be a day where people would not be killed for their ideas. Unlike Yun’s watch, time could not be sped up, Yue had to face what lie before her one minute at a time with most of that time used well.
(8.25 rounded up to an 8.5)

29 May 2026
Awards note: A Foggy Tale won the Golden Horse Award for Best Narrative Feature (2025)

Housekeeping note: This was my 100th review for 2026

Cutie Pie note: If you are a Tseng Jing Hua fan, despite being on the poster, he is primarily shown in a few flashbacks

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MY TOP 1 BL⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It's like sorcery.. Chusan Luiyi pull you into the story so deep, you can't find your way back. Banger story, perfect actors, the OST is chefs kiss, screenplay was awesome overall I'm obbses with SCD. And there's the actors XiXi ZhaoZhao..what to say about them, Those cutie pies put a spell on me...they're like teenagers always bickering, being goofy, silly,funny, finding comfort and love and having the best time of their lives. I am seeing them get close to eachother naturally and gradually and they are becoming more bold these days *IM LOVING IT* my only wish is they stay together forever.XiZhao 999 💛🧡

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Ga Woo Su -Eui Ju Saga???

What an amazing series!!!! Tale of a cold math teacher and a web novel writer student... Different world still crossed the path....Her imagination level about her teachers is insane 🤣🤣🤣🤣
She needs a good hairstylist though..I just love Eui Ju's character played by Kim Hyang Gi...
Cha Hakyeon is the soul of this drama...He switched his role from real to reel😅😅
Open ending but we can feel they will be together in future...Focused on everyone's dream not a pure love story....I will definitely rewatch it...It's super funny🤣🤣🤣
Episode Duration only 30mins!!! Why!!! It could be atleast 1hr.Hope they will be back with Season 2.
I'm gonna miss them badly...
Mr.Ga Woo Su and Yeo Eui Ju, officially signing off....👋🏻👋🏻

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Lee Kwang-soo does a spot-on impression of Nicolas Cage I said casually as I lit a cigarette, leaning against a wall, my gaze wandering and a mocking look on my face.

I started watching this series without knowing anything about it, just because of Park Bo-Young's name. Well, sometimes you really do need to know what you re getting into, because you end up disappointed. A mysterious first episode followed by two episodes that are boring as hell… with the occasional serious turn of events, or revelations that aren't exactly earth-shattering. (You can see them coming… the colleague at the airport ? Don't take me for a fool, please) It loses its momentum straight away. And anything that might pose the slightest obstacle is magically overcome : they hide the gold, they've got someone to fence it, they make a fortune, they forge documents. Nothing really causes a problem.
I'll be straightforward : it feels like a film that's been stretched out over 10 episodes. They're taking my precious time for granted. So I watched it, skipping bits here and there, just to see what it was like. But it wasn't any good. What a waste of time !
If that twist right at the end sets up a season 2, I have to warn the whole team: don't bother !

Doesn't the bloke who melts down gold actually know the price of gold ? Strange.
In the end, in France, in Provence, Park Bo-young buys three nectarines for €4. The price per kilo ! She's been ripped off, poor thing. That's my France. Well done to that shopkeeper for respecting French traditions. And her car is registered in the 96, but there's no department with that number.

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such a lovely experience

It starts off amazing, nearly perfect, but, like most high school dramas, the quality drops drastically once the characters graduate. From that point on, it becomes kind of a drag. The transition from college to adult life feels rushed, and there are too many disposable characters. Jiang Jia and Gu Ran, who are both great characters, get completely sidelined and underdeveloped after graduation just to give more screen time to Su Zai Zai and Zhang Lu Rang.

The soundtrack also starts out really strong but becomes annoyingly repetitive by the end, which is another common issue with many dramas. Overall, I think a 7/10 would be more fair, but the first two-thirds of the show are so good that they carry it to an 8 despite the significant flaws near the end.

Another big positive for me is that the show avoids excessive flashbacks and overly melodramatic plotlines. There’s also very little pointless drama. In a genre full of sad, emotionally manipulative slop, a show where nothing truly bad happens feels like a breath of fresh air and makes the overall experience much more enjoyable.

The acting is top-notch, and the aesthetics are excellent as well. There are almost no unintentionally cringeworthy moments, which is surprisingly rare for this genre. Overall, it’s a genuinely above-average show that could have been even better. Things improve slightly once Jiang Jia and Gu Ran reappear, but only mildly, and unfortunately very late into the story.

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Chaotic chemistry, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a fast paced enemies-to-lovers start. m over the moon!

Extremely engaging and humorous storyline along with romance .
I could already tell from the trailer that the chaos it is going to cause it beyond imagination .
Just amazing , it's already the most chaotic series of the year , the first few minutes totally shocked me I was like “ Huh ! What kind of work is that ? ” then later got that it was just a rescue mission . Lol
That part was beyond expectation “ he's totally my type ”
The luggage mix up between Mr. Boiling Tofu sand Stray dog scammer , if it's not fate then what huh .
And that B2B massage ( Body 2 body ) extra premium , so that's how he wanted to pay of his debt uhmmm .
Total opposites dynamic, the high-energy bickering between the leads makes it even more engaging .
Btw the ending hug was too personal “ Be careful ”
Kanit go easy on toto khab .

The enemies -to-lovers trope makes it even more compelling .
I'm not sure if I can express myself , but I can make sure that if you get on then you're not coming off soon . I'm bursting with anticipation!
Taynew I missed them , I have been waiting from a very long time , I gottt whatever I was expecting I'm so delighted .
Fridays are actually auspicious .
The first episode actually met a high praise for its comedic, chaotic, and mature approach to romance , gotta say <3
I'm calling it one of the biggest, most-anticipated comebacks of the year for sure .
I'm already so pumped for the new episodes , the first one clearly passes my standards . So , I'm moving forward , I'm counting down days , I'm thrilled to see what happens next!
The drama is too chaotic, and this investigation is a mess! I wanted Lion to cheat on Mr. Tofu so badly—I ship my boys way too much. But honestly? Thank God Lion skipped that dinner; Toto’s efforts didn't go to waste after all!
The note “ I will prove that last 10% to you ” was hilarious...

Toto uncovers the truth about Kanit’s pilot boyfriend, Lion. However, Lion catches onto Toto and successfully bribes him to keep his cheating a secret from Kanit.
And this guy is sus, I don't think he'll end everything in a week at all.

Toto finally admitted that Lion was cheating on Kanitt. I can't believe a whole week already passed since the deal.
Now it's time for my boys to finally take the spotlight. Right? ^^

Oh my god, I can't believe the flight attendant and Kanit were talking about Me & Thee, Khun Thee, and Nong Lookpeach! I miss them so much. It was amazing to hear Kanit describe Khun Thee's personality as so pure and devoted. I absolutely loved every second of that conversation!

A lot of people may not like it cuz it's comedy and chaotic with a lot of cheesy pickup lines but honestly I'm enjoying it so far.
Toto needs to chase after Kanit because they are perfect together! That chaotic restaurant proposal was the cutest thing ever. Kanit pretends to be hard, but he is pure mush inside.
I am completely obsessed with MondRyu's chemistry as a future couple, The tension between them is incredible; they’ve quickly become my favorites. I typically fast-forward through the secondary couple, but their chemistry is too good to skip.

Omggg they look so good together, I'm so obsessed with the second couple too
I love their dynamics..

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A pure and moving love story with touches of comedy and healing.

If you don't have time to read the whole thing, skip to the end where the conclusions are :)

Sold Out On You introduces us to two people who dedicate themselves entirely to their work each day, yet feel a profound emptiness in their hearts. Dam Ye-jin is a home shopping star who has amassed sales worth one billion won. With this track record, she aspires to a promotion that will grant her access to the coveted weekend slot on the channel where she works, but to achieve this, she must convince the owner of a beauty products company to renew her contract. So, she embarks on a quest to find a mushroom, prized for its cosmetic properties, that is only cultivated in the village of Deokpung. There, she meets Matthew Lee, an enigmatic farmer who juggles several jobs but initially refuses to collaborate with her. However, their paths continually cross in a series of encounters day and night, prompted by her insomnia, and gradually, each begins to understand the other's motivations. Over time, these coincidences transform into a deep emotional connection, demonstrating that differences in lifestyles can be the beginning of a meaningful relationship.

The drama uses fresh settings like the town of Deokpung, similar to Hometown Cha Cha Cha and Brewing Love. It has a good premise and makes good use of comedy, but sometimes it fell into ridiculous situations, and the protagonist had a bad attitude in the first few episodes, though this changed as the series progressed. The show uses multiple storylines that deal with family, your relationship with your parents, a mother's pain, friendship, and strong bonds, all of which were very well developed. I must highlight that the reference to Business Proposal and the background music of Love Maybe were the best parts; I hope this is a sign of a second season. The series also knows how to balance comedy and emotional tension, which developed well, maintaining a good equilibrium. Another aspect I appreciate is the focus on live broadcasts and the presenter's career, which I find very interesting. Overall, I give the story a 9/10 because it kept me hooked and engaged.

The series uses many characters, which is common in a drama set in a small town. The characters were well-developed, the main couple had great chemistry, and their romance scenes were also very good.

Here is my analysis of the main characters:

Matthew Lee (Ahn Hyo-seop): CEO of Gojeuneok Bio, a natural raw materials company, and a cosmetics researcher known for his technical expertise. He lives under the alias Matthew Lee to distance himself from his past and manages a mushroom farm in a rural area. He is the sole producer of the white-flowered uri mushroom, which is considered an ingredient with almost miraculous properties in the industry. Despite his attempts to stay out of the spotlight, he's an active member of the local community—too much so for his liking, as everyone calls on him for help with anything and everything.

This is my second time watching an Ahn Hyo-syop drama, and I must say I connected with his character. I understood everything he went through and the guilt he felt. I liked that he was a sincere person who enjoyed helping everyone, and when it was his turn to take the blame, he did so to avoid harming others.

Dam Ye-jin (Chae Won-bin): Star presenter of a show on Hit Homeshopping. After a controversial debut five years prior, she relieves work-related stress through her job. She lives on caffeinated beverages and, naturally, suffers from insomnia.

This is my first time watching a drama with Chae Won-bin, and I must say her acting is good. Although in the first few episodes, the protagonist seemed very conceited and looked down on everyone in town, this changed as the episodes progressed, revealing her kinder side. She was a perfect fit as a presenter, and her smile is lovely. Something I didn't understand was what her father did wrong and why she had to take it out on him when he hadn't done anything wrong. He only hid the truth about her mother because he didn't want to hurt her, which is what any father would do for his daughter's happiness.

Seo Eric (Kim Bom): CEO of L'Étoile, a global skincare brand, and heir to the Desruets family. After years of traveling to avoid family succession conflicts, he assumes a leadership role in the company.

I found her character somewhat unnecessary since he didn't contribute anything to the plot, in my opinion.

Something I definitely liked about this drama was the village grandmother. I cried when I found out about her son, and the way she took Matthew in and defended him when everyone blamed him was touching. The other couples were also fun. Overall, I give the acting a 9/10; it was good.


The music was good; some of my favorite songs were First Snow, That Day (my favorite), Island, I Love You, I Love You Too, and Love is Enough. So I give it a 9/10.


Would I watch it again? Probably, but not for now, it's a very good romantic comedy to pass the time, so I'll give it a 9/10.

In short, Sold Out On You is a romantic comedy with healing touches set in a small town, perfect for passing the time. If you liked dramas like Hometown Cha Cha Cha or Brewing Love, with a fresh atmosphere and scenery, endearing characters, and ideal music, overall I give it a 9/10. It was good.


THANKS FOR READING

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Deserves all the recognition and praise

I have been watching dramas for over a decade and have always had a special spot for the BL genre. Some of my all-time favorite dramas have come from Chinese creators and writers. THIS is amazing. I had not heard of it, and I clicked on it when I saw it listed as a new drama on Gagoolala. It is amazing, and I am totally hooked. I definitely think it will be a part of my favorite dramas. Also, the actors are so sincere and absolutely stunning, plus the scenes and costumes are incredible. I am not the most eloquent writer, but I think the actors and the drama itself deserve all the recognition and praise!

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