Reviews

Half of a Really Great Show

No spoilers, but this turned into a very different (much less interesting) show in the back half. We start with a mystery, unravelling through a cat and mouse game where even we the audience are unsure who is the cat and who's the mouse. The emotional stakes ratchet up as the past repeats itself and we introduce present consequences. Then… that ends. We get the emotional catharsis, the resolution, the answers we were looking for. And just linger for a whole nother leg of the show. And since there's nothing propelling us forward anymore, we just make things more and more convoluted so the character get some more answers to chase. Except we the audience are told those answers first, so we're not even along on the journey. We're just watching the characters catch up to what we've all known for ages. It was such a slog. But the thing is, that first half of the show? Still really great. So I CAN'T rate the series low. They should have just told THAT story and given it some more room to breathe.

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A Refreshing and Thought-Provoking Story that is Surprisingly a Fun Watch

I started this drama without much expectations and actually surprised myself by how much I enjoyed it. Fate Chooses You has an engaging story, brilliant pacing and complex characters with beautiful cinematography and spectacular fight scenes. The writing is elaborate and beautifully layered. The story has depth - it's interesting and thought-provoking but is also light-hearted and fun to watch.

Most of the characters here are complex and make you feel a range of emotions. Sometimes you agree with their actions, sometimes you don’t. But even then, their actions usually follow a train of logic and it’s mostly understandable where they are coming from. The character writing is consistent, and the entire cast really did justice in bringing their characters to life.

Ren Jialun really portrayed the nuances of Lu Qianqiao to a perfection. His detached and resting ‘everyone and everything is beneath me’ face portrayed how Lu Qianqiao was used to experiencing life in third person, like everything around him just brushed past him without ever touching him. Lu Qianqiao is an extremely layered character. He is strong and has the maturity and understanding of having lived a long life but also the sadness and emptiness of never truly experiencing it. He had lived among humans without ever feeling like he belonged, had silently suffered injustice and betrayals time and again but still never lost his heart. He retained the goodness in him and longed for a fulfilled human life where he could experience the bright and colourful world, eat delicious food and even experience pain and death. And all of this could be seen so palpably in Allen’s subtle expressions.

There is a beautiful contrast of all the immortals running after power and immortality when Lu Qianqiao, who was born with boundless power and innate immortality, desired nothing but to be a mortal human to experience the little things that are taken for granted.

Xin Mei is also a very complex character. She is extremely stubborn and strong in her own way. She always followed her heart and fought for what she thought was right, no matter the cost. Xin Mei questioned everyone and everything - through every norm and every convention and forged her own path that aligned with her own beliefs. Yet really, she is just a simple girl at heart, free from great ambitions, who just wants to live a normal life with her loved ones. Personally, I think Wang Herun did a wonderful job balancing and convincingly portraying Xin Mei’s kind-hearted and naïve side as well as the fierce girl who never backed down at the sight of injustice.

As for the romance, it's not a central part of the story. Lu Qianqiao and Xin Mei’s relationship is subtle and sweet. Their chemistry is not electric and fireworks but rather feels like comfort and belonging. Their love is made of small moments and understanding and is honestly so wholesome that I did not need to see physical intimacy to feel their love.

The other characters also have very interesting settings and brilliant character development. They feel important and vibrant in their own way and really elevates the story. They have their personal agendas and do their own thing until they come into the narrative in a way that feels deliberate and meaningful. All the characters bring their own colours to the story and make the world of Fate Chooses You feel rich and alive.

The plot is surprisingly tightly woven without many plot holes despite being a bit underwhelming at times. It can feel a little disjointed at first with many characters and scattered scenes, but it creates room for development and eventually comes together to form the complete picture. The comedy here is done exceptionally well and balances the more serious scenes perfectly. The story is refreshing as well as impactful and presents viewers with moral dilemmas and social commentaries that drive you to think and relate the problems to life beyond the screen.

Overall, Fate Choose You has a deep and thought-provoking storyline, engaging characters, good pacing and excellent comic reliefs. This drama is not perfect but is totally a fun and worthwhile watch and deserves way more hype than it got.

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PLOTTWIST.EXE

Bro this drama is absolute cinema

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Spoiler warning:

This is the first time I’m watching a KDRAMA with this many plot twists!
At the beginning, I had suspicions about several people. In the end, I was only wrong about one. The developer I immediately thought, “She’s the one who coded the game!”
For Da Beom, I sensed it right away. I told myself the high school victim has to be the killer no one would suspect him!
And So Mi, I don’t know, as soon as I saw her face I thought “she’s in a couple” lol.
On the other hand, I really believed Kyung Jun was also going to be a killer, but no the character was incredibly well played!
The story is really good, especially once you know the ending. So many plot twists, I love it!

So much people Deaths !

I love this drama!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Trust but verify

Dark Figure of Crime was based on the true story of a serial killer in the RoK who played a dangerous game of “where are the bodies?” with a narcotics detective. The killer was aware of how to manipulate the judicial system which made the detective’s job all the more challenging.

Detective Kim Hyung Min receives a tip from an informants to meet up with a source who knows where a body has been buried. The source, Kang Tae Oh, is arrested for the murder of his girlfriend before Kim can follow-up on the tip. Kang contacts Kim from prison and promises tantalizing information about other people he has killed. He’s willing to parse out information for contraband and commissary money. Kang is hardly forthcoming with explicit information putting Kim’s job and reputation in jeopardy.

This film paced itself with the speed of a police investigation. The cops were not inept, though the original officers hardly dug very deeply into the missing persons reports they processed. Kim Yoon Seok perfectly encapsulated a dogged detective who was more concerned for the victims and their families than he was about promotions. Good thing, because at every turn someone in the department attempted to discourage Kim from researching the cold cases. His best ally was Detective Jo played by the reliable Jin Sun Kyu. Jo believed in what they were doing even though their cases began to drag him down professionally. Ju Ji Hoon gnawed through the furniture to capture Kang’s malevolent behavior giving much needed energy to the film.

While I enjoyed the thorough nature of the investigation, the ongoing minutiae wasn’t exactly riveting viewing. My biggest problem was that I found the characters, despite their determination, to be coldly detached from the events around them which lessened my connection to their struggles and triumphs. One particularly frustrating hole in the real-life judicial system was filled a year after this film came out. Murder no longer had a statute of limitations meaning criminals like Kang could be held responsible for the full measure of their crimes regardless of how much time had passed. If you enjoy police procedurals, this might be one to try as it had strong acting and followed the relentless work of a detective who refused to give up.

11 May 2026

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Just don't watch it!

I Literally have a FINAL TOMMOROW and instead I just spend my time watching this goofy- ahh drama LIke I am gonna be so honestly ts is NOT WORTH YOUR TIME the main leads ig JUST NEVER GET TOGETHER EVEN IN THE END and they leave it off in a cliffhanger and it so stupid. the storyline was just terrible and i can see that they had a pretty decent budget but their storyline and the STUPID COUSIN BRUH I acc hated him this series def has Stockholm syndrome mentions and it might be a bit triggering for people! Thanks for bearing through with my review, sry I just wanted to vent because this was a serious WASTE OF TIME!

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Good storyline

It was great storyline speaking about greed what humans will do to live forever even it means becoming a villan. Always do the right thing in the end. . Great casting. Romance level huge disappointment. Im fan of ren jia lun but he needs to stop doing romantic dramas since it seems like his last few romantic dramas he doesn't wanna do kissing scenes because he wants to respect his wife . Hes a great actor he can do other dramas with out romance. Even second couple was disappoinment. I honestly dont like how they xin mei strong from the start kind made her weaker through the drama. I hope wang he run gets more lead action and romantic dramas shes great actress . The leads did have some chemistry. Ending made no sense. I did like the strong female characters. But this drama was great to watch once but ill probably wont watch it again. But definitely recommend watching aleast once though

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A little disappointing...but decent

Prisoner of Beauty

Liu Yuning - Wei Shao
Song Zuer - Qiao Man

Wow, I love the look of Wei Shao at the very beginning when we get introduced to him in the hood. I also love Qiao Man’s first impression because she’s sacrificing her future so that her sister can be happy. I can already tell she’s a mature FL and not one of those clueless FL’s in some dramas. Not only that, but I love how Liu Yuning acts with his eyes. When Wei Shao saw Manman for the first time, you could tell he was taken aback by her looks and beauty. But, there is so much tension built up between the families that it is going to start off at least as a classic enemies to lovers which I love.

Wow, episode 2 and I’m in love with this drama and dynamic already. Wei Shao putting on a show to gain the people’s trust with Manman lowk helping him. Him realizing she was helping and gave her an ointment for the tick he made on her neck. The tension in that scene with Manman acting it perfectly. But, still, they are at odds with each other so the drama hasn’t lost that enemies tension yet. And then the scene where Manman gives Wei Shao the pendant of the city and the sun hitting her hanfu perfectly. Wei Shao’s general look is also so fitting.

Episode 3 and Wei Shao finally realizes that Manman cares for the Wei people and doesnt want to see them innocently hurt by Liu Yan’s plans. He was wrong all along about eloping and now has his men on the hunt for her when she was helping him all along. I hope he gets there in time to save her from Liu Yan.

Episode 4…we get the classic running scene. All Wei Shao says is “Come here”, doesn’t make eye contact, and Manman still trusts him over Liu Yan. Not only that, but his running towards her when arrows started flying and protecting her by hugging her and covering her with his back shows his little bit of care towards her. And then she slaps him straight on the face after😭😭😭

Side note, I love Li Xueqin as a person and an actor. She’s the funniest ever on Hi6 and I didn’t know that she was an actor too. So, seeing her in this drama was amazing. She plays the character so well. Now it also adds up onto why she knows and is friends with Liu Yuning.

Awww episode 5, Wei Shao caught a lynx for Manman after most men can’t or won’t find it worth the effort to kill the lynx as a marriage gift. These wedding feels so melancholy though which builds the sort of arranged/forced marriage. The end of this episode gave me goosebumps. Li Xueqin’s acting was on point with begging the generals. Then, Wei Shao instantly going after Manman after learning she’s sick and was stuck outside for 2 whole days in the rain. His horse riding and fierce look while being concerned for Manman. Ughhhh, this scene was perfect. I also love how the generals were abt to help stop the carriage regardless if Wei Shao was coming.

I like how Wei Shao recognized the strength of Manman and doesn’t underestimate her. He even stands up for her when other ppl r talking bsf saying that she should only be used as a concubine. He made sure that everyone knew their place and she was an exception. Whether it was just for show, I know some of that had to be real.

Yes, we’re starting to get Wei Shao being a little bit more vulnerable with his emotions surrounding his family’s deaths and betrayal. Manman genuinely worried for Wei Shao and them hugging together in the rain on that cart. The genuine care that Manman had for Wei Shao despite all the political tensions shines through.

Episode 10: There’s no way that Wei Shao’s own mother drugged him just to forcefully make him take a concubine. That’s messed up on so many levels. But, we also got to see Manman slightly warming up and caring for Wei Shao. Yes, I love how Manman defends Wei Shao by not ruining his dignity and keeping that drugged night a secret as well as standing up to his mother.

Episode 12: I love how they’re starting to slowly trust each other a little bit more. The conversation with the tavern and the portrait was actually really mature. I particularly liked Wei Shao’s sentence: “I don’t trust everything my cousin says. Have you not considered that I’m also your husband? I want to hear both sides.” And then Wei Shao being protective over Manman as her husband.

Episode 14/15: I love the trust that is building between the two. Wei Shao rlly pulled through in believing her that she didn’t tamper with the seeds. He recognized all the help she’s given towards their city and the people. Not only that, but he decided to further investigate this issue to help clear her name and find the person who is trying to frame her. Also, Manman finally called Wei Shao “fujun” for the first time. His face when he heard that was priceless.

Episode 17: wow the tension. Wei Shao having to grab his knee tightly with his hands while she was massaging his head and then the noise he made. they’re both getting encapsulated with each other

Episode 22: Song Zuer acting drunk was really really cute. Her acting there just makes you want to hug her, she’s just like a teddy bear. I can feel their feelings start to ramp up. Wei Shao letting Manman literally cut him on his neck, but he’s still focusing on taking HER shoes off and feeding her water. Also, that forehead kiss, hello. They’re both gone. Fallen. Crushed. Done.

Episode 23: I do like the character development between Wei Shao and Manman. When Manman’s uncle did something evil, Wei Shao did not blame Manman for it. He is able to separate the Qiao clan from his wife, which shows the trust that he is building in her.

Episode 25: Wow, the love that Wei Shao has for Manman is so great that he gave Bogong’s spear to Qiao Ci for the duel. He did all of that to reassure Manman that Qiao Ci would be ok in the duel.

Episode 29: Wow, that episode was a rollercoaster. Their kiss was one of the most intense kisses that I’ve seen in historical dramas, I was actually super surprised. And then…they got interrupted and literally everything went downhill. Old tensions and plans resurfaced, old disbelief and doubt in each other started to resurface, and Wei Shao left to go to battle without having a proper talk with Manman. Still, Manman tried to show her support and love through the pounding of the drums and her wanting to go to Boya to help Wei Shao. She’s definitely an actions over words type of girl.

Im skipping to the last 2-3 episodes. I’m not going to lie, there is not a lot of episode reviews considering there is 36 whole episodes in this drama. I hate to say it, but I was just really bored when watching this drama until the last 2 episodes. I don’t know if it was because it’s a historical drama so it’s naturally more boring and more political, if I was too stressed out with school so I couldn’t enjoy it, or if this drama was too overhyped in my mind because my expectations were really high. I just could not be bothered to be interested for the good chunk of this drama.

HOWEVER, the last 2 episodes got me so hooked. The tension came back, the action, the suspense. I think if the whole drama was set up like the last 2, I would be so much more interested. I HATED HOW WEI LIANG DIED BRO. Like no one died in the first 34 episodes of this drama, but then WEI LIANG DIES, XIAOTAO IS LEFT WITH NO ONE, THEN THE OTHER GENERAL LOSES HIS ARM, BRO LIKE WHAT! THEN TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, FANFAN DIES TOO TO SAVE BI ZHI FROM THE CONTROL OF LIU YAN. Bi Zhi, you couldn’t have run a little bit faster. Not only that, but I did love how Shiyuan came back to reinforce Yujun and return to his true family regardless of blood. The whole storyline with Manman’s child was cool and all, but I didn’t feel that connected. I do love her and Wei Shao’s relationship though, it’s such a mature relationship compared to episode 1 and the pettiness that was left behind. I don’t know, I really enjoyed the last 2 episodes and I was super hooked, but besides that, this drama was kind of a bummer to me.

I do love Bi Zhi’s character though. Commander of Boya forces, he turned from a nobody into one of the most respected generals that helped Wei Shao kill Liu Yan. Even though Bi Zhi went and fought against Wei Shao, I don’t believe he was trying his best or else he could’ve overpowered Wei Shao. Now, he has to carry on Fanfan’s legacy with their child. Ugh. He was always so understanding and caring and loving towards Fanfan. Now, because of politics, she sacrificed herself and he has to take on that burden and guilt and despair all by himself. Him at the swing and the harp, just replaying all of their moments together with Liu Yuning’s OST in the back. Man. And then Wei Liang’s burial with Xiaotao coming and saying a couple words. His smile, I miss it. Him waving with the orchids, why did he have to die bro?

The last 10 minutes of Episode 36 was also so rushed though. We didn’t get to see Wei Shao coming back, his return with his daughter being born, or any final “oh my god, I missed you so much” between Wei Shao and Manman. We also didn’t get to see how Manman reacted to Fanfan’s death even though they were so close, regardless of petty fights they had. We didn’t see any jump in the future to Bi Zhi’s life with his child. I feel like that ending was very very rushed, like extremely rushed.

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Perfect example of how a ridiculous ending can ruin the whole show

Actually, in the beginning, this was a fun show all the way to the last 7-8 episodes. Towards the end, the show became very boring and repetitive, i.e. matchmaking company doing well, successful..then something happens and people boycott and ruin them...this theme keeps repeating over and over, ad nauseam. Enough already. Instead, there should have been a story development in a new direction, for example.....we got that the ML Diety had to return to Haven and FL had to forget him. But then, 3 years later, he just dropped back in with no explanation of how and what happened, not to mention, everybody remembered him? How?
This could have been an opportunity for an interesting development in the storyline, for example: where the FL forgot his love but she kept dreaming about him, and was about to get married to the Second ML (Imperial Inspector) when ML returned just on time as he committed crimes again in Haven to be exiled again, etc more to the continuation of the story. Instead - we got the ridiculous ending of a rude, non caring, argumentative shrew of a wife who only cares about her work? Not to mention the other Diety who suffers domestic violence daily. What kind of ridiculous ending is that to a romantic comedy? Who actually thinks that people watch romantic /fantasy comedies to end up with a washed up, shrew of a wife and constant argumentative ( not to mention domestic violence) kind of relationship? HELLO.. we watch rom coms for a happy, satisfying ending as a sort of escapism for a moment or two.
Did they hire a new, clueless writer to finish the story? What a waste of the whole production!

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A MASTERPIECE!

I know I’m quite late to the party, but better late than never!

I’m not new to watching BLs, but I haven’t ventured into Thai BLs until much recently. this drama has been on my plan to watch list since day 1. I had high hopes for this, both from the synopsis and from how much I’ve heard about it, and it did not disappoint! this is hands down a MASTERPIECE, beyond the boundaries of BL/mainstream dramas.

I’m not sure what I can say or write about this drama, aside from the fact that this left me AWESTRUCK.

the story, the cinematography, the acting, the writing, everything about this was perfect! I love it when we have BLs with an actual story line, one that isn’t full of nonsense, and one that leaves an impression. and boy, this had such an amazing story. and the impression it left on me.

the writing was so beautifully done. and every single character was so beautifully written, especially White and Sean. the way they so effortlessly fell in love with each other was so beautiful!

this was my first time seeing OffGun (I know they’re considered one of the OGs) and I could totally see why they’re so popular. their chemistry is just off the charts. I could feel every bit of love their characters had for each other.

the romance…oh my. the way Sean looks at White with so much love and adoration in his eyes. even when he got hurt when White disappeared, he forgave him right away (only to get punched by Black asffdggd, poor guy😭). and the way he agrees right away for any plans proposed by White lol bro is DOWN BADDD. and i love it😭the scenes of their first time together was just so incredibly beautiful. the way Sean asked for consent for every single he was doing, A WHOLE WALKING FOREST!!

my heart breaks for everything White had to go through for the sake of his brother. and the guilt White was feeling for not being honest with Sean and his friends, I FELT THAT!!

the acting…oh my..where do i even begin. OffGun are both such amazing actors. The supporting characters did a great job too. Gun did such a great job at pulling off the contrasting characters of Black and White! the scene where they finally reunited hit me right in the feels😭

back to the cinematography. loved the dark and gritty color grading, felt so raw and honest. perfectly fitting for the drama. that rooftop kiss scene was probably one of the most beautiful kisses I’ve ever seen!

I could probably go on an on forever. but I’ll stop here for now.

overall, this is one of the very few BLs that left such a big impression in my heart. I will never forget the feeling watching this made me feel. definitely making it to my list of best dramas, BL or non bl alike.

PS. tell me why this masterpiece is rated only 8.5?! this definitely deserves more than that💔

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Not Expected Coming from China

Woah. Did not expect this out of China. The ML's fiance was 🍇 and murdered by chaebols. After biding his time in a mental hospital he gets his revenge by taking them down from the inside. Using their own secrets, betrayals, and abhorrent actions to have them bring each other down. Throughout the entire show he sees his dead fiance interacting with him, showing just how far hone he was. In a world where Yu Menglong did not get justice (and given corruption in China/entertainment industry) and likely never will, the end was a stark warning to those who would think about vigilante justice. Almost as if this (IMHO award winning) entire drama was made to deter netizens from taking revenge on the people who murdered him.

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Chosen family or Detective agency vibes? BOTH!

Loved this mini j-drama. Although the detective lines are simple, but the storyline with Makki and his brother is very strong and heartbreaking. Last ep made me cry, laughed and melted from cuteness 5 times in the row. Makki & Keita complement each other well in investigations and communication with clients.

Cons➖: color grade is toned in shadows with hue green and dark blue although its not dat horrible than made in j-drama Gokushufudo.

Pros➕: storyline, chemistry between the male leads, the production, filming, editing [cuts of certain scenes add a lot of humor], the soundtrack and background music - fit the situations perfectly, characters and situations are funny [let’s appreciate role of a brilliant (voice) actor - Kenjiro Tsuda.] The acting is typical for j-dramas.

⚖️So this typical presentation of “overacting” may doesn’t work for some ppl (especially if u k-drama fan/u watch only mainstream netflix dramas).

And for those who, like me, adore such underrated dramas as: Mahoro Ekimae Bangaichi (2013), Ribasu Ejji Ookawabata Tanteisha (2014), Coffee Ikaga Deshou (2021) - i can say with 80% confidence that ull enjoy watching it, and even 4 eps will not be enough for u.

PS: yep, i love j-dramas with the chosen family trope…

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