Light-hearted and predictable with above-average acting and a dash of cheesiness
I was looking for a cute and fluffy rom-com, and thought “Dating Game” sounds like one. It turns out to be more of a light business romance than a fluffy romance. However, it is still a light watch. The plot is quite predictable, the game is a little cheesy but the romance is sweet.Let’s start with the Dating game app itself. I should not be surprised in this day and age that there are more and more dramas about AI, gaming and being obsessed with it. When the game “Yuka! Love Me Please” as introduced, it didn’t seem too horrible an idea, as there are many lonely people in the world. What’s cringey is actually the name of the game, “Yuka! Love Me Please”. You can’t find a better name? Luckily, Yuka-chan is adorable and our male lead, Hill, is very likable. However, seeing a bunch of guys singing and dancing too the game’s theme song at the farewell party was a little too much.
Yuka-chan continues to play a very important role in this drama. She’s like the female lead. As I said, she’s adorable and I really don’t mind Hill’s interaction with her. The drama also focuses a lot on the development of the new game. This is not a surprise, but the whole process of “missions”, fake dating and that crappy game prototype are all quite cheesy. But we need these “missions” for the two couples to get together and eventually overcome traumatic experiences and prejudices.
The two romances are different but sweet. Hill and Junji have a slower-burn romance with many sweet moments. They are the more reserved couple. Phat and Bay’s romance moves a lot faster and they are definitely the couple who are more comfortable with kisses and intimate scenes. Both couples have decent chemistry, though I wouldn’t say sizzling hot. Although the drama is not giving me a lot of cute and fluffy scenes, it does satisfy the romance lover in mind.
The best thing about this drama is for me to re-discover March (who plays Hill). Apparently I saw him in “The Sand Princess” before, but I don’t remember him at all. March is not the most handsome nor the cutest actor out there, but there’s something about him that makes me like him a lot. His acting is natural and comfortable, and the best of the cast, seeing he’s an experienced actor. But it appears this is his first BL. His partner, Mukai Koji is also an experienced (non-BL) actor in Japan. He’s mixed but definitely a lot more fluent in Japanese than Thai. When speaking Thai, he does sound like a foreigner, a little monotone with many pauses in between. His acting is not as good as March, but he seems more comfortable as the drama goes. Fluke and Judo have been BL partners for a few projects, so they are not unfamiliar with each other or the intimate scenes.
Another nice thing about this drama is the gang of lovely and supportive co-workers and family members. They are a fun bunch that offers some comic relief, but also don’t take too much screentime. Speaking of comedy, what is up with the ugly hairstyles for Fluke and Victor. The stylist also has some very interesting choices for Fluke to wear.
“Dating Game” is a simple and light-hearted drama. It’s good if you watch it in the background but as a whole, this drama is average. I didn’t rate it lower because I really enjoy March and the overall acting of the cast, and how lovely everyone is. The drama is actually longer than it should be, with a few episodes over an hour long. It does serve the purpose of helping me destress.
Completed: 4/11/2026 Review #682
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Boring
This might be a hot take because I know this show has good ratings but honestly it was pretty damn boring. The first 6 episodes were good but then the show just got increasingly more bland and predictable. I will say Taekyung was an interesting character and I loved his ability to be honest and his growth as a character was endearing.My main issue was I didn't think Daon or Shinwoo were very intriguing characters. Shinwoo had more intrigue potential then Daon, however, he barely talks for the first half of the show unless it's to tell Taekyung to go away. Then, Daon is just a people pleaser and it honestly just gets annoying. Also, Sohee was such a fucking annoying character.
I did a lot of time skipping over the last 7 episodes because I just got bored with the plot. It was cute to see Shinwoo and Tae end up together in the end. At the same time, I just didn't really understand the whole thing between Daon and Tae and how that ended. I guess I just despise love triangles where there isn't a clear pick. Especially since Daon and Tae both admitted they liked each other and the first half of the show was just them flirting and being cute. I get why people enjoy this show and I see it's charm though.
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if you want to try something new beside k drama girl it is waiting for you
So far, I love everything. I can't remember their name, so I can't describe it properly. All I can say is that it is worth it my English is not so well thank you so form here it is ai The cast is diverse and relatable, which adds depth to their experiences. I found myself rooting for several couples, and it’s fascinating to see how their relationships develop throughout the episodes. What I particularly enjoy is the way the show balances fun and heartfelt moments, making it engaging without feeling overly staged.While enjoyment can be subjective, I believe that this show manages to strike a chord with many viewers. It’s entertaining enough to binge-watch, and if you've ever been curious about modern dating dynamics, this show serves as a great reflection of them.
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SO WORTH IT TO WATCH! RECOMMENDED!!
The story tells about the most wanted man of NIS, Agent Terrius. His last operation "Candy", which took place in Poland has failed miserably. It lead to the demise of his lover, which also serves as an informant for the operation. Terrius was accused of insubordination and was condemned a traitor to the organization. He was apprehended and was forced to escape interrogation, aiming to investigate by himself.He lives in hiding and finally found a home in Kingcastle Appartment. Due to turn of events, he applied to be a baby sitter of Ae-rin's twins, his neighbor next door.
At first, I thought this would be boring as I'm not really a fan of So Ji-sub (well, I am now). Plus, at the start of the drama, I found it messy especially with how the twins behaves and act. I know, kids are usually like that in reality but still I find it a bit annoying. Tho, I realized as the story progressed that that was the show's edge. That part of the show makes "My Secret Terrius" unique among other shows that has the same concept.
The actors did really well and was able to deliver till the end. I want to really commend the child actors that plays Jun-su and Jun-hui, very well done babies! It was amazing that at that early age they can compete with all the adult actors in the drama. For Bon and Ae-rin, I didn't expect much in terms of the screen chemistry but the nose-to-nose kiss between them was just so sweet. I was starting to feel the hype and the spark between them after that scene. All the KIS members was funny too, honestly, they should pack up and take over the NIS headquarters LOL. Do woo and Jiyeon was so adorable too, they have the chemistry by the way. I personally love Young-tae's character, I know he really isn't a bad guy from the very start. He was just a victim of circumstances and just did what he has to live and thankfully he did get his happy ending, tho boring according to him HAHAHAHA.
The only loophole I think is that how can K possibly shot Young-tae when he was already abroad? He was told to lie low and escape overseas after the incident in Yoon Chun-sang's house. When Director Sim asked where is K, Yoon Chun-sang told him he escaped abroad already. So confusing, but maybe he came back and then flee again to Poland?! HAHAHAHA. One thing, I was really weirded out that Bon made a promise to have mojito with Choi Eun-Kyung (Candy) at Namsan tower after completing their mission together. At the end, he fulfilled it, having mojito at Namsan tower, but with Ae-rin. Not to mention Ae-rin wearing a coat almost the same with Candy when the promise happened and died. Chills.
Either way, I have realized and learned a lot through the drama. However, the lesson from the drama that left a big mark in me is that, the one closes to you are not always your friend, and sometimes those you thought are the vilest are really those who truly cared.
Honesty, the storyline was pretty predictable and not quite intense like any other agent kdramas. However, the show is full of adorable and powerful actors that really played their characters well. The cast made the show enjoyable and exciting, wanting you to want more especially those Bon and Jun-Jun moments. Overall, I love the drama and would recommend it. It's an Action, Romance, and Comedy packed in a 32 episode run. The ending was beyond satisfaction with no dull moments throughout. Very recommended!
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In the meantime, this drama can be found in YouTube under the caption:”[MULTI SUB]全集✨《甜甜夏日歌》一夜情缘，勾了霸总整整六年，重逢时带萌娃相认，深缘甜恋超上头啊！！#热恋#甜宠#先婚后爱 #最火短剧推荐#短剧全集”
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbXjqV4OB0A&list=PLR_kD1OvdvkJvUz1PgS_x4iUD3WITM-cW&index=43)
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The most complicated characters I've seen in a cdrama
When i started this drama i was kinda expecting the usual cdrama kinda drama where everyone is a green flag but there are a lot of misunderstanding for the 1st 2 eps i nearly didn't wanna watch it but then the more i watched the more interested i was.Literally there's barely any character like the grandma and the kid that are green flags. Everyone else are kinda red flags. Each character has their own flaws and complex character.
Xu Yan - insecure and lies about her marriage to marry Hao ming
Hao ming - super twisted, fakes love and marries xu yan knowing her truth
Xu yan's parents - trash they didn't deserve forgiveness but whatever
Qiao lin - older sister but always causing problems for her sister and oblivious about it
Lin Tao - looked down on Qiao Lin, blackmailed and stalked her into marriage
Fang Lie - likes her sister's boyfriend/ex and faked dna reports to be with him
Yu Ming - was in love with his girlfriend's ex (not that bad)
Shen's parents - blamed the son for having a son and never got over it, also came from a poor background but judged xu yan for the same
They're all literally the main characters and they all had soo many issues😆😆 well it's interesting give it a go. It was my 1st time watching xiao lu si play such a complex character ive only ever seen her play green flag bubbly girl but this just showed me something new. I also liked how the ML was just not a plain ceo he was soo much more to the point that i hated him😆😆 nah i hated and loved everyone😆😆
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I wasn't planning on watching this
I LOVE THEM SO MUCH I really wasn't planning on watching I watch the first 10 minutes of the first episode and dropped it cause I didn't like it than I kept seeing so many people saying it was so good took me a day and a half to finish cause I didn't want to stop watching but I had to do human things I really really recommend it. if your new to BL I recommend this being one you start with if you like some spicy fluff and angst. it's spaced out through the show so it's not all just pushed together. there's some trama that's a bit random and came out of nowhere and didn't make sense but it was still enjoyable.Was this review helpful to you?
A memorable drama!
I truly enjoyed this drama! I wasn't hooked at first, but the story and the cast slowly got me totally obsessed for this drama. Zhang Linghe hasn't been my favorite ML until now. I mean WOW! what happened here?? The rough softness and the longing stares for the FL got me dizzy. Amazing acting from both.The story was interesting and well-spaced, and there wasn't any boring episodes. The villains were particularly delightful and memorable.
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I Lowered My Expectations… and They Proved Me Wrong
This might be my most unexpected favorite series of 2025. I guess I need to update my “Best of 2025” list because this one just claimed a spot. 😭I’ve been following PondPhuwin for so long I can’t even remember when it started. Historically, their series either disappointed me or didn’t fully meet my expectations. That’s why I went into this one with my expectations set extremely low. But… it was actually really good.
I think this might be my most favorite PondPhuwin series so far. To me, Thee feels like a reincarnated version of Mhok (Fish Upon the Sky), but with a massive upgrade in every possible way.
So thank you to GMMTV for giving them this opportunity. And while we’re at it, I’m still hoping JoongDunk also gets another strong project. They deserve a series that truly showcases their potential as well.
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Hot People, Emotional Chaos, and Zero Communication, Somehow Still a Masterpiece
Pursuit of Jade is the kind of drama that pulls you in with beauty and then keeps your heart racing like you willingly signed up for emotional chaos, and honestly I loved every second of it.Let’s start with the cast, because wow. The male lead is not just attractive, he is sexy stunning in that intense, quiet, dangerous way that makes every stare feel like a moment. He carries so much emotion without even speaking, and it works. The female lead, equally, is a whole force. Sexy, bold, audacious, an actual slay queen. She is not sitting around waiting for things to happen, she is the moment half the time. And together, they are addictive to watch. Not in a loud, explosive way, but in a way that keeps pulling you back in.
The acting overall is genuinely stellar. The emotional scenes land, the tension feels real, and even when the story goes a little off track, the performances carry you through. You believe the longing, the frustration, the love, the hurt. That is what makes it stick.
Now yes, the story can be messy. The pacing sometimes takes the scenic route, and there are moments where you think, this could have been solved with one honest conversation. Some arcs stretch longer than needed, others rush past things you wish had more time. But for me, that never ruined the experience, because the drama gives you something else in return, pure adrenaline.
Watching it feels like a constant rush. Every episode has that “something is about to go wrong” energy, and instead of being tiring, it becomes addictive. The tension, the emotional highs and lows, the chaos, it keeps you locked in. You are not watching for perfect logic, you are watching because you feel everything.
The romance is exactly that kind of ride. Messy, intense, full of misunderstandings and repeated cycles of breaking and finding their way back. And somehow, instead of being frustrating, it works. It becomes part of the thrill. You are stressed, invested, slightly yelling at your screen, but also completely hooked. The breakups hurt, the reunions hit, and the push and pull keeps your heart involved the entire time.
Visually, it is stunning. The cinematography, the styling, everything looks polished and intentional. The OST fits beautifully, always showing up at the right moment to amplify whatever emotional damage is currently happening.
Side characters are a mix. Some really add depth and give the story more layers, others feel underused, like they could have been more. But they still help build the world around the main couple.
The ending might not be perfect for everyone, but it stayed true to the tone of the drama. After everything, it felt more emotional than disappointing for me, even if it leaves you thinking about what could have been.
Overall, Pursuit of Jade is not a perfect drama, but it is an experience. It is dramatic, emotional, chaotic, and honestly addictive. I went in, felt the adrenaline, got attached to the characters, especially that insanely stunning male lead and that bold, unforgettable female lead, and just enjoyed the ride.
Flaws and all, I loved it.
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Most memorable quotes of all shows I’ve watched 🌙
我喜欢月亮，月亮不知道。
I love the moon, but the moon doesn’t know
现在，月亮是你的了。
Now, the moon is yours
🥹
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Successfully takes you on a journey
Instead of listing positives and negatives, I'll just list the lingering feelings about this one.-- While the ML/FL did a great job and had good chemistry, the absolute standout couple for me was Cui Shi Jiu and Zheng Zhi Heng. Their relationship growth and their hidden selves were what really brought out those non-stop tears at multiple points.
-- The actress for Cui Shi Jiu was a standout by herself with an incredible set of eyes. She was outstanding with her character and has a great range. Hope to see her in more roles.
-- Around the middle, the plot does hit a high peak and then awkwardly free-falls into a completely different pacing. This shift was really abrupt and it almost made me drop the series but I'm glad I pushed through. The plot flow was a also a bit muddled at times with some farfetched elements but nothing too cringe.
-- There are also some lags here and there that I sped up on; they should have use those times to fill in the background/history of some of the characters instead. Or reduce the number of episodes.
-- The romance was a slower burn and thankfully not overbearing.
-- The ending wasn't laid out very well and the punishments not very satisfactory but it was acceptable.
You have an underlying revenge plot, a complex weave of politics, definitive highlights on bias towards women, class bias, complex characters with tough restrictions (blood isn't thicker than water), difficulties in starting a business against an oligopoly, etc. Altogether, it does its job in taking you on a journey.
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spoiler spoiler
I watched Pachinko S1 a few years ago, and when I started S2, I realized I had already forgotten a lot of the storyline. I kept wondering, “Whose child is this?” and there were several characters I couldn’t remember, so I felt like I needed to rewatch S1.Tbh, in S2 I was hoping to see more of Isak and Sunja as a couple—that was actually one of the main reasons I continued watching. I really loved their story. Unfortunately, they only appeared in a few scenes, and of course Isak is no longer there after his passing 😭
I really like the acting from all the cast. The female lead is incredibly strong, maybe even too strong? But I can understand it. My grandmother once told me that people from that era rarely cried.
There are many scenes and lines that stayed with me. One that I clearly remember is when Isak said, “I want to live.” That line still lingers in my mind. Once again, the acting is excellent. The costumes and overall production are also very well done—it really made me feel like the war was real. Even small details, like Yosep’s wounds with flies on his face, looked very realistic.
However, there were a few things that bothered me. The lighting in Season 2 feels different from Season 1—Season 1 seemed darker, but maybe I’m wrong. The transitions between Solomon’s timeline and Sunja’s timeline were also a bit confusing at first. Perhaps it’s because there wasn’t much visual distinction between them. Without Solomon’s face, I might have thought it was just switching between rural and urban settings in the same modern time.
It’s a bit unfortunate for me that there were quite a few plot points I didn’t fully understand in Season 2. Over time, that made me lose some motivation to keep watching. I also couldn’t find a strong connection between Solomon’s storyline and the past timeline.
That said, overall this is still a great drama. I really like the concept of telling a story across multiple generations. One of my favorite parts is the opening—the upbeat music and the way the cast dances always get me excited to continue watching the episode.
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A Charming, Low-Stress Watch
A classic "long-term, secret, mutual crush" story that provides comfort and nostalgiaPlot and Premise:
The story follows Ruan Yu (Zheng He Hui Zi), who leaves her stable job to become a full-time author. When her novel is accused of plagiarism she crosses paths with her high school crush, Xu Huaisong (Miles Wei Zheming), who is now a brilliant intellectual property lawyer. The drama follows them as they defend her work, reconnect, and navigate their long-buried feelings.
What's Great:
• The Chemistry: Miles Wei and Zheng He Hui Zi's chemistry is naturally attractive with sweet interactions.
• The Vibe: It has an "old CDrama" feel; easy to watch. Comfortable, and not overly angsty.
• Light-Hearted Comedy: It is genuinely funny, particularly in the banter between the leads and the supporting cast.
• Main Couple Dynamic: Both leads are appealing, and the "slow burn" approach allows their relationship to feel earned.
• Cinematography: High quality production with a visual style that highlights a sweet, romantic, and "fairy-tale-like" ambience. The camera frequently employs close-ups to capture their emotional expressions during moments of vulnerability and romantic tension. Care and attention have been paid to framing and lighting.
• Music: A variety of romantic and emotional tracks performed by popular artists to emphasize the developing bond between the leads.The background music in the drama often utilizes instrumental versions of the main themes to highlight specific moods. The sound effects for humorous scenes have been fantastic.
What Could Be Better
• Pacing: Is slow, particularly around the middle, often relying on fillers rather than advancing the plot.
• Plot Familiarity: The story is somewhat predictable, relying on familiar tropes rather than introducing high-stakes originality.
Overall Experience:
"You Are My Fateful Love" is a solid 8.5-9/10 for lovers of romance. While it may not break new ground, it succeeds in providing a heartwarming "slow-burn" love story. It's perfect for a weekend binge if you don't mind a slower, character-driven story over high-octane plot developments.
Recommended for those seeking a cozy, low-melodrama watch, but perhaps not for those seeking tight plot progression or intense conflict.
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39 Episodes of Perfection… One Episode of Disaster
Zhang Linghe is one of my favorite actors coming out of mainland China right now. The first drama I saw him in was My Journey to You, and I loved it—but the writer left me hanging. There was so much more I wanted to know about the characters and where their stories were headed.Then he stepped into the lead again in Story of Kunning Palace, and that’s where he really pulled me in. He has this way of drawing you into his character without forcing it. It feels natural, almost effortless. And when it comes to emotional scenes—especially the intimate ones—you can tell he commits fully. There’s real passion there, not just acting for the camera.
In The Legend of Shen Li, the storyline was strong, and the director absolutely delivered on the fight scenes. They had that “wow” factor—the kind that makes you sit up and pay attention.
Now… here’s where I’m going to be honest.
The FL, in my opinion, should’ve been cast differently. Maybe it was the way her character was written, but she came off too distant—especially during the romantic scenes. There was a lack of emotional connection, and when you’re paired with someone like Zhang Linghe, who gives 100%, that gap becomes very noticeable. And I’ll say it straight—if an actor can’t handle romantic scenes, they shouldn’t be in roles that require them. Chemistry matters. Period.
That said, the drama did have emotional weight. I actually felt for the emperor. He wasn’t just a background figure—he was used, disregarded, and pushed to the point of a mental breakdown. That kind of character arc adds depth, and the supporting cast overall did a great job bringing the story to life.
But here’s my biggest issue…
From episode 1 to 39, I was completely hooked. Then we had to wait all the way until episode 38 just to see the ML and FL finally come together as husband and wife. That felt dragged out. Realistically, when two people love each other, that bond shows much earlier—the emotional and physical connection doesn’t wait until the very end. Writers really need to learn how to build romance more naturally instead of holding it back like it’s some final reward.
And then came episode 40…
It completely fell apart.
Whether it was the director or the writer, the ending was all over the place. It didn’t flow, it didn’t make sense, and honestly, it felt rushed and poorly put together—like they just wanted to wrap it up and move on. Maybe it’s due to episode limits or not wanting to commit to a second season, but either way, that last episode was a total waste and left me frustrated.
Still… despite all that, it’s a good drama.
And let’s be real—that’s largely because of Zhang Linghe. He carried it.
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