Reviews

This Drama Has Me in a CHOKEHOLD — A Story That Stayed With Me

I fell in love with this drama from episode 1... and honestly, I didn’t expect that at all. This isn’t even my usual genre, but Pursuit of Jade completely pulled me in.

Everything about it just works. The acting is superb... every actor delivered and truly brought their characters to life. You can feel the emotions, the struggles, and the growth in each performance. The characters themselves are so well-written, and their development throughout the story is incredibly satisfying to watch.

The plot is engaging and keeps you hooked, with a story that never feels dull. Every episode adds something meaningful, and I found myself wanting more every time.

The production quality is also top-tier. The CGI is impressive, and the action scenes are executed so well... they feel intense and immersive without looking overdone. And the main leads? Their visuals are absolutely stunning. I couldn’t take my eyes off them... they add so much charm and presence to every scene.

I haven’t felt this way about a drama in the same genre since Prisoner of Beauty, and that says a lot. Pursuit of Jade really surprised me in the best way possible.

If you’re hesitant because it’s not your usual genre... just give it a try. You might end up loving it as much as I did.

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How Far would you Go to Get to the Truth?

This is a drama not for the faint of heart and so I watched this drama in phases.
After watching this, you may think - how much of this can be true to a nation's military group?

Like any drama, it goes back and forth to present and past wherein we get to piece together the stories behind the tragedies the lead characters had experienced. At first Doh Bae Man was only after getting rich, so he will use his power to twist the truth in favor of his 'benefactor.' He did benefit so much, yet he is crooked. Little did he know that there is a much larger gangrene in the military involving the highest officials.

Power when mixed with greed is dangerous. That is where abuse, power-tripping and cruelty stem. For Gen. Noh, she uses people to further her cause, to protect herself and get away with the crime. How would you be able to fight this kind of monster.

Good thing the story had its redeeming factors"
1. When Doh Bae Man regained his memory of the true murderers of his parents.
2. When Doh Bae Man decided to join forces with Cha Woo In.
3. When other servicepeople felt used or guilty that they turn to say the truth.
4. The real criminals were punished giving hope for a better military
5. Cha Woo In regained her father's company.

But we cannot just set aside that there had been so many murders in this drama. Though it took a long time for the truth to be revealed, justice was served.

This drama may also be a message to those in power - whether be a government office, a head of a company or even a general - to live well, not be greedy rather serve with integrity with care for humanity.

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Pretty Boaring

Once upon a time in snowy Linan County, expert butcher Fan Changyu stumbles over a suspicious lump of snow on her way home from work. To her shock and delight, she discovers a gravely injured man whose deathly pale face card screams "too handsome to perish." No self-respecting, recently jilted gal leaves a man who looks like that to freeze to death. So with preternatural strength that belies her dainty stature, she hefts this gorgeously useless sack of frozen flesh over her shoulders and piggybacks him home to Xigu Lane.

This drama is a feast for the eyes. The camera pans leisurely over one fairytale-like idyllic countryside scene after another. It is a fan service extravaganza of stunning face shots of Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu eyeing each other thirstily as they casually beat off petty village villains. Their expressions hint at a complexity that never materializes. Nothing really happens for about seventeen gorgeous episodes loaded with the promise of betrayal and intrigue. The long-winded Linan plot arcs and bucolic themes remind me of The Lady in Butcher's House (2022), which is nowhere near as beautifully shot but is a hell of a lot funnier.

When the plot finally moves, it is like watching a pig run amok in a china shop—I mean, military camp. But the fight scenes are great: fantastic action choreography and thrilling camera angles that will convince you that a short gal viciously wielding a short-range butcher's cleaver can defy physics and defeat an entire invading army of tall men with long-reaching spears and swords. And there is nothing more hilarious than watching a handsome decorated general and his army gallop heroically to the rescue after all the fighting is done by a butcher and her pig squad. For her efforts, she is promoted to the point of inefficiency and made a general and war heroine - yups another dynasty that bites the dust! As for the redoubtable Marquis Wu'an, his formidable military reputation is only told, never earned. The man's greatest accomplishment is hiding his identity from his beloved beyond reason and at the risk of king and country. After the military misadventures cum absurd hidden identity arc, the long-awaited conspiracy finally reveals itself to be overly convoluted and anticlimactic. It is a stretch to call the final antagonist a villain. The drama ends unsatisfyingly, without closure and with a poor semblance of justice.

The main focus of this story is Fan Changyu, who is the Mary Sue of butchers. She is a souped-up martial arts version of Cinderella who traded her glass slippers for a wicked butcher's cleaver. I have always found Tian Xiwei obnoxious, so the fact that I never felt the impulse to sock her in the face is a true testament to Director Zeng Qingjie's ability to make her look a lot lovelier and more likeable than I thought possible. She put a lot of work into her fight scenes, and it showed. I was not impressed by her military antics, but that is on the writing, not the acting. As a CP, her chemistry with Zhang Linghe was good but paled in comparison to Deng Kai and Kong Xue'er's dark passion. While I have never seen Zhang Linghe look so hot in a drama, he is sidelined and reduced to little more than a decorative vase by the narrative. He drew the short straw on action scenes, and Xie Zheng's complex, painful relationship with Wei Yan is not fully explored. It is a pity that this director conjures up such sensational visual impressions that are not fleshed out by the screenwriting.

There are too many mouthwateringly hot clickbait characters in this story, but they all turn into two-dimensional cartoons as the plot unfolds. I stuck around because of how compellingly Deng Kai breathed life into the dark, sadistic, and tortured Qi Min. His intense, obsessive chemistry with the audacious and malicious defiance of Kong Xue'er's Qian Qian lights up the screen with a forbidden sensuality. Both Qi Min and Marquis Wu'an should be fascinating, complex parallel characters with pasts and a real grudge, but lazy writing reduces them both into love brains with questionable motives.

Overall, a pretty boaring romantic fairytale that is bound to check all the boxes for lovers of the genre. Fans of plot- or character-driven stories may find it lacking on many fronts. This might have worked better as a parody or a dark comedy, or if the humor landed better. Yet the visuals are so outstanding that I find it impossible to rate below 8.0 so let's call it 8.0/10.

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Good Crime Drama, But Had So Much More Potential

This series starts out as a really good premiss, a former child star who took a wrong path for survival. It shows the dark side of drugs and crime in Japan (just like any other place in the world). The main protagonist, Kyonosuke is portrayed really well by Daigo Nishihata. I'm not really familiar with his past work as an actor, but you definitely are on his side as you get deeper into the drama. You can't help but feel for him and his position he got himself into.
I think the one problem I had with giving this a much higher review , was the simple fact that the other main characters in this were so unlikable. The cop and narcotics agent are considered the "good guys", but they were really just as cold hearted as the drug dealers. They treated Diago horribly throughout each episode. It's difficult to really like a series, when most of the main protagonists are very dislikable people.
Overall, it had a continuing good story to follow and the ending was somewhat satisfying. Toru eventually realizes how important Daigo has been. As for Akito, he never redeems himself, making him a very disappointing "good guy" right to the end.

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A survival show which completely changed my opinion.

As a KPOP multistan fellow we all stan so many groups and also the survival shows they come with. I am into Seventeen , Stray Kids , Enhypen , Txt etc. and watched numerous survival shows like Stray Kids survival show , boys planet s1 & s2 , universe league , I - Land , Seventeen : project debut plan . I must say completing NCT UNIVERSE : Laststart was worth the watch . I was'nt into any NCT group as I kinda get confused to remember every info but after watching Laststart it changed me 360 degree completely . I had no aware of how high standards SM ENTERTAINMENT has for their trainees , their idols , their rookies . It made me regret how I've been missing out a lot on SM ENTERTAINMENT as a company and its group. For me all 11 members looked fit to debut as I never came across such a high quality show where every parameter matters . It would have been better if fan voting was added but I realised at the end that it's their standard to produce high quality all rounder ace as nct or as a sm entertainment member . There agenda is to break the stereotype of vocal members cant dance well vice versa dance members cant sing well . They are all ACE . I think after this I would love to get into every nct unit and know their stories . Also I've been sleeping on how how quality groups and songs they have like TVXQ , SHINee , EXO , BoA , Giels gen , NCT ofc. It was a good watch idk why there's not much ratings or reviews here but if I had a chance I would rate it higher even if there's no fan voting .

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This drama is not for everyone

Its sad because writer-nim only show the struggle detail of ML and not for FL

So before I watch the ending, I read some comments saying it had a bad ending because the FL and ML didn't end up together. But after I finished watching it, I questioned: did we watch with the same subtitles?

Some people even said their relationship was just a one-sided love. Tbh, I don't see it that way at all. Both Euna and Taeseo definitely liked each other right until the ending.

​It's just that they both have egos and TERRIBLE COMMUNICATION. It's pretty obvious when they were younger and Euna chose to focus on her career. Then, as adults, Taeseo kept misunderstanding things and assumed Euna still had feelings for her ex, mostly because of his jealous guy ego. He didn't even consider the possibility that everything Euna doing had memory with her dad, especially since she was all alone without her parents.

​If people think the ML's situation was sadder, I think the FL had it same. She had to take care of her comatose dad completely alone in young age, without a mom or any family, all she could hope for was his recovery. When her dad finally got better, she wanted to try chasing her dreams, but their lack communication make them break up. And sadly, her dad passed away. And for those few years, she lived entirely alone without any family. If I was her, I definitely would have leaned on the SML to survive too, considering he was the only guy by her side at the time. But even so, her feelings for Taeseo stayed strong until the very end.

​I think the reason this drama is called Still Shining is because the writer wanted to show that "no matter how old you get, your first love will always keep shining."

​And honestly, I'd say it’s an open ending. At the ending, Taeseo basically proposed to Euna by saying, "If you ever need someone to be with in the future, you can call me."

​Overall, I'd rate this drama an 8/10.

I know minju still new in acting, but i will applause her because her acting is matched with Jinyoung's. Even during her crying scenes, I could truly feel her sadness. I think she's going to be one of those actresses who can draw you and make you cry along with her, just like Park Boyoung xD I also love how calming her voice during her monologues. I'm really looking forward to seeing how her acting grows in the future.

​As for Park Jinyoung, his acting is always top-notch. And I think he has a really good eye for picking scripts. Even though people say this drama has worst script, I don't feel that way at all. All of his dramas always give me new perspectives on life. I will always trust that any script Park Jinyoung chooses!

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Exquisite Visuals, Intricate Plotline and Unraveling Characters that Demand One's Full Attention

Finally finished watching, and Veil of Shadows is probably one of the best fantasy dramas I've ever watched. I’ve been looking forward to this drama for a long time and had high expectations, and somehow Veil of Shadows has managed to live up to every bit of it.

We already know GJM has an established and distinct style and while I very much appreciated his artistry before, it didn’t always quite resonate with me. But VoS has proven to be different. Personally, I think it has found that perfect balance. VoS has the beautiful cinematography, stellar cast, stunning visuals, top-notch CGI, epic soundtracks, grand entrances, outstanding fight scenes and layered writing but not the extreme slo-mo maneuver and never-ending conversations, awkward pauses, unnecessary small talks in serious fight scenes and the excessive tear-dropping every episode.

Veil of Shadows has a familiar Xuanhuan setting and inevitably gives us some Fangs of Fortune nostalgia with the initial world building, similar visuals and overlapping cast but compared to FoF, VoS has a more complex and intricate plotline, the world is vaster and more diverse and the characters more layered. In contrast to the slow storytelling of FoF, VoS requires viewers to pay attention to details, fast developing plot and ever-evolving characters.

The characters are interesting, complex and veiled, with every episode revealing something new about them. They are constantly developing and difficult to see through, but each has their own unique charm that pulls you in and eventually grows on you even if you didn’t like them initially. They have their own strengths, schemes and hidden agendas that keeps you interested and constantly on your toes. All the characters feel deliberate and purposeful; no one is just existing without reason. Everyone seems alive and important in their own way, no matter how big or small the role they play in the main story - which paired with strong chemistry between the cast members make every dynamic feel balanced and compelling.

The romance is also incredibly remarkable here. The two main couples, JL x LWY and WSG x WWY bring a different but equally captivating flavour to the drama. Despite having very different dynamics, both couples are alluring in their own way and have amazing chemistry that makes you fall in love with them. Compared to GJM’s previous dramas, VoS leans more heavily into romance and I’m really glad they took the time to authentically develop their relationship.

The cast of VoS is undoubtedly stellar. They’re a beautiful and talented bunch, and coupled with the gorgeous styling and stunning visuals, it is a delicious feast for the eyes.

I’m a little biased towards Yan’an and Rui but each and every one of them stood out to me in this drama. Their compelling presence and the way they embodied their characters are truly outstanding. Yan'an and Tian Jiarui both played multiple roles and portrayed their distinct personalities so palpably that you could feel the nuances even in the same frame (Special mention to the makeup and costume team for successfully pulling off so many stunning but strikingly different looks played by the same people). Chen Duling and Ju Jingyi captivated the seductive, cunning and manipulative nature of foxes impeccably and personally, it's one of the best depictions of foxes in dramas. They not only had amazing chemistry with their respective male leads but also with each other and their relationship dynamic is one of my most favourite parts of this drama. This is also my first drama with Joseph Zeng as a lead, and though I was a bit wary at first, he quickly grew on me, and I absolutely loved him here. Compared to others, his character was less flashy, but he thrived in the subtleties and quietness, and his stability kept the story grounded.

All that being said, I have to say that Veil of Shadows is not for casual watching. It demands attention, critical thinking and trust that the story will get where it needs to go. The characters and plot are revealed in bits, and one needs to be patient to see it unfold and slowly piece the puzzle together. This drama walks a fine line, and its intricate plotline can come off as messy to many. Not to mention, VoS also has the propensity to become very confusing at times with numerous characters, many similar names, characters having multiple names and same actors playing multiple characters – add different timelines and time loops to the mix, even a hundred percent of one’s attention might not be enough to grasp everything at once. So be sure to get those brain cells working and gear up for some strenuous mental exercise!

Lastly, I’d like to say, watch it for the story and characters, not for the actors. Watch this with an open mind, just enjoy the ride and this may very well be one of the best dramas you ever watched.

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Shows the decline in writing in korea

Talk about a manipulative, completely unclever, storyless, stupid, no-plot drama with gratuitous violence. Thus is it. The writers had great stars and a good first season and this is all they could come up with? No,personal,pride I guess. And certainly no,talent. It’s all one big lame buildup to make you absolutely hate the bad guys just so it’s gratifying when they get blown out at the end. It works of course. I was gratified. But there is no craft at all in this production. It really is sickening that something can get made based on manipulation value alone. There isn’t even a trace of humor either. Disgusting.

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A Quiet Storm of Responsibility, Love and the Weight We Carry

A deeply emotional slice of life story about a young man shaped by trauma and responsibility. After witnessing his parents’ death, he carries the weight of caring for his injured brother and grandparents, choosing to love them from a distance, but this does not ease his burden.

The story feels real and grounded. It shows how career, family and love rarely align, and how sacrifice often comes first. Jin Young delivers a quiet but powerful performance, holding his pain within and expressing a level of emotional maturity that feels very real.

What stands out is how it reflects adulthood. The silent struggles, the sacrifices, and the emotions we keep hidden just to keep going. His life is not a failure, but a difficult one. Even in love, what he gains is not perfection, but a lasting connection that still feels meaningful.

The female lead feels weaker in comparison, with a less developed storyline that makes the relationship feel less impactful.

Overall, it is a heavy and honest story that captures the deep emotions many of us go through but rarely express.

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Story about 4 girls, about friendship, about women's perception & expectations from the world…

Haerang, Ji-eun, Doh-yung and Hwi first met when they're assigned to group projects. And this short drama tells their story. Each girl gets 1 ep…

1st. Haerang
Haerang is an aspiring actress. Like many girls, she's struggling with her body image. Fortunately for her, Yoo-jin helped her.

This 1st story tells us to accept who we are.

2nd. Ji-eun
Ji-eun is a lesbian. She has a girlfriend, but pretty much still in the closet. She's having problems with her girlfriend because her GF feels insecure about their relationship. Not only because they're in the closet but also because her GF feels Ji-eun can get someone better from her.

This 2nd story tells us about who will stand by our side in the end.

3rd. Doh-yung
Doh-yung is the eldest daughter in her family. Her family is not so rich, so to help her family she tries to support herself & her family. She feels so much pressure from the burden.

This 3rd story tells us that burden sometimes doesn't need to be carried alone.

4th. Hwi
We don't get much from Hwi, because this episode tells about women's perception about their decisions to not be married. Hwi made a documentary about why women nowadays don't want to be married.

Each girl gives their perceptions. Haerang had bad relationships with boys, where they're not respect women. Ji-eun can't be married because she's a lesbian. Doh-yung heard many negative stories about married women in the workforces. Hwi herself, doesn't want to be beaten like her mother.

So yeah, this short drama gives us a little bit of an explanation about the rising topic about not-married relationships, especially from women' s point of view…

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A little gem with a really sweet couple

PLOT: At an engineering school, the 6 dorms have "leaders." Ai is the leader of dorm 3, and Songkhram is the leader of dorm 2. Ai has a crush on Songkhram, but thinks he likes Mee. Dorms 2 and 3 have always been rivals. Nevertheless, Songkhram loves Ai, and does everything he can to help her.

+++ Bank and Earth are a great couple [handsome, talented, emotional, with real chemistry]. I ship them and hope to see them together soon.
+++ Flawless execution: pacing, emotional balance, technical aspects, OSTs. Solid and realistic story, without the usual clichés.
+++ The two secondary romances are cute, especially Nano and Pluster's first love :)

### The timeline can be a little confusing at times because the flashbacks aren't always clear.
### Unexplained baby ending.

=> Excellent BL, heartwarming and sweet.
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Un petit bijou de BL avec un sweet couple

PLOT: Dans une école d'ingénieurs, les 6 dortoirs ont des "chefs". Ai est chef du dortoir 3, et Songkhram, celui du dortoir 2. Ai a 1 crush sur Songkhram, mais pense qu'il aime Mee. De plus, les dortoirs 2 &3 sont rivaux depuis tjs. Songkhram aime pourtant Ai et fait tt pour l'aider.

+++ Bank & Earth are a great couple [handsome, talented, emotionnal, with a real chemistry]. I ship them and hope to see them together soon.
+++ Réalis° sans défaut : rythme, alternance de émotions, technique, OSTs. Story solide et réaliste, sans les habituels clichés.
+++ Les 2 romances 2daires sont cute, surtt Nano & Pluster en first love :)

### On se perd un peu par moments ds la timeline car les flash-backs ne sont pas tjs évidents.
### Ending avec bébé non expliquée.

=> Excellente BL, heartwarming and sweet.

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BEST GL so far!

This series absolutely piqued my interest from the very start. While the lead roles definitely have an obvious age gap, the way the creators set up their love story was truly masterful—it is definitely not your typical setup! The leads share such incredible, natural chemistry that this power couple actually inspired me to rewatch the entire series and even hunt down their reaction videos on YouTube, which is a first for me. After finishing the show, I also read the original novel, and I have to say that both the book and the adaptation get a huge thumbs up! Kudos to the best couple both on and off-camera. I sincerely hope whatever issues you are currently facing will be cleared up soon so that we can see the two of you together on the same screen once again. This series is pure gold!

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