Reviews

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A pretty decent series overall, although the relationship was definitely on the toxic side.
It had some interesting moments, but the dynamic between the characters wasn’t always easy to watch. 😅

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Saved from a summer slump

Good enough series, saved by the story, its strong supporting cast ( mother, teacher and friends) and slice of life setting.
Not everyone can make a good modern drama, very weak acting wise ( ml was exceptional in Blossom so I guess that mysterious cold look works better for him). Personally not a great fan of one problem after another kind of trope and typical cliched cp, repeating issues etc without any character growth and story progression.
However, an easy going light watch, run in the background kind of acceptable production, saved from a summer drama slump.

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I don't usually write reviews, but this series genuinely made me want to.

The first thing I have to talk about is the acting. Both lead actors were absolutely amazing. Nothing felt forced or overly dramatic. Every emotion felt real, whether it was happiness, jealousy, frustration, heartbreak, or love. There were so many moments where they didn't even need dialogue because their expressions alone said everything. That's what made this drama so special to me.

What impressed me the most was how natural their chemistry felt. It never looked like two actors trying to play a couple. It felt like two people genuinely connected to each other. Because of that, I became emotionally invested in their journey very quickly. I found myself smiling during the cute moments and feeling emotional during the difficult ones.

I also watched a lot of the behind-the-scenes content, and that honestly made me appreciate the series even more. Seeing how comfortable they were with each other and how much effort they put into their roles made the final result feel even more meaningful. You can tell that both actors cared deeply about the characters they were portraying.

Another thing I loved was that I was never bored. Not once. Usually, even dramas I enjoy have a few episodes that feel slow or make me want to skip ahead. With this series, every episode kept my attention. I was always excited to see what would happen next, and before I knew it, I had finished the whole thing.

The music was beautiful, the emotional scenes hit hard, and the overall production quality was great. Everything came together perfectly.

This was honestly one of the most enjoyable BLs I've watched. The emotions felt genuine, the performances were incredible, and the story kept me invested from beginning to end. It's rare for a drama to make me feel this attached to the characters, but this one definitely did.

A very easy 10/10 from me, and I would happily watch it again.

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Very sweet! Am rewatching right now!

I watched this when it aired, but am rewatching because I want something sweet, no toxicity, and Japanese. (currently watching a C-bl that's got a bajillion red flags! iykyk)
This is a really adorable show. Yes, there are cliches and tropes abound, but sometimes that's ok.
The actors are good and the story is a feel-good story.
All of the characters are well written and I liked the light heartedness.
As a side note... the amusement park used in the series is used in a LOT of Japanese shows... I recognize some buildings and rides that I've seen in other series. 🤣 And it's the same amusement park...so don't say it could be any park. 🤪

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A pretty little rom-com

I came to know this series through Netflix recommendations and became curious after watching the trailer.
I was hooked and could hardly stop watching.

I really liked it, but the drama lacked a compelling storyline. I stayed for the witty jokes and fun-to-watch scenes. The main couple was hilarious, even in their more cringey moments. Usually I suffer from secondhand embarrassment but this time I could laugh about how silly the main leads became.

I didn't care much for the drama part of the series. It was a timid rollercoaster ride without many highs or lows. There's was almost no intensity to the episodes. The more intense scenes are rare and resolve fairly quickly. Which was good for me because I was in the mood for someting mellow. It was fun and that's what counts.

Positives:
- I liked the humour in the episodes. It genuinely made me laugh out loud.
- The characters kept me involved in the storyline. I wish certain characters had more depth to them, though.

Negatives:
- The show is weird with time and travel distances. In one scene it shows how much time they have to spend to ride back and forth from the village to Seoul (I think it was like 2.5 hours?) but in later episodes they make it seem like there's no distance between the two at all.
- I don't know what kind of magic is in those sleep meds and anti-anxiety pills she keeps taking but if sleepwalking is the only side effect from overdosing on them, more people would take them by the dozen.
- The whole evil big brain behind their traumatic past was resolved way too quickly. Even for a mellow, not-too-dramatic romcom.

Would I recommend? Yes. Like I said, it's fun to watch. I was definitely in the mood for something lighter which made this one a perfect hit for me. So if that's the case for you, please watch this one. If you're in for something deeper, you might be better off watching something else.

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Great action drama- Rain steals the show

This season took a few episodes to find its footing. The beginning felt noticeably slow, and I wasn't sure where the story was headed. However, once the pacing picked up, I found myself completely hooked and couldn't stop watching.

The boxing duo remains the heart of the series. Their dynamic is as strong as ever, and watching them fight to protect their loved ones carried real emotional weight. Rain, in particular, delivered an outstanding performance as the villain. He brought depth and charisma to the role, making his character both intimidating and compelling to watch.

The fight choreography deserves special mention — the action scenes were well-executed and genuinely exciting. Across the board, the cast performed admirably.

I also want to highlight Do Hwan, who continues to be one of my favorite actors. His ability to display complex emotions with subtlety and power is remarkable, and he added significant emotional layers to the story.

Be sure to watch both post-credit scenes — they are not to be missed.

The ending strongly hints at more to come, and I sincerely hope the production team announces a third season soon. I would love to see this team face another villain in the future.

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Very good, but not perfect ?

Overall, this is a really good bl. The acting is well done for the content. Some have criticized Chiaki's actor for being too blunt, but that's just his personality, which is why he identifies with the punk/goth community. Being from that community myself, as well as being queer, he reminded me of several I've met.
Also, being in the fashion industry, one needs to be forthright or you'll get eaten.
All that being said, I felt the actors did a good job with what they were given to work with. Remember, their given a script and being directed, so what we get is what the producers want us to have. Often it's not entirely the fault of the actor.
I appreciate much of the outdoor filming was one of the fashion districts of Tokyo, Shibuya ward/Harajuku (Cat Street especially). I have many punk and vintage shops bookmarked when I visit next year.
I agree that the final episodes was a bit rushed and too cringe. I feel there must be a production/director issue, because the vibe changed.
I wish this could have been a bit more edgier (sp?). From what I understand, the manga goes more in-depth with the relationships, which would have been nice to see.
I will definitely re-watch this and am planning on getting the manga.

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Comedy Done Right, Stakes were questionable

Cha Eun-woo had me swooning every time he appeared on screen. What I didn't expect was to come away talking about his performance more than his face. As Lee Un-jeong, he brought a lot of charm and warmth to the role and proved that he's capable of much more than simply looking good on screen. Three women catching feelings for him in only eight episodes? Honestly, believable.

This was also my first time watching a drama starring Park Eun-bin. She did great as Chae-Ni but When the casting was first announced, I wasn’t exactly sold on her and Cha Eun-woo as a romantic pairing. Thankfully, the show wasn’t heavily focused on romance, which worked in its favor. Still, they weren’t bad together at all. I guess the whole “polar opposites attract” trope rarely fails.

That said, I low-key shipped him more with the hot villain girl. They barely had any scenes together, but every interaction was electric. Then they killed her off, and I took that personally.

Speaking of characters who deserved better, I was genuinely upset about all the Wunderkinder kids dying. The evil scientists and that creepy sponsor grandpa absolutely deserved whatever came to them, but the kids? They were victims too. They deserved a chance at redemption instead of being treated as collateral damage.

I do have a few questions, though. The Wonderfools were constantly referred to as “defected pieces,” but apart from not fully understanding or controlling their powers, they didn’t seem to suffer any major side effects. Meanwhile, the Wunderkinder kids were considered the “successful” experiments, yet they were the ones experiencing severe side effects. Am I missing something here, or does that logic feel backwards?

Another thing: why was Grandma unable to do more for Chae-ni? She was portrayed as incredibly resourceful, had connections and seemed to know far more than everyone else. Yet somehow she was always arriving just a little too late to actually save anyone. I also think she was forgiven too easily for funding the experiments on orphan children especially for someone who had a grandchild of her own.

One aspect that annoyed me was the repetitive cycle involving 3792 and the villains. Every confrontation played out the same way: he’d be on the verge of death, emotions would run high, dramatic music would swell, and then... he’d survive anyway. After a while, it became predictable. The stakes stopped feeling real because you knew he wasn’t actually in danger. Not that I wanted him to die, but if you keep building up these emotional near-death moments only to undo them every time, the impact starts to disappear.

The comedy, however, was flawless. A solid 10/10. Every joke landed for me. The goofy humor, exaggerated reactions, and comic-book-inspired style were absolutely hilarious. The Wonderfools themselves were delightfully chaotic, and that’s exactly why I loved them. They were weird, messy, and completely entertaining to watch.

Overall, despite a few frustrations with the plot, I had a great time with this show.

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One of the better vertical series I've watched.

English voice-over may have made it better or worse, I'm not sure.

This would have been a good series if it had been longer and we had to sit with the betrayal. Xing was bullied by a fake and punished and neglected by her family for two years, but it didn't feel that way. It also didn't feel like they all had 12 years of loving each other because they turned on Xing so quickly. How could they believe someone they just met over someone they raised? Then their feelings suddenly flip on a dime again once they realise they forgot her birthday? It just didn't feel believable.

This is one of the reasons I don't like vertical series. This was a good plot; it just needed more time to flesh out the characters and make their actions make sense.

You're also telling me that this family never once looked at their camera footage in 2 years? Their cameras were also all perfectly placed to catch almost every evil act as well.

They wait for 30 years for her to wake up, only to have her pretend not to remember them. I mean, they kind of deserve it, but also they waited for 30 YEARS. I felt only a little bad for them.

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Great cast, directing, and storyline

Did not expect such a complex plot based on the summary. However, the actual plot was well done and I appreciated how despite all the "proof" her coworkers stood up for her. It was nice having a boy's mother portrayed as wicked or stuck up. Honestly, I was half expecting the mom to offer money to the FL not to leave her son. LMAO.
The ML went through so many torturous years all because of a promise to a dying woman. As a mom, I get it. As a human with morals what she did was ethically wrong. She knew he was a kind and upright person and that her son was not and used it to bind them together and keep her company afloat. I wish I could feel bad for the son/ex-boyfriend but he doesn't have enough functioning brain cells for that.
Also, it could be the version and platform I watched skipped it out but there was no follow up on the dad after he grabbed the ex-boyfriends hand to restrain him.
Regardless, I really enjoyed this drama. Definitely going on my rewatch list!

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a much needed story

as someone who's watched countless kdramas with bullying as a recorrente theme, teach you a lesson is such a breath of fresh air!! getting to see bullies get a taste of their own medicine so quickly is trulyyyy gratifying. i'm glad it didn't frame the students as the only perpetrators on schools, parents and teachers can be equally as cruel and devious and everyone can be a victim.

the paybacks require some suspension of belief because yeah this wouldn't happen in real life, but it's fine with me. it's not trying to be realistic in the first place. in fact, its charm is getting to see terrible people pay for their actions even if in real life they'd walk away unpunished and to see the victims get some deserved reparations. some may say the bullying/cases portrayed were over the top but i didn't doubt for a second real life could be this cruel and unjust, despite how heartbreaking that is. law systems not only in south korea but everywhere need a reform ASAP.

i'm not exactly the biggest action enthusiast - i usually get lost in the frenzied camerawork - but the choreographies for this one genuinely awed me - along with the sound design wowow!

even though it adresses really heavy themes, there are some golden comedy bits, i felt the balance was necessary so it wouldn't become too hard of a watch.

the main cast's chemistry is great, i particularly loved the little romance between bong and hanrim (the crazy gf x loser bf stocks have never been higher!!!!) jin kijoo is amazinggggg, i personally looove how LOUD she is, kdramas need to invest more on loud and unabashed fls!!

as for kim muyeol, i hadn't watched any of his past projects, so i was pleasantly suprised!! his presence on screen is so gripping!! i might have developed a gigantic crush on na hwajin btw, he looks insanely attractive here.

overall, a well-balanced and wildly entertaining watch. i have hope for a 2nd season but maybe that's just wishful thinking lol

ps: the ending theme is a banger but i can't find it on spotify... ugh

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If Violence Isn't Solving the Problem, You're Not Applying Enough of It

Don't get me wrong, I love seeing bullies get what they deserve. The revenge in this show is genuinely satisfying, and that feeling of payback is exactly what draws you in. But let's call it what it is: in this series, violence solves everything. The unspoken rule is simple, if violence isn't solving the problem, you're just not using enough of it. The government-backed team beats, humiliates, and terrorizes abusive students and corrupt adults because the legal system keeps failing. Every episode proves that going all out with force saves the day. The finale tries to get deep with a moment of restraint, but after eight episodes of rewarded beatdowns, that feels empty. So yes, 'Teach You a Lesson' is cool, satisfying, and deeply wrong. Watch it for the guilty fun, but don't pretend it's anything other than a show where the answer to every problem is a fist, and the only mistake is not punching hard enough.

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Don't trust anyone in this!!!

This was a great series in making pretty much the entire cast look guilty. You really have no idea who the protagonists and who the antagonists are as you are watching. As you get deeper into the drama, it really doesn't become any easier to figure out who to root for. You just have to stick with it and watch everything play out.
Taec Yeon is fantastic in his role as Sung Joon, along with Seok Jin. They're the good guys, then the bad guys, oh wait, now one is the good guy ... now both bad again. You really aren't sure, but you have to be on their side. These characters shows us how revenge can consume your life, making for a miserable existence.
Episode 11 is definitely the pinnacle episode of the series. Many questions are solved to that point, with some very surprising answers. This is also the episode that the most evil antagonist emerges. One we didn't even know existed. He's brilliantly evil and takes us into his hell over the final three episodes, with the final episode being written perfectly without a hitch. Normally that last episode never seems to hold up to the rest of the series, but this one did. Everything you want to happen ... happens!!!!
Just an all around great series to enjoy!!!

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Romance of two mature adults done right!

Wow I did not expect this show to be such a hit for me, but it was. We don't see a lot of BLs with over twenty something couples in life phase that come after university, first big loves and first years in the career are over. This show truly did the romance of two mature adults so well!

I think for anyone over 30 and 40 the shows themes will resonate: what if I need to change my career direction bc what I am doing is not working, how do I deal with my parents becoming older and needing to look after and what forming a romantic relationship is when your relationship priorities are not as they were when you were younger. The show also describes the struggles of coming out at older age in society like Japan, where being gay is no longer exactly unheard of, but where ppl of the community still have to consider that their love could have adverse reactions from other people.

The best part of the show is Azuma's and Kuji's relationship development. At no point do we get big dramatic moments, but instead the show gives a steady relationship arch that has it's ups and downs, with two ppl slowly realizing their feelings. The moments of conflicts are not resolved with arguments of shouting or running away, but rather both of the men reflecting and adjusting to each other.

Having said all the positives this won't be for everyone: if you like your fast paced Thai BLs with dramatic flair, a lot of steamy action and the character types in typical Thai BLs this might not be for you. Also if the themes covered in the show hit too hard home, for some this isn't going to be the escapism they want from the real every day life.

If you have watched and liked other J BLs, you will like this one too! I loved this and the show will be updated to my favorite BL list.

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A Regular Rom-Com Wearing a Crown

A regular rom-com wrapped in royal packaging, with weak conclusions, underdeveloped themes, and a romance that never quite satisfied me.

Perfect Crown was undoubtedly one of my most anticipated dramas of the year. It had three things that immediately sold me: a royal marriage of convenience, Byeon Woo Seok as the male lead, and a female chaebol CEO willing to do anything to protect her company and position. On paper, this sounded like the perfect drama for me.

And honestly, the drama does a lot of things right. It is visually gorgeous. The costumes, palaces, and overall production value are stunning. Everything feels expensive, polished, and luxurious. If there is one thing Perfect Crown never lacks, it is presentation.

My biggest disappointment came from the female lead. Byeon Woo Seok delivered exactly what I expected: a charming prince with enough vulnerability and tragedy to make him easy to root for. But IU's character never became the powerful businesswoman I was hoping for. Instead of getting a commanding CEO similar to the female lead from Queen of Tears, we ended up with a much more familiar, softer, and occasionally cheesy heroine. For a character introduced as highly capable and ruthless in business, she rarely felt as formidable as the story claimed.

The premise itself was interesting. A successful and intelligent woman pursuing a prince because of the legitimacy and status attached to his title raises some fascinating questions. Unfortunately, the drama never explores those ideas deeply enough. It presents themes about power, status, monarchy, tradition, and self-worth, but rarely digs beneath the surface.

The first half was genuinely entertaining. I enjoyed seeing a modern monarchy setting and the political dynamics surrounding the royal family. The marriage of convenience trope had potential, and I was curious to see how the relationship would develop. The problem is that the romance never truly convinced me. I understood why the male lead fell in love, but I never clearly saw when or how the female lead's feelings changed. One moment they were partners, and suddenly we were expected to believe in a grand romance without enough emotional buildup.

Chemistry was another issue. The leads looked beautiful together, but I never felt the spark that made me emotionally invested in their relationship. Ironically, I found some of the side couples more engaging. The brother and sister-in-law were adorable and had a natural warmth that often outshined the main romance. Their marriage felt built on genuine affection rather than plot requirements.

The supporting cast was honestly one of the drama's strongest points. The Queen was easily one of the most fascinating characters in the entire series. Every scene involving her carried tension because I could never fully predict her motives. Her father was equally memorable despite limited screen time. Even the young king brought an interesting perspective to the story, raising questions about whether people should be forced into roles simply because of tradition.

Another character I found genuinely interesting was the Prime Minister. While I wasn't always convinced by the direction the writers eventually took with him, especially in the final episodes, he remained one of the more compelling characters in the drama. His motivations, loyalty, ambition, and complicated relationships added layers to the political storyline. For much of the series, he felt more nuanced and intriguing than some of the main characters, which made his eventual downfall feel even more frustrating.

The villains also stood out because they were not the typical over-the-top antagonists constantly announcing their hatred. Their hostility was quieter, more calculated, and often more effective because of it.

Unfortunately, the writing begins to struggle in the later episodes. Plot holes become harder to ignore, character motivations become inconsistent, and the political conflicts start escalating into increasingly absurd territory. Multiple near-death experiences, sudden villain transformations, and rushed resolutions made the final stretch feel messy.

The ending was probably my biggest frustration. After spending nearly the entire drama building toward the crown, the story suddenly abandons the very goal it spent so much time developing. Rather than feeling meaningful, the resolution felt rushed and unearned. It left me with more questions than satisfaction. Instead of finishing the drama thinking "wow," I finished it asking "why?" and "how?"

As for IU, this is actually my first drama with her. I know she has many fans and a strong acting reputation, but based on this performance alone, I did not leave feeling excited to immediately explore the rest of her filmography. That may be more a reflection of the writing than her acting, but it is still how I felt.

At the end of the day, Perfect Crown had every premium ingredient needed to create an unforgettable drama: a star-studded cast, royal politics, business power struggles, beautiful visuals, and a popular marriage-of-convenience trope. Unfortunately, the writing never elevated those ingredients into something truly special.

I enjoyed watching it, and I understand why so many viewers loved it. But for me, it felt like a regular rom-com wearing a royal crown. Beautiful to look at, pleasant enough to watch, but lacking the depth, chemistry, and emotional payoff needed to make it memorable.

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