Reviews

Only one word-Loved it!!!!

A beautiful drama with a simple plot, beautiful and eye pleasing locations, two people who overcome all the struggles and obstacles in their life and heartwarming family relations-totally makeup Love story in the 1970's.🤗
The plot is simple and straightforward.
Good people reap good, while bad people always meet a bad ending and patience always, is the key for achieving anything in one's life. That is what this beautiful drama portrays in a simple manner.
Fang Muyang and Fei Ni, have become one of my favorite couple😍. They have a mutual understanding, support and encourage each other, and always are there for each other in anytime, no matter the place is. I love them 🥰. The development of their love track is really impressive.
Arthur Chen and Sun Qian were perfectly cast for their roles, and I can never imagine anyone else in their roles. They were excellent in their performances.
All the other actors were also excellent👍
The music is good. Costumes were good too.
The Republican era setting suited well.
If you are looking for a simple, decent, pleasant love story combined with family emotions and workplace tensions, then this is the BEST and PERFECT DRAMA 💯.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. JUST GO WATCH IT WITHOUT A SECOND THOUGHT!!

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Let’s get married - when the law changes

I’m not one to write a lot of reviews about the things that I watch, but this truly was a show that captivated me in a way I never could have prepared myself for.

I’ve heard a lot of praise for “Our Youth” ever since its release, but I never got around to watching it. Until now. The story, characters, music, filmography; everything was perfect from beginning to end. I felt so much for both Jin and Haruki, they have a place in my heart forever now. This series was poetic and warm in the most heartbreaking way possible.

Being young, figuring out your identity and what your future will look like; I think that is something we all can relate to. There is something so beautifully painful about growing up.

I went into this thinking it would just be another show I ticked off my watchlist. But it was so much more. A 10/10 experience I will not forget!

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Dare I say one of the best serie of 2025?

I wanted to start this review by clarifying my personal tastes when it comes to dramas (and really any kind of film) because I don’t think our opinions are ever fully objective.

I’ve always been drawn to plot-driven stories. Acting is obviously crucial, and elements like music, cinematography, and set design matter a lot too. But what truly carries a drama, for me, is the strength and consistency of its narrative and it's the cinema graduate in me talking lol. Before being on screen, any good series is but letters on a piece of paper. And in that sense, Coroner’s Diary was exactly the kind of drama I love because its core was especially good.

It's drama that forces you to use your brain when you watch it and that's exactly what I like.

What surprised me even more than the well-written script, though, was the acting. I had only recently discovered Jelly Lin, and her performance here was outstanding. It was honestly refreshing to watch such a firm, serious female lead for once, where others tend to be childish and well... I'm no longer twenty so I find them boring. After finishing the drama, I even checked out a couple of her other projects to see whether this performance was just a one-time success—but it definitely wasn’t. Her consistency as an actress really impressed me.

Then there’s Ao Rui Peng. He was fantastic as well. And honestly, it felt so satisfying to finally see a true green-flag male lead—someone supportive, loyal, and quietly yearning??? I had also only discovered him recently, though ironically I initially started the drama purely because the plot sounded promising.

As I mentioned earlier, I usually prioritize plot over romance and even over acting, and Coroner’s Diary still managed to meet all my expectations. One thing that often makes me drop dramas is when the romance begins to overshadow the story’s core motivation. That didn’t happen here. Shen Wan’s quest for justice remained the driving force throughout the series, and she never wavered from her goal—even after the male lead discovered the truth. The romance never hijacked the narrative; if anything, it complemented it and made the story stronger.

The investigative arcs and side plots were also incredibly enjoyable. Each case was engaging and well-paced—never dragging on, yet always leaving me wanting more. And seriously… what do you mean we didn’t get more Cai He?? Gimme more of Cai He, please... And I was also soooo into the camera angles and choices of coloring???? It's rare when a drama feels that 'good' visually (like LLTG, The Double, FoF, MJTY, TTEOTM)

All in all, if you enjoy investigation dramas, striking visuals (let’s be honest the leads are serving), strong character dynamics, a satisfying relationship arc, and a happy ending, then Coroner’s Diary is absolutely worth watching.

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At first feels like an ads, later become one of the relatable love story

1. Story : Modern take about relationship ambiguos and problem in recent time.
2. Acting : everyone feels natural, enjoyable comedy take, and seriousness in both Main perspective, especialy the ML POV for me is sore relatable.
3. Music : its fine, but not special whatsoever
4. Rewatch Value : Definitly gonna watch it gagain some other time for the main, but not the VR part, its feels like a filler.

An Early VR part of the drama are feels like an ads of something but its fine as it got an good amount of screen time, except seo eun ho part are unecesarryly streched and too long, i had to skip this most of the time.
It get to the good story part on ep 5 till the end, with a really good ending fitting of the story.

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A modern Cinderella story

I love movies and shows that do a modern rendition of classic tropes or stories and I think they do it very well here. Without giving too much away the title alone should tell you a bit about the show. A young woman neglected by her step family. A rags to riches type of a story. They really ramped up the drama and tsundere archtypes for this one but it's pretty great. Park So Dam is really a great protagonist in this one. Oh, and the soundtrack is really amazing. Younha - I believe has become one of my favorite songs. I recommend this show to people that like shows about the love triangle trope and the slow burn romance, or just a good old fashioned Cinderella story.

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I liked it, but I think once was enough

Park So Dam is my favorite actress, but I still felt like this show was missing something. It has great drama, good acting, and character development. I like watching how the tv shows and movies the character was working on came to life. How his life radically transformed, and the drama was good. I felt like the show was missing something through most of it. It lacked humor or that special something that makes you want to rewatch it. I do recommend this show, and I do applaud the performances and the tear inducing moments, but that being said it was about a 7 out of 10 for me.

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Romance Is a Bonus, but Friendship Is the Heart

This drama tells a story about ordinary people living ordinary lives in ordinary circumstances, but what makes it special is the extraordinary relationship between the main leads. The ML and FL share a 20-year friendship, and what I loved most is that neither of them wanted to ruin that friendship just because of romance.

The story follows the FL, who has recently gone through a difficult divorce and is trying to rebuild her life. After being away from the workforce for years, she struggles to re-enter the industry and repeatedly fails. Meanwhile, the ML is a successful author and the youngest chief editor at a publishing company. Eventually, the FL manages to get a job at the same publishing company by lying on her resume, and that’s where her journey of rebuilding her life truly begins.

One thing I appreciated about this drama is that it has what I would call a mature love triangle… or maybe even a love rectangle. However, unlike many dramas, none of the characters become annoying or frustrating enough to make you want to skip their scenes. Every character feels human, and the story slowly unfolds their personalities and struggles in a very natural and grounded way. Credit definitely goes to the writer and screenwriter for creating such believable characters.

Some people say that the ML is a coward, but I personally disagree. To me, he felt like a gentle and emotionally mature person. He knew that his feelings were one-sided and that the FL didn’t see him romantically, so he chose not to risk ruining their long friendship. Instead, he patiently stayed by her side, even if it meant watching her love someone else. When the FL finally began to see him differently, he didn’t hold back anymore. Considering the history and depth of their friendship, his behavior felt completely understandable to me.

The overall tone of the drama is very gentle, and it is told in a calm, comforting way. Watching it actually made me realize how overstimulating many modern dramas have become with constant twists and exaggerated drama. This show is the opposite. It allows your mind to relax while still keeping you engaged, which is honestly refreshing.

If there is one thing I wish had been explored more, it would be the FL’s background, especially her life as a mother. We know she has a daughter, but the drama only shows them interacting a few times in the beginning. I would have liked to see more of that emotional side of her life.

Another highlight of the drama for me was the workplace environment. The publishing company and the atmosphere between the employees felt warm and welcoming. Watching the team slowly grow closer and support each other was honestly one of the most enjoyable parts of the show.

This is also one of those dramas where the writing itself stands out. The plot isn’t overly dramatic or filled with shocking twists, but the consistency and quality of the script make it very engaging. Maintaining that level of storytelling across 16 episodes is not easy, and it shows the strength of the writing. Instead of relying on unrealistic drama tropes, the show focuses on realistic relationships and personal growth.

The publishing industry was portrayed in an interesting way as well. Of course, parts of it were somewhat romanticized, but the drama also touched on some of the harsher realities of the industry.

What I liked most about the story structure is how neatly everything comes together. There are no unnecessary plotlines or dragged-out conflicts. The story progresses naturally, and everything builds up gradually until it falls into place in a satisfying way. It’s the kind of drama that makes you feel comfortable rather than stressed while watching it.

The characters are another strong point. Not only were they perfectly cast, but every character had their own development and emotional journey. Even the supporting characters were charming and memorable in their own ways. Their friendships and their willingness to support each other created many heartwarming moments throughout the drama.

One thing that stood out to me was how the main characters behaved like actual mature adults. Their conflicts were not created by ridiculous misunderstandings or random plot twists, which is something that usually frustrates me in dramas. Instead, they communicated, respected each other, and made decisions that were consistent with their personalities.

The female lead deserves special mention. She is written as someone who is strong, kind, patient, and resilient, and her journey of rebuilding her life is genuinely inspiring. Her character is portrayed with a lot of grace, which made her very easy to root for.

The main couple also had a very natural chemistry. Their relationship felt warm and genuine without ever becoming overly dramatic or exaggerated.

Even though I’m usually not someone who rewatches dramas, this is one of those shows I would definitely return to if I wanted something comforting to watch. It has the kind of story that lifts your mood while still feeling meaningful.

Another unique element that I absolutely loved was the outros at the end of each episode. They feature character monologues combined with beautiful quotes, and they often give deeper insight into the characters’ thoughts and emotions. I found myself watching them very carefully every time because they added an extra emotional layer to the story. Honestly, those heartwarming outros alone make the drama worth revisiting.

Overall, Romance Is a Bonus Book is a drama that doesn’t rely on intense drama or flashy storytelling. Instead, it focuses on warm relationships, personal growth, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. It may not have a groundbreaking plot, but the comforting atmosphere, well-written characters, and thoughtful storytelling make it a very enjoyable watch.

For me, this drama is a solid 8/10, and I would even add an extra +0.5 just for the beautiful outros. It’s definitely the kind of drama that stays with you and makes you want to watch it again someday.

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Good example of how one lie snowballs

I don't get all the bad reviews. I really liked this drama. The FL was in a bad emotional and financial situation that would force anyone to make a bad decision.
The plot was good - except maybe the antagonists were too evil.
I imagine we've all experienced bad breakups, and know how that brings out the very worst in your ex. So even though he was the one who did her wrong, he ended up feeling wronged when she was able to move on.
I loved the 2nd couple in this - wish they had a kiss, but their relationship was very satisfying.
And everything wrapped up nicely with a great happy ending.
I enjoyed it .

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Make sure you have kleenex handy

This is what they call Dramady at it's best. It's hilarious, until it's not. I don't even know how to review this without spoiling anything. I'll just say watch it. The actor that plays the older brother is known for his comedy roles but also brings a great dramatic performance in this movie. His character is basically a bastard in the beginning, but also kind of a likeable conman. Even though it's funny and dramatic, there's also a lighthearted element to it. The movie doesn't take itself overly serious or bend your arm to make you feel a certain way. It just is a slice of life in a way.

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Really good but kind of flat

I really liked this drama for it's light hearted plot. The arc wasn't as usual k-dramas which i found refreshing, although I can understand if some find that rather boring. There isn't much happening in the story itself. Characters barely get a chance to develop. I liked the storyline between Jisoo and Seo Inguks irl character from the start and how she overlooked all the small things he did for her. I also enjoyed the parts of her getting closure on her past relationship, it was something I could relate to. However I did find the act of them breaking up a bit weird and more of a misunderstanding. Also he called her and then never again, there was definitely more potential.
What bothered me the most is how this drama fails to adress the technology of the game and all the ai it must use. It could've been more critical and deeper especially since it was mentioned that people indepted themselves to play and the plagiarism.. also how people playing clearly showed symptoms of addiction. I was hoping for a bit more dispute about the risks that the game came with and a social stand point.
In the end it remains a quirky rom com without depth which is totally fine but could've been more. I liked it nevertheless because I do enjoy light watches, just the topic itself was kind of screaming for more attention.
It did kind of play out how I was expecting from the start with Seo Inguk also having and ai version of him. Also the ending was a bit rushed? He did learn about that 901 character but there was no real reasoning or talking about it, he was just suddenly okay with it. They also never mentioned the missing mole on the ai vs irl him, which could've been a funny moment.
I also want to mention I kind of almost thought we would have an inception moment and everything would've turned out to be a game but yea well for that the storyline wasn't deep enough and somehow the game wasn't the center while being the center, if you know what i mean.
All in all I would recommend this, yet I feel it could've been so much more.

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Misses the mark on the topic but still a watchable show

Its not something I have any desire to rewatch, though I will watch season 2. The show is yet another autistic savant trope. Something that seems to be the majority of shows and movies concerning autistic people despite that only representing a small portion of them in reality. There was an overall positive message about autism and showed some of the stigma they faced, but the general tone of the show made me think that either the creators or South Korea doesn't yet have a more advanced, modern and progressive view on Autism and disability. I have noticed though that there are a fair deal of autistic people out there quite enjoy it regardless of that and focus on loving the character. That being said, I managed to enjoy the show on an episode by episode basis. I do like the character Woo Young Woo. There is a bit of charm in her personality and obsession with whales, and you do find yourself rooting for and getting sucked into the legal drama. I think this show is an easy watch, but nothing to fall in love with. I understand why some people did. She's quirky, her interactions with others are often humorous, but even outside of the tone in regards to autism the show was lacking in other areas of storytelling. I recommend just going with the flow when watching this one, good for people who like legal dramas.

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Amazing storytelling and lovable characters

I feel like many of the harsh reviews are coming from fans of the original Chinese version. I have never seen it. So to me all I saw when i watched this was 16 episodes of amazing story telling about an unconventional family. I love them so much. I loved all the developments in the show, the twists and turns that reveal more about the characters and how they are interconnected. I loved the acting, the cast, the beautiful town it's set in. Family by choice is one of my favorite shows, but I think this might be one of those divisive gems that you either love it or you think it was just okay. The cast alone and the characters make it worth watching, but the writing is what I really loved about it, how everything perfectly comes together. I wish this family was real because they made me want to believe in a world where people can come together like that regardless of circumstances.

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Best discovery

I watched it because I looove the actress Han Ji hyeon ! (and vibed a lot with her support roles in the recent romance dramas)So when I knew that she was the lead in a rom com... I had to watch it and I WAS NOT DISSAPOINTED !!! Although my opinion on Han Ji hyeon as an actress has changed (not in subjectively a good nor a bad way, it just revealed another side of her acting), and the ML isn't my fav (a little bland) I was sooo CAPTIVATED by the cheer squad, their hardships and success ! (and also the side couples that I absolutely adore).
I will definitly rewatch it again in the next years 'cause...it was too good

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