Reviews

Messy characters take centre stage

The reviews on this one are quite mixed and I can understand why. It isn’t a standard approach and if you come wanting a fast paced snappy storyline like “The Judge Returns” or “Again My Life” then you will be disappointed on a number of fronts. This is less about plot and more about how character and behaviour are shaped by experience, morality and ethics. Ultimately it examines trust and the sacrifices you have to make to build it. Swapping the vulnerabilities that you know for ones that are unfamiliar to you and having the courage to rely on others to cover your back. It takes characters locked by circumstances in their individual boxes and follows what happens to them when they choose to open the lid and escape from their isolation.

Unlike the dramas I mentioned above, where there is so much emphasis on rolling out the slick, clever plot twists that there is no time for things to go really pear shaped for the team of heroes (something I find annoyingly unsatisfying) in this drama there is real pain for the protagonists. Their scheming does not just knock over the villains and outwit them at every turn. They suffer serious setbacks and take the hits for the things they try to do.

I had a bit trouble in the first few episodes latching onto what I felt were pretty unlikeable characters. But I’m glad I persevered, because the richness of character is a real feature of the drama and gradually they wound me in, kept me watching and turned the tables until I was caught up by them. All of them are imperfect, protagonists and villains alike, and their faults are on full display. In fact that is the focus of the character growth.

It was a good ensemble effort and most of the cast stepped right up to the plate and gave some convincing performances. Personally, I didn’t particularly care for Lee Tae Ran’s performance as Jang Gyeong Ja, she didn’t have the depth and overplayed the melo.

Yes, as some of the reviews have pointed out, it slows through the middle, but that didn’t cause me a problem because there was always plenty of sub-text to think about and reflect on. in fact, rather than my usual binge habit, I wanted to take this one more slowly, so that I could appreciate the subtleties written into the excellent script.

The plot did have a number of holes in it but overall it stood up, had some decent twists and turns and as it was not a case of characters serving the plot, but rather the other way around, I was happy to just go along with it.

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If you like realistic superheroes

I watched this series between 4 January and 7 January 2026. You can understand this show in one simple line: when money meets superpower. Since childhood, we hear that money is everything and money is power. This series takes that idea literally.

The main character has a superpower where the more money he has, the stronger his power becomes. If his money decreases, his power also weakens. That is the core concept.

You will find romance, action, drama, and comedy in this series. The concept feels fresh and different, which makes you curious to keep watching. The Netflix budget is visible. The CGI and visual effects look solid and not cringey.

If you like realistic superheroes who also worry about rent and bills, then this is a must watch. The story can feel a little predictable at times, but Lee Jun-ho’s acting and the unique idea make it worth your time. I give it 7 out of 10. You should give it one chance.

Content Type: Web Series
Genre: Superhero, Action, Drama, Comedy, Fantasy
Writer/Director: Based on the webtoon by Team Beagle. Directed by Lee Chang-min. Written by Lee Je-in and Jeon Chan-ho. Produced by Netflix.

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Good Story, Horrible Execution

The Filmatography
Poor editing, scenes jump abruptly and transitions are nonexistent. As if the drama was assembled without any regard for pacing or coherence. Instead of drawing viewers in, the choppy editing constantly reminds you that you’re watching something unfinished and poorly thought out.

The Leads
ML and FL's acting is subpar lacking the emotional depth this story so desperately needs.
FL's character is so boring and plain. No character development, nothing going for her and yet almost everybody in the drama likes her for some reason.
ML's character feels like a child trying to be an adult. He does these slow motion clips and "cool poses" and it's just so cringe and doesn't deliver the way they think it does. It just continues to play into the immature image I have of him.
I also fail to see the "chemistry" between them. It feels like instalove to me or pity love.

The Voice Dubbing
Off putting. I was very suprised to find that both leads dubbed themselves. A better job could've been done. Why act so stiff and expressionless on screen and then try to show your skills in the studio booth?

The Plot
Weak and directionless. Why is everyone literally OBSESSED with Cai Pingshu (who died 10 years ago btw??) No matter where the story tries to branch off to, everything circles back to her. It's almost like all the men in the previous generation either liked/were infatuated with her.
The plot goes around in circles and with no emotional buildup, sense of purpose or even proper character development, it's difficult to stay invested.

Final Thoughts
Overall, the story could be good. It genuinely seems interesting but deserves a better cast and better crew to tell it better.

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a drama with realistic ending

No Tail to Tail is a fresh and unique fantasy drama that tells the story of a gen Z gumiho who is completely different from the traditional gumiho portrayed in older stories. Instead of being mysterious, dark, and bound by ancient rules, this gumiho feels modern, expressive, and relatable to today’s generation. The drama successfully reinterprets the gumiho myth by blending supernatural elements with contemporary life, humor, and youth culture. What makes this drama especially interesting is how it breaks away from familiar clichés. The gen Z gumiho is independent, emotionally aware, and unapologetically honest, which creates many fun and unexpected moments. The story explores themes of identity, freedom, and self-acceptance, showing how a mythical being struggles with very human emotions and social pressures. This contrast makes the drama feel both entertaining and meaningful. Overall, No Tail to Tail offers a refreshing perspective on a well-known legend. With its light tone, creative storytelling, and modern characters, the drama feels relevant and engaging for younger audiences while still appealing to fans of fantasy stories. It proves that even old myths can feel new again when told from a different point of view, making this drama an enjoyable and memorable watch.

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Hot, hot, hot kisses but the length & amount of antagonists affected my enjoyement

I enjoy Zuo Yi's dramas but Zhang Bei Xi's dramas can be hit or miss with me. I decided to give this a chance and did not regret it. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL character - Sneaky & smart.
2. Acting - Zuo Yi brought her charm and Zhang Bei Yi was surprisingly charming / less cold in this drama. Great chemistry between them.
3. Romance - Hot, hot, hot kisses. They were affectionate couple. Physical touch is their love language. I liked that there were warmth moments between them.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Assistant Xu.
5. Styling - Great clothes for ML. I liked his plain white shirt & navy trousers combo. Zuo Yi's outfits fit her petite frame and she wore pretty shoes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Xing Mo, Bai Qing Qing & Zhao Shan were vicious and annoying. I also disliked ML's grandfather because he was selfish. Shen Yan Zhiu was a petulant nepo baby.
2. Length - At 3 hours 5 min, this drama was too long for me. I think some antagonist arcs could be eliminated because they didn't add much value to the story.

Favourite scene
When FL celebrated ML's birthday with a cake

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worth to watch *clap to Actor and Director.

This story is caught your heart, and surprisingly let your eyes tear by the bright and pure.
ML and FML can perfectly lead the audiences emotion in positive and brighten way, the director delivers it exactly different from the other highschool story. And also group of friends' relationship is so strong.
**clap**

This ML role is not that like .. ordinary cool guy or acting cold boy with the full life problem. no no no! no more numb guy.
XiaoLe ( XieBinBin) He can shine bright, cute, giggle, chuckle, big laughing, responsible, fooling around, crying, suppress feeling to family, solving problem , boyfriend material, handsome guy, playful and quiet like normal person, son, etc. in this one role.!
**clap**

FML is very clear bright and super cute. She has the natural acting way, when she is in love or confusing in love, or steady in love, easy going friends. wow. I love her face.
*remark *The chemistry is not ordinary.
**clap**

Kissing scenes are so good. Acting, music, mood, light, setting place, angle, wowww beautiful and impressive.
The FML ML acting between before and being in relationship are delivered so well, smooth and clear.
**clap**

The point that why they easily break up is revealed just only few minutes.
You might have question why ML didn't do more to get her back after FML want to break up with him, the reason is he supports her decision. He knows that he could break her attention. He knows they love each other, but honest to her choosing.
That's why in the end he keeps asking her what status she will give him. Not just that expressing his feeling... it's real love.
**clap**

point deducted**. I skipped the story of 2nd FML's part time jobs with her rich man. I thinks details are spending too much time. drinking, talking etc. 2nd ML just came and was chased away. no good talk,, just because of he became from rich family.
It seem to lack of air time for his story that prove himself. ( Just 1 mention about his song released on internet)
** music is so good ** but will be better if you use ML singing lived instead of using lip syncing scene not syncing the mouth movements.

Overall is So good

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Incoherent stories and cases that don't make sense

I love both actor and actresses in many of their other movies. So it's definitely not the acting that's the problem. The story is very incoherent and doesn't have proper flow. They seem to be solving random cases that do not connect together with any theme. The FL also seems to have one emotion throughout the movie: Anger and hatred. She even pretends to hate the actor in nearly the entire show despite the fact that she is supposedly smitten with him. Makes zero sense. The ML I believe was trying to match her emotion all the while also smitten with her. The good part is the costuming and setting of the movie was really well done. It seems like a big budget production. But I watch a movie solely on the story and then the acting and unfortunately the story aspect of the movie was lacking. I was able to finish it but with a struggle would not re-watch for sure. Furthermore, there seems to be a lack of chemistry because the mood of the whole story is hostility and anger and revenge. This definitely is not a romance show more leaning towards the detective show with a sprinkle of "romance" that seems less than half baked.

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A story of compassion behind manipulations

The plot of Dear X follows an actress who will do anything to stay on top and a man who loves her yet tries to bring her down. While the finale focuses on this central conflict, the story leading up to it explores manipulation and compassion.

When people fail to show compassion, they often struggle to recognize it in others. For Ah Jin, goodness seemed tied to power and status, which led her to use those around her to maintain her position. Yet she overlooked a crucial truth: the people she exploited genuinely loved her for who she was—Cafe Boss, In Gang, In Gang’s grandmother, CEO Moon Do Hyuk, Jae Oh, and Jun Seo. Her ambition blinded her to their sincerity, causing everything to crumble—even after Jun Seo offered her a chance at redemption.

I also love the title Dear X. To me, the first “X” represents Ah Jin’s mother—the one who shaped her to become a monster that she is. The final “X” is Jun Seo—the person she aspired to be, her other self.

In essence, the “X” in Dear X is Ah Jin herself.

Manipulation is a common theme in K-dramas, often portrayed through strong female leads. But strength does not erase wounds or weaknesses. Baek Ah Jin stood out because of this complexity. Kim Yoo Jung masterfully portrayed her as both manipulative and vulnerable. Despite Ah Jin’s schemes, her pain and loneliness made her a character I sympathized with. Kim Young Dae and Kim Do Hoon complemented her brilliantly. Young Dae’s nuanced acting made Jun Seo’s emotions relatable, while Do Hoon’s calm yet emotionally rich performance captured Jae Oh’s subtle warmth. Together, the “Kim Trio” balanced the drama’s tension with depth and heart.

Among the supporting characters, my favorites were:

Cafe Boss, who showed Ah Jin genuine compassion from the start.

Jae Oh, a healing presence when Ah Jin struggled with herself.

Moon Do Hyuk, a complex figure who felt like a mix of Jae Oh and Jun Seo.

Jun Seo, the mirror of Ah Jin and the one who reflected her potential for love and honesty.

Writing this review shows how much I enjoyed Dear X. Unlike other dramas that focus solely on manipulation or the trope of a “strong female lead,” this series explored a delicate balance of manipulation and compassion. It highlighted how the characters’ emotions shaped Ah Jin’s life and hinted at what could have been if life had been kinder to her.

As for the ending—it is very Ah Jin: bittersweet and open. She loses the men who loved her, yet Moon Do Hyuk remains, waiting patiently, a testament to his genuine care.

It left me with the question "What if life was a bit nice to her?"

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worth the hype.

Pretty good. loved Zhou Ye and her playful character. I fell in love with Cheng Lei and his morally grey character. Love that they are always true to themselves till the end, no matter the circumstances. Love their chemistry and the storyline. I also enjoyed the complex characters like the emperor and Chu Zhao, because you don't really know their next move.
My only qualm is that they couldn't have made He Yan's school days character any less believable; it's almost ridiculous, but the overall plot saves it. I also wish the 5 buddies of He Yan had more screentime. AND I wish there was a bit more suffering and crying on my end; that'll make a 10/10 drama for sure.
overall worth the hype: 9/10

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plot with no stakes, no real consequences

it was cute and fun but if you’re looking for a serious story and/or a serious romance, this isn’t it. it’s one of those shows you watch in between shows that you’re waiting for.

lots of plot twists that didn’t make sense, hard to follow what the actual rules are and what the stakes are, if any. i was so ??? that kang siyeol’s grandma was in ONE episode after the switch and then never again lol weird ass plot device that could’ve had more meaning but whatevs.

the chemistry was there, but i didn’t believe they were all in for each other. when there are rarely any stakes, even dying isn’t that permanent, then it’s hard for me to see strength in their connection. all the actors were great, but the roles they played didn’t have enough depth in their writing or directing.

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Love hidden in a photograph!

I would be lying if I said this drama will offer you a storyline that is out of this world; however, it has its own charm! It may not be a top-tier drama in some aspects but it’s a good watch especially if you don’t set your expectations too high based on similar ones you might have seen. While watching this drama you will be taken through a coming-of-age ride. There’s a touch of high school moments, youth romance, friendships, family affairs, goal-getting moments, and, like anyone’s life, some ups and downs as the various characters navigate their journeys.

Overall, despite having some moments of being meh the narrative is enjoyable. You will like this drama if you like high school dramas transitioning to university and life afterwards, neighbours/best friends becoming lovers. I must say one can enjoy this drama better if not compared with those with the same tags. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I am sure some will find it a good episode filler because of the lightness it offers! It really has a predictable plot and storyline so be geared for that!

On the bright side, I liked that most issues which seemed problematic weren’t dragged out or exaggerated, be it the 1ML’s family affairs, FL’s career choice, second couples’ relationship problems, or the transition of the first couple from friends to lovers. I also liked that despite the plot being a common one, the directors and screenwriters didn’t sugarcoat things by trying to make it complicated or worst case scenario, trying to make an issue out of a tissue😏. They just let the story flow with the common storyline while allowing its own charm to be unleashed.

The actors and actresses really did their best to bring the characters to life. The main leads seemed really comfortable around each other which made the friends to lovers troupe believable. The second FL carried the coldness like her life depended on it to the point that one would feel like punching her! The second ML character development was well executed. Both main leads’ family members understood their assignments.

The family aspect of the drama was mainly focused on the main leads. Though they were background stories, you can clearly see and tell how they shaped their overall story. The FL having grown up in a loving family shaped how she grew up to be an ever cheerful girl despite the overprotection from the father. The ML, having grown up in a partially dysfunctional family, drew closer to the FL, who was always his shoulder to lean on.

I really liked the friendship circle in the drama. The friendship arc isn’t a major highlight of this drama but it has enough screen time for you to appreciate it. Though they had individual paths to follow they still clicked. Despite distance coming among the friendship group, different life goals, and tastes, they always found their way back to each other! Shan was a brother to the whole group in a very admirable manner! He was always a call away🥹🥰

The romance aspect is also well played. The drama has more than one couple to look forward to! The main leads’ love story is a cute one as they have quite a lot of noteworthy moments during their relationship. You can clearly note that it was a transition from being friends to lovers because once they got into a relationship even the FL questioned how it was different from them being friends besides that they were now kissing 😫🫠but you will eventually get the answer. Anyway, their relationship had its cute and heartwarming moments. A noteworthy thing is how the ML took photography as a way of him communicating his love and feelings for the FL hence the title of my review🤗. I like how the main ML & FL were such bundles of joy around each other! I liked the third and mature couple because it somehow foreshadowed the route the main leads’ relationship was bound to take.

The downside is that there are moments especially during the first episodes where there aren’t smooth transitions between scenes making it seem as if some of them were cut short leaving you feeling like, “ umm okay is that it!? Ohh we're already onto the next scene? Was that scene meant to end just like that!?”
The only side story I didn’t like was that of the second FL part-time job drama. I felt like it got more screen time than it deserved! The second couple really did stress me out here and there mainly because of the lady’s attitude which could have been portrayed in better ways. I also felt like there could have been better ways to deal with the main leads’ long-distance relationship without a breakup! The breakup resulted in the last four episodes being dragged as the main leads took some time to properly sort out their issues and be honest about each other’s feelings. Their push-pull relationship wasn’t really necessary 😫🥺

I would recommend you watch this drama if you are up for a light drama with heartwarming moments despite having a common storyline. Yes! We did get a very cute happy ending!🥰

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