Reviews

A heart-wrenching romance that feels like home

And this is why an us-against-the-world couple dynamic is my ABSOLUTE favorite and it’s absolutely criminal that there aren't more of them in dramas.

The relationship between the leads was the highlight of this show, from the chemistry to the way they went from not getting along to being each other’s safe space was such a beautiful journey. There’s that one big thing that splits them apart obviously, but other than that it was SOO refreshing and beautiful to see such great communication and comfort in their relationship, even at their lowest points, and the main relationship conflict being how self-sacrificial the ML’s love for the FL is is so much more interesting than miscommunications that dramas usually go for, and again it’s so refreshing that the FL is smart, capable, and extremely aware of what’s going on.

In terms of the overall plot with the audit company and all the fighting, it’s dramatic but I actually really enjoyed it and how much tension it inserted into the plot. I liked how intense the stakes were — amplified by the amazing OST — although I admit I didn’t always fully understand what was going on with the audit and sometimes it wasn’t really clear what the plan was.

The biggest complaint I probably have (and I think it’s a common one) is episode 11, where the separation happens. Even though the gaps are filled in later with flashbacks, the way the actual episode was edited felt really off and I was thinking we’d get a few more episodes before the time skip happened. Once the drama settles back into the present timeline though, it becomes really solid again.

I also really liked the side characters; they had their roles to play and their stories to tell, it was sweet and added to the show, and they never overstayed their welcome.

Overall, LOVED this show and the experience of watching it. I have some criticisms when I'm thinking objectively, but this really hit the spot. I need more ships like them.

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An ultimate Overdo of adrenaline rush for Republican-era drama fans.

This show hits every single trope that makes Republican-era dramas so ridiculously addictive.

​✨ The Dynamic: Delicious love-hate push and pull where neither side backs down

💔 The Male Lead: Zhang Ling he is serving. His character has gone through betrayal and childhood pain, he masks his vulnerability with cynical humor, lethal smirks, and sharp retorts.

🎭 The Female Lead: Wang Churan locked in total revenge mode—suppressing every ounce of emotion and affection just to survive

💥 The Pacing: Just as a calm moment settles in, the next major plot twist hits to keep your adrenaline at an all-time high.

​The chemistry between Murong Qingyi and Ren Susu is pure fire. It’s messy, it’s intense, and the lead chemistry is off the charts. If you love dark, high-drama romances with toxic family stakes, do not skip this.

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A Captivating Mystery That Keeps You Wanting More

The East Palace is the kind of drama that constantly leaves you wanting to watch just one more episode. I loved how every episode ended on a note that made me genuinely curious about what would happen next. It kept me engaged from beginning to end, and I found myself wanting to finish all eight episodes because I couldn't stop wondering how everything would unfold.

One of the show's biggest strengths is its storytelling. While the plot felt a little confusing at first, each episode gradually provided the explanations and backstories needed to connect the pieces together. I really appreciated how the drama rewarded patience, making every revelation feel meaningful without losing its sense of mystery.

The cast also deserves a lot of praise. Nam Joo-hyuk once again proved how versatile he is as an actor. No matter the genre, he consistently delivers a convincing performance, and this drama was no exception. His chemistry with his co-star was equally impressive, and together they brought their characters to life naturally.

The production quality was another highlight. The visual effects were beautifully done, the cinematography enhanced the atmosphere of every scene, and the sound design complemented the overall mood perfectly. Even the smaller details and supporting characters added charm and personality to the series.

What I enjoyed most is that this is the type of K-drama that makes you stay because of the story itself—not just because of the actors. It offers a rewarding viewing experience that keeps your curiosity alive while introducing interesting elements inspired by Korean history and folklore.

My only complaint is the ending. It left me feeling like there was still more to explore, and it gave the impression that the journey in the palace wasn't completely over. While that left me wanting more, it also made me hopeful for a second season.

Overall, The East Palace is a mystery-fantasy drama that's definitely worth watching if you enjoy stories that gradually unfold and keep you guessing. It's been a while since I watched a drama in this genre, and this one reminded me why I enjoy it so much. I'm already looking forward to Season 2.

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That one drama worth watching

When Life Gives You Tangerines is one of those stories that will capture you and make you fall madly in love, then completely destroy you.

From the very episode, I was captured! I lived through Aesun's pain and her confusion, and her longing for her mom, to when she fell in love and grew old. I just felt it all. This is probably the best love story I have ever witnessed; Romeo and Juliet could never reach it.

Honestly, knowing this was based on a real story gave me so much peace and knowing it was not just the fruit of someone's imagination. Knowing that there was a Gwan Sik somewhere in the world brought so much happiness to my heart.


Spoilers***

The way Gwan Sik loved Aesun should be studied! He is the example of what a man should be and how he should love a woman. From childhood, he knew she was the girl he liked. One scene that hit me was when they asked the kids about their dreams, and Aesun said she wanted to be president while Gwan Sik said he would be the first lady. Like, imagine? He wanted to be with her. When Aesun's family brought only five fish, he gave one extra because he knew they were not feeding her the fish. Or when Aesun had nowhere to go and wanted to run away, he didn’t hesitate but left it all to run away with her to Busan. Or when he jumped into the sea and swam all the way to the shore because Aesun was crying and didn’t want him to leave. Or when Aesun was hit by his mother, he didn’t wait; he took her out of that house with her kids. Even as an old couple, he always stood for his wife; in his eyes, she was the cleverest and most beautiful, and she came before everyone. That is one aspect about Gwan Sik I loved! EVEN THOUGH they had kids, he knew he and his wife were the ones who would be together; kids will grow and leave home and build their own lives, but they only have each other. I could write a whole essay on the things Gwan Sik did. I was profoundly touched by his character and the way he loved her. He truly loved her in the literal sense of loving someone without expecting anything in return and created a beautiful flowery heaven for his wife to live in, although they were not rich. He just made me sigh every episode because at least there was one woman in this whole world who was loved right. That was enough to make my heart happy.


I will never finish this review if I keep going about all the details, but just let me tell you this: this story is 10/10; actually, I would give it 1 million stars! Each episode was a masterpiece, so well thought out and well done, and IU and Park Bo Gum as young Aesun and Gwan Sik made me dream and blush and fall in love so deeply, and Moon So Ri and Park Hae Joon made me tear up so deeply! Not only did they show what love should be, but they also reminded me to love my own parents for the sacrifices they made in my own life. The acting was immaculate- such well-done work in terms of acting, script, and cinematography. It was a pleasure for the eyes and healing to my heart.

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Nothing new

It was really great to see Ji Sub again in action. The drama though couldn't really leave a mark for me. He has done this type of work quite a lot and the story is pretty much predictable. It is one of those dramas where you have to brace yourself with over the top action and over the top writing. Things happened precisely the way our main characters wanted it. The plot included two stories, completely unrelated, which later sort of merged in the background and there you go... another north-south animosity drama unfolds. The drama was good when it was less political in the first half, afterwards it is the same old story. I can overlook over the top action anytime (I know what to expect from such plot) however, the thing that made me cringe was the fact that the ML's daughter even after loosing so much blood and after being in the plastic bag for a day or two still survived the blow and woke up hale and hearty, like she was in a deep sleep. I felt like dropping it then and there. All the seriousness of the plot just vanished in that moment. It could have been a great show and I had really very high expectations when I saw the ratings but it was just a one time watch for me. If I just stop watching it for a day or two I don't think I would be very much inclined to pick it up again.

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I Have THOUGHTS & I'm Not Waiting for the Finale

Every new season, we convince ourselves, "Maybe this time it'll be different." And every new season, we're proven wrong. Yes, I'm talking about the painfully predictable storyline where almost every guy ends up chasing the same girl. It's frustrating because it leaves so many other contestants overlooked, with less screen time and fewer chances to build connections that viewers can actually invest in.

Also, Why are we STILL deciding dates with rock-paper-scissors and guessing games? I don't mind it in the beginning because it helps people mix around, but by the middle of the season especially in Japan I was literally screaming, "We're STILL doing rock-paper-scissors?!" Come on now!!

And yet... I still couldn't stop watching.

Why? Bcz if there are participants you're genuinely rooting for, and you keep watching for them. And No matter how hard I tried, THAT GIRL (Yu Gyeong ) never gives a reason to dislike her. Whether she's on a date, joking around in the house, or just chatting with the others, she brings an energy that makes every scene enjoyable. She is soo cheerful yet sensible it’s hard to belive she’s 23 only! Plus she’s a genuine girls' girl. She maintained distance from Seongmin for her unni… Now, is it her fault that three guys decided to pursue her? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Clock it.
I know viewers are exhausted by the "everyone falls for one girl" that every dating show seems determined to recycle. But blaming Yu Gyeong for that makes no sense. She didn’t manipulate everyone into chasing her.

I was rooting for Minju, Seowon and Yu Gyeong this season!

MY GIRL. Min Ju reminded me so much of myself that it was actually painful to watch. She kept giving, supporting, understanding, and putting everyone else first until she completely fell apart herself. She is the ultimate girl's girl. She comforted Yu Gyeong, stood by So Yun, supported Gyu Ri... she was always there for everyone.
And I have THOUGHTS on Seong min. Sir...why on earth would you tell Min Ju she was one of your two options if your heart was already somewhere else? And then this man had the nerve to say he felt relieved after telling her??
My blood pressure actually went up hearing that .I don't care how he explained it afterwards. To me, it was selfish. Mixed signals are still mixed signals, whether you intended them or not.FREE MY GIRL MINJU FROM THIS GUY!

MY MAN OF THE SEASON. SEO WON❤️
Where do people like Seo Won even exist? Because this man walked straight out of a K-drama. He's literally a green flag written by women. My first impression of him was SO wrong. I thought he was rude. Turns out he was the sweetest, funniest, most emotionally intelligent man in the entire house.
This man was everyone's therapist. Everyone's biggest cheerleader. Meanwhile, he was quietly hurting himself.
I genuinely couldn't understand how Gyu Ri wasn't falling head over heels for him. But then again, feelings aren't logical.

I'm actually so happy So Yun saw what the rest of us were seeing. She appreciated him for who he is, and together they just make sense. I HOPE THEY ARE THE ENDGAME. Their 2nd date is my favourite.

Now... let's talk about Wu Yeol and Yu Gyeong!!

I have never rooted for a couple on a dating show as desperately as I rooted for these two to end up together.
Every scene with them feels like it's straight out of a K-drama the lingering eye contact, the effortless banter, the unspoken yearning, and those adorable dates. This is exactly what I want to see in dating shows: cute, fun dates, undeniable chemistry, and those intense, heart-fluttering moments that make you smile without realizing it.
And I'm sorry, but the way Yu Gyeong literally glows whenever she's with Wu Yeol? She looks the happiest around him, and you simply cannot convince me otherwise.

And Wu Yeol's character development is one for dating show history to remember!! These two genuinely look like the leads of a K-drama who somehow wandered onto a dating show and I'm absolutely here for it

I'm just praying Yu Gyeong doesn't suddenly switch lanes in the finale because I am WAY too invested now. 😭

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Phenomenal Acting by GinJay

I've watched many series and clicked this randomly...
Need to say this....this is one of the best GL series I have ever watched. This seems like impossible plot sometimes, but the acting of the leads made us believe each and every single scene without any 2nd thought.

Pat and Prem...they showed how can one down bad with each other so badly very cutely, the story of Finding love with the same sex is not a easy task for a person. But the commitment and determination can make you fall in love...this is the main motive of this story.

Pat seems more like a wicky and dangerous gurl, but she is literally Red Flag outside and Green Forest Inside. The amount of efforts she puts for her love is Beyond our imagination. Like buying home in the same apartment, gifting her gurl with food, flowers, food when they fought, teasing her with her sexiness and the pool scene and all really enjoyable. The love she hold for prem is so genuine that everyone expects a love like her after this series.

Prem, who came from reputed family, doctor, owns car, and a beautiful friends have everything unless a reality hit her about what she truly got. She didn't hated Pat for stopping the marriage, but she felt she seems degrading her cuz she is about to take her friend's man who got her pregnant, but eventually in the end of the story it was Dr.Prem who fell hell harder for her, the slow burn of her love for Pat is exceptional. Ginny's acting as a fresher is unimaginable, she delivered her head to toe for this character and the way she shows her soft side only for Pat is the cutest thing. No one can deny the fact of her acting in the episode 10...it is the best of all and she deserves every award for that

One should have a friends like Prem and Pat, cuz they played a huge role in their ship. Prem parents show how one should not raise a child like this, as taking her interest in music and forcing her to be a doctor and want to be like a good girl in the society. Pat's parents are the best example of Modern family and how should one must raise their child, the love they showed for Prem and not letting her down even after prem break up with pat, shows how understanding they are and sees Prem as their own daughter

This is a must watch for every GL new comers and I would recommend it in Infinite...♾️♾️❤️❤️❤️🌞

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A cop and assassin BL...that irked me so much because of dumb choices from characters

Not going to lie, if at first I was intrigued by the premise of this BL with its dark atmosphere and characters backgrounds (one of the lead being an assassin and the other a police officer), it ended up strongly disappointing me with all the story plot holes and characters illogical choices.

Indeed, I could not get onboard at all with what the series was trying to sell me. It seems that the police officer had not even half a neuron functioning, as well as very little physical skills. How he got his job might be the biggest mystery of it all. Strangely enough, despite the short length of the episodes, the pace also felt slow to me.

The only part that I can say I truly enjoyed was the hot boss assassin, played by very charismatic Baek Dong Hyeon. He does not have a lot of dramas under his bell (being apparently more a South Korean musical and stage actor), but I truly hope to see him more on screen works in the future.

I would not recommend this as it frustrated me to no end with how unconvincing both the story and the acting felt to me. There were some many bad police choices and stupid criminal moves...I guess the script was leveling the playing field with characters on both sides feeling lacking functional brain cells, especially the leads...

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I hate open endings

I especially hate them if it brings in some supernatural bullshit that they just don't explain at all. I mean, what even happened? Did time get reset? I don't think that would solve the dying problem. Especially since the only reason Zhan Wang was in this town in the first place was that he was dying. Didn't Xu Yuan trade in all his lifespan and luck for Zhan Wang to live a long, healthy life as well? Wouldn't that trade one life for the other? Can I just pretend that the comet killed them both and this is just another timeline? Honestly, one is just as confusing as the other.

Also, why is there just suddenly a comet that is going to destroy the town? Good on the comet, though, because good riddance; this whole place could use a good reset. Most of the people are horrible. I live in a small farming town where gossiping is a pastime, and it's not even this bad.

Specking of horrible, the father isn't the worst I've seen, but there is still no redeeming him, especially with the half-assed effort they put into it.

The acting was alright. Yu Qi (Zhan Xu) was very stiff & his character had so little personality that I couldn't care less about him or Bian Ye. They didn't have good chemistry either. Same with the GL couple; it was there, but they could have removed it and it wouldn't have negatively impacted the story at all.

If Zhan Xu is the second brother, where is the first?

Zhan Wang and Xu Yuan had decent chemistry. I really liked their cuddles. To me, the kissing can be possible if a good cuddle is included. I also really loved that they gave each other couple tattoos. Did it make sense that not only did they know how to use a tattoo gun, but did so perfectly and made perfect matching tattoos? Not at all, but it's different. I've only seen it done a couple of times. For some reason, I also liked Xu Yuan wearing Zhan Wang's necklace. This isn't a new thing, but for some reason it hit a bit different with these two.

The series also had a few inconsistencies & just questionable moments, especially in the beginning. Like the classroom would be empty one second and full the next. A new kid gets introduced to the class, and for some reason the teacher lets them socialize like they didn't have a class to start. Our characters would be randomly walking in an area for no reason we are given, just to run into trouble. We also, for some reason, have an NC scene between two couples when shit was going on that 100% made it not the right moment for an NC scene. There are a few other things, but I think I've made my point. All of these little things don't seem like much at first, but they add up.

On a side note, were the front shot of the school, its landscape, and the sky transition shots made with AI? If they aren't, they look like it.

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Slightly disappointing show for me

First of all, the elephant in the room is the casting of Park Jihyun and it seems like the makers just decided to give it to her after the popularity her recent hit You and Everything Else. But she decided to not put on weight and doesn't even look normal let alone look like someone with body image issues which was a point so many webtoon readers related to. They also discarded her character struggling to keep up with gym schedule when the work load gets high and yoga on weekends at home to make up for the guilt. She was a breath of fresh air to countless women. Park Jihyun also struggles with certain expressions to me personally and it always comes off as being sick or tired. Seo In Guk is not even given much to work with. Webtoon siwoo had a charisma and flair that was unmatchable and was truly a boss not one wanted to mess with. Seo In Guk on the other hand is just plain stiff. It doesn't work for this character since there isn't much comedy to make up for the dramatic stiffness. They had their own flaws in webtoon but it was messy in a good way. Here it's messy in a dramatic way. There was no task force in the webtoon and nothing was this dramatic in fact it captured the slow life of office. Now after I have talked about writing and acting, the director has also introduced some weird cuts but what saves the scenes is some of the locations, the sets and the absolutely perfect music. I am not mad but it's a disappointment for sure overall.

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Great casting but a poor story.

The premise that was set up with this show initially was a solid idea, the first 10 episodes set up a good plot with great chemistry. However the problem started once the time skip happened it felt that we watched a jumble of plots come together, and then had to start caring about characters that didn’t feel important to the initial story. Also I think since the writers got so focused on the subplot of this whole “corrupted gang” we lost the storytelling in romance. Now I’m aware this so really wanted to market the whole “mature romance” “I love story you’ve never seen before” but truly I think it just failed in that whole department. I think the cast all delivered solid performances but the story itself makes it a skip. Don’t waste your time!

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This epilogue really made up for the fumbled finale of the drama

Once again, I'm wondering why the epilogue is not included into the main series instead of being splitted on a different page. For me, this is the real ending of the drama and does not warrant to be separated from it as it is a straightforward continuation of episode 9 of the show.

Having said that, I am super happy with this epilogue. After a "finale" that I found disappointing (even if it did not diminish my overall enjoyment of the series), this episode really made up for it. It showcased the best part of the main characters relationship perfectly and provided a very satisfying conclusion. The only thing that annoyed me a bit was the soundtrack, and despite my love for the opening song, I don't get the choice to repeat it ad nauseam...But at least sound was less disturbing than in episode 9.

I would strongly recommend this to people that have watched the "main" series. It is really the continuation of the drama and provide a proper conclusion to the series. It had no reason to be separated from it, so make sure to watch it to say a proper goodbye to the characters, as it round up beautifully their rivals-to-lovers story.

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Love isn't easy, isn't it? But it still beautiful, isn't it?

I'm craving romance and I'm curious about Zhou Keyu (I know him from the truth), and of course Baobao Bao Shangen. And it's unexpectedly worth it! KE YU I SEE YOU!!

Story,
I expected a lot of general premises about modern idol drama. I know I will find a lot of misunderstanding. In an easy way, I expected common, but I got extraordinary! This misunderstanding is actually quite a lot yet surprisingly enjoyable. Thank you director, screenwriter, and the actors for bringing this beautiful story to life.

Acting,
OMG CHEMISTRY IS CHEMISTRY! This is the first time I saw Keyu and Baobao acting, how come I never decided to see them? Should I watch their other dramas?
Their acting actually complements each other. From the small gesture to happy or depressed scenes actually made me get a rollercoaster mood in the middle of the dawn. Sometimes crying, sometimes laughing without noise, or even punching my shark and sheep doll (because my shark got his new sheep friend now).
Even the backburner, second and third couple, and the other actors are soo good!
And Ke Chun! HEY I CAN SEE YOU BOSSY CEO!! Watching you in long drama is actually quite nervous, but GOD YOU SLAY THAT CHARACTER! At some point people keep calling you and that main couple are actually not acting at all.

Music,
I decided to put all of the songs to my playlist. Yeah, the soundtrack was really good!

Overall and Rewatch Value,
If you are craving for fluffy romance that makes you feel the softness of the clouds, the warmth of spring sunlight, or even the coldest pole, you can watch this.

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