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The value of community
"It's not scary to be forgotten. What's really scary is you don't know you were loved."I see a lot of reviewers saying this title was confusing, but I disagree. The plot is easy to understand as soon as you accept the supernatural element of it. If you can accept that the rules of this universe is unpredictable and a little volatile, the rest is fine.
My score for this show is highly subjective (as most reviews are, I guess), simply because the theme resonates with me. As soon as I realized this show deals with the concept of being forgotten, of being erased from everyone's memory, I knew I was in for a hard time. Rewatchability is low simply because I was so uncomfortable watching the story unfold. Xiang Yong's despair as he realized he was disappearing from the lives of his loved ones broke my heart. I have to commend the actors - I think they all did amazing jobs with their roles. The community of the island was warm and felt real. By the end of the show, I really loved every character. The visuals were also splendid - watching this during the summer was a great decision on my end. I think this is the perfect summer drama.
I came for the romance and stayed for the vibes, I guess. The romance between Xiang Yong and Hao Wei was a treat, but also frustrating at times. The journey of their relationship is slow and heartwrenching, but there's a touch of "loving you in every universe" here, which I always appreciate. The side couple was also enjoyable to me, which is not always a given.
If you've ever felt like no one loves you, like life would be better for everyone if you just disappeared, this show's message is that that's not true. Your presence has a real impact on everyone around you. In your struggle to deal with the highs and lows of life, there are people who like having you around. There are people you can have a meal with, cry with, argue with. Your life has value and innate worth even if you screw up and make mistakes. There is a place for you here.
We're nothing without our community.
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A Surprising Pleasure
I absolutely loved this drama. I usually don’t care much for fantasy romances, but this was not a story easily fit into any single category. Yes it has fantasy.Yes, it has romance. It’s also funny, sad, hopeful, and maybe even relevant. I loved the main actors so much. Both individually and as the couple they are playing, they were so charming and adorable. The support actors were also very good. The musical score was not memorable, but was pleasant and not intrusive in the scenes. The story and screen play was entertaining with lots of comedic reparate. Also, it’s only 14 not 16+ episodes, which was just the right length. It did not try to squeeze more scenes and non-contributory side stories just to fill a certain number of episodes . The ending was satisfying even though it required a suspension of logic.
I really enjoyed this one a lot
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Another middle of the road drama
I wasn't expecting much because it's only 6 episodes long, but I will admit that it was alright. It wasn't given enough time to really make it interesting. The ending also felt a bit rushed, and that was maybe because the main characters got together when, up to that point, the chemistry wasn't anything special, and the tension was barely there. This is one of those dramas that falls in the 'meh' category. It wasn't bad, but it also wasn't memorable.I have to give them credit for making a BL drama with decent production value, acting, and script with very few episodes to do it in.
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why is it so good
when i first started i was expecting it to be good but not THIS GOODDDD OMG. the storyline composition acting chemistry it was so good and i finished it in just one day like it was that good. the story was a line so delicate but the screen writing did not make it bad at all they were in such good harmony that it made tear up. the emotionssss they were so well potrayed i have nothing bad to say except the ending it felt a bit rushed and i would have loved to see them happy for one whole episode. but its def worth watching GO WATCH IT.Was this review helpful to you?
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Totally unexpected healing drama
Honestly I don't know where to start and what to write but I have to because Road to Success easily become one of my favorite dramas of all time and it really unexpected. I am a fan of Yu Shuxin I admit, but I'm not biased, there were some dramas with her as a FL that just didn't hit me that much. I was afraid that with this one it will be the same. From the synopis and trailers I thought that maybe I would finish this if I had time but I didn't have many expectations at all. And to my surprise I was completely wrong.Road to Success turned out to be a type of drama that I was looking for for a long time.
I got into it so much to the point that when I watched the last episode I cried just as if I was the teacher of these 11 boys. I love how their stories were written, how their friendship developed over time, how they grew up and matured over time.
I completely loved the relationship between lead even though a lot of people complained about it. Personally I thought it was such a nice way to show a mature relationship between two grown people, who went from strangers to lovers, without any childhood connections like in many many dramas (not to mention that i hate this trope). FL was really strong even though she has a lot of issues going on. The scene in the court when she spoke up about women was really amazing. And Yu Shuxin nailed this role, no matter what anyone said, she potrayed Lin Wanxing really well in my opinion. I also enjoyed that after everything she's been through it actually ended with her going back to university and continue what she couldn't finish before. Loved how Wang Fa said that for now he wants her to become the bright WanXing from before and not anything else. Of course I would love to see them getting married or having a baby and boys coming to see it all but for a woman like Lin Wanxing, who went through so much ending like this is waaay better. It doesn't change the fact that in my head they are already married and with kids🤭🤭
Overall I enjoyed everything about it, main characters, side characters, the plot, the aesthetics, the ending, music, literally everything ♥️
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my 2026 hyperfixation drama
They earned their well-deserved happy ending.Coming from all the traumas and bloods, they were able to prioritize fighting for their kingdom while finding each other. If you're looking for a drama where the main leads perfectly match, this is it.
The backstory was angsty, although I hope they deepened it like in the novel (esp Chapters 125-126) Also, I am so satisfied with the romance between He Yan and Xiao Jue. I was romance-deprived by the previous drama, so this was a good shot.
The Jiyang arc was my favorite. I felt like He Yan's true nature was shown there, and she was able to experience being a normal girl for someone who pretended to be a man for almost her whole life. Moreover, the battle highlighted their capabilities, and they obviously care for one another, especially when Xiao Jue hesitantly said, "Come back alive," because who knows that it might be the last time they see each other alive?
Lastly, He Rufei was a sassy, evil, spoiled brat who acted like that because he thought he was a diva that was heavily favored by his father.
Highly recommended.
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If you have the chance to start over, will you change anything?
Dying, Hua Qian (Zhou Ye) still answered with "I will."The memory is still vivid from the first time I watched it while taking a study break at the library. I was bored and chose Scent of Time on my list on HBO Max. And honestly speaking, I had no expectations since I didn't even know the plot. However, excitement arose when the FL went to the past to change it, and it was my cue to continue it.
First, talking about Hua Qian, I loved how she was originally the villain yet miraculously given a chance to correct her mistakes. Yet the consequences were already there by waking up married to Zhong Ye Lan (Peng Chou Ye) and having a rough relationship with the heroine, Mu Yao (Zhao Qing). So given her circumstances, she must choose her steps wisely.
Second, the plot was something you wouldn't really expect. Nope, it was not romance-centered; it really focused on Hua Qian, her ups and downs, and redemption, which was refreshing to watch. Despite the show revolving around her, the side characters were given enough time to explore their backgrounds, and I was satisfied by it.
Third, the slow-burn romance balanced the heavy atmosphere. The chemistry of the characters was good. Hua Qian and Zhong Xi Wu (Wang Xing Yue) had tensions; Mu Yao and Zhong Ye Lan looked like they yearned for each other every day; Qi Ru Xin and her man were bittersweet. The FL and her maids were adorable. On the other hand, Hua Qian and Hua Rong Zhou (Zhang Yi Jie) looked like besties to me.
Lastly, the scenery gave me nostalgic and summery vibes. The moods they used were mostly warm, especially at the near-end episodes. It made me want to retire early and live somewhere rural with fresh air.
This is the first C-drama I watched since The Romance of Tiger and Rose in 2022, which was fun and memorable. Overall, Scent of Time delivered a drama with a strong female lead. Although multiple negative reviews were given on the last episode, it became my favorite. It was so realistic and synthesized the whole story. And oh, I would also like to give its soundtrack a 10 out of 10 rating; I couldn't care less if it got replayed a lot.
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A gripping masterpiece
10/10 – A gripping masterpiece that had me questioning everyone until the very end.Big Mouth isn’t just a legal thriller—it’s a story about corruption, loyalty, sacrifice, and what happens when an ordinary man is forced into extraordinary circumstances. From the first episode to the finale, I was completely invested. Every episode ended with a twist that made it impossible not to immediately hit “Next Episode.”
Lee Jong Suk absolutely shines as Park Chang Ho. At the beginning, he’s a struggling lawyer with a terrible winning record who constantly finds himself in over his head. He’s funny, clumsy, and underestimated by everyone around him. Watching him slowly transform into someone capable of standing toe-to-toe with some of the most powerful and dangerous people was one of the most satisfying character arcs I’ve seen in a K-drama.
The mystery surrounding the real Big Mouse kept me guessing for almost the entire series. Every time I thought I had figured it out, another twist completely changed everything. The writers did an incredible job keeping the audience suspicious of everyone without making the story feel confusing.
Yoona was phenomenal as Go Mi Ho. I loved that she wasn’t written as a helpless wife waiting to be rescued. She was intelligent, fearless, and willing to risk everything to protect her husband and uncover the truth. She fought beside Chang Ho every step of the way, and their marriage quickly became one of my favorite parts of the drama.
Their relationship felt refreshingly real. Even when they argued or faced impossible situations, there was never any doubt that they loved and trusted each other. They weren’t just lovers—they were partners in every sense of the word. In a genre filled with betrayals and lies, their unwavering loyalty to each other was incredibly moving.
The corruption within Gucheon was horrifying because it felt believable. Watching powerful politicians, businessmen, and hospital executives manipulate justice while innocent people suffered made me angry in the best possible way. Every victory felt earned because the odds were constantly stacked against Chang Ho and Mi Ho.
Then came the ending…
Mi Ho’s death absolutely broke me.
After everything she endured, after risking her life over and over again to expose the truth, I desperately wanted her and Chang Ho to finally have the peaceful life they had fought so hard for. Instead, losing her to radiation poisoning was devastating. Watching Chang Ho try to stay strong while quietly falling apart inside left me in tears. Lee Jong Suk portrayed grief so beautifully—you could feel every ounce of his pain without him needing to say much at all.
While I wish Mi Ho could have survived, I also understand why her death carried so much weight. It reminded us that corruption leaves lasting scars and that justice often comes at an unimaginable cost. Her sacrifice became the driving force behind Chang Ho’s determination to finally bring down the people responsible.
The cinematography, soundtrack, and pacing were all outstanding. The tension never let up, and every episode balanced suspense, emotional moments, and shocking revelations perfectly.
Big Mouth constantly asks how far someone would go to protect the people they love, and whether it’s possible to remain a good person in a world built on lies and corruption. It delivers incredible performances, unforgettable twists, and emotional moments that stay with you long after the final episode.
Lee Jong Suk gave one of the strongest performances of his career, Yoona completely exceeded every expectation I had, and together they created one of the most believable and heartbreaking relationships I’ve seen in a thriller.
This drama made me anxious, angry, hopeful, and absolutely heartbroken. It’s one of those rare series that keeps you on the edge of your seat while also making you deeply care about every character. Without question, Big Mouth earns a 10/10 and a permanent place among my favorite K-dramas of all time.
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One of the greatest psychological thrillers ever created. A masterpiece from beginning to end
10/10 – One of the greatest psychological thrillers ever created. A masterpiece from beginning to end.I’ve watched a lot of thrillers, crime dramas, and psychological mysteries, but Mouse is in a league of its own. This isn’t just a drama—it is an experience that constantly challenges everything you think you know. Every time I believed I had solved the mystery, the writers completely shattered my expectations.
Lee Seung Gi delivers what I honestly believe is the performance of his career. Going into the drama, Jung Ba Reum seems like the kindest, most innocent, and genuinely lovable police officer imaginable. He’s compassionate, awkward, and always willing to put others before himself. Naturally, you trust him completely.
Then everything changes.
The reveal that Ba Reum is actually the serial killer completely destroyed me. I genuinely sat there in disbelief. Looking back, all the clues had been there from the very beginning, yet the writing was so brilliant that I never questioned him. Few dramas have ever fooled me so completely.
After the brain transplant, Lee Seung Gi’s acting reaches another level entirely. Watching Ba Reum slowly regain fragments of his memories while battling guilt, confusion, and the horrifying realization of who he truly is was absolutely heartbreaking. His subtle changes in facial expressions, body language, and emotional breakdowns were some of the finest acting I’ve ever witnessed in any drama.
The relationship between Ba Reum and Moo Chi was another emotional masterpiece. Moo Chi spends years hunting monsters, never realizing that the person standing beside him is the very monster he’s been searching for. Their friendship, built on trust and loyalty, made every revelation even more devastating.
Lee Hee Joon deserves enormous praise as Go Moo Chi. His pain, anger, and determination felt completely authentic. After everything his family endured, you couldn’t help but root for him. The chemistry between him and Lee Seung Gi wasn’t romantic it was built on brotherhood, betrayal, and tragedy, making it one of the strongest relationships in the series.
The drama constantly asks one terrifying question:
Are monsters born, or are they created?
Rather than giving easy answers, Mouse forces viewers to wrestle with morality, genetics, trauma, and free will. Just when you think someone deserves redemption, you’re reminded of the horrors they’ve committed. Just when you think someone is evil beyond saving, you’re shown the broken child they once were.
Some of the murder scenes were absolutely chilling not because of excessive violence, but because of the psychological tension. Every investigation uncovered another shocking truth, and every episode somehow managed to raise the stakes even higher.
By the final episodes, I found myself experiencing emotions I never expected. I hated Ba Reum. Then I pitied him. Then I cried for him. That emotional conflict is a testament to both the incredible writing and Lee Seung Gi’s phenomenal performance.
The ending was bittersweet but perfect. Ba Reum finally accepting responsibility for every life he destroyed instead of trying to escape his sins felt like the only ending that could truly honor the story. His final acts weren’t enough to erase what he’d done, but they showed that somewhere beneath the monster was a man who finally understood the weight of his crimes.
The cinematography is stunning, the soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful, and the pacing never lets up. Every episode leaves you desperate to watch the next one, and somehow the twists never feel cheap they’re carefully planned from the very beginning.
Mouse isn’t simply about catching a serial killer. It’s about humanity itself. It’s about guilt, redemption, justice, trauma, and whether evil is something we’re born with or something we become.
I’ve watched hundreds of dramas, and very few have left me speechless. Mouse did exactly that. It shocked me, broke my heart, made me question everything, and stayed with me long after the credits rolled.
Without question, this is one of the greatest K-dramas ever made. Brilliant writing, unforgettable performances, jaw-dropping plot twists, and an emotional impact that very few dramas will ever match. An easy 10/10 and one I’ll be thinking about for years to come.
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A cliche story
A storyline like this is starting to become pretty common in GLs now, and honestly, I'm happy to be able to say that.I really enjoyed the series. Yes, it's cliché, as usual, but I had a lot of fun watching it, and that's what matters the most.
I found Piang and Song's romance very believable. The actresses did a great job. I'm sorry, but I absolutely love the way Song loves Piang. It's almost obsessive, but somehow it works because there's no abuse or toxic behavior involved, so it doesn't feel uncomfortable. That said, Piang staying cold and distant for seven episodes... please, never again.
The grandmother was hilarious, even though she was completely crazy.
I found Matmi, Piang's older sister, way too passive. I understand why she acted that way, but I wish she had been more proactive. Her romance with Rin was barely developed. We only got a few scenes, they got together, and then they broke up almost immediately. The same goes for Ploy and Ple. Their relationship wasn't developed at all.
Episode 8 is probably one of the weirdest GL episodes I've ever watched... but at least we got a wedding!
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Road To Success : A Beautiful Healing Drama That Made Me Laugh and Cry
Finally finished all 32 episodes of Road to Success! Wow, where do I even begin? I hadn’t read the book and went in with no real expectations, but it turned out to be absolutely enjoyable. I laughed and cried so much — this drama stirred up so many emotions and left me deeply moved.Nowadays we’re so used to fast-paced dramas, short reels, and TikTok, but this one really forces you to slow down and reflect. So many moments hit hard: the “I cheated” scene, Lin Wanxing’s trauma, Grandfather’s message, the court case, each of the boys’ situations, and everything in between. They all had me crying ugly tears.
There are quite a few football scenes, so if you’re not into sports or football, you might find them a bit draggy. I personally didn’t mind them at all.
The relationship between the leads feels so mature and loving. I would’ve liked a few more tender moments between them, but I understand this drama isn’t focused on romance or just one couple. The dynamics between the boys and the whole group are wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed every episode — the entire cast’s chemistry is fantastic.
I really liked the acting from everyone, but Esther Yu deserves a special shoutout. I’ve seen many of her dramas, yet this one takes her acting to a whole new level — it’s incredibly engaging to watch. Her performance moved me to tears countless times, especially her heartfelt narration in the emails scene and the letter to the boys on graduation day. The OST and cinematography are also excellent. As someone who has been around football for many years, I found the way they shot those scenes very realistic.
A beautiful healing drama perfect for fans of coming-of-age stories, found family, and heartfelt sports dramas with real emotional depth. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favour and give Road to Success a try. I promise there’s at least one moment that will deeply resonate with your own life experiences.
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Couldn't get through it...
It seems like a lot of the 10s here are foreign bot accounts. But I'm happy to see there are a lot of other reviews that agree with what I'm about to say...I tried this out of curiosity. They really did this drama a disservice by casting a minor as the FL. The action is good. The story is okay. I do see the potential and I want to like this which is why I didn't give it a 1. But I just can't unsee the lead's ages unfortunately. Ai Mi looks like a little girl to me and HMH looks his age, 28-29. I've seen Ai Mi in a handful of dramas before this. We've all watched her grow up and while I'm excited to see her debut as a FL, I wasn't able to stomach the ML being HMH. I felt similar to this watching Deng En Xi and Ding Yu Xi in Melody of a Golden Age as well knowing she was 19 and he was 29. But at least she wasn't a minor during filming. Ai Mi is still very clearly a young, innocent looking girl. So the romance they are trying to push with a grown man almost 30 just makes me sick when I see their scenes. I don't really care if she is playing a teenager in the drama because old men used to get with teenage girls during ancient times. This isn't ancient times anymore and we know it's gross and wrong now. There are so many historical dramas where they cast an older actress in a teen role. They could've done that here easily. And Ai Mi could've debuted in another drama alongside a ML closer to her age. Maybe a cute high school drama or something. Putting her in this situation just comes off as grooming behavior to me and knowing she was probably casted by pervy old men is not a mental hurtle I can overcome to finish watching this.
P.S. Doubling down on the pervy old men comment...I just watched the promotional event where the director himself tries to push a shiphood on us between a minor and 29 year old. He says in front of everyone that he thinks the two "developed real feelings during filming"! Gross! You can see the horror and disbelief on HMH's face. I felt so bad for him and the director should not have put him in that position. Again, this would not be as bad of a comment if Ai Mi was older. I'm currently watching Road to Success and most of these high school boys on the football team are played by 20 something year olds. You cannot tell at all.
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In the meantime, you'll find this drama on iQiyi with subscription.
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Started well but ended with no end
I just happened to watch this drama on Viki after reading the synopsis. It started well. Though there was an age gap, the chemistry between the leads was visible. Lee Bum Soo played his character well. Yoona was ok, not bad. The kids were awesome and it was pleasant to watch their interaction with the Ajhumma. There are no villians in this drama. The story telling itself is a villian. Two wasted characters are of chief secretary and Chief of staff both falling into unrequited love. Atleast they did not sabotage the Prime Minister's relationship with Da Jeong. Even the character Park Joon Gi was not evil. He looked a lot like Yoo Yeon Seok. The politics could have been interesting like in historic dramas. But nothing of that sort. Why to bring a dead character to life? Entire momentum built up from beginning went down the drain once the dead wife returns. The ending was so pale. So Kwan Yul and Da Jeong are together or not? The Intro scene in all episodes showed a kiss between the leads in the rain. In which episode its shown ? Was it cut on Viki? Overall a big disappointmentWas this review helpful to you?
Amazing show for those who like emotionally complex characters and guessing games
Best drama in a long time for people who appreciate slightly morally gray and deep characters with great chemistry, subtle story telling and some investigation and mystery along the way.The best parts :
(1) Chemistry and angst (and Miao Jing's exceptional rage baiting and flirting skills 😂)
(2) Complex characters : I don't think it makes sense to watch this show wondering whether ML or FL are green flags or fair to each other or not. It's deeper than that because part of who they are in present times is a result of how they grew up surviving together and how they trauma-bonded. They love each other to death but are also constantly triggering each other's deepest fears.
They lack proper communication but still try in their own way to be sincere towards one another. The whole point of the show is to watch them try to overcome that. If the push and pull felt repetitive or even annoying to some people, I think it was absolutely necessary to their developement as characters.
(3) Acting : Song Weilong and Zhang Jingyi didn't only act, they understood their characters. ML was extremely far from a stoic cold boy who runs for his sassy princess. Song Weilong made him a warm ML, caught in his trauma and frustration but still capable of a wide range of emotions besides anger and indifference. Same for FL. She was played strong headed sometimes to a fault but also desperate to show her love in a way he would finally receive it.
(4) Story telling : the story telling of this show, which somewhat follows the novel in its pacing, is to leave details and clues for the viewer while slowly uncovering the plot. Episode 11 is a turning point that may feel rushed but everything is explained OR suggested along the way. Interpretation of details plays a big role here. I really liked the investigation part of it as well. But heads up on the fact that it may feel confusing for certain people who would rather not focus too much on the buisness talk.
The weaker points:
(1) the SML : this man was useless. They already had enough to resolve on their own, they didn't need the "love rival" trigger at all.
(2) The coherence of the plot : Their respective motivation for being involved with Mr Zhang's shady buiness and also how it's linked to past events is only understood in the last part of the show. For more than half of it, the viewer will be left with questions about the coherence of the character's actions. But it all comes together eventually.
P.S : special mention to Bo Zai played by Miao Ruopeng, hilarious secondary character offering great comic relief.
P.P.S : I personally hate when people who grew up with true sibling vibes switch to romance. In LFY, they make it pretty clear from the beginning that they are NOT siblings and don't really behave as such.
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