Reviews

A KINGDOM BUILT ON BURIED SINS

You know a fantasy K-drama is serious when the crown princes start dropping dead one after another before you've even learned anybody's name. The East Palace opens with the royal family being terrorized by what everyone believes is the vengeful spirit of a pond, and honestly, if I were the king, I'd stop pretending this was a coincidence after prince number two. But no. Like every politician in fiction, he spends way too long convincing himself everything is fine until the very last heir falls ill. Suddenly ghosts become everybody's problem, and that's when Gu-cheon, a man capable of crossing into the spirit world, is summoned to uncover what's really happening. Working alongside him is court lady Saeng-gang, whose ability to communicate with spirits makes her just as essential to the investigation.

I'll admit my expectations were ridiculously high going into this. Nam Joo-hyuk was finally back after military service, Netflix was throwing money at a historical fantasy, and the trailers promised ghosts running around a Joseon palace. I was fully prepared for elegant people getting possessed every twenty minutes. Instead, the series did something much better. Yes, there are terrifying spirits and creepy folklore creatures, but they're really just the gateway drug. The real addiction is the mystery.

Every time Gu-cheon and Saeng-gang think they've figured something out, the show basically laughs in their faces and says, "Cute theory. Here's another century-old secret." The investigation keeps peeling back layers of palace history until you realize the ghosts aren't even the biggest problem anymore. The supernatural gets your attention, but it's the people who keep you awake afterward. The series understands one of horror's oldest truths: monsters are scary, but humans with power and something to hide are absolutely terrifying.

For much of its runtime, the mystery unfolds with remarkable confidence, but as the series progresses, it becomes increasingly determined to explain every supernatural rule governing its world. New layers of mythology, spiritual mechanics, and centuries-old lore are introduced so frequently that the investigation occasionally loses the elegant simplicity that made its opening episodes so compelling. Rather than deepening the mystery, some of these explanations feel like unnecessary detours that slow the pacing and briefly interrupt the tension.

Gu-cheon ended up being one of my favorite fantasy protagonists in years because the show never tries to make him effortlessly cool. He's sarcastic, emotionally unavailable, and gives off the energy of someone who desperately wants everybody to leave him alone. At first he almost seems indifferent to the supernatural despite having the ability to enter the spirit realm, but every trip comes with a physical and emotional cost, and the more you learn about his past, the more his detached personality starts to feel less like a character quirk and more like survival. Nam Joo-hyuk plays him with remarkable restraint, communicating exhaustion, guilt, and grief without needing lengthy speeches every five minutes.

Then there's Saeng-gang, who thankfully avoids becoming the obligatory female sidekick whose only purpose is looking impressed while the hero saves the day. If anything, she's the one holding the investigation together. While Gu-cheon wrestles with ghosts and vengeful spirits, Saeng-gang untangles palace politics, hidden motives, and decades of buried secrets. I loved that the series never treats intelligence as less valuable than supernatural abilities. They solve different pieces of the same puzzle, and because of that, they actually feel like partners instead of two characters taking turns carrying the plot. Their chemistry isn't built on endless misunderstandings or forced romantic tension either. It grows through trust, mutual respect, and the realization that they're probably the only two people who truly understand what the other is carrying.

The palace itself deserves credit because it never feels like a pretty historical backdrop. It feels alive, and not in the comforting Disney-castle way. Every hallway, courtyard, and abandoned chamber seems to be hiding another crime someone desperately wants forgotten. The series relies far more on atmosphere than cheap jump scares, creating a constant sense that someone, or something, is watching from just outside the frame. Whenever Gu-cheon crosses into the spirit world, the visual shift immediately reminds you why he dreads using his abilities. Those sequences are eerie without becoming overindulgent, making the supernatural feel genuinely dangerous instead of simply cool to look at.

Cho Seung-woo and Jang Young-nam elevate the political side of the story far beyond the usual palace scheming. Neither the King nor the Queen Dowager sees themselves as villains, and that's exactly what makes them compelling. They're consumed by protecting the royal bloodline and preserving secrets that should probably never have existed in the first place, and somewhere along the way they sacrifice every shred of humanity they had left. Watching them eliminate anyone who gets too close to the truth becomes just as suspenseful as Gu-cheon's encounters with the spirits. Eventually, the show makes it painfully clear that the greatest evil haunting the palace was never the ghosts lurking in the pond. It was the people sitting on the throne.

One of the series' biggest strengths is how confidently it keeps reinventing its own mystery. Nearly every episode ends with what feels like a major breakthrough, only for the next revelation to completely reshape everything you thought you understood. Those twists rarely feel like cheap cliffhangers because each one uncovers another piece of the palace's forgotten history, making the investigation feel richer instead of more convoluted. That said, the writers occasionally become so eager to outdo the previous reveal that later twists rely on increasingly elaborate mythology rather than emotional payoff. The surprises remain entertaining, but not every revelation carries the same weight as the earlier ones.

Visually, The East Palace is gorgeous. The palace sets are stunning, the costumes are rich without feeling theatrical, the creature designs draw heavily from Korean folklore, and the sword fights are choreographed with impressive precision. The CGI occasionally gets a little too ambitious, particularly during some of the larger supernatural set pieces, where spectacle sometimes takes priority over clarity. There were moments when I understood that something impressive was happening without being entirely sure what had actually happened.

What impressed me most is that The East Palace never forgets what kind of story it wants to tell. Beneath the ghosts, folklore, political conspiracies, and elaborate mythology lies a mystery about grief, ambition, guilt, and the terrible things people justify in the name of family and legacy. I just wish the series had trusted that emotional core as much as it trusted its ever-expanding lore. Whenever it focuses on its characters and the palace conspiracy, it's genuinely gripping. Whenever it disappears into lengthy supernatural explanations, some of that momentum slips away.

Even so, The East Palace remains an atmospheric, beautifully produced supernatural thriller elevated by strong performances, memorable horror imagery, and an engaging central mystery. It doesn't always balance its mythology with the same confidence it brings to its characters, but when everything clicks, it's exactly the kind of haunting historical fantasy I was hoping for.

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A Nice Lakorn to Watch!

This is my first time watching a lakorn, as opposed to a series. That's why I did not judge it by the same criteria I would use for a series. First of all, I'd like to say that this drama is centered on family drama and romance, that's basically the whole plot, so if that's not what you're looking for, I wouldn't recommend you to watch it.

The acting is very good, I feel bad that Peak had so much crying scenes though haha it must've been so hard! I especially love Sasin's (Pearl) love-struck expression, really made my heart flutter.

Both main leads are handsome in their own way, and they really compliment each other.

I loved Pin's actress very much, I found her very cute. (The whole series I wished she would just marry me and leave the two lovebirds alone)

Saenkaew's father's and Pin's redemption arcs were a bit unsatisfactory, I wanted them to feel guiltier, to suffer a bit more. But honestly, thinking about it, I understand. If I were in Saenkaew and Sasin's place and my family accepted me after a long struggle and a lot of arguments (even if they included life and death), I would prefer to forgive them. I guess it just depends on your culture.

All side characters were lovely! I loved Sasin's friends, and when the band played their music, I was mesmerized. The main singer's voice is so good! I really wish to know what songs he was singing.

Our antagonist (though I don't consider him to be the main antagonist) Prince Inthorn was not very detestable honestly hahaha I loved his relationship with his wife and although he made plans to "ruin" Prince Saenkaew's wedding, it made me root for him haha

Overall, this lakorn is pleasing to both the eyes and ears, with no awkward moments and good chemistry. Although I'm not used to watching such long dramas (last ep was 2 hours!), they kind of grew on me, and I wanted to see them a bit more. Their love made me blush and giggle, and not everyone can do that.

If you have the chance, give this drama a watch!

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interesting storyline but poor execution...dropped

I went into Melancholia with high expectations. Lee Do-hyun is one of my favorite actors, and the premise—a mix of academic corruption, hidden motives, and a controversial teacher-student dynamic—sounded right up my alley. But despite my genuine respect for the cast, I just couldn't make it through.

I actually put the drama on hold after the first episode. A year later, I came back determined to give it a fair shot. I managed to push through to episode five, but it was a real struggle. The episodes felt endlessly long—I kept checking the timer, hoping I was closer to the end than I actually was. That's never a good sign.

The acting is without question the highlight. Lee Do-hyun delivers a compelling performance, and the rest of the cast holds their own. But great acting alone can't carry a show when the pacing drags this much. The storyline itself is interesting on paper, but the execution just didn't work for me. Scenes felt stretched out, and the emotional beats didn't land because I was too busy waiting for something—anything—to happen.

I kept going because so many comments were overwhelmingly positive. People called it moving, poetic, even a masterpiece. I wanted to see what they saw. But after five episodes of constant clock-watching, I had to accept that this drama just isn't for me.

So yes—I'm officially dropping Melancholia. Talented cast, intriguing idea, but unfortunately, not worth the time investment for me.

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I absolutely love this series! From the very first episode, I was completely hooked. The chemistry between the main characters is incredible and feels so natural that it makes every scene enjoyable to watch. Their performances are full of emotion, making it easy to connect with their characters and become invested in their journey.

The acting is one of the strongest parts of this series. Every cast member delivers an outstanding performance, and each character has a unique personality that adds depth to the story. There are no boring moments because everyone plays their role so well. The emotions, expressions, and interactions all feel genuine, which makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Another thing I love is how interesting and intriguing the storyline is. Every episode leaves me wanting more, with unexpected twists and emotional moments that keep me excited for the next chapter. The writers have done an amazing job of building suspense and making viewers curious about what will happen next. I always find myself thinking about the story even after the episode ends.

The only thing that makes me sad is the release schedule. New episodes only air every Friday, and waiting an entire week feels so long because I'm always eager to see what happens next. If it were up to me, I would love for new episodes to be released every day! That's how much I enjoy watching it.

Overall, this is one of the most entertaining and captivating series I've watched. The amazing chemistry, talented actors, and engaging storyline make it a must-watch. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a drama that is exciting, emotional, and full of unforgettable moments. I can't wait for the next episode, and I'm sure I'll continue loving this series until the very end.

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I was hoping for something better

The thought I had while watching the series until the end was: "this is messy".
The story had potential, and the first episode was excellent at grabbing my attention and my curiosity. Unfortunately, as the episodes went on, my interest in the series got weaker, until it sizzled out at about episode 7, which is where I had to start forcing myself to finish just to see the ending.

I couldn't help but feel that every aspect of the story was half-hearted. The investigation looked superficial, as if the police didn't care about the victims nor about finding the culprit at all. The mystery felt impossible in the first episodes, then turned almost too obvious. As for the characters, I had the constant feeling that they were acting through a checklist of things to do and lines to say - there were very few moments when they truly seemed alive to me.
This was also the first time I was annoyed by the romance. I'm not unfamiliar with Joong and Dunk, I was actually looking forward to see them here in these new roles, and yet whenever they had a romantic scene I just wished they could stop flirting and focus on their job.

In conclusion, I believe that this series is lacking proper focus on the themes and aspects it wants to portray, so it ended up showing it all, without putting enough care in anything. I don't recommend watching this.

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Beautiful Initial Chemistry, Sunk by Circular Angst

I really wanted to like this drama, especially after being so invested in the childhood arc. The leads have incredible visual chemistry, and there was so much potential for a good story. However, reaching the halfway mark at Episode 16, I’ve decided to drop it.

The biggest issue for me is the shift in focus once we get the time jump. What started as an engaging story has become sluggish and circular. The pacing drags and not much is happening to move the story forward.

Once we get to the time jump, the relationship dynamic between Jing and Yi becomes frustrating to watch. Both carry childhood trauma and the pain of their separation, but we can tell that they still care deeply for one another. However, what we get is a hot and cold cycle from both of them that is exhausting. It is painful to watch them take one step forward only to take two steps back, repeatedly avoiding the necessary conversations to get them on track. Even worse, it often feels like Jing is intentionally trying to test Yi and it makes him suffer. Yi puts up his walls as well. I want to root for them but I found it hard to do so. Yi is an avoidant and Jing is anxious in their attachment styles. It is two people starving for the same thing (connection with one another) but using two completely opposite, self-sabotaging methods to try and get it. She often tries to trigger a response from him to see if he cares enough to fight for her. He acts both aloof and like a puppy, pretending that his need for her doesn't exist while also becoming overwhelmed and both running towards her and then distancing himself when she acts out. It’s like they’re together without having the conversations and doing the hard work of being together.

The noble idiocy trope used is also terrible because it strips away the character’s agency. Jing was 18, had graduated from high school, and is intelligent. She knows her options. Attending a good college isn’t the deciding factor towards a full life. C'mon Yi, let her decide on her own future! That's not love or sacrifice, it is meddling and distressing.

We also get side characters like Tu Li and Zhang Bin, who I find myself uninvested in. The side plots with their jobs (her current one and his past) seem confusing, distracting, and uninteresting. I don't know who or what I’m rooting for anymore. I would prefer if the story stayed closer to healing the main leads back together. I did like Bo--he is an anchor for Yi.

For me, the unknowns in the plot don't feel like an intriguing mystery—they feel like filler. The leads are beautiful, but visuals aren't enough when the writing lacks the substance to keep me invested and moving the story forward.

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It was okay?

The series starts off poor, gets really strong in the middle, but the ending... Meh.

The ending is such a strange pace. I don't know if it's because they only had 10 episodes to do it in, but it definitely felt like it needed at least 12 episodes, min, to flesh out the final bits of the ending.

I'd recommend watching it yourself. There's obviously a lot of fanfare regarding it, considering the score (which I struggle to understand, it feels more like an 8.1/8.2 tbh)

--
Acting: Was good, but the intimacy scenes was a bit subpar tbh, feels a bit dated in acting style, You can see 'Peach' invert his lips before kissing in one scene... It gets subtly better near the end, but even so. It's 2026. Even Korea's getting better at it.
Music: No complaints really, sound effects actually made me chuckle a few times at how well placed they can be, but again, it's a GMMTV, so expect a few.
Story: Story started out in typical unrealistic fashion, got pretty good, bit of a build up of tension between rival company, and parents, that is resolved almost instantly in both regards, which is good if you just want fluff, but wasn't needed if so.

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Too Chicken For Horror? You’ll Still Survive This Royal Bloodbath.

I went into this show blindly, and as someone who usually avoids the horror genre, I had zero expectations. However, this show absolutely shattered my bias—it was incredibly entertaining and engaging from start to finish. If you are hesitant to watch because you dislike horror, don’t be. It is not genuinely scary; the "fear factor" relies mostly on uncanny VFX and is highly comparable to Stranger Things. That said, if you are squeamish about gore, shock value, and heavy bloodshed, definitely watch it during the day!


What I appreciated most was the tight, direct storytelling. Despite a complex plot, the narrative left no room for confusion. Every twist and turn felt entirely natural. With a lean 8-episode run, the pacing was perfect—nothing felt dragged out, every subplot served a purpose, and the show actually answered the questions it raised. The plot twists were so brilliant that I audibly gasped multiple times.

The main characters were incredibly likeable. I especially loved how brave and competent the female lead was. In most dramas, the heroine tries to help but ends up being a nuisance; here, she was a genuine asset. The antagonists were plentiful and beautifully chaotic. Aside from the two leads, I hated practically everyone, which left me unsure of who to root for—and strangely, that made me love the show even more. It is refreshing to move away from typical, morally perfect heroes. In a royal setting, true innocence is impossible, and this show excels by avoiding the cliché of clear-cut villains and heroes.

Overall, this is an excellent, breezy watch regardless of your usual genre preferences. The cast did a phenomenal job, particularly the male lead, whose spiritual scenes and acting were completely out of this world. Give it a try and see for yourself

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Great story, not quite following the novel

I have read the novel and really liked it, even if I was wondering how this will be ecranised in a drama, especially in China...

But the drama is more cosmetised, skipping/omitting what was dark in the novel. A lot of things are missing, but still, the trust and deep love between them are intact.

I thought 32 episodes wouldn't be enough, but I suppose Columbia's part will not be included.

Overall, it's a slow-burn love story, really atypical, with a lot of ups and downs. Love the portrayal of the 2 main actors; they are really good at immersing us in such complex characters, deeply hurt in the past, with pains that will remain for their entire lives.

Updated after finishing all episodes: really sad the Columbia part wasn't included at all; still, some quotes came from that part.

It was a great story with better potential, but due to the adaptation for the ecranization some parts were skipped and others were added (but not so catchy for me).

The main actors did a great job; love their performances, that's why I gave 9.5; still, 0.5 points are lost for missing some important parts of the novel

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This is so good and I cant wait to see more episodes!

This series is adorable in a grown ass men adulting sorta way. They are incredibly funny. Their platonic energy is amazing. They have great chemistry. The comedic timing is great. It's so real and also so hilarious, but not childishly zany. It's a friend group of grown men living their grown lives, experiencing grown problems, and having grown conversations for grownups to understand. I feel like I know them, or like I could find them IRL.

In addition to the fun, they are discussing real issues of friendship, dating, and self esteem. It's funny but it's not fluff. Perfection!

My only complaints are the short episodes and the timing of their release. It's making me crazy! I'm invested in what happens to these guys!

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Best drama I watch this year (so far)

no joking.

I`m really picky when it comes to dramas in general, because I watch soooo many.
This feels like (and is) a throughout good production.

++acting++
acting was on point, emotions were portrayed great. everyone involved did a great job. bet its hard to act pretending there is a bad spirit in front of you. the fighting scenes was great too.

++music++
I rarely point out the soundtrack, but I have to with this one, because all in all only great choices were made.
tbh I was really surprised to hear a Dune-like soundtrack in this one, it really gave me goosebumps and made the scene even better.

++directing ++
was also great. the use of cci in this one was really great and on point. the spirits looked great, the fighting scenes were top. the one at the end could have been a bit better, bit thats really nit picking atp. I do feel a bit robbed about the ending though, because we still dont know what happend to the mc in the spitit realm after he turned. I`m hoping for a season 2 that explains that part properly.

++story++
the story follows a young man that can see spirits since he overcame death as a child, his mother dies in the incident. he is called or better kidnapped into the palace to solve the case of the pond spirit that seems to kill everyone from the royal bloodline. by his side, the princess. she can also hear the spirits voices. together they solve the mysteries of the spirits that hold resentments and also discover well hidden secrets of the palace and royal family. always by their side a a little cute spirit that helps them out in dire situations.

tbh the cute spirit was a nice addition and made it less dark without making it comedic or too light hearted, which I liked. the cci was great like I said above. every spirit, the path to the spirit world, the spirit world itself, the resentment, everything looked amazing and well put. props to the director and producer for this one. the fighting scenes were also well put together.

++conclusion++
if you like great story telling mixed with horror elements and great cci, this one is perfect for you.
its horror, but not scary to the point you will freak you out. must watch for me.

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Beautifully Crafted, Personally Uncomfortable

I'm dropping this one for now, though not because it's a bad show.
My biggest issue is the step-sibling premise(even if the leads are not legally step-siblings). That alone isn't necessarily what bothers me the most—it's how casually the drama leans into the "brother" and "sister" dynamic. Whether it's a cultural nuance I'm simply not used to or an intentional storytelling choice, it makes me uncomfortable enough that I can't fully immerse myself in the romance.
Otherwise there's so much to admire here. The chemistry between the leads is wonderful, the cinematography is gorgeous, the set design is absolutely top-notch. Song Wei Long completely owns his role—he's phenomenal and easily the standout performance. Zhang Jing Yi is excellent as well, but SWL truly steals every scene he's in.
One moment, in particular, will stay with me for a long time: the scene where Song Wei Long's character's vulnerability is laid bare--with his PTSD rushing in headlong--not just before the woman he loves, but before the audience as well. It's beautifully acted and lingers long after the episode ends. Also, the moment when after they kiss (rain drenched after they return from the metal scrapyard) SWL's back is towards the camera and there is that moment (realistically long) of silence when he tells ZJY's character to give him some time. That is acted so well--the body language is enough for SWL to convey what his character is going through.
Unfortunately, my discomfort with the central dynamic outweighs everything else, so I'm setting the drama aside for now. It's a shame, because in almost every other aspect, it's a beautifully crafted series.

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You’ll Relate to the Emotions the Story Conveys.

The series grabs your attention from the very first scene. Every moment is engaging, and even though the pacing is slow, it’s purposeful and packed with meaningful details, so you never feel bored.

The chemistry between the two lead actors is exceptional. Their performances are convincing, and it’s clear they genuinely enjoy what they’re doing and fully understand their characters. The sexual tension is incredibly well-executed, keeping you excited and anxious to see what happens next.

The situations and the characters’ decisions feel natural and realistic, showing that the writers and research team put a great deal of thought into the story. The cinematography is beautiful, the color grading is stunning, and the musical score perfectly complements every scene. The emotions unfold gradually, allowing you to truly connect with what the series wants you to feel.

It’s polished, authentic, emotionally effective, inspiring, and wonderfully heartwarming. It even makes you want to fall in love all over again.

Without a doubt, this is one of the best BL series I’ve ever watched. Brilliant work.

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better than s1? let's see

honestly i loved the uncanny counter S1 and decided to watch S2 I expect alot from the S2 and yeah it was good but not better than S1 although there are some things where S2 got a win against S1.

Q. Why was S2 not better than S1?
- The storyline was good but there were many faults and some things which didn't sense at all also they made too dramatic scenes which feels like typical indian serial so it was rlly distracting

Q. What were some things that were better than S1?
- The villians and the action were/was rlly good most prob better than S1 (acc to me). especially last two eps got the win..it's def fun to watch

Q. Should I watch S2 then?
- Def you should but can not guarantee if you would like it as everybody got different taste of watching kdramas but it is indeed a good one but not better than S2..

Final conclusion : i personally recommend you to watch the uncanny counter S2 even though there were some things not comparative to S1 but it is still worth watching!

· opinions and ratings : love this kdrama and it was rlly fun to watch..solid (8/10)

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I binged both seasons and absolutely loved it. What really sold me on this show is how mature Natsume and Toma’s relationship is. They’re like a power couple that just clicks, constantly challenging and pushing each other to grow both personally and professionally. They make an amazing team at work, but they still have their own individual drive and goals, while always having each other's backs. That was definitely the highlight of the show for me.

It’s so incredibly refreshing to watch a BL where the romance isn’t built on one-sided sacrifices, petty miscommunication drama, or one partner completely giving up their career and identity. Instead, they actually talk through their issues like adults and always respect each other. I honestly can't stand shows where someone loses themselves just to make a relationship work.

Okuno So and Toyoda Yudai have insane chemistry and gave such amazing performances. They completely nailed the transition from competitive coworkers to an incredibly sweet, mature, and secure couple.

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