Completed
Cutie Pie
2 people found this review helpful
Aug 28, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

My go-to comfort show

It is an absolute 10/10 for me so there are only likeable things for me:

1. First of all, arrange marriage for BL? the ORIGINAL idea hooked me right away. It is like a breathe of fresh air from university and high school romances

2. I am head over heels for ZeeNuNew

3. I absolutely loved the main couples interactions-childishness of the younger one and teasing of the older one

4. The other couple was cute as well and I liked their slow development which is a rare for me
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Completed
Butterflied Lover
3 people found this review helpful
Aug 28, 2023
22 of 22 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 3.5

Incompleted

This drama is not bad, i will even say for a low budget drama it is really good, i liked the actors and actress and the chemistry they had, the cinematography was not bad either, the way they shoot it was interesting, good job!
i really hope they get a bigger budget for they really deserve it.

So! you are now asking yourself why i am rating it a 7/10 if i liked the acting that much, well it's because of the story line, i'm sorry no matter how much i liked the couples and their chemistry, i still can't wrap my finger about how they managed to get that happy ending , not that i didn't like it (i am a sucker for stories with happy endings), i just can't understand it. It seems like some pieces of the puzzle are missing .

overall it's a 7/10 for me , i would not rewatch it and i am not sure about recommending it to anyone; but if you are in for a romantic story whitout much logic to it then this drama may be a good watch for you.

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Dropped 2/16
King the Land
7 people found this review helpful
Aug 28, 2023
2 of 16 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 4.0
Story 3.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 3.0
Rewatch Value 3.5

I gave it a try but its proven to be...Cliche!

I gave this a try because of Jun Ho!

I've seen Youtube Shorts about this and its so romantic and fluffy, which I like!

Unfortunately, the actual episode is lengthy and draggy. Also, just too cliche in many ways.

I really love Junho but can't bear to watch this draggy series, unfortunately.

I'd say, just watch the highlights would do. I must say the highlights are real good, just takes too draggy to gets there.

========================================================================
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Completed
Only Friends
3 people found this review helpful
by 4x4hr
Aug 28, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.5

Very messy- but good.

I would like to start off by saying I am definitely watching this strictly because I love FirstKhao’s chemistry. That being said, I find the main couple boring. ForceBook is great together, but I am not really a fan of their relationship in this series.

After finishing episode 3, I was shocked. I really don’t like Boston. He is obsessed with Top. And, he is playing with Nick. Giving him false hope by saying things about going further with their relationship, then getting with Top… no.
And even knowing that Top was trying a serious relationship with Mew, he didn’t care.
Top isn’t innocent either. He was tempted from the start to get with Boston, and it was obvious. Literally what was the point in getting all angry at Ray for talking to Mew, then going and hooking up with Boston instead of taking care of Mew, whom he got drunk then left to fend for himself. I just really hope he gets his act together because I don’t like this cheating trope.

BUT!!! FirstKhao’s acting is just phenomenal. We just got a glimpse of it in The Eclipse, but i’m really shocked to see how great they are in this. I already loved the chemistry they have (probably because they’re actually friends irl) but it’s just BETTER this time. I really like this show being more mature than other GMMTV bl series. It’s more real.

Ray’s character, though, I’m on the fence about. He’s so into Sand but is still in love with Mew? Hmm… And he’s already started playing with Sand’s heart, and just him leaving and choosing Mew over Sand already hurt him. I just hope he doesn’t do anything wrong to Sand. He better figure out what he wants before actually getting into something serious with him, because if not, that’s just messed up. It’s kind of nice though, to have Khaotung play a character that makes me question.

Really looking forward to the remaining episodes. (I might edit this as I watch them!)

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Completed
Hidden Agenda
8 people found this review helpful
by 4x4hr
Aug 28, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 9.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

Here for JoongDunk

Honestly, there’s nothing special about this series. But the main actors have insane chemistry, and I think it’s so good that this show is worth watching. I personally really like Zo and Joke’s characters. The side couple is kind of unneeded, though, along with the random stalker that was thrown in. Definitely not GMMTV’s best, but not their worst either!
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Completed
Tin Tem Jai
1 people found this review helpful
by 4x4hr
Aug 28, 2023
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.0
Story 4.5
Acting/Cast 3.5
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 2.5

Didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it.

The main couple’s relationship was dragged on throughout the entire show. The characters were annoying. And the angst was unneeded and just plain dumb. Not to mention, the plot made no sense. I watched this just because I was bored and needed something to entertain me. It definitely did so, but not in the way I was hoping. Half the time I was watching this, I was trying to figure out what was going on. But I would definitely like to see these actors with better production and a more well made series (also paired with other actors, their chemistry is just not there, i’m sorry..) But I feel they have potential. It just wasn’t shown with this one.

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Completed
Ameiro Paradox
1 people found this review helpful
Aug 28, 2023
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0

Some people here aren't doing this series justice - it's good!

The reviews and comments led me to believe this was going to be a fest of miscommunications and bad comedic acting, but it's far from that. The acting is subtle, the chemistry feels natural, and the characters are understandable and nuanced. It's true that some dramas use bad communication to drive the plot forward and I find it as frustrating as the next guy, but don't forget that there are real people who find it very hard to figure out and communicate their feelings, and this drama falls in the latter category. Whatever lack of communication there is comes from their clashing personalities and ways of approaching someone they like, but they're both upfront about their interest in each other, and they don't intentionally hide things from each other for an absurd amount of time (aside from near the end, that felt a little forced). For the most part, I thought the tempo at which the information and feelings were revealed was organic and kept me invested.

The directing was simple, but very effective. Often there was a scene with just two steady cameras showing each of the characters or one long uninterrupted shot, but that setup allowed a more natural flow of a scene and emphasised how good the actors are. I enjoyed how this budding workplace romance intertwined with the subplots stemming from their job as journalists for a tabloid, and I thought the characters were layered enough to make the main romance plot work well.

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Completed
Never Let Me Go
1 people found this review helpful
by Sam
Aug 28, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

Delivered what's expected

I started watching without minding what the rating says. i usually skip series with low ratings but I made an exception for this one since I want to watch more series that has chimon on the cast. Watching this was fun, I was never bored in any of the episodes. But it's quite predictable like most series, and it doesn't make the series any less. Gave this one a high rating cause it's hard to find bl series that satisfies me. The acting can still be improved but I must say, they did good but still far from perfect. The color grading and cinematic feels so calm while watching. I like the ost as well.

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Ongoing 4/7
Mask Girl
4 people found this review helpful
by Vera
Aug 28, 2023
4 of 7 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 6.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 2.0
Rewatch Value 2.0

Pass, if you dislike gore and graphic rape.

High production value, but lifeless characters and flat dialogue, in my opinion. I know a lot of people loved it. So maybe the way the genre does things just isn't for me, but it felt like they were puppets more than people. Many of the decisions characters made also made very little sense and blatantly puppeteered to push the plot forward into more messed up sh*t.

The story wasn't interesting enough for me to sit through and wait to see if there was more gore and rape scenes, so I dropped it just past the midway point.

I don't see how this was a "black comedy," It wasn't funny... A little absurd, but I didn't get any laughs.

Ultimately, I just dislike shock media. I enjoy dark stories and good fight scenes, but not pointless disturbing gore and sexual violence against women. Unlike others are calling it, it's not a "sex scene" it's a "rape scene." I don't need to see that and it adds nothing to the story.

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Completed
Silenced
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 28, 2023
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 4.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers
This was just too much! I am heartbroken after watching. I knew It would be devastating but I didn't realize I would be so angry after watching b/c of the injustices these children faced at the hands of adults who were supposed to be protetcing them. Parent and/or guardians should not have the right to take thier childs voice away. The events in this movie just have me so emotional right now. I was yelling at the screen and asking where the media was to shame all these damn people.

The cast is great but the young actors are the standouts here. Kim Hyun Soo as Yun Doo and Baek Seung Hwan as Min Soo.

8/28/23

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Completed
Lost You Forever
2 people found this review helpful
Aug 28, 2023
39 of 39 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

A good one-time watch; Don't miss this

*This is my first review on MDL*
I started watching Lost You Forever when it was on-air. Initially (13-14 episodes), I found the story to be pretty interesting. While I was figuring out the plot, a lot of things were happening so it kept me hooked. After that, the plot became boring for me for at least 7-8 episodes. Then suddenly, it became interesting. Needless to say, be prepared for a roller-coaster ride in all senses (plot, angst, joy, fun).

What I really liked:
- Acting. Yang Zi, Deng Wei and Tan Jian Ci slayed in their roles. All of them had very different personalities but when they appeared on the screen together, it was really refreshing to watch. I have watched Ashes of Love numerous times, but Yang Zi really surprised me this time with her versatility. Contrary to the popular opinion, I did not find Zhang Wan Yi's character interesting.
-Story. I did not read the novel before so I thought this is a new and different story. You will enjoy the story if you haven't read the novel like me. For novel readers, they will enjoy watching the characters come to life as the portrayal is good.
-Set. A lot of time and money has been spent on the set and you will actually feel this while you watch the drama. The VFX is good. I especially liked the VFX animals because they were really cute.

What I didn't like
-Zhang Wan Yi's character and portrayal. Don't get me wrong. I don't hate him. But I felt I have seen similar acting in Goodbye My Princess. For me, the freshness was missing. I have seen similar characters for Tan Jian Ci's role as well but I found his acting refreshing. So, there is a difference I felt.
-Music. There was nothing special about it.
-Rewatch value. I won't watch this a second time.

That all being said, I am eagerly waiting for the season 2. This is a perfect drama for one-time watch. You will feel their pain, joy, love, and these feeling evolving and changing as the plot progresses. That is why you should not miss it.

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Completed
Extracurricular
2 people found this review helpful
Aug 28, 2023
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.5
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 4.5
Rewatch Value 2.5
This review may contain spoilers

This was terrible

I've seen ppl recommending this saying it was good so I decided to watch it was a waste of my time honestly it was not good I wouldn't recommend.

First this was terrible everything went downhill from gyuri stole jisoo's phone ( for no reason) ever since she entered jisoo's life nothing went smoothly she's also so fucking selfish she basically ruined jisoo's Business that was going soo well.

The dad was a prick who basically flushed 60 million krw down the toilet that he stole from his son.

Jisoo is a coward who couldn't stand his ground against the bullying from Kitae and his minions and gyuri's controlling and selfish ways cuz he liked her. When minhee accidentally fell down the stairs all he had to do was call the ambulance cuz it was an accident it's not like it was purposely done but no he ran away which would've turned into murder (if she died). He was also stupid to take up the phone like if ur running away why take up a phone that was not urs and at the scene of the accident.

Minhee didn't have a right to blame jisoo when mr. lee died just because he told her not to say anything to the cops. She didn't have to obey him cuz she is free to say what she likes.

I didn't really like the cop idk y I didn't like her but I just don't.

All in all I'm blaming gyuri cuz if she didn't stole jisoo's phone none of this would've happened.

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Completed
Hidden Love
6 people found this review helpful
Aug 28, 2023
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

A Character-Driven drama for those in the mood of some sweetness and cuteness!

Subjective Gut Rating - 8.75

A 9.1 MDL rating for a romantic drama is no joke as there are many other critically acclaimed ones that don’t reach this milestone. In order to give “Hidden Love” a fair chance to maximize the enjoyment of watching this, I prepared myself and will share my recommendations for those who hesitated. As an ‘older’ and veteran drama watcher, fluffy and cute romances don’t always work on me anymore.

Recommendations/Tips to prepare myself:
1. I am a romance junkie
2. I am in the right mood for a cute, sweet and fluffy romance.
3. I like the main leads.
4. I am OK with and am prepared for a character-driven drama.
5. I am OK with an age-gap that could seem big.

I know if I watch “Hidden Love” when it’s airing or when it just finished airing, I will be extremely critical in finding faults since the hype is real and positive reviews are everywhere. Therefore, I waited until I was ready. And I am ready now.


What I Like:

Acting - I am quite familiar with Zhao Lu Si’s acting and know that she has no problem acting shy or cute. She did not disappoint me. On the other hand, Chen Zhe Yuan surprised me in a positive way. I’ve seen a few of his dramas but don’t recall him having the ability to subtly control his emotions (happy and sad) and his big, beautiful eyes speak volumes in this drama. It’s only been a few years’ time and Chen Zhe Yuan has improved so much since his “Handsome Siblings” days, the first drama I saw him in. The rest of the supporting cast also did a great job. But this drama is about Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu. If Zhao Lu Si and Chen Zhe Yuan can’t act, this drama will be a disaster.

Siblings - Many have pointed out the amazing chemistry between Zhao Lu Si and Victor Ma. I echoed the praises that they are so fun to watch. Their banter, argument, and horseplay brought so much color to this otherwise quite mellow drama. Their conversations are fun and witty, and you can still see how much they care and love each other.

Sang Zhi (FL) - At first, I thought I would be very irritated with Sang Zhi. I’ve seen clips of her acting all shy with that baby voice. However, I enjoy seeing her character grow from a spunky 14-year old girl, to an independent strong woman who can think on her own, make her own choices and protects the man she loves. We’ve seen female leads who are supportive of male leads. But Sang Zhi took it to a different level. She not only supports her man, but she’s there to protect him (physically, verbally and emotionally), to dispel any prejudice and stereotypes against him, and stand up for him. In a way, she was more emotionally mature when she’s 22 than when Duan Jia Xu was 22 or 27.

Duan Jia Xu (ML) - How can I not love a walking green flag like him? Yes, he’s too perfect and that could be a criticism. But I am also not going to deny the fact that he’s going to my Hall of Fame for Best Boyfriend/Partner. He is gentle, kind, considerate, understanding, and thoughtful. A unicorn that you can’t find in real life but I can indulge myself in this drama and pretend he does exist.

Main Romance - Chemistry is great. I was actually waiting for the college days to come so that I can finally see them interact as adults. I love the secret confessions in folded stars, the shy-but-in love glances/looks, the courting, the heartfelt yet somewhat awkward conversations by two inexperienced lovers, and of course, the hugs and kisses. This drama is made for romance lovers. I can’t help but smile throughout the drama.

Sang Family - I am so glad to see Zhao Lu Si and Zeng Li act as daughter/mother again. After the traumatic experience of “Love Like the Galaxy”, I am so glad to see them in a much different dynamic. The Sang parents are so lovely as well. Even though they disapprove of Sang Zhi’s rebellious trip, they never yelled at her, but just tried to talk some sense into her. They might have disapproved of the leads’ relationship, but the conversations are mature, reasonable and all come from the heart and love for their daughter. It’s so rare to find such amazing parents in a C-drama. Adding the fun Sang Yan to the mix, it’s no wonder Sang Zhi is able to grow up to be someone worthy of love and can protect her love.


What I have Mixed Feelings:

Sang Zhi’s baby voice - I can understand Zhao Lu Si using a somewhat younger voice when she’s 17, but when she’s a college student, that voice has got to go. She can speak normally with her roommate, so I know she can speak normally to her boyfriend. Towards the end of the drama, she has grown to be a mature young lady, and that baby voice really doesn’t match her. Is that Zhao Lu Si’s over-acting, or the director wanted her to act that way? I would never know.

Sang Zhi (14 years old) - No matter how short Sang Zhi is supposed to be at 14, the amazing young actress can’t convince me she’s 14 years old. She’s 12 in real life but she looks like she’s 10. If you are going to use such a young actress, maybe they should have a different younger actor to play the male lead.

Stalker girl - The side plot about the stalker girl lasted a little too long. I also think her presence changes the overall tone of this drama. I understand the reason for her existence in telling ML’s back story, but I wish that side plot was written better. Luckily, she’s the only annoying character and she’s still tolerable.

Supporting Cast stories - Because this drama focuses on the leads’ story so much that the rest of the side characters are forgotten in the back burner. This can be a good or a bad thing. If you just want to focus on Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu, then this is not a criticism at all. But I wanted a more well-rounded approach and wanted to know more about other characters. What happened to Sang Yan’s personal life? Did he really have a girlfriend? What is up with his knowledge of childbirth? I thought he got someone pregnant! What about the romance of the dorm mates? If you don’t plan to give them time, then let’s not start to begin with. Not every single character needs to have a love interest, but don’t start and forget.

Age gap - I don’t know if they have to keep on talking about how much older Duan Ji Xu is. 5 years isn’t really that big of a gap. It is central to the storyline, but it doesn’t need to be repeated and reminded so many times.


Overall, this is a great romance drama if you are looking for something easy, sweet and fluffy. The leads’ acting and chemistry are great and it’s a drama full of love, care and personal growth. If you are like me and like my tips above, that will increase your chance of enjoying this drama.


Completed: 8/27/2023 - Review #346

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Completed
Who Rules the World
6 people found this review helpful
Aug 28, 2023
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 6.5

A good mix of political intrigue, wuxia and romance

This series combines political intrigue, wuxia, and romance, three elements that I like in a costume drama. I have friends who recommended it, and it's one of the top 2022 dramas, so I dived into it.

Things that I like, which kept me engaged throughout the series:
• Political intrigue, strategizing, revelation of each mystery, and how the leads outsmarted their enemies.
• Smart and strategic ML and FL, who have connections in both jiang hu (pugilistic world) and chao ting (government/political world).
• Both ML and FL are very skilled in martial arts and fights really well!
• Yang Yang’s portrayal of Hei Feng Xi/Feng Lan Xi – overall, a very good performance by YY. The drama gives a lot of focus to HFX/FLX’s character development, since many of the political intrigues and actions happened in his domain.
• Zhao Lu Si as Bai Feng Xi/Feng Xi Yun – ZLS also did well here; however, I felt that YY had more room to show his acting ability. But thankfully, the drama eventually gave focus to her side of the story, and she really shined in the latter part of the drama.
• There is mutual trust and respect between the ML and FL, and I like that there is not so much drama and misunderstanding between them. I also like how they supported each other and faced challenges as a couple.
• Well-choreographed fight scenes and grand battle scenes.
• Great costume design – they’re colorful and there is great attention to detail, especially those worn by HFX/FLX.
• OST that fit the drama, especially the opening theme, “Unparalleled”, sung Liu Yu Ning.

Other comments:
• Chemistry between the leads – their romance is sweet and slow-burn, and I like their banter and humor, but it didn’t affect me in the same way (i.e., having that swoon-worthy feeling) as the other dramas where YY and ZLS were paired with other actors, e.g., Love Like the Galaxy, Love O2O, Fireworks of My Heart, etc.
• The last few episodes felt a bit rushed, but they still manage to wrap things up.
• The ending is more or less what I expected, so I wasn’t caught off guard too much, except for a few unexpected things.

Overall, I really enjoyed this drama, so I highly recommend it, especially if you like political/court intrigue, wuxia and romance.

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Completed
The Long Ballad
2 people found this review helpful
Aug 28, 2023
49 of 49 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.5
This review may contain spoilers

Does The Long Ballad show how powerful love can be, as lovers ignore the cost of love?

This post does contain small spoilers in the text.

The Long Ballad is unique in showing what power love has over a person. Many Korean Drama devotees will remember the Korean Drama ‘Nevertheless’ as a drama showing how one can ignore all the red flags which tells you that this is not a love pathway you need to travel. However, you also learn that your heart can so easily ignore all the warning signs as you steamroll over common sense. The story of The Long Ballad becomes a truly tumultuous journey of love for me of the true costs of love.

The Long Ballad (Song) centers around many true historic figures among the plot. The drama is a Romeo and Juliet story of star-crossed lovers from the Tang Dynasty Period (618-907) who should have been enemies, since their Tribes were enemies and were constantly clashing and fighting each other. Our lovers are Li Changge (Dilraba Dilmurat), a Royal Princess from the Tang Dynasty and A’ Shi Le Sun (Leo Wu) who is Commander of the Eagle Military Division of the A’ Shi Le Tribe. Being the only member to survive the loss of all her whole family in a coup for the Tang Dynasty Throne, heroine Li Changge sets out on a quest for revenge, as she remains loyal to her Tang Tribe no matter what the cost. Princess Li Changge is totally reckless in her quest, ready and willing to give up her life at any time. A’ Shi Le Sun becomes the one who wants that life for himself, and he refuses to let her sacrifice herself, as he constantly goes to her rescue. Li Changge and our hero A’ Shi Le Sun meet by chance while she is disguised as a man, who has full expertise in the Martial Arts. Later, when he finds out that she is a woman, love comes almost instantly, as he admires the bravery and skills of this powerful woman fighter. Even at the potential cost of the danger to his whole Military Division and potential disloyalty to his Tribe because of this love affair, A’ Shi Le Sun can not withdraw his heart to the side of reason.

A’ Shi Le Sun is often physically harmed, disgraced, and even loses his mother to death protecting the only woman he has ever loved romantically, as Li Changge continues on her reckless course. A’ Shi Le Sun tried many times to let go of his love for Li Changge, but he was not able to release himself from this burdened love. Love has full power over you, but so does Li Changge’s revenge and loyalty to her cause.

(When A’ Shi Le Sun’s mother was killed, all I could think of was “Release the Kraken”, as A’ Shi Le Sun went on a rampage of blood, ala Vincenzo.)

Along the way, Li Changge begins to realize the depth of the romantic love A’ Shi Le Sun has for her, as she slowly begins to return his endearing love. A’ Shi Le Sun’s love is like a third uncontrollable character in this love story of The Long Ballad. Every time Li Changge endangers herself A’ Shi Le Sun is forced to pay the cost of sanitizing her world to keep his love in this world. He could do no less. While the cost of loving Li Changge was great, losing Li Changge was a price A’ Shi Le Sun found unimaginable to pay.


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