P.S. 1: Is the director of the show also Jian Mo’s manager? 🤔
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This review may contain spoilers
"Even if the world sees you as a bad person, someone will still love you for who you are."
There are some dramas that are just so good in the most unexpected ways. Never-ending Summer is one of those dramas for me. On paper, it has all the tropes I hate, especially the “almost step-siblings” trope. However, despite having its frustrating moments, this drama has become my ultimate comfort watch, mainly the reason being Lu Xixiao.Lu Xi Xiao is easily one of my favourite male leads ever. He's an artist, a problem child, a rebellious teen, a clumsy lover, an adult who is not fully an adult, and most importantly, emotionally vulnerable(something romance male leads are scared to be).
He appears confident and nonchalant on the surface, and no one, except Zhou Wan, understood his insecurities, his fears, and loved him despite all his flaws. They become eachother's safe place, as she, too, had to put on a facade of maturity, and he is the only one she could be childish with.
• “I can't pretend anymore. I am only 18”. Lu Xixiao is the only person she can admit this to, and his reply to her confession of being tired of pretending is the reason she gets so scared when he gets harmed later in the show, infront of her, and eventually, leaves him.
• “I've never been really that interested in this world. I never had much hope for the future. Everything just felt kind of boring. But, now that, you’re with me, when I think about the future, I actually find it exciting. I never make promises, or talk about ‘forever’ with anyone, but this time, I really want to say this to you: Zhou Wan, lets spend every summer together from now on”. Despite getting abandoned by both his parents, LXX felt safe enough around ZW to propose something like this, as she healed him, yet she also abandons him, and tells him to forget her, but how could he— when she was the closest thing resembling to a family to him?
I love how ‘Never-ending Summer’ doesn't paint one character as a messiah, and the other as evil incarnate. Both LXX and ZW are flawed characters who hurt eachother, and I wouldn't say their relationship is healthy. It borders on codependency, but what could you expect from two grieving people who have been abandoned? Despite everything they've gone through, their bond is genuinely beautiful. You can tell they both love eachother. Their vacation arc, where they were free from their ‘family’, showed how perfect they're together when the adults in their life don't mess with them.
Talking about the adults in this drama, they're the most infuriating part. None of the adults are responsible, or mature, or rational in the slightest bit. It frustrated me a lot.
Another thing that was frustrating was the second male lead— Jiang Yan. His inferiority complex towards LXX is due to his parents(there are moments where I felt like the reason he still lingers around ZW after getting rejected is cause of he wants to have something LXX has). He resents LXX for getting everything that was supposed to be ‘his’, but that resentment is so misplaced. He crashes out on his mother (understandably so), and LXX, but he works for his father's company. He wants the approval of his father, and he resents the wrong person for not getting it.
Anyways, the casting is perfect. Whoever decided to cast ZKY and BSE in a drama together deserves a raise. Their chemistry is exceptional, and they fit the character so perfectly. ZKY really brought LXX to life. I think it'd be hard for me to watch other ZKY dramas without getting reminded of LXX. I wasn't a fan of BSE’s acting in G2G, but she's great here.
Another thing that I adore about this drama is the OST. Its comforting, and befitting of the show's overall aesthetic. I have them on repeat. Especially ‘When The Milky Way Falls’ by Zhou Ke Yu, and the Sunset Counter one (i am listening to it rn).
Overall, ‘Never-ending Summer’ is a comforting watch. It tackles a lot of heavy topics, like suicide, emotional abuse by family, abandonment issues with care(tho, there's a scene where the ml and fl help a suicidal person, and i hated every bit of it). The main characters with estranged families are relatable, and the romance between the leads feel genuine. The editing might seem a bit weird at times, but the aesthetic of this drama is so beautiful. Its one of those dramas that'd make you fall in love with summer.
^^Bonus(yeah there's more):
• “She actually just stepped out of time. She returned to earth’s most primitive components— atoms, molecules. In the future, she will slowly return to you in another form. When it rains heavily, or the wind blows hard in the future, she can be the big tree that shelters you from the wind and rain. When winter comes, she can also be the sweater that keeps you warm”. Lu Xixiao says this to Zhou Wan after her grandma dies, and its such a beautiful way to view death. Instead of saying something clichéd, he answers in a way that is so him. ZW's mother keeps saying Lu Xixiao is just like his father, but I think he's more like his mother— artistic, sensitive, loving, and obviously, miserable :(
If you decide to watch this drama after reading my long review(tbh this is more of a character analysis), I'd tell you to focus more on the characters, rather than the overall story. Its a very clichéd plot, but the characters make it unique. Also, LXX is adorable<3
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Perfect all round happy ending for all
When I started this show I knew I would be getting 5 different storylines for all the pairings so I knew it would be an entertaining show. What I wasn't expecting was for it to be so varied in genres within those storylines.It gave us longing, drama, rivalry, family secrets, forced proximity, healing, and more drama in all shapes and forms including murder mistery!
I will say though, that I personally got a little bit bored during Shouhua's arc so I skipped a couple scenes to get through it quicker, but that's my personal preference in regards to pacing. There's a little bit of everything for everyone in here.
My favorite sister was Leshan, maybe because I identify with being the youngest and fiercest in my family, but my favorite relationship arc was Haode's, followed by Kangning's.
The ending was quite satisfying with everyone happy and that's all I'll say on that.
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This review may contain spoilers
Spicy Ryan Ren scenes loosely stitched together with plot
I started out questioning the wisdom of the FLs choice to sport open toe'd, strappy heels as she marched across the soaking wet grass in the pouring rain (I would have slipped, sunk in the mud, & fallen on my face) - although, from a visual standpoint the scene was gorgeously cinematic.I was quickly distracted by the unexpected appearance of our very gorgeous, dead guy taking our FL down for a spicy make out session... on his coffin?
This tells us a few things.
1. Ren Ren is crazy hot no matter what what you ask him to do.
2. If you are expecting a logical, plot based story, you have come to the wrong place.
Embrace the steamy goodness, but don't ask too many questions about things like timeline congruity or feasibility.
Once I embraced the chaos I found myself really enjoying this. I was even kind of surprised that I wanted to rate it 8, because I rarely give web dramas above 7.
The fact that this easily has the highest kiss count I have ever seen May have something to do with that...
Sometimes the FL's character got on my nerves because they liked using the old "a clueless idiot is funny" trope, which I find that annoying.
Other times she was utterly adorable and really funny.
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Cautionary Tale beautifully portrayed
It’s wonderful that someone had the intellectual fortitude to create this series. It’s a sensitive contemporary topic which is a problem throughout the world, not just in Chinese culture. The casting was spot on and the acting was first-rate and natural. The actors all appeared to capture the essence of the characters. The FL is masterful in this series, as well as in her performance in Nothing But Thirty. The complex subject was handled with grace. It’s a cautionary tale beautifully portrayed.Was this review helpful to you?
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Slow and motives are confusing without context (understanding Korean corruption in the 80s)
My Rating: 8/10Review
This is a good but not great crime drama. It features a serial killer element that will appeal to fans of those types of stories, along with some romantic moments, though it’s not a romance—it’s primarily focused on justice and current crimes. I would recommend it to anyone interested in court dramas, especially those involving a killer on the loose. People familiar with certain Korean history, particularly events that occurred in the 1980s, will likely find it particularly interesting, as they are more likely to understand some of the nuances. Fans of the lead actors will appreciate their strong performances. I wouldn’t watch it again, as it felt a bit slow and confusing at times.
What I Liked
I really enjoyed the two main characters: Noh Chak-Hee (public defender, formerly corporate lawyer) and Jwa Si-Baek (public defender). Jwa Si-Baek was always very serious, which made complete sense given what he had gone through. Lee Kyu-hyung did a great job portraying that almost flat, emotionless but still kind type of character.
I loved Noh Chak-Hee’s character development. She started out extremely immoral, selfish, and corrupt as a high-powered lawyer, but humbling herself as a public defender helped her find her human side. Jwa Si-Baek played a big part in that, and I really liked their interchanges—they felt authentic, like two people who would naturally banter and complement each other. Other viewers have echoed this, appreciating how their dynamic drives the story.
The deeper dive into legal, social, and political themes added layers that made it more engaging for me (in my 50s) than for my daughter (who is in her 30s and rated it closer to a 7/10, finding much of it dry and boring).
What I Didn’t Like
I was disappointed when Noh Chak-Hee suspected Jwa Si-Baek of killing her grandfather. By that point, she should have known him better, especially given the timeline of one particular night that would have made it virtually impossible for him to have been the serial killer. Since he was tortured, and they knew that by then, she should have known it was the serial killer. The police officer saw through it more readily as she doubted Jwa Si-Baek's guilt despite his confession. But Noh Chak-Hee remained deeply suspicious and didn’t initially look for other possibilities. I know she was grieving initially but, in giving the other side evidence, she crossed some thick ethics lines. I thought she had progressed past that. I also wished there had been more development around why he confessed (a discussion explaining to her) and just a deeper conversation between them in general.
After she learned it wasn’t him, they didn’t really talk about it—no real expression of remorse from her for how harshly she treated him, even though she had viewed her grandfather as family and later discovered the horrible things he had done. She was blaming the victim. And I thought she should have acknowledged that. Especially finding out he wasn't the one who killed the grandfather. That missing emotional payoff felt like a letdown. Their relationship did not feel fully heeled from the hurt they caused each other.
The historical and political context (drawing from real Korean history where authorities targeted people for political or social reasons, using torture and false accusations) helped explain some otherwise confusing lack of clear motives. Once I looked that up, the story clicked more, but I shouldn’t have needed external research for it to fully make sense. Other viewers have noted similar confusion around the motives without that background.
There was so much potential for romance between Noh Chak-Hee and Jwa Si-Baek, but her suspicions seemed to kill a lot of that momentum toward the end. They implied some reconciliation, and he probably understood her reactions, but I was disappointed we didn’t get more from it. They were actually a very believable couple. And I enjoyed their interactions. I did miss their being a romance with them.
Noh Chak-Hee didn’t fully break out as a standout lawyer after becoming a public defender. There were a few impressive moments, but overall it didn’t feel like she truly shone in that new arena. She was so fixated on going back. Even after she saw how immoral and unethical some of her past actions had been she was still so tied in with that law firm. It still seemed like her ultimate goal.
The ending was not very satisfying. There was little emotional payoff—no real discussion between the leads about what they thought of each other, where she might have gone wrong, or where he might have. The trial resolution felt implied rather than shown, and while public opinion turning helped, it lacked a bigger rewarding payoff (like some form of justice or closure). It left me wanting more resolution overall.
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Chemistry
This drama has the chemistry that I love the most in Dramas. The partnership and trust in their relationship is so enjoyable to me.I love Chen Du Ling. I think she is a fantastic actress. She is so intense and vulnerable.
I liked the fierceness of multiple female
characters and the loyalty and bravery of the cousin, Dad, uncle and of Chu Zhao’s character.
That silent unwavering supporting love of the second male lead I find very sexy.
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being fair and honest
i love everything so fari watched 6 episodes
the plot is nice easy to understand and catch i caught it from first 15 min watching no need to play mobile and not focusing lol
the actors are good
weilong looks great with light make up which we can't see in c-drama for actors and his acting skills by his emotions are great
jjy is nice and playing her role well
the production is really good and comfortable
the visual effects are really nice i love it
im enjoying it
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GO WATCH THIS PLEASE I AM BEGGING
It's been a hot minute since I saw this drama but I just had to come back for a review.To anyone who has not yet watched this or the ones debating whether or not they should give Litchi a shot, and perhaps even the ones who've seen it once already, PLEASE WATCH IT. It's a beautiful drama that's more art rather than your classic formulaic BL and THANK GOD, because it is truly so valuable in its core with the symbolism and the deeply philosophical questions that are touched on in the series. Let alone the phenomenal acting, directing and cinematographical work!! ART!!!
Let me take a quick dive: I've seen some of the BTS material and when you watch the directing and how the actors pick up the instructions and use them, it's fascinating to see and makes you understand how much intent and skill lies behind every shot, every frame. The emotions, the quiet moments where there's no dialogue and only body language, really show just how amazing the actors are. The directing pushed this work to its highest quality in terms of storytelling. You were forced to immerse yourself in the story because it truly came alive onscreen and pulled you in with its distinct vibrant feel and display of emotions. This story was crafted with intent, love for the cause and it seemed to me that it is truly the creators' idea fleshed out, you can feel the soul in it. This is not something you can binge-watch and forget again.
Phew. Okay. What I originally came here to say was, that everyone who hasn't done it yet, should go check the studio's YouTube account where they released the episodes (I believe all of them are still uploaded and accessible for free) and go read the comments of the creators. They put a lot of thought into this drama and Lizzy even replied to comments asking about the philosophical values of the show. It was this that led me down a rabbit hole of philosopher Hegel's work. This show is nuanced, masterfully curated with attention to detail and visually stunning, with amazing acting and a soundtrack that makes every second memorable and enjoyable. Go watch!
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Good. Only some Islamists from SEA or other places are losing their head over a genuine fact.
Till now, great story.Idaf to those Islamists who are saying Why Palestine and Pakistan !!! Dumbos so Hamas didn't carry terrorism over Israel in October ?? Israel didn't feel itchy to attack and wipe out Palestine all of a sudden.
And fvckin Pakistan !! It IS the land, the home of Islamic terrorism. The Army continues to breed terrorism there. Where was Osama Bin Laden found again ?? Where are the leaders of LeT and JeM (Lashkar e Taiba and Jaish e Mohammad) Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar are freely living again ??? In Pakistan only.
Why are Muslims from SEA and other nations so deluded to accept this fact ? The fact being 99% of terrorist groups are Islamic and they breed in such countries ??
Ig ore those haters. Add the drama to your watchlist.
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Can't Root for a Rapist
I've said it before and will say it again, rapist do not belong in bl. Not as main characters that get happy endings at least. Yes, the chemistry and acting is great. Yet getting someone gang raped and sexually assaulting your love interest is not something that should be normalized. Shiwcasing it in a light manner, never addressing it and giving no consequences to such actions IS normalizing it. To be clear, you can make a character and story dark, that is not what I dislike. It is the way it is of no importance in the story.Was this review helpful to you?
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The hate seems forced. Probably cz they're not a popular pair
I had to add a review mid watch cz of all the hate I saw towards this series in the comments and reviews. I am not a MarkOhm fan infact I didn't exactly like their pairing either. I have seem Mark in OF so I was like "this is probably horrible. It won't work" and put this series on not interested for a whole year. But then I kinda felt i should watch atleast 1 episode before I judge and... I'm trapped😅 i binge watched 4 episodes already and wanna watch the 5th too. The drama is light push pull romcom❤️. The chemistry, the acting, the tension, everything is just🤌🤌🤌.I personally liked the plot. The summary is definitely deceiving. The story is about Sant who ends up going to his friend's date to break up inplace of his friend but instead ends up going on a date. But then escapes cz the date was really weird. Years later he has some dental issues and ends up meeting that weird guy again. The story is about them falling in love in the cutest and quirkiest manner possible🤭🤭
What I really liked about the characters were that they were a breath of fresh air. Like juay for example usually doctor characters are either too cold, too nice or too weird but he was like a perfect balance. He is smart, likes sweets, is kind, also naughty etc. Juay on the other hand was similar.. he had his traumas but they potrayed him as someone who has a life out of it kinda, it's hardworking, studious, yet stupid. They really don't fit in any stereotypical character frame.
Edit: I literally cried when they showed jway's backstory😭 wth why was soo sad. I know the mom was sad but i feel she should hv cared about the living person...
As someone who loses interest once the leads are together. I am loving the push and pull. It doesn't feel overdone either🤭🤭. It's just a perfect romcom you can watch on a hard stressful day after work. Seeing the comments and hate I kinda don't feel MarkOhm would last more than 4 or 5 years but I hope they do. I really really liked them a lot.
I really liked the ending with the narration method where they narrated different incidents of their later years. One thing I am sad about would be Kak not ending up with Yada. Especially when Yada broke up I was like okay so we're gonna get a couple but then she went back😑. I am guessing this is cz Poon is a bl actor😔 but yeah it's fine. He got a successful career for once. Bro is a loser is all other universes.
Overall it's not perfect but it's good.
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my favorite scenes are : the slow dance in ep7, the snow bridge, in the adulthood era when he was drunk and kissed her OMG
I highly recommend you all to watch it !!!!!
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Masterpiece
I don't have much to say except what a beautiful way of explaining life.I started watching this thinking it was one of those japanese indie movies that seem like the writer has smoked something to create it (kinda like the taste of tea) , it had some weird cuts that made no sense, the friend from school and Nanami's personality... it was just so confusing, but it still caught me, and then the story starts making sense, you begin to understand everything, where is it all coming from, you follow Nanami and her family's journey through life and hardships, and then you find yourself embraced in a beautiful story of growth, acceptance and finding meaning in life.
The actors do an amazing job to make you feel part of the story.
You might think that some things are a tragedy, or something pitiful, however the characters will make you understand life is worth living. Yes, at times you will cry, but you will also laugh, and such is life.
PD: no life is pitiful, try and see other's point of view before you pity them.
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Soft Hearts, Iron Fists
Sometimes there are series I don’t even try to analyze or break down. I immediately immerse myself in them, and that’s usually a good sign. Fifties Professionals instantly hooked me—not because of its story, which is fairly classic in essence, but because of its atmosphere. A well-balanced mix of genres: action, crime, comedy, romance, and above all this almost theatrical troupe feeling, carried by an ensemble cast that works like a solid collective. In this kind of setup, everything depends on balance. And here, the series generally avoids excess, which is never easy when you need to maintain constant emotional tension. Yes, the usual genre tropes are there, but they pass smoothly, almost naturally. For viewers not very familiar with K-dramas, the cast may not mean much. For others, these faces speak for themselves: seasoned actors who have nothing left to prove and who are here to showcase their craft, almost in a controlled playground.2016. To recover a USB drive containing compromising files involving North and South Korean agents, including a high-ranking NIS official, three of the best in their field end up in direct confrontation. A bag containing dozens of cut diamonds worth a fortune is also part of the loot. On one side, ghost agent Jung Ho-Myung (Shin Ha-Kyun), on the other, North Korea’s “weapon” Bulgae (Oh Jung-Se), and finally the right-hand man of a powerful gang, Kang Beom-Ryong (Heo Sung-Tae), nicknamed “Doksa” (the viper). But during a confrontation, the trio ends up stranded on the small island of Yeongseon. Bulgae, who has taken the loot, becomes amnesiac and forgets everything about his past. The other two lose his trail. 2026. Ho-Myung, now a wanted man, continues his mission in secret, despite being married and a father. Beom-Ryong watches him from a distance, while his boss is in prison. Expelled from the gang, he has become a convenience store manager. As for Bulgae (fire dog), renamed Bong Je-Soon, he now lives an ordinary life.
The most interesting part of the drama is therefore not the plot, but the evolution of these three heroes ten years later. If Je-Soon is not aware of his change due to his amnesia, the other two have evolved in surprising ways. This is where the psychological aspect becomes interesting and surprising: Ho-Myung must deal with family responsibilities, while Beom-Ryong, who brought Gong-Bok (Lee Hak-Joo), his right-hand man, along with him, has by chance become a convenience store manager and a fundamentally good man. Now, I’m not trying to sell this as a psychological drama, but what I want to highlight is that alongside their original mission, we have three men in reconstruction whose common point is not their past, but their attempt to live differently, in a form of unconscious redemption. Because behind the spy storyline, the series raises a simple but effective question: can one truly start over after a life of violence and secrets? These characters are not manichean and do not follow binary logic. They are not war machines, but human beings with strengths and weaknesses. Even love, directly or indirectly, gets involved. The three women around them are not decorative props either.
Indeed, these are strong, grounded and humane women who embody the present, stability, but also a moral and institutional gaze on these men returning from their former lives. Don’t expect a rom-com style romance here—it is more a stylistic device used to express the idea of existing or emerging romantic partnerships. One of the series’ greatest strengths is its ability to shift registers: it smoothly moves from action to comedy, from drama to “romance.” There are intense moments, but also lighter ones. The director, who can rely on works such as Squad 38 and Bad Guys: Vile City, handles this with fluid transitions, never abrupt. The famous “switch” in tone is well mastered, thanks to acting, editing, and music. Even the dialogues may seem simple or even absurd, but they often work through situational contrast, reinforcing the slightly surreal tone of the whole. What caught my attention is this very diverse gallery of characters, which creates an immediate and almost fusion-like chemistry. There is above all no downtime, which does not mean there are no calmer moments allowing us to connect with their lives.
The series subtly alternates between fights and conviviality, against a backdrop of political conspiracy, influence trafficking, and drugs. The action is clear and spectacular when needed. But as you already understood, the main strength of the drama lies in its cast, and in the way they are highlighted through solid and effective directing. I mentioned the trio of actors, but it would be unfair not to mention Kim Shin-Rok, Shin Dong-Mi, and Han Ji-Eun, who all bring something complementary. They also have long careers behind them. The atmosphere of the series is truly excellent; there is a strong feel-good spirit behind very serious stakes. The plot is simple and easy to follow, but the most important thing lies elsewhere, in relationships, group dynamics, and the reconstruction of broken lives. There are few notable twists, and the heroes are rarely in real danger, but honestly, that is not a problem. The director Han Dong-Hwa’s approach is to remain sober: action scenes have scale when needed, but there is no overuse of gratuitous violence or gore. Violence exists, but it is contained. I would never have expected such a drama to deliver so much emotion, because it is deeply human.
Fifties Professionals does not reinvent the wheel. But what makes the series stand out is its strong ensemble chemistry, its theme of redemption, and the right to happiness in a second life. This is easily accepted, because although the two agents had to kill as part of their institutional roles, the gangster, while he did “break faces,” never actually killed anyone. This is a drama about people trying to rebuild their lives without completely denying their past. The chosen format helps densify the narrative and avoids artificial filler. The only drawback—and truly the only criticism I can make—is that the ending feels rushed. It is a real shame. It is frustrating, because after taking such care in building its characters over twelve episodes, they deserved a proper moment of emotional breathing space before the credits. Five or ten extra minutes would have been enough to give more emotional weight to their farewells. They were truly endearing, and I would really love to see them again in other adventures because I thoroughly enjoyed them.
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