A Chinese Historical BL worth checking out
Is “Journey with You” as good as its historical C-BL predecessor, “Kill to Love”? I think I like “Journey with You” just a little bit more. It’s still a small budget production but the plot is good. I could see a big budget production using the same plot, but giving it more time to expand certain storylines and execute better.It’s unfortunate that this drama didn’t get a lot of hype, due to its airing schedule in competition with the likes of “Sammy’s Children Day” and “Double Helix”. Moreover, it’s only available on Gagaoolala and not other more popular platforms.
Acting:
Most of the actors are pretty new to the industry. The most experienced would be Colin Duan, who played the villain. And you know what, it shows his experience especially in his last scenes. That was quite an emotional and teary performance with snot coming out of his nose. LOL But the other newbies aren’t bad either, and better than I expected. There’s definitely room for improvement, and I wasn’t cringing. Wang Jing Han, playing one of the main leads Pei Yan Zhi, has a lot of potential. I quite enjoy his acting. Tang Bi De (5th Prince) and the rest of the supporting cast did fine.
Main Romance:
The main leads have great chemistry together. I believe in their brotherhood, their brewing (or already brewed) romance, and how they can’t deny their feelings for each other anymore. There are definitely some frustrating moments when Pei Yan Zhi was doing his noble idiocy act. But I forgive him, as I understood where he’s coming from. The biggest surprise is how bold they went in with the intimate scene and the kisses. That kiss sequence before their NC scene was perfect. Passionate and hungry, and showing all the pent up emotions. The occasional kisses here and there in the latter half of the drama are not fish kisses either.
Secondary Romance:
The secondary toxic romance was interesting. The flashbacks showed us enough of how they met and became close. The NC scenes were suggestive but not quite daring enough to go all out and show us more. I would think their special relationship NC scene should be as daring as the main leads, if not more. But for a short drama, I was happy that they were given just enough screen time.
Plot:
The political plot was not hard to follow though I think the writing for Yin Qi’s way to change the past could have been better. But I have to say, Pei Yan Zhi’s scheme is a little crazy and farfetched. MDL didn’t say this drama is an adaptation of anything, so I guess the original scriptwriter really went all out to create this unrealistic way to save Yin Qi. I think I enjoyed the first two-thirds of the drama, more than the last few episodes. As for the ending, I wish we could have gotten something a little more definite. Is that real, or a dream/imagination? I guess it’s up to the viewer to decide.
Overall, I had a good time watching “Journey with You”. It’s a rare Chinese historical BL, and I hope to see more in the future. We know having a big budget would be difficult, but I wish the creators continue to find ways to make high quality content, whether it’s newbies’ acting, fight scenes, makeup, costumes, sets, or the use of different camera angles.
Drama Completed: 6/20/2026 Review #697
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This review may contain spoilers
Dreaming of the first OF
As a BL connisuer, I felt like I had to watch this one so I did. You should too, honestly, but don't expect the same provocative chaotic splendor that made the first one so delicious.Let me start by thanking Timmy, Boston, and Nick. These are the characters who gave me the most satisfaction during the largely unnecessary drama that ensued throughout OFDO.
Timmy was the voice of reason. I commend you, sir.
Boston was somewhat the old Boston but largely the new Boston. A little predictable but not devastatingly so. That said his chaos agent role in OF (sometimes extreme and heartless, but also believable) was what drove that story. That piece was missing here, and no other character really stepped into the void. (Sorry Raffy.)
Boston and Nick gave me one of the only moments in OFDO where I felt deeply affected by the story. Their brief exchange really got me right in the feels. Despite my luke warm response to this one, I would absolutely tune in to OF3 to see those two work their stuff out, whatever that might look like.
I really wanted to like the rest of this, but the conflicts were a little too dumb for my taste. I mean, come on, real hurtful betrayals went down in OF! There were real issues to sort out. This stuff felt petty and forced in comparison. I was mad at almost every character, and not for bad behavior, but for stupidly extreme responses that were unwarranted by the situation.
The couple that I enjoyed the most was Rome and Raffy. Their drama felt real and their responses were earned reactions to trifling behavior. But even that had moments where one or the other of them was doing dumb stuff that was needlessly cruel to the other person, made them look like a fool (especially Rome), or both. Even still, it felt more relatable.
This is probably gonna be unpopular, but Jack is a jackass. I was over him early on. No amount of warm fuzzies at the end could fix that for me.
And Tua and Arnold had way too many cringe moments. Plus they look like grown men pretending to be boys. Something about their story in particular made that stick out for me even more than the others. Perhaps its because in reality JossGawin are sexy AF, especially Joss and his salted caramel lollipop looking ass.
And are we just gonna forget about Pete and his literal crimes!? Where's the money, man?
At the end of the day, I think it was the writing and directing that left me underwhelmed, although there were some acting fails as well.
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This review may contain spoilers
everything. everything's done well about MRN
okay, so this is gonna take a while since i wanna talk about a pair of things. first of all, ngl i dont think i wasnt expecting much from this (was clearly wrong) when i started it, i dont think the first episode really got me ? i mightve watched it just because i was bored so i wasnt thinking exactly idk, im not saying it was boring (it isnt ofc) but idk, it was just there. but maybe one of the reasons couldve been the fact that it was reincarnation. i think is a very used trope in the kdrama industry that i wasnt happy about it but i gave it a chance. while watching the second episode i did end up more intrigued in everything and after episode four i kept thinking about them, my entire scomed got filled about it, something i do but not entirely PLUS ive seen the four episodes like 5 times, its also something im not used to doing.and, speaking of which, i dont think something will top watching MRN while airing because seeing people talking about the details on twt was an amazing experience. im gonna miss it, it doesnt matter how many times i watch it, seeing it live (?) is something else.
^ i wanna praise the team's work, too. the script writers, directors etc etc, they did such a good job, the first half had this parallel with the other half, seori being dressed with a red sweater when she got hit with the doom truck just like when she got poisoned in the first episode with the hanbok and i could keep giving examples. they took care of all of these details i know no other drama had done it.
segye had his problems with his family, with being accused of things he didnt do but after meeting seori he tried to be better and it was okay if he just let out those emotions, like yelling at seori I MEAN, he was wrong when he told her he would defend her and yelled at her but he realized that and thats okay, no one's perfect, even if theyre fictional. perfect is boring. segye was realistic and i loved him for that.
seori also had these struggles and ended up learning she kind of needed to go through pain to be happier, to feel joy even tho she went through a lot in both of her lives.
its funny how MRN used a lot of clichés that are so common in kdramas (the doom truck, reincarnation and the chaebol x "poor girl") but they gave it a new pov its amazing.
something i need to complain its the amount of episodes. not only because i loved shinsegye dynamic, but because of the plot. i kept wondering what happened to segye's father. like, his mom was dead, but, what about him? no one mentioned him, i think only his grandpa at the last episode, im not sure if it was him, but it was weird idk it didnt matter obviously but they couldve explored segye's background. and, seori's coworker i dont even rememeber her name😭 but i didn't get the point of showing she was bad/mean to seori if they didnt show why was she being bad, like, what was actually the reason ? ALSO, when did jihyo become good to her, i think she just started doing it just because ? or maybe i dont remember
but yeah, anyways, this is just something tiny so i can let it pass because it kinda became one of my fav dramas lmaao
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Good, zany fun
This was a really entertaining watch! I think JBL is best at these ridiculous premises, in this case rivals-to-lovers on steroids, and this was elevated by perfectly cast leads and a fun OST. Sato Yusuke is quickly becoming one of my favorite BL actors, and I love how he played a completely different role from his character in Mr Unlucky. Admittedly my excitement waned a bit in the later episodes as the story loses steam, but there was still solid chemistry throughout. The intimacy was also very well-done. Overall Fake Fact Lips is just a good old time, and I hope to see more JBL series like it.Was this review helpful to you?
Interesting themes but...
This had a really promising premise and post-martial law Taiwan is one of my favorite historical periods to watch/read about, particularly from the students' perspective.However, I don't think the movie really used it to the fullest — while I liked that the setting was very focused on one university's Fine Arts Department, the character development feels very thin for both our leads, and the plot starts rehashing the same conflicts over and over again.
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Veil of Confusions
I went into this series with little to no expectations, and while it's a good watch, it feels a lot longer than 29 episodes. Between a lot happening and not enough happening, the series’ pacing is hard to comment on. And because I took many breaks between episodes, I felt like I’d been watching the show for half a year.I have no complaints about the cast. I love Tian Jia Rui in just about everything he’s in. He’s truly a gem. I’ve loved Ju Jing Yi since “Legend of Yun Xi” and have listened to some of her music as both a soloist and a member of SNH48. I’m so glad Yan An decided to become an actor, especially in Chinese historical fantasies, because although I’ve known and listened to PENTAGON’s debut song and even had a couple of biases in the boy group, for some reason I never noticed Yan An (he and Wooseok confuse me lol). If he hadn’t left CUBE and become an actor, I wouldn’t have discovered his talent. Chen Du Ling is without a doubt gorgeous, but I could never get behind her acting; however, she really fit Wu Wang Yan. This is my first time watching Joseph Zeng, and he didn’t disappoint at all. He’s the perfect Wu Shi Guang and even came across as older than Chen Du Ling and Ju Jing Yi.
The acting was a bit clumsy at times, especially by Wu Han (You Chi). I understand this is his series debut, but sometimes he takes me out of the moment. And although he's the comic relief character, I still don't know how I feel about him.
What impresses me most is the world-building of this series. It’s overly complex yet unique and fascinating. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up because there's so much to remember, but we still get explanations. I liked that the characters experienced a different time, so we got to see what it was like 1000, 150, and 50 years ago. The character design was also spot on. Although Ji Ling is the focus of the show, the other main characters each make a unique contribution to the series.
Tian Jia Rui’s “Suffering” song saved this series’ music. Towards the end, they use the instrumental and crossover from Tian Jia Rui and Ju Jing Yi, but it’s worth it because this song fits everything happening at the end.
The chemistry and romance in here were killer! Each couple really went all out for each other, and it was both heartwarming and nice to see!
I have some complaints, but my biggest issue is the delivery of the action and story development towards the latter half of the show. As with other series like “Fangs of Fortune” and “My Journey to You,” the action gets absurdly uncreative and relies heavily on flying, choppy edits, and CGI. The setup for the final battle was creative, but the delivery was soooo boring. At many points, we just have our powerful characters standing all cool. I don’t know if it’s budget or why Edward Guo refuses to have multiple powerful characters take on the enemy all at once and wipe them out quickly. Given Lu Wu Yi being Jiu Ying and Ji Ling being the former Dragon Deity who’s built a reputation and relationships for a hundred years, it’s no surprise they have more screen time towards the end. My problem was it wasn’t used effectively, so it just looks like favoritism (I personally don’t mind it, but would have loved to see Wu Shi Guang do more as our new Dragon Deity). Another issue I have is how Shi Guang sent You Chi up against a fox demon and expects him to flee. Then, instead of realizing that You Chi and Wang Yan would be fine once Li Jing reverts the past and stops Wu Yi from being created, we get some flat moments of Shi Guang crying over You Chi and Wang Yan. The romance in here was good; the friendship not so much. I think we get one scene of Li Jing and Shi Guang acting as “brothers,” and then for a while we’re just told that Shi Guang sides with Li Jing, without that trust and bond.
Can I just say Bai Ze is ridiculously powerful and absolutely my favorite???
For the rewatch value, I gave it a 5 because I may rewatch some episodes or scenes but probably never the whole series again.
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fairly entertaining, unnecessary amount of AI
The plot's fun. The acting's pretty good. Would have benefitted from more time spent between the characters we care aboutMy main gripe? So many of the visuals are AI generated and really bad AI at that. Frankly, stock photos and cheap puppets would have been less jarring and less ethically problematic.
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Another masterpiece incoming
Starting off the series with good premise and perfect set up. The chemistry amongst the cast is there, meaning that we can see how each character flows in every scenes.I like Prince Thin is not your usual prince, he's got character, playful and not afraid to speak his minds.
Phob character is also interesting how he carry himself around Thin, we get to see his softer side which is very rare in a BL series when a "top/seme" shows that sides.
Also Pond's acting as a spoiled prince is so good.
Overall this series will makes you hold your pearls when you watching, especially the tense between Thin and Phob, we can see they are trying so hard not to cross the line.
Go watch it!
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The Female Lead is the emotional center of the drama. Throughout her marriage, she loves her husband wholeheartedly and remains loyal despite the pain he causes her. She is not weak; rather, she is someone who continues to love even when she receives little understanding or affection in return. Her quiet sacrifices, patience, and unwavering devotion make her a deeply tragic character. As the story unfolds, viewers witness how much suffering she carries alone, making her eventual fate heartbreaking to watch.
The Male Lead, portrayed by Liu Xiaoxu, delivers one of the more emotionally complex performances in a short drama. At first, he appears cold, stubborn, and blinded by his own assumptions. He constantly misunderstands his wife and allows his pride and prejudices to dictate his actions. What makes his character compelling, however, is not who he is at the beginning but who he becomes after tragedy strikes. Once he finally learns the truth about her love and sacrifices, the weight of his mistakes crashes down upon him. His grief, regret, and self-blame feel genuine and devastating. Watching him realize that he destroyed the very person who loved him most is both painful and unforgettable. Viewers may find themselves angry at him for much of the drama, yet unable to ignore the depth of his remorse by the end.
What truly elevates *Ruler of My Heart* above many other short dramas is its message about relationships. Too often people believe they will have time later to apologize, to listen, to understand, or to show love. This drama reminds us that "later" is never guaranteed. Words left unsaid and feelings left unexplained can create wounds that become impossible to heal.
The story also touches on an important real-life issue: heartbreak and failed relationships can create overwhelming emotional pain, but ending one's life is never the answer. Relationships can end, marriages can fail, and people can make terrible mistakes, yet life itself is worth far more than any single relationship. Pain is temporary, even when it feels unbearable. Healing, new beginnings, and happiness remain possible as long as we continue moving forward. The drama shows how tragedy leaves lasting scars not only on the person suffering but also on those left behind. It serves as a reminder that seeking support, talking to trusted friends and family, or reaching out for professional help is always a stronger choice than surrendering to despair.
Overall, *Ruler of My Heart* is a heartbreaking but meaningful drama about love, regret, forgiveness, and the value of cherishing those who care for us while we still have the chance. If you enjoy emotional stories that make you cry, reflect on life, and appreciate the people around you a little more, this drama is well worth watching.
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Don't judge a book by its cover
From the poster, synopsis, and the fact that Masaya is playing the lead, I thought this movie would be just another cheesy, run-of-the-mill teen idol rom-com, and while that does make up part of its DNA, I was shocked that it was much more a story of female friendship than anything. Maybe it's unfair to rate this so highly just based on how severely it managed to subvert my expectations, but it really made me so giddy how unlike this movie is from others in this genre.I think the key here was the very stripped-back production that gave it an almost indie-movie feel. Usually, these movies are full of poppy visuals, slow-mo glamour shots, and resolution so clear you can see everyone's pores, but here, everything has a slightly grainy filter to it, and while it is colorful, it has a much more natural, moody atmosphere. So while they aren't reinventing the wheel with the plot, thanks to this more restrained directing and cinematography, the story feels a lot more grounded and substantial. And yet, it still manages to be just as funny and charming as a true rom-com - Akoko's confession scene, her chasing around Narita to get him to help her, Mitsuki activating battle mode by adjusting her top to be off-shoulder...good stuff !
And backing up the strong visuals of the movie were the strong performances of the cast! Masaya holds his own despite this being his first lead role and manages to give his character some depth beyond Hot Guy™, even if it wasn't the performance of the century. And I've been very critical of Jyutaro's acting before, but this is EASILY the best role I've seen him in yet. He does so well when he's not trying to be all cool and handsome like he often has to be, and this movie gave me hope for him yet. Watanabe Miho is a sleeper talent for me after seeing her in Yukari-kun wa Gap ga Zurui - she brings a lot of charisma to a character that could very easily veer into annoying territory - and Saito Nagisa showed more well-rounded acting here than in the other roles I've seen her in. Not only did everyone put in work individually, but they also had great chemistry with each other, which was so crucial to making this work as well as it did for me.
It's not a perfect movie by any means - there were some plot contrivances and I can see how people might be put off by two girls fighting over some dude - but it was a true breath of fresh air in a sea of cookie-cutter rom coms, and I would highly recommend for anyone looking for something a bit more unique!
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This review may contain spoilers
She's the One (2025) is a nice romance miniseries adapted from the web novel "Zha Nan Pi Tui Gui Mi, Wo Huai Zai Dang Ta Hou Ma" , also known as "Guai, Bie Jiao Shu Shu, Jiao Lao Gong" by Tian Jie Er, with ML: Zhao Ting Yi (as Rong Jun Heng) and FL: Deng Ling Shu (as Ruan Zhi) in the leafing couple's role. The cast did a good job bringing their characters to life, and the leading couple had a close and amiable relationship with great communication that turned into steadfast feelings which developed into a sincere and heartfelt sensuous love. The drama spends a bit too much time with the ML's group of people in order to showcase some muscle power and takes away some time from the romance. Still, this drama is quite entertaining; enjoy it! In the meantime, you can watch the drama on YouTube: "赵廷义＆邓灵枢《非她不可》[MULTI SUB | FULL] #短剧#最新短剧#短剧合集#都市#古装#爱情#玄幻#大陸劇#大结局#爆款短剧 #drama #恋爱 #复仇" [Google Translate: "Zhao Tingyi & Deng Lingshu 'No One But Her' [MULTI SUB | FULL] #ShortDrama #LatestShortDrama #ShortDramaCollection #Urban #Costume #Romance #Fantasy #MainlandDrama #FinalEpisode #HitShortDrama #drama #Love #Revenge"] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5Rr5ScGkYE)
Or: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5Rr5ScGkYE)
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Zao Gao! He Jie Jie Zou Cuo Le Season 2
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Positive Messages on Being Yourself and Life is too Short to Live with Unrealistic Expectations
Wow. It's not often vertically filmed short dramas hit so many high notes and leave you feeling so good about the characters and the resolution of the drama. Having just finished all three seasons, I must say it was a great viewing experience overall.I would rate the whole series a 10 for me just because of how it made me feel by the end. Individually, slightly less because all verticals have flaws, lol. I loved all three couples and the trials and tribulations they went through to find not only themselves, but each other. There was little angst, no evil 2FL or 2ML, and no green teas. No abuse, slapping, torture or infidelity.
This was a great slice of life family and romance drama. Lots of great messages about being who you are and not pretending to be someone else just to impress others or fulfill the role others might expect of you. It's about growing to love yourself and others for who they are and letting yourself not be weighed down by others' expectations.
I especially loved the father and all his inner monologues and his story. He was wrong, didn't realize it, but grew anyway. Loved how the youngest of them, the main FL and younger sister, was the catalyst for the family change even though I really didn't like the voice used for her, lol, and found it distracting. And her character was too much a baby for me, but that was the point.
I still loved the car scene as my overall favorite from S1 where the ml can't resist having round two of the twice a week marital relations the day after the wedding night. lol. Loved how all the couples gradually broke down the barriers to their hearts and spouses and family.
I loved how the older brother chased after his younger wife and how the older sister courted the younger brother. I loved how there was a role reversal with both those couples.
If you can find it, you should definitely give it a try. :)
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A Painfully Beautiful Journey of Heartbreak and Healing!
Story:My Stand-In delivers a gripping and intensely emotional storyline filled with supernatural elements, angst, and complex relationships. The plot centers around deep misunderstandings that are sometimes genuinely painful to watch. It is the kind of show that completely breaks your heart and keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering how the characters could ever recover from so much trauma. However, the pacing allows for great character growth, and the execution leads to a highly satisfying and emotional resolution. It hurts, but the payoff is entirely worth it.Acting/Cast:The acting in this drama is phenomenal. The main leads managed to portray an incredible depth of pain, longing, and regret. You can truly feel the heavy emotional weight in every confrontation, tear, and quiet moment. Their chemistry is elite, making both the toxic, heartbreaking phases and the healing moments feel incredibly real and impactful. They made me deeply invest in their journey despite all the chaos.Music/OST:The soundtrack perfectly mirrors the angsty and dramatic tone of the series. The songs are beautiful, haunting, and strategically placed to amplify the emotional wreckage of the most heartbreaking scenes. It definitely adds an extra layer of tears to the viewing experience.Rewatch Value:The rewatch value is high, especially for those who enjoy a good cry and intense emotional dramas. Going back to watch the earlier episodes after seeing how beautifully everything concludes allows you to appreciate the emotional transition and the actors' expressions even more.Overall:My Stand-In is a masterpiece of modern angst. While the constant misunderstandings completely tore me apart, the fact that everything turned out well in the end made it an unforgettable and rewarding watch. It has easily become one of my favorite releases of the year. Highly recommended for anyone who loves intense romance and happy endings!Was this review helpful to you?
A Masterpiece of Emotional Depth and the Ultimate Bromance!
Story:High School Frenemy delivers an incredibly raw, intense, and emotionally gripping storyline. While many viewers were disappointed that the show chose the bromance route instead of a BL, I found it to be its greatest strength. The lack of a romantic label allows the show to focus deeply on a profound, unconditional platonic love and a complex emotional bond. The plot explores guilt, trauma, and reconciliation beautifully, making every single conflict feel earned and heavy with meaning.Acting/Cast:The chemistry between the main leads is absolutely electric and unmatched. They portrayed the pain, anger, and deep affection of their characters with stunning maturity. A lot of people online complain about Shin forgiving Saint too easily, but they clearly missed the nuance of the story. Shin’s anger was never about the physical injury to his leg—it was about the devastating heartbreak of being abandoned by his best friend. On the flip side, Saint didn't leave out of selfishness; he ran away because the overwhelming guilt and pain made it impossible for him to look Shin in the eye. The actors captured this tragic misunderstanding perfectly.Music/OST:The soundtrack does a phenomenal job of elevating the heavy, emotional atmosphere of the drama. It amplifies the tension during the confrontation scenes and brings out the deep sorrow and longing during their quieter, shared moments. It perfectly fits the angsty, high-school-delinquent vibe.Rewatch Value:The rewatch value is exceptionally high. Once you fully comprehend the psychological trauma and the root of their broken relationship, rewatching the earlier episodes gives you a whole new perspective on their behavior, glances, and subtle emotional cues.Overall:High School Frenemy is a beautifully written story about forgiveness, healing, and an unbreakable bond between two friends. It is a masterpiece for anyone who appreciates complex character dynamics and elite bromance over standard romance. If you watch it with an open mind and pay close attention to the details, it will absolutely steal your heart!Was this review helpful to you?
Pure Nostalgia and Overflowing Cuteness!
Story:LoveSick 2024 is a beautiful, fresh take on a classic story. It perfectly captures the innocent, chaotic, and heartwarming nature of high school romance. The plot moves at a very comfortable pace, focusing on those sweet, small moments that make school dramas so endearing. It feels like a warm blanket of nostalgia, keeping the vibe light, fluffy, and incredibly comforting from start to finish.Acting/Cast:The young cast did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. As an older viewer, it felt a little funny and self-conscious to ship them at first because of the age gap between me and the actors, but their pure charm completely won me over! The main leads have an adorable, soft chemistry that feels incredibly genuine. They portrayed the awkwardness and excitement of first love perfectly.Music/OST:The soundtrack is bright, youthful, and full of energy. It perfectly complements the school setting and elevates the cute, romantic moments. It brings back that classic, cheerful drama vibe that stays stuck in your head long after the episode ends.Rewatch Value:This is the ultimate comfort show to revisit whenever you need a break from heavy plots or dark thrillers. Its lighthearted nature and innocent romance make it very easy to rewatch your favorite cute episodes just to get a good dopamine boost.Overall:Despite the slight age gap awkwardness as a viewer, LoveSick 2024 stole my heart with its overwhelming sweetness. It is a wonderfully executed, wholesome school drama that will make you smile through every single episode. If you love soft, pure romance, you should definitely give it a chance!Was this review helpful to you?
