exactly like the trailer
An easy, entertaining watch about 90s idols who reunite after their fame faded. The cast is stacked, with Kang Dong-won, Park Ji-hyun, Uhm Tae-goo, and especially Oh Jung-se delivering a scene-stealing comedic performance. The nostalgic ’90s aesthetic hits all the right notes without feeling forced. The only real drawback is that the trailer practically spoiled the entire movie, leaving few surprises in store. Still, a fun and solid comedy overall.Was this review helpful to you?
Neither great, nor bad
The who-did-it portion of the plot was fairly well done; but for the rest, I lost count of how many times the main characters laid in bed recovering from a near-death experience. (With lipstick. And perfect posture.) Also, I'm thinking a lot of the 'wooden acting' problems could be traced to the director's choices. When the scene called for tension, he'd zoom in for an over-lit close up of the actor (hard to brew emotions in the eyes when you're damn-well blinded), followed with a swift intercut of a close up of the actor's hands. (The director has a fascination for hands and obviously believes clenched fingers deliver a bigger emotional punch than clenched jaws,). Result? I.U. is wooden in this--appearing frozen whenever she should be reacting. None of that parses with the talent she displayed in My Mister and Tangerines. I can't compare Byeon Woo Seuk's performance because I haven't watched Lovely Runner. But in this series, the director's choices reduce him to being a vase. He's not allowed to be ugly; he's only allowed micro-bursts of anger with no lead up. And he's given way too many runway walks, which pulls him out of the narrative. So, my vote for this is a 7. The who-did-it was well done; the rest was visually pretty.Was this review helpful to you?
This Is Not a Love Song: A Lesson in Cliché-free Drama
Because I am hoping to start learning Mandarin at some point in not-too-distant future, I am watching exclusively C-drama for the time being. It seems that I will therefore be the first person to review this remake based on its own merits without any reference to the South Korean original.Loving Strangers is a singular story about the unlikely affection developing between two people who have nothing in common other than being at the end of their rope. On one hand, we have a middle-aged married man who, being comfortably middle-class, is undergoing the inevitable midlife crises. On the other hand, we have an underprivileged young girl, a social pariah, who is fighting tooth and nail for bare survival. In the normal course of events, these two never should have met. But they do meet when the girl gets hired as a temporary administrative assistant in a mid-range pharmaceutical company where the man plays a mid-level management role...
... and their accidental workplace meeting leads to an opposites attract romance, with many obstacles for them to overcome before they can live together happily ever after, right?
Wrong.
To begin with, there is nothing accidental about their meeting or, for that matter, about anything that happens in this drama. Loving Strangers does not rely on sleight of hand coincidences and deus-ex-machina devices to make its premise work. Rather, it subverts our expectations and kidnaps our attention by roping us into a suspenseful cat-and-mouse game within the framework of cut-throat corporate workplace politics. The plot is so neatly woven and so well-crafted that what begins as a preposterously unbelievable premise progressively turns into a tight thriller and a realistic meditation on the life-saving gift of human bonding at any stage of life and social class level. A pleiad of supporting characters from different generations and backgrounds makes the leads and their relationship more grounded and emotionally layered, with some simultaneously bringing in much-needed comic relief.
Loving Strangers is essentially a story about love in its many shapes and forms. But it is not a love story as such, even though it is vaguely marketed as a romance. The producers probably felt that a platonic relationship between two desperate people miserably stuck in their underwhelming lives sounded too depressively boring to be bankable, so they pasted on an ambiguous title in order to amplify the drama's commercial appeal. In my view, this was a counter-productive move. Loving Strangers is not a stereotypical romance and will not appeal to viewers looking for fluff. That being said, the drama is anything but depressively boring. On the contrary, it will keep you at the edge of your seat wholeheartedly rooting for the leads to live up to their best selves and NOT fall in love with each other in spite of external machinations and their shared inner sense of isolation.
Obviously, such a feat of dramatic engineering could have never been pulled off without a very strong cast. Both leads shine in their roles. Zhang Zi Feng sweeps us off our feet with the irresistible force of a natural phenomenon: we never for a second doubt the reality of her fictional existence. Mark Chen offers a subtle, self-contained, deeply moving performance. Overall, the supporting cast is suitably convincing, with Zhang Xin Cheng offering a particularly charismatic portrayal of a young villain and Yang Yi Wei that of a hapless uncle, annoying and endearing in equal measure.
Visually, the drama is exactly what it should be. Cinematography, scenography, costume design and make-up keep the story well-grounded in reality as we follow the daily routine of people from all walks of life. However, I must voice my grievances with regard to some aspects of the direction and, especially, my deep resentment when it comes to the soundtrack.
Generally speaking, not being an expert in the field of film-making, I see no issue with the way in which this drama is directed. On the contrary, the pacing is uncommonly even and tight; there are no slow periods or unnecessary digressions. What I do object to is the overbearingly heavy-handed use of recapitulative sentimental flash-backs. While typical for C-drama in general, it simply has no place in such a singular drama. It trivializes it for no good reason.
Ditto for the cheesy pop songs accompanying the flash-back moments. Even though I have more or less made my peace with the distracting presence of obtrusive soundtracks in C-drama, Loving Strangers is such a quiet, nuanced, astute thing that the strident sentimentality of the music, with its gaudy lyrics, comes across as particularly jarring.
In spite of these imperfections, I enjoyed watching Loving Strangers well beyond my expectations. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a well-thought-out, well-executed, well-acted fresh storyline free of predictable clichés and tired tropes.
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MY BEST ROMCOM BL SERIES 2026
A DOG AND A PLANE THAI BL IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL ROMCOM BL DRAMA!!!Actually, I feel my words will never be enough to describe how good this series turned out!
The amazing comedy, the great acting, the top-notch cinematography, the good editing, the most handsome actors! The mind-blowing chemistry❤️🔥 seriously my words would never be enough to describe it all..
(For me, it’s my most favourite BL series among all 2026 BLs) I’m not even kidding! I’m so proud of them for being such amazing actors!
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THIS IS MY PERSONAL REVIEW!!! PLS IGNORE IF YOU CAN NOT RELATE WITH IT!………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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TOTALLY RECOMMEND
If you want a K-drama that hits hard and doesn’t let up, watch _Teach You a Lesson_ on Netflix. It’s brutal, intense, and weirdly cathartic – this elite task force walks into broken schools and actually makes things right when no one else will. Kim Mu-yeol is terrifying in the best way, the action feels like John Wick in a classroom, and the story tackles bullying and school violence head-on. 10 episodes wasn’t enough – I need season 2 now. Trust me, this one’s a masterpiece. Go watch it!Was this review helpful to you?
a WONDERful hidden gem of 2026!
I did not expect this drama to be "this" goooood!This is not your average superhero drama. It's wacky, packed with slapstick comedy, and filled with larger-than-life action sequences. But don't be fooled by the silliness - at its heart is a compelling story supported by strong performances and heartfelt themes of family, friendship, and community. The direction and cinematography are also exceptional, often feeling more like a big-budget action film than a TV drama. Easily one of the most underrated gems of 2026, and if you're skipping it, you're seriously missing out.
Everything about this drama was top-notch, but here are my favorite aspects:
(1) The Humor:
If you're a fan of slapstick comedy, exaggerated action, and absurd situations done tastefully, this drama is for you. Beneath all the laughs is a layered story that even touches on social themes, including the question of how far human greed can go. The comic timing of the three WonderFools - played by Park Eun Bin, Choi De Hoon, and Im Sung Jae - is impeccable. Choi De Hoon, in particular, is an absolute standout as Mr. Son. Branded as the neighborhood fools, these accidental superheroes deliver nonstop chaos and hilarity that had me laughing throughout.
(2) Cha Eun Woo:
I won't lie - Cha Eun Woo has always been one of my biases because of his face card. At the same time, I never considered him a particularly strong actor. Handsome? Absolutely. But often a little stiff. I've watched most of his dramas because they're popular - and because, well, it's Cha Eun Woo. However, this drama genuinely impressed me. His acting has improved significantly, and this role proves it.
His character initially requires him to portray two very different personas, and he pulls it off remarkably well. The telekinetic hero role suits him perfectly. He is charismatic as an action hero on a secret mission, convincing in the emotional moments, and downright adorable when playing the bumbling Clark Kent-esque persona hiding his Superman alter ego.
What impressed me most is that he more than held his own alongside Park Eun Bin and Choi De Hoon. Park Eun Bin is one of the finest actresses working today, and Choi De Hoon consistently elevates every project he's in. The fact that Eun Woo kept pace with actors of that caliber is a testament to how far he has come. Is he one of the industry's greatest actors yet? Not quite. But this performance left me genuinely impressed. In my opinion, this is one of the best roles of his career so far. (And yes, I am still waiting for him to play a villain - the kind who seems innocent and trustworthy until the final reveal.)
(3) Right Focus on the Genre/Tags:
The drama includes a touch of romance, but it is woven naturally into the main story and never feels forced. Too often, dramas shoehorn romance into stories simply because the leads are attractive. I was worried that would happen here, but thankfully it didn't. The focus remains on the action, comedy, mystery, and the relationships between friends, family, and a close-knit small-town community. Setting the story in 1999 also adds a wonderful dose of late-'90s and early-2000s nostalgia. The props, costumes, and soundtrack all help bring that era to life.
(4) The VFX & Production Quality:
To be honest, when I first heard about this drama, I didn't have particularly high expectations. The premise sounded a little cliché and gimmicky. I only kept it on my watchlist because of Eun Woo and Eun Bin. When I finally started watching, I was blown away. The production quality is genuinely impressive. The visual effects, action sequences, cinematography, and overall scale feel closer to a blockbuster film than a television drama. While I'm not saying it's on the level of Marvel or DC's biggest productions, it comes surprisingly close at times and delivers a fantastic visual experience. Combined with the strong acting, engaging story, and well-paced narrative, it makes for an incredibly entertaining watch from start to finish.
OVERALL:
I highly recommend this drama. It's just a tiny step below masterpiece status for me because I felt there were some unresolved gaps regarding the villains' storylines. I understand these may be intentional cliffhangers for a potential Season 2, so it's not necessarily a flaw - more of a small speed bump in an otherwise excellent viewing experience. If I compare it to the dramas I've personally rated a perfect 10, it doesn't quite reach that level. This rating comes more from instinct than logic; for some reason, I can't give it full marks. Then again, it might change if I re-watch. But make no mistake: this is still a fantastic drama and one of the most enjoyable surprises I've watched this year.
BONUS:
This is the first time I've seen Cha Eun Woo smoking on screen - and looking absolutely "smoking hot" while doing it. The white vest, tousled hair, and effortlessly badass energy were a whole moment. Then the finale has a "bullet scene" which is a complete aura-farming moment. If that doesn't convince you to watch, I don't know what will. Maybe this video might help: https://youtube.com/shorts/VfmhKFo4D8w?si=jqr9Mbh14oPXHTMr
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What a roller coaster
i have a lot to say, but i will write my review tomorrow when i recover on season so everyone knows what they are getting themselves into!stay tuned! i don't do that a lot, but when i do, you know something left a mark on me,,,, i am not easily impressed and my opionion is always on things that a casual viewer/user wouldn't notice or appreciate
I know rhis won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it is not meant to be tea anyway, it's Vod...that is not everyone's favourite.
this drama (and i won't call ut a show, it's a drama as un super somwtimes over dramatic) and it still left a mark on me
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Had so much potential…
I finally watched this drama after delaying it for so long due to the dissatisfaction many viewered had. Now after I watched it, I completely understand. I have a like-dislike relationship with this drama. I felt like they left a lot of stuff out and I’m just extremely confused on what’s happening, yet I couldn’t stop binging it. I kept thinking I missed an episode with all the empty plots and then the time change was a mess. It had so much potential especially since the idea of a love alarm was highly interesting to me. I feel like it wasn’t executed the way it should have been. I will watch the 2nd season to see how it plays out, but definitely not something I would rewatch. However, I heard the 2nd is worse than the 1st. I love Song Kang thoughWas this review helpful to you?
The little prince: Chapter 21
An unforgettable and unmissable series. Jimmy and Sea's performance left an indelible impact. This series makes you hope, believe, rejoice and cry... cry a lot. A story of lives that don't give up, that try to move forward, to fight, to grow, to love and be loved and that are looking for a second chance. This story makes us understand that the most essential things are not seen... they are tried, experimented and sometimes unfortunately you have to give up. I would have hoped for a different ending, but despite everything this series is perfect.Was this review helpful to you?
Carino
Allora, parto col dire che io ho visto l'originale e questo secondo me è un ottimo remake, ma la magia dell'originale non si matcha. Detto ciò lo ho visto in onore di When Oranges Fall e del fatto che Almond e Progress sono passati alla mia agenzia preferita (la GMMTV) e anche se sono finita a finirla un po' più in la rispetto all'inizio della serie sono comunque contenta di averla vista. Detto ciò, passiamo alla recensione vera e propria: ho apprezzato che se non erro ci sono meno storie (diciamo complessive) rispetto alla serie originale, dove sarò onesta c'erano talemente tante storie che ogni tanto mi perdevo (e credo per alcune puntate non si vedevano nemmneo Captain e Noh, che in alcuni punti sembravano quasi dei Cameo nella loro stessa serie), e overall per qusto remake ho capito alcune cose della serie che mi ero persa e che, appunto in parte perché sono meno puntate (visto che la seconda stagione sono tipo 36 puntate), mi è parsa un po' più coesa e fluibile. Detto ciò, ritengo comunque che la storia originale abbia una certa magia che questa non aveva. Vi devo dire che secondo me vedendo questa serie senza confrontarla con l'altra non è male, anzi, ma sul confronto ci sono punti di forza e di debolezza in entrambe le storie. Ho apprezzato moltissimo la coppia AlmondProgress e sono contenta di averli visti in questa veste (e nella veste dei due Ko di WOF, dove i loro personaggi sono un pelo simili), quindi non vedo l'ora di esplorare ancora di più le dinamiche di questa coppia. Una cosa per cui ho apprezzato di più la storia originale è che, anche se c'erano 800 mila storie, almeno si vedeva una quota di storie maschili e una quota femminili, mentre qui i personaggi predominanti erano maschili e quelli femminili sembravano di contorno: e una cosa che avevo apprezzato molto nella serie OG è che si desse spazio sia alle storie maschili che femminili. Sorry la recensione scoclusionata, ma ho sonno e devo andare a lavorare.Was this review helpful to you?
A unique perspective within a saturated Kdrama genre
One might feel saturated by the trend of Korean high school bullying dramas, but this show has a unique flair. Instead of handling bullying solely from the students’ perspective, it shifts the responsibility to the adults. I genuinely liked how the series not only emphasizes students bullying one another but also highlights the fact that students can bully teachers, teachers to parents and vice versa. The bureau’s scope of work is presented in a holistic way, incorporating an array of perspectives that allow viewers to appreciate the efforts being made to improve the Korean education system.Of course, realistically, this form of “corporal punishment” would be a long shot. However, it is such a breath of fresh air to see a show where students can rely on adults, as they should.
After Episode 1, I wondered how the story would progress and whether it would focus on a single school, with the drama unfolding from there. However, considering that the protagonists work as a bureau, it made perfect sense for them to reach out to different schools and address a variety of issues. It was also smart to build the story around the educational system in a way that directly involves the government. Doing so allows us to see just how broad the bureau’s reach and impact actually are. On a side note, I love how we still see some characters in the previous episode being part on later episodes. It gives a continuity and closure on their part AND Damn all the political agendas of other politicians for their own political gain, big F.
Overall, I really liked the show. It wasn’t too serious and had plenty of funny moments, but it also knew when to hit you emotionally (I cried a few times). The cast was phenomenal, and the soundtrack was great too. My love for Kim Mo-yeol only grew after watching this because he acted SO well here, he’s defo made for these kinds of dramas. My favorite grandpa, Lee Sung-min, is also in the cast, which is always a bonus. Seeing P.O. in this kind of role made me excited for his future projects as well. And Ki-joo, I absolutely loved her unhinged personality in this one and I’m so excited to see more of her.
Definitely one of the more refreshing school-themed dramas I’ve watched recently.
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This series is MY 1000 star!
So many contrasting emotions, what an incredible performance from Earth and Mix. The story hits deep in the heart and shakes you... it doesn't matter how many times you watch this series, because every single time it turns you upside down. A series that talks about rebirth, loss, humanity and how there are still places and people in the world that are worth fighting and staying for. A story that talks about dreams, connections between people seen and not because sometimes there are bonds that arise in the most unexpected situations, because sometimes life makes us change path for a specific reason. You will carry the sets, music and characters of this series in your heart forever.Was this review helpful to you?
Is this what Netflix does to BL? Because I'm not sure I want it.
I don't know, man... Soul Mate left me feeling hollow. My viewing experience wasn't exactly improved by first eagerly awaiting the show's release and then putting off watching it, because I wasn't in the mood for depression. By the time I finally came around to bingeing it, my expectations were a smidgen too high, and I was sorely disappointed.The plot moves at a strange pace, frantically checking off predictable traumatic plot points and hitting unearned emotional beats. Then the story grinds to an absolute halt, and there's entirely too much baby stuff. Are pro-natalists really this desperate? The straight couple has little chemistry, and of course there's the missed GL opportunity. Even at its worst, the show makes compelling choices, though: Sumiko and Seiichi's love-at-first-sight vs. let's-see-where-this-goes conversation is fun. Sumiko's hair and wardrobe turns tradwife, announcing the pregnancy before the characters do. All the familial conflicts are painfully realistic without being overly dramatic.
These compelling choices, of which I could list many more, such as the depiction of care work or the engaging way all actresses and actors play off of each other especially in platonic scenes, are why I like this series as little as I do. Why insist on showing me the potential you squandered? I'm too tired to suss out what exactly hindered the main leads the most, but I'm certainly sad because their queer-platonic intimacy isn't without merit.
Also, I thought we had moved past the talking speed of a 2016 Thai BL series? If we haven't, then can we at least stop with the flashbacks to recent scenes and without any new (visual) information? Especially the last-episode-flashback-compilations need to be laid to rest.
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I liked it
Nothing stood out, but I genuinely did love this series. The actors and the characters were adorable. I loved the outfits, etc.I just wanted… MORE.. Whilst I don’t initially watch BL for intimate scenes or kissing scenes (cause there’s more to love and relationships than this)— there were some scene where it made more sense to.. than not? This isn’t really a spoiler, but for example, during the locker scene, that would have been the perfect opportunity ahaha.
9/10, in my opinion! :)
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Except first 2 episodes
Except first 2 episodes, this drama gone way down.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Plus Good performances from the castWas this review helpful to you?
