Reviews

intriguing!

I went in with zero expectations, but I was surprised by how much I ended up liking this!

This might be the first time sukfilm did something with a dark tone? This is so much different from their usual cute-fluffy (and mostly campus romances), and I loved it. The plot was pretty intriguing, made me keep wondering what’s happening. I feel like this drama should have a psychological/mystery tag, because it was kinda messing with our minds lol.

The actor playing Jihyeok did such an incredible job! The way he switches from from cute and sweet to absolute psycho is actually crazy. I was on edge every time he was on the screen! I would love to see him in more BLs (hopefully, full length ones) 💕

Overall, this was a pretty interesting watch, despite being so short. I would love to see a second season!

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A Mature Ode to Macau and Second Chances

Begin Again (2024) is a beautifully atmospheric, slice-of-life healing drama that feels less like a typical textbook romance and more like a mature exploration of relationships, timing, and personal growth. Set against the gorgeous, historic backdrop of Macau, which truly acts as its own distinct character in the show, the drama serves up a comforting blend of stunning cinematography, local Cantonese flavor, and realistic life transitions.

What Shines
The Absolute Standout Second Couple: Mai Youge and Xu Junle (Sunny Sun) steal the show. Sunny Sun brings a charismatic charm to Junle. Watching him gently guide the workaholic, anxious Youge through Macau, acting as her informal translator and showing her that life is about more than just money and career pressure, is a total joy. Their soft, slow-burn dynamic and communication are the emotional anchor of the series. Their story line gave me Hometown Cha Cha Cha vibes--Xu Junle born and raised in Macau knowing everyone & everything local, and Mai Younge the out of town, city girl trying to navigate her way through Macau.

A Refreshing Break from Romance: While the sudden shift to focusing on the main characters' families around Episode 10 can feel a bit jarring at first, the writing delivers some incredibly real and mature family subplots. The story with Casey and Mr. Frank breaks up the main couple drama. Howard’s story line is genuinely heart-wrenching, but watching him and his father successfully navigate their pain and repair their relationship is deeply rewarding. The matriarchs of the two families are also compelling to watch.

The Ultimate Theme: While the open/implied ending might not satisfy viewers looking for a traditional, perfectly wrapped romance, it fits the tone of the show. The story is called Begin Again for a reason. By the finale, you can tell that every character has finally reached a place in their life where they can approach their relationships with fresh eyes, fresh hearts, and a clean slate. It treats its characters like adults.

What Missed the Mark
The Main Couple's Communication Failures: Elvis Han and Zhong Chuxi have undeniable, passionate visual chemistry, but their story line lacks actual, honest conversations (the noble idiocy trope, yuck!). It gets frustrating watching them repeatedly fail to talk out their issues (they barely even discuss his racing career!). But when they are on screen together locking eyes, it is magic. Elvis brings that same rizz his character has in Fake it Till You Make It, which is another gem.

Final Verdict
If you are looking for a fast-paced, high-drama plot, this might feel too slow. But if you appreciate realistic, mature relationship dynamics, a gorgeous setting that makes you want to book a flight to Macau immediately, and the delicious comfort of a healing slice-of-life drama, Begin Again is a beautiful gem worth the watch.

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Thankfully I made it to the end..

The scenery, costumes, and set design were all nicely done.

It dragged in the middle, the main couple didn't really have much chemistry.

Rabbit boy's wide eyed, hurt stare became aggravating.

Pin was insufferable toward the end.
She knew the facts and still questioned why ol' boy couldn't sleep with her or didn't love her.

She started off as a likeable character then was one I wanted to take a long walk off a short cliff.

Yeah, they did her wrong but she beat that dead horse until it came back to life and she could kill it again.
Her tears started to irk me. Especially when she tried to get him to consummate their marriage.

A lot of staring from rabbit eyed boy came across as painful .. like he had gas trapped or something.
I didn't believe the love between the two men, especially when they suddenly had s-e-x.

Too much over the top plotting by the dad, his brother, the other dad, the general...

As for the genera, he was just a cruddy character.
The stepmother needed her mouth rearranged with a good slap.

Even the grandmother was shoddily played.

The only character I liked was the older maid who acted as the go between, delivering notes between the leads.

I started off kind of liking it, but quickly became I was just ready for it to end.

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Great acting

This had the potential to be effortlessly perfect, but the writers just had to mess a few things up - why were Mari and Seongu such inconsistent characters? I seriously hate the way a lot of writers create terrible characters and then want to make it seem like they're actually good people and it's as if their serious actions are no big deal - that's not the way it works, either create a terrible character or a good character with personality issues, but have the emotional intelligence to make the difference between the two!
To add to that, there were a few things that made no sense, such as the fact that Louis's fingerprints weren't in the system, or the way he was in his own building several times and never saw his loved ones, or the way the old lady and the delinquent schoolgirls won against everyone they met - that was so unrealistic, it was simply ridiculous.
Louis's story was very sad, but the writers shouldn't have made him so irritating while he lived with Bokshil - he meant well, but she should've imposed limits and taught him what to do. At the same time, Inguk was just cuteness overload in this, haha. Bokshil seemed to be the best character, until the writers decided to make her do what she did towards the end.
Everyone is an amazing actor and most characters are great - special mention to Hojoon, Insung and the detectives, especially Joohyuk, because they were such nice characters, but I really loved everyone! It's also a plus that I got to see my favourite, Semi!
On another note, the special effects were perfect - everything looked so real!

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Would it be too much to ask for age appropriate actors?

In the month of crap Thai BLs, we got this. This is a mixture of a lot of crap and some good to make it just an average show, because the crap is overwhelming. First the actors are 26 and 30 and play 18 year olds... They don't look old but they also don't look super young. Which is a shame. Grandpa was never shaved correctly, with some exceptions, having hanging out a white hair from his face most of the time which was annoying... did nobody see that?

Then we have the classic cliché a so called "hetero" is confessed by a gay guy. Of course the hetero rejects him. That is before grandpa is forced to write a BL to bail himself out... And then "of course" he tries ... and falls in love - crap.

On the other hand we have a lot of cute kids in the orphanage which are the cause of grandpas debt. Running a orphanage without goverment support is a chore and expensive. So grandpa the seasoned writer is forced to adopt to times, because "normal" literatur is hard to sell. At least he is learning and opening his mind while writing a BL novel. There is of course also a medical condition because grandpa has troubles with his eyesight and only an operation can save it and when you don't have public heathcare, it costs money...

Between all this crap there also tidbits of wisdom. Production quality was good. The show does not prioritize the BL couple, they have a little kiss but no nc-scenes. Overall it's ok to watch, but nothing I will revisit again.

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Came for BWS & IU so no complaints

It’s a bit of a pity that this drama only has 12 episodes. I feel that some parts of the story weren’t explored deeply enough due to the limited runtime, which made it difficult for me to fully understand or relate to certain characters’ decisions. Overall, it’s an enjoyable watch with a good storyline, but I believe it could have been even better with more episodes or a second season.

If you enjoy shows that blend modern and traditional elements, this is a great pick. The contrast between the two adds a unique charm to the story and makes it an interesting watch.

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One of the most memorable K-dramas I've watched

My Royal Nemesis was everything I wanted in a fantasy romance drama. It made me laugh, cry, stress, and smile all at the same time.

What I loved most was the journey of Cha Se-gye and Shin Seori. Their relationship felt sincere, and their chemistry carried every emotional moment beautifully. The drama balanced romance, destiny, heartbreak, healing, and hope in a way that kept me invested from beginning to end.

A special mention to Heo Nam-jun as Cha Se-gye. I've watched a lot of K-dramas, but I've never been this obsessed with a K-drama actor before. He completely won me over with this role. He brought so much warmth, vulnerability, loyalty, and charm to Cha Se-gye that I found myself rooting for him in every episode.

Cha Se-gye will easily remain one of the most memorable male leads I've watched. Heo Nam-jun's performance made every emotional scene feel genuine, and his chemistry with Lim Ji-yeon was beautiful to watch. I genuinely hope to see him in many more leading roles after this drama.

The acting, OST, cinematography, and visuals were all amazing. There were moments that broke my heart and moments that made me smile like an idiot. By the end, I felt genuinely attached to the characters and wasn't ready to say goodbye.

This is one of those dramas that will stay with me for a long time. A beautiful story, memorable characters, amazing chemistry, and an unforgettable emotional journey.

10/10.

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Intergenerational story about love in all its forms

This isn't a stereotypical BL, but some of the best queer stories aren't... and I love that we are getting broader diversity in storytelling that incorporates love in all its forms.

We have an orphanage in financial difficulty, a grandpa who is a writer learning to move with the times out of desperation, a family divided by past wounds and insecurities, best friends with conflicted feelings, and a bittersweet backstory from grandpa's youth to work with... and the story manages to deliver on eveything in a meaningful way.

This show is very healing, even though it shows sad moments and difficult conflicts. Everything feels very human and the ability of the characters to overcome their difficulties is in large part due to the love that they have for one another - even when they haven't always expressed it, or have made mistakes and missteps along the way.

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Great acting & story

This drama is full of amazing actors, but Seojoon stole the show - Dongman and Donghui's story was so sad, and it really stays with you, especially because of the way it affects Dongman's relationship with his father.
The children were amazing actors and so cute! Most characters were awesome as well, I really can't choose between them because I loved them all so much, but I feel like Jang-ho deserves a mention because he was the sweetest!
I loved the comedy in this drama as well!
Be ready to get angry at many of the secondary characters because they will make you lose your mind, haha - well done to the actors for portraying them so well!
I think something everyone appreciates is the fact that this drama showcases real-life struggles.
Thank you to everyone involved in this project!

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"Caught between what it is and what it could have been."

Presenting itself from the very beginning as a highly derivative and self-aware work, one that revisits several of the most recognizable archetypes of Korean fantasy romance through a contemporary lens, My Royal Nemesis builds its identity around an immediately familiar formula: a brisk pace, a constant stream of new situations, an abundance of twists, romantic banter, and a continuous interplay between comedy, melodrama, and supernatural elements.

While this approach undeniably contributes to the drama's accessibility and keeps the narrative in constant motion, it also creates the impression of a story that rarely allows itself the time to fully explore the emotional consequences of the events it sets in motion. Each episode introduces new revelations, antagonists, misunderstandings, threats, romantic developments, or unexpected turns, resulting in a narrative that often seems more concerned with carrying the viewer from one development to the next than with allowing its most meaningful moments to settle and acquire their full emotional weight.

The series also appears to cater to a contemporary audience accustomed to fast-paced and highly dynamic storytelling, rarely allowing for moments of stillness and instead relying on a structure that consistently favors momentum over contemplation. From this perspective, My Royal Nemesis succeeds in its primary goal as an entertaining viewing experience. What is occasionally sacrificed, however, is the reflective space that might have allowed some of its more intriguing ideas to develop with greater depth and resonance.

Yet beneath this lively—and often overcrowded—surface, a far more compelling thematic core gradually begins to emerge. Through the character of Kang Dan-sim/Seo-ri, the narrative seems interested in exploring questions of fate, memory, and identity, as well as the ways in which history can distort, erase, or rewrite the truth of a person's life. These themes tend to surface most clearly within the Joseon-era storyline, which frequently proves more evocative and emotionally engaging than many of the contemporary subplots competing for the viewer's attention.

One of the drama's most intriguing qualities lies precisely in the tension between narrative ambition and narrative caution. As the story unfolds, My Royal Nemesis gradually introduces themes and ideas that seem to reach beyond the boundaries of conventional romantic entertainment: the relationship between personal and collective memory, the construction of identity across time, the influence of official narratives on our understanding of history, and the desire to challenge a fate that appears already written. These are the kinds of ideas that lend the story an unexpected degree of substance and, at times, suggest the possibility of a more distinctive and ambitious direction.

However, just when the narrative seems ready to fully engage with these questions, it often retreats toward more familiar territory, relying on well-established fantasy-romance conventions. As a result, its most intriguing revelations frequently coexist with highly predictable developments, while its more stimulating ideas are often accompanied—and occasionally overshadowed—by an ever-growing accumulation of subplots, corporate power struggles, romantic misunderstandings, and twists designed to keep the story in constant motion.

The result is a drama that appears fully aware both of its potential and of the boundaries within which it ultimately chooses to operate. My Royal Nemesis works primarily as a contemporary entertainment product, yet it repeatedly hints at possibilities it rarely commits to exploring in full. More often than not, it favors the reassuring effectiveness of familiar formulas over the risks that might have come with a more ambitious re-examination of the conventions it inherits.

If there is a true gravitational center around which the entire narrative revolves, it is Kang Dan-sim. More than the romantic storyline itself—often fairly predictable in its development—it is her personal journey that provides the drama with its most compelling moments. Through her bewildered encounter with modernity, the paradoxes of her situation, the fragmented memories of the past, the recurring dreams, and her repeated confrontations with the traces left behind by history, My Royal Nemesis gradually builds a reflection on memory and identity that reaches beyond the simple fantasy premise of temporal displacement.

In this regard, the scenes set in museums, along with the historical testimonies, paintings, letters, and documents connected to Kang Dan-sim, often prove more meaningful than the romance itself. It is within these moments that the character seems to find her most authentic dimension, confronting not only who she once was, but also how time and collective memory have chosen to remember her. The dialogue between past and present therefore becomes more than a narrative device; it evolves into a search for a personal and historical truth that has remained unresolved across generations.

As the story progresses, these questions gradually expand in scope. The revelations surrounding Seo-ri and the true nature of the protagonist's identity slowly shift the narrative's center of gravity. The issue is no longer simply how a woman from the Joseon era might adapt to life in the twenty-first century, but rather who the person we are watching truly is. Over time, the series suggests that Kang Dan-sim and Seo-ri are not merely two individuals separated by a temporal anomaly, but different manifestations of the same existence, connected by a continuity that transcends time, memory, and destiny. In doing so, the drama appears to move beyond the familiar framework of time-travel fantasy and toward a more ambitious reflection on identity, memory, and belonging.

It is arguably one of the most fascinating ideas the series has to offer, but also one of the most problematic in its execution. For much of the drama, the audience's emotional investment is built almost entirely around Kang Dan-sim, while Seo-ri remains a largely peripheral presence, defined more through second-hand accounts, diaries, and fragmented memories than through a fully developed narrative identity of her own.

When the story ultimately chooses to merge these two figures and trace them back to a shared origin, the concept is undeniably intriguing on a symbolic and thematic level. Yet it does not always achieve the same degree of emotional impact. Rather than functioning as a revelation capable of retrospectively reshaping the entire narrative, it occasionally feels like an elaborate explanatory mechanism—interesting in theory, but less convincing in its ability to genuinely move or engage the viewer.

As the drama approaches its conclusion, it finally appears ready to fully engage with the questions that had fueled much of its appeal from the very beginning: the relationship between memory and identity, the weight of history, the sacrifice required to confront an unresolved past, and the possibility of redefining the meaning of a life across time. Yet just as these themes seem poised to reshape the overall significance of the narrative, the story gradually steers them back toward a logic of reconciliation and narrative closure.

The more complex implications of its central ideas ultimately become subordinate to the pursuit of a reassuring and universally conciliatory ending. The result is a finale that privileges emotional resolution over the more challenging consequences of the concepts it had previously allowed to emerge. The issue is not so much the absence of answers, but rather the feeling that many of the drama's most compelling questions are ultimately simplified at the very moment they seemed ready to reach their fullest expression.

Among the drama's strongest assets is undoubtedly Im Ji-yeon, who carries much of the story's emotional weight through an energetic and engaging performance. She moves effortlessly between comedy and melancholy, balancing the exuberance of the contemporary setting with the emotional scars inherited from the past. As Kang Dan-sim, she becomes the true driving force of the narrative, and her presence plays a crucial role in sustaining the viewer's investment even when the screenplay becomes at its most fragmented or overextended.

More conventional, however, is the characterization of many of the figures surrounding her. In particular, Heo Nam-joon's male lead often feels like a compilation of familiar chaebol archetypes: wealthy, intelligent, emotionally isolated, burdened by family trauma, and ultimately destined to find redemption through love. The character fulfills his narrative function effectively enough, but rarely develops a distinctive identity of his own, remaining largely defined by conventions and traits that long-time viewers of Korean dramas will immediately recognize.

My Royal Nemesis is a drama that demonstrates a remarkable awareness of both its genre and its audience, yet rarely seems willing to truly challenge the conventions it inherits. It clearly understands the legacy of the fantasy-romance dramas that came before it, embracing their mechanisms, reproducing many of their familiar structures, and successfully appealing to the same audience. What it does only occasionally, however, is find the confidence to move beyond them.

It is perhaps here that the drama's greatest missed opportunity becomes apparent. With greater trust in its characters and a storytelling approach less concerned with constantly sustaining momentum through new twists, subplots, and narrative complications, My Royal Nemesis could have explored the deeper implications of its central premise with far greater conviction. Themes such as memory, identity, the rewriting of history, sacrifice, and the search for belonging run throughout the entire series, repeatedly emerging beneath its entertaining surface. Yet they rarely receive a development as coherent or as daring as the ideas themselves seem to promise, particularly in the drama's final stretch.

The result is a drama that remains consistently enjoyable and often genuinely engaging, built around a memorable protagonist and supported by an undeniable ability to entertain. At the same time, however, it is also a series that, whenever it seems on the verge of confronting the most compelling questions it has raised itself, ultimately retreats toward the safety of more familiar and reassuring formulas.

Behind its mosaic of references, influences, and situations that long-time fans of the genre will instantly recognize, one can glimpse the potential for something more ambitious: a story capable not only of paying tribute to the great fantasy-romance dramas that preceded it, but also of engaging with them on their most challenging terrain—the terrain of memory, sacrifice, and the search for one's place in time. It is a potential the series repeatedly allows us to see, yet never fully embraces as its own defining identity.

6 ½

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A Stylish, Addictive Thriller Packed with Wealth, Revenge and Big Twists

The Season was not originally on my watchlist, but sometimes the best discoveries happen by accident. While browsing Viu and waiting for a new episode of another series, I came across the trailer. Seeing Chris Pang and Justin Chien in the cast was enough to convince me to give it a shot, and I'm glad I did.

This six-episode Hong Kong drama combines mystery, suspense, melodrama and psychological thriller elements against the backdrop of Hong Kong's elite social scene. Luxury yachts, charity galas, exclusive parties and powerful families create the perfect setting for a story filled with secrets, betrayal and revenge.

The first episode hooked me almost immediately. Jessie Mei Li's Cola Pierce is introduced early, and from the beginning there is something intriguing about her. At the same time, we're thrown into a world populated by wealthy socialites, arrogant power players and people obsessed with status and reputation. It makes for fascinating viewing.

What really surprised me was how quickly the series starts delivering twists. Most dramas take time to build momentum, but The Season starts dropping revelations from Episode 1. By the end of the premiere, I was completely invested. There were already enough secrets and surprises to make me desperate for the next episode.

Jessie Mei Li is fantastic in the lead role. Cola is smart, determined and easy to root for. Her journey into this exclusive world forms the emotional core of the story, and she handles the role beautifully.

I also appreciated how Asian-led the series is. The predominantly Asian cast brings authenticity and representation that feels refreshing in an international production of this scale.

The story explores much more than glamorous lifestyles. It digs into family legacies, social expectations, revenge, ambition and the consequences of hidden truths. Every episode peels back another layer, revealing just how complicated these relationships really are.

The production value is impressive, and Hong Kong provides a stunning backdrop. Whether it's lavish parties, luxury yachts or breathtaking city views, the series constantly reminds viewers why this city remains one of the most visually captivating locations in the world.

Chris Pang absolutely steals scenes whenever he appears. His performance stands out throughout the season, and for me he is easily one of the strongest members of the cast.

The Season offers an entertaining mix of mystery, wealth, scandal and social drama. It may not reinvent the genre, but it executes it with confidence, style and plenty of twists. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and will happily rewatch it while waiting for news of a second season.

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Slow burn if i ever did see a slow burn

I hate slow burns as I am impatient but this one was easy to watch but now I am sitting here eagerly waiting for more sweating, anxious, screaming, crying, throwing up. At least they are now on the same page about liking each other. 9 episodes and they only kiss AGGHHH. I just finished 4minutes and kinnporshe so this is like a teen drama when you compare the romance between the main characters lol.

I really like the story though so I'm glad that it does not just ride off of the relationship between the mcs it actually builds a world and other characters and a decent plot and I'm interested in it all. Please season 2 come soon T.T

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