Reviews

No matter what life may offer us, may we shine as bright as stars!✨

So Road to success isn’t a typical idol drama with flowery youth journeys, unlimited romance and endless heart flattering moments. It’s a type of drama which isn’t entirely fixated on one person’s story, rather everyone’s story intertwines which makes it the perfect healing drama.

My greatest take from the drama is how most of the storyline is relatable to the day to day lives we are currently living. Road to success shows how many people are living lives which they never anticipated to because societal norms and standards. It shows how so many people have let go of their dreams or even dared not to have great dreams because of the toxic environment they find themselves in. It shows how the smallest support can transform one’s life for the best while what may seem to be the smallest obstacle may shatter one’s life.

As you watch Road to success just know that you aren’t signing up for a full blown romantic drama. Despite the leads having great chemistry and quite a number of heart fluttering moments, romance is just a subplot of the drama. On the other hand the leads show us how deep love can run in the little moments. All their actions towards each other, despite their magnitude are done wholeheartedly, in a well articulated, meaningful, and heartwarming manner! The fair share of romantic scenes are quite remarkable as they highlight how when actions truly speak louder than words something amazing blooms!

You will totally enjoy this drama if you are sport fanatic. The cherry on top is how the soccer is combined with psychological growth of the team members. There’s never a dull moment whenever the team appears on the screen! The tear jerking moments leave a deep impression on your heart while the comedy will offer the best light hearted moments!

One of the main highlights of the drama is: from the moment the team of 11 boys, Lin Wanxing and Wang Fa joined hands, you could sense the “family” atmosphere. From the moment they decided to form an alliance, they never moved like individuals but as one, as a family with deep rooted love and care towards each other! On that note, do listen to Silent gravity by Dong Xiang Lin which made all Lin Wanxing and Wang Fa’s romantic scenes ten times better!!!🥹🥰

Ohh the actors, actresses and their respective characters were a cherry on top. From the 11 boys, leads, leads’ friends, toxic parents to Wang Fa’s family, everyone fit their roles like a hand in glove! By the way, l am Wang Gen Fa’s biggest fan!😂

The greatest highlight of this drama is how it tackles the psychological issues a majority of people are dealing with in one at or another with just varying levels. Of course one drama can’t solve all of society’s problems but it’s quite refreshing seeing issues of suicide prevention, mental health awareness and cyber bullying awareness being handled being addressed. There are so many life nuggets to take from Road to success, l will leave the most memorable ones below and leave you to find the rest in the drama:

1. Life is about having the lasting willpower needed to keep climbing towards the peak.
2. The greatest pain is not gritting your teeth after falling off a cliff, but facing yourself and making the choice that stays true to your conscience.
3. Real life is bitter and painful so it’s okay to run away but always have free will and independent minds!
4. Learn how to live and come to terms with yourselves, discover what you love, and have the courage to pursue it!
5. May you have the will power to fight against the timid side of human nature, live with courage and always have the strength to seek understanding even in moments of despair.
6. Don’t be harsh on yourself, being alive itself is meaningful enough!
7. MAY YOU BE ABLE TO BECOME THE PERSON YOU ASPIRE TO BE, FIND YOUR LIGHT!

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awesome fl

The story is unique, characters well written and even though there's no romance (which is probably why the rating sucks) and low budget doesn't allow for anything but quick pace and cheap locations, but you get really well playing actors and unfortunately a cliffhanger that has continuation but with different actors. Fortunately, also great.
I really liked the focus on fl's character - she stabs her defenseless opponent out of hatred and sends her to a brothel out of revenge for humiliated twin. She blackmailed her emperor husband into publicly admitting fault. She hid her true nature without feeling wronged even when she was wronged. A general who uses weapons as well as tactics. what a rare combination. And the story behind the ml clinging to his other consort while disregarding and disrespecting his sexually assaulted wife is not simple either.
You gotta watch this and the second part!

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a rarely seen smart story with great characters played with gusto.

I came across part one out of nowhere and was hooked right away. part 1 is only a flashback told by fl here at the beginning but it really needs to be seen first for a better understanding of the story. this part was good, but not as good as the first one, thankfully with limited flashy theatrics. I thought it was expertly acted with the exception of the "barbarians".

Like so many cdramas here too there are strangers/enemies married to each other, hating each other's guts and forcing the hand with some ruthless tactics (ml admits to knowing that his bride is no longer pure after being kidnapped and treats her poorly even though she is his Empress, but fl blackmailed the emperor into publishing self-reproach letter for allowing his consort to pull the string behind the court, imagine that!!!!), which is also her standard methodology for the revenge and what she used on the rival consort (who is personally stabbed by the empress and sent to an underground brothel to endure the same fate the consort prepared for empress' twin sister, how is that for women being more compassionate than men, huh?).

Not to mention fl is a kickass warrior, who cures her husband's poison and has absolutely no interest in him (only when delirious from the battle injury and mistaking the emperor for her sweet heart she smiles at him and says she wants to be his wife).

Both leads develop that harrowing "don't cross me" attitude that lasts at least half the part 2, but you will enjoy these awesome fl and ml characters becoming entangled in suspicion and deception, as well as recognition of each other's value.

The budget was rather low and there are so many things that no self respected drama would allow, but hey! it's VD, so take it or leave it. It's definitely better than Overdo😉

And in case you wonder why I am so fascinated by this story - the whole idea of "stone maiden" apparently was rather standard in ancient China and sent me to professor Matthew Sommer's books on gender, sexual practices and legal system in Ming and Qing dynasties. This stuff is amazing - LGBQT community needs to know about this.

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BEST BL OF THE YEAR

I went into it expecting a mediocre plotline and okay acting like most bls do have.... But i was FLABBERGASTED by how AMAZING it was. The writer/actors knew what they wanted and they DELIVERED.

**The clash between evil and good, crazy and sane, life and death.**
Fan Xiao was so well written and well acted that although he is a big red flag, i was rooting for him the whole series. He managed to manipulate me the viewer and That's how a good plot is made.
You Shu Lang was not the pathetic victim you'd expect from series like this. He likes justice and keeps trying to get an eye for an eye, except some rare times with Fan Xiao, his weakness. You Shu Lang doesnt need a savior. He is the savior.

They nailed the trope of deity and devotee, and then they dismantled it only to build it again for us.

This is the type of series that is gonna have its place in my favorites for a loooooong time.

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Quite Nice

This drama is quite the display. Not the best start in explaining the story but it’s alright. I very much like the head strong female lead being able to do anything and everything on her own. From my past watches this type of female lead is very rare to come by. I do see some hate comments on how quickly the male lead fell for her but I think it was pretty obvious from the start when he saved her he had been captivated by her beauty and his interest in her grew seeing her strong will and mindset, we don’t always need a slow burn in every cdrama guys.
Only downside I’d say the drama isn’t doing the best in giving the details. And why is it so obviously thrown away that she dosen’t have a single thought about her ex-husband? Like can we get some details. But that’s my review!

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Refreshing to see a romance that isn't full of drama

I went into this drama after reading the really good reviews on it. And I was not disappointed. It's so refreshing to see a male lead that isn't a jerk to the main character; I know that's a popular troupe but it's nice to see a normal guy who loves his girlfriend. The slow burn was real, but the story still keeps you engaged even through that burn. The music was great, and the story is just one that I would watch over and over. This is going on my top 5 list, especially as far as watchability goes. The only thing that I don't like...is that there isn't more!

If you like Chinese romance dramas, this is the one for you. It's silly, it's got a tiny bit of drama that gets resolved rather quickly, and it has an engaging plot.

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After the strong impact of season 1, season 2 successfully continues the revenge story and delivers the conclusion that many viewers were waiting for. The biggest question was whether FL carefully planned revenge would be satisfying, and fortunately, the drama manages to provide a strong payoff. Instead of relying only on physical confrontation, the drama focuses on psychological warfare, exposing secrets, destroying relationships, and making the perpetrators face the consequences of their actions. Watching each member of the bullying group slowly lose control is extremely satisfying.

Song Hye-kyo once again proves why this role was such a perfect choice for her. As Moon Dong-eun, she portrays a character who is emotionally damaged but incredibly determined. Her restrained acting, cold expressions, and moments of vulnerability make the character feel realistic and powerful.

The villains also continue to be the highlight. Lim Ji-yeon gives an exceptional performance as Park Yeon-jin, creating a character who is arrogant, selfish, and incapable of accepting responsibility. Her downfall is one of the most satisfying parts of the drama.

However, compared to S1, S2 feels slightly more focused on the resolution rather than the mystery and buildup. Some revenge elements happen faster than expected, and a few developments feel convenient. The final confrontation could have had even more emotional depth considering how long FL waited for her revenge.

Despite those minor issues, the conclusion remains satisfying. The drama does not simply show revenge as victory, but also explores the emotional cost of living with hatred for many years. FL journey is not only about punishing others but also about finding a way to heal and move forward.

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YOU DIDA DIDA ME, I HUALA HUALA YOUUU!!

One of the best dramas of the year! From ep 1 to 32, I was literally so locked into the vibe... Being a teacher is honestly no joke... Shout out to all the best teachers out there.. you guys truly deserve all the respect.

TBH I lowkey had zero expectations at first and only tuned in because of Xinxin. Thanks to Xinxin, I ended up watching it ongoing and I definitely don't regret it at all...

Since I'm a rom-com sucker, the romance is solid. It's Xinxin, so her acting is always top-tier... but after a few early eps, I feel like the friendship and family dynamics are what make this drama so precious!!!

Also, my absolute favorite part is that everyone got equal screentime. Major thanks to the production crew 🫶🏻

Gonna miss HONGJING TEAM so badly! Sending big fat hugs to all my Fineshytzzkuuuu!! 🫂

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This was the drama that reminded everyone why Song Hye-kyo remains one of the top actresses in Korea. After several romance dramas where the scripts did not fully showcase her potential, this role was the perfect opportunity for her to demonstrate a completely different side of her acting.

The biggest strength of this drama is its writing. Unlike typical revenge stories that focus only on dramatic confrontations, This drama carefully builds the pain, anger, and determination of the main character. The revenge plan is not rushed; every step feels calculated and satisfying as FL slowly takes control of the situation.

Song Hye-kyo's performance as Moon Dong-eun is outstanding. Her portrayal of a woman who has endured years of trauma is subtle but powerful. Instead of relying on exaggerated emotions, she uses her expressions, silence, and small gestures to show the character's deep pain and hatred. This is one of her strongest performances in her career.

The villains are also one of the drama's greatest strengths. The bullying group is not simply evil for the sake of being evil, their arrogance, lack of remorse, and cruel personalities make them truly frustrating to watch. Lim Ji-yeon especially delivers an unforgettable performance as Park Yeon-jin, creating a villain that viewers will love to hate.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, especially the characters who join FL revenge journey. Each character has their own motivation and emotional weight, making the story more than just a simple revenge fantasy.

However, the drama is not perfect. Some parts of the revenge process feel almost too convenient, and certain plot developments require viewers to accept some unrealistic coincidences. The pacing in some sections can also feel slow because the drama spends a lot of time building the foundation for the revenge.

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As a fan of Song Hye-kyo, I was really looking forward to this drama. Unfortunately, I felt that this time she chose the wrong script. With her acting experience and star power, I expected a more memorable project, but the story itself failed to create a strong impression.

The direction of the story feels unclear. The drama tries to combine romance, workplace issues, family problems, and emotional healing, but none of these elements are explored deeply enough. Instead of creating a strong central conflict, the story often feels like it is moving without a clear purpose. Main leads acting is not the problem, the issue lies more with the writing and character development.

The chemistry between the leads is also not as strong as expected. While the actors have good visuals and deliver their roles professionally, the relationship does not develop in a way that creates a powerful emotional connection. The romance feels somewhat predictable and lacks the spark needed to carry the entire drama.

The fashion industry setting had potential, especially with the opportunity to explore creativity, competition, and the reality behind the glamorous world of fashion. However, the drama does not fully utilize this background, making the setting feel more like decoration rather than an important part of the story.

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My personal opinion.

This was a drama that had a lot of expectations surrounding it, especially because it starred two popular actors. The combination of their visuals and the beautiful overseas filming locations created a lot of anticipation, but unfortunately, this drama was simply not my type.

The biggest strength of this drama is its visual presentation. The cinematography is beautiful, with stunning scenery, carefully composed shots, and a very elegant atmosphere. The drama feels like a visual painting, and every scene is aesthetically pleasing.

However, beyond its visuals, I found the story quite difficult to stay engaged with. The pacing is very slow, and the drama relies heavily on atmosphere and emotions rather than a strong plot. Many scenes focus on long conversations, silence, and beautiful imagery, which may appeal to viewers who enjoy slow and poetic romances, but for me, it became boring at times.

The chemistry between Song Hye-kyo and Park Bo-gum is pleasant, and both actors deliver good performances. However, the romance itself feels too idealistic and lacks enough conflict or development to create stronger emotional investment.

The drama has a very calm and mature tone, but that also becomes its weakness. There is not enough tension or momentum to keep the story moving, making some episodes feel longer than they actually are.

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Overrated because of the cast

I was really looking forward to watch this drama, especially because it was Song Hye-kyo first drama after a three year break. At that time, Song Joong-ki was also at the peak of his popularity because of Running Man and his others project, and the drama had an impressive cast. The second female lead also showed a lot of potential, making the series feel like it had everything needed to become a legendary K-drama.

Unfortunately, despite its massive popularity, the drama did not live up to my expectations.

The biggest problem is that the story often feels too cheesy and overly dramatic. Many romantic scenes that were meant to be emotional instead felt unrealistic and sometimes even cringe. For a drama with such a high production value and a cast full of top stars, I expected a more solid and convincing storyline.

The plot also has many weaknesses, especially with its logic and consistency. Several situations feel unrealistic, and there are many plot holes that are difficult to ignore. The drama relies heavily on the charm of the actors and the fantasy of the romance rather than building a truly strong narrative.

The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and the performances are enjoyable, especially during emotional moments. The action scenes and overseas setting also give the drama a grand scale. However, the beautiful visuals and star power cannot completely cover the weaknesses in the writing.

Looking back, I also have mixed feelings about rewatching this drama, especially after everything that happened in Song Hye-kyo's personal life. Sometimes a drama is not only remembered through its story, but also through the memories and emotions attached to the actors behind it. Because of that, this series no longer has the same appeal for me as when I first watched it.

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This drama follows a concept that has become increasingly popular in Korean webtoons and web novel. Regression, returning to the past, and taking revenge using future knowledge. While this type of story was once fresh and exciting, it has now become a very common formula, making the drama feel less unique.

After seeing many webtoons with similar themes, such as characters returning to the past to destroy their enemies, expose corruption, and rise to power, the storyline in this drama feels predictable. Many of the developments can be guessed early, reducing the sense of surprise.

The revenge aspect is entertaining at first, especially when watching the main character use his future knowledge to manipulate situations and gain advantages. However, because the formula is already widely used, the drama needs something more distinctive, stronger character development, deeper moral conflicts, or a more creative approach, to truly stand out.

The legal setting could have been the drama's biggest advantage, but sometimes it feels secondary compared to the regression and revenge elements. Instead of fully exploring the complexity of being a judge and the justice system, the story focuses more on the satisfaction of defeating enemies.

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Ji Sung perfectly portrays a mysterious and charismatic judge whose methods are difficult to predict. His presence dominates every scene, making it easy to stay interested in his character and his hidden motives.

Jin Young also delivers a good performance, creating an interesting contrast with Male lead. Their relationship, filled with suspicion, conflict, and gradual understanding, is one of the main reasons the drama remains engaging.

The visual style is another highlight. The dramatic courtroom scenes, powerful cinematography, and intense atmosphere give the drama a unique identity. The idea of turning justice into a reality show is also a creative concept that reflects issues about public opinion, power, and corruption.

However, the drama starts to lose some of its strength toward the ending. The final episodes feel less satisfying compared to the strong buildup earlier in the series. Some character decisions and plot developments feel rushed, and the conclusion does not fully deliver the impact that the story seemed to be building toward.

The villains also sometimes feel exaggerated, which makes certain conflicts less realistic. While the drama successfully creates a grand and dramatic atmosphere, some parts prioritize style over deeper exploration of the characters and themes.

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