Reviews

Story of Kunning Palace has one of the best pacing of any 2023 drama. The storytelling is intriguing, with suspenseful arcs from the very first episode. The show does a great job of introducing the many characters and establishing their motivations. For the first 30 episodes, the twists and turns, as well as Jiang Xuening's personal growth, captivate the audience. The female friendships are beautiful and the discussion of female power is interesting.

The romance isn't the main focus of most of the show. In the beginning, Jiang Xuening struggles with her best friend's romantic feelings for her, while trying to save him and his family this time. In order to achieve this, she begins to plot with her teacher Xie Wei, but only in the last arc does she develop feelings for him. Instead, she longs for her former love, Zhang Zhe, an upright official with a strong sense of justice. One of the main themes of the show is that Jiang Xuening is not a good person, not in this life and certainly not in her last, but she is trying to be better. While Zhang Zhe is not a good match for her, the scheming and violent Xie Wei is. The story of Kunning Palace is not about love, but about intrigue, friendship, ambition and doing the right thing. It's only in the last 8 episodes that there is a real romance, and then the show loses its intrigue.

I was rooting for them right up until the moment their actual relationship developed. Firstly, I'm generally not a fan of the trope of men forcing themselves on women and women giving in until they like it, even if it's under the influence of trauma. Is it reasonable for his character to react that way? Yes, it is. Did the writers have to make him do it? Absolutely not. Especially when it is all framed as sexual tension. They were great as partners in crime, but at that point, is just using trauma for the sake of drama.

Overall, Bai Lu really stole the show. She was absolutely perfect for the part. As for Zhang Linghe, his performance again lacked nuance, but it was better compared to other shows I have seen so far. As for the side characters, the only other one that really stood out for me was Lui Xiening as Princess Le Yang/ Shen Zhi Yi, as well as the scheming Xue Yuan (by Huang Haibing) and his sister, Empress Dowager Xue (by Liu Min). These two were such great villains!

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The real male lead…

Just finished the drama and saw a few spoilers that broke my heart. Out of the 4 ML I gotta say Xiangliu is the real one. Just based on the name of this drama, FL is bound to lose XL (which he will) and the 相 is the same character as XL’s “Xiang”. He truly loves XY, secretly supported her, willing to sacrifice himself, and never pushed XY into liking him after her rejection. One thing I really like XL is that he seems cold on the outside but is actually a man full of promises and will do anything for FL if she say so. I believe XL was actually the first person XY fell for, in the earlier episodes she was very comfortable and shared a lot of her past experiences with XL, looked for him even though he was abusive and slowly understood that he isn’t that cold blooded and have trouble expressing himself. I felt that after XY expressed her worries and rejected him, XL thought she was scared of him and transformed into FFB to make her happy, which I also think FFB is his true personality and XL was just a shell burdened with the troop responsibilities. FFB had also halfheartedly asked XY a few times to test the water if she wants to leave everything behind and be with him. All these small misunderstandings and chances to be together caused the other ML to take their chance. Cough cough TSJ binding XY with an empty promise and one misunderstanding leads to the next, XY will eventually lose XL forever…

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The story could have done without the jealous stepmother angle

I loved the cast and romance bit of the story. Seo Do Guk is another green flag of a character we got to see this year. He was always looking out for Yi Joo even when she didn't really notice his actions and was drowning in grief. His support through it all made her pull through all the horrible things she went through.

Yi Joo's adopted mother was in a class herself. In the beginning, she was psychopath who decided to toy with her adopted daughter's feelings and later took her life. That was enough, they didn't need to make Yi Joo biological daughter of Jeon Noh Min (adopted father), it was too cliche. That guy got an redemption arc, he purposefully neglected the abuse Yi Joo was put through all these years and then had the guts to deny that Yi Joo was his daughter even when she brought him the proof. The point is he stood by, the bystanders of the abuse make it harder for the victim to trust anyone, a point they failed to focus on.

Yoo Se Hyeok, the ex husband was garbage, like Yi Joo rightfully said. His wife was lying in the hospital bed about to die and he couldn't muster up an ounce of feeling. At the time, all he cared about was his crush on a women who had zero morals. His character was honestly very disgusting . Him begging Yi Joo to forgive him on knees was not even that deep because it lacked sincerity and someone who only apologizes because they are in deep shit.

Saying that, all of these actors did a great job in portraying the characters. I had expected a bit more from Do Guk's grandma ad sister since the cousin made them out to be such difficult characters but his mother made up for that personality. I'm just glad that Yi Joo got her happy ending, she deserved it.

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It's a feel-good fiesta that leaves you cheering for dreams, love, and the Tokyo twilight vibes.

"Yugure ni, Te wo Tsunagu" is like that cozy blanket you never knew you needed. Picture Tokyo, dreams, and a sprinkle of romance—now, you're in for a treat!

**Dreamy Drama Delights:**
Okay, so we've got Soramame and Oto, and they're not your average drama duo. These guys are the cool, independent types, doing their thing and making you root for their dreams. It's not just a slow-burn romance; it's like watching a quirky dance of emotions that leaves you grinning and occasionally yelling at the screen (in the best possible way).

**Crazy Chemistry and Sibling Banter:**
Soramame and Oto don't just have chemistry; they've got a whole lab experiment happening. The banter is like a sitcom, and you're there, sipping your drink, thinking, "Yep, these two are like the drama version of a buddy comedy, but with a side of heart-fluttering moments."

**Dream Support & Denial Circus:**
Ever been stuck in the loop of support and denial? "Yugure ni, Te wo Tsunagu" gets you. It's like watching your friends navigate through love and dreams, and you're on the sidelines, going, "Come on, guys! Figure it out already!" But that's what makes it so darn relatable.

**Atmosphere Vibes and Cinematic Magic:**
The drama has this vibe—like those golden Tokyo evenings, where everything feels just right. The cinematography is like your friend who always takes the perfect Instagram pics. You're low-key jealous but also living for those aesthetically pleasing scenes.

**Jamming to "Life Goes On":**
Let's talk music. "Life Goes On" is not just a theme song; it's the anthem of your feels. Ending credits aren't your cue to grab snacks; they're your front-row seat to a musical journey. And yes, you stay for it every single time.

**Characters that Feel Like Squad Goals:**
The characters are your new squad. Soramame and Oto? They're like the friends you wish you had. With all the side characters character, and it's a diverse party that makes you go, "Yep, this is my kinda crew."


**In Conclusion—It's a Feel-Good Fiesta:**
"Yugure ni, Te wo Tsunagu" is not just a drama; it's a feel-good fiesta with characters that make you laugh, cry, and cheer them on. Despite a few plot potholes, you're on this rollercoaster of dreams and connections, and you're not getting off anytime soon.

In summary, if you want a drama that's part rollercoaster, part cozy night in, "Yugure ni, Te wo Tsunagu" is your golden ticket. It's more than just a show; it's the drama version of your favorite comfort food—a little spicy, a little sweet, and totally irresistible.

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At least this show is not a dog . . . technically

Ok, it pains me to say this but this review will sound like I'm damning it with faint praises.

On the positive column, I wrote handsome OTP, nice chemistry and a decent amount of skinship that doesn't look fake. Some swoon-y moments. Cute dogs.

On the other hand, the A-plot is tropey, same-y. There are awkward and cringey moments and its fair share of plot holes.

However, overshadowing all that is the stretching of the main plot to its limits. When you consider once the OTP comes together, the writer-nim gave us one ep of fan service then parachutes in the old amnesia trope for our edification. It totally killed any forward momentum.

If that is not enough, we also get a couple of eps of historical reenactment, Joseon Style. This is on top of a decent sprinkling of recaps throughout the Show. It is like a trail of breadcrumbs. There were minor twists in the final cut, but they are not shocking. To be honest, you probably have already foreseen it if you know your dramas.

So, we have Fate, sacrifices and an ancient curse, what I'd like to call the three horsemen of k-dramas. It is serviceable but it walks a well-worn path.

The show can still be lifted with a strong finish. Alas, the Show delivered something that is, once again, agreeable but hardly inspiring. Ergo, the curse was lifted with minimal fanfare. The antagonist just disappears without so much as a "Oops, my bad". Oh, the pain suffered by generations of the FL's family. The injustice of it all!

The last ep is total fan service but it doesn't quite stick the landing either. The HEA ending is never in doubt. Everyone gets something, Oprah style. It is cute how they retold the OTP romantic journey in a different context but once you see past the gloss, it is just a storyboard with a highlight reel. Changing the wrapping doesn’t make it a new gift.

Acting is serviceable (where is my thesaurus?) The comedy side is well handled by the cadre of experienced actors in support. The OTP managed the light and fluffy stuff just fine but when the going gets heavy, they can be found wanting. It is par for the course though. BTW, maybe it is just me, but the FL's Joseon character just doesn't feel natural.

This Show is a light and fluffy cloud with a dark lining. It is watchable, undemanding and will occupy your time. A pair of rose tinted glasses will help as well. A one-time watch for me. Peace out.

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too much

the first episode was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever made myself sit through. it was a constant fight to finish and I kept dropping the show.

it took about five episodes for me to see any appeal to tutoryim, though i found leotai a lot more interesting. the script was all kinds of bizarre, the comedy was laid on a bit too heavy for me, and the times I did enjoy anything, it was really just a quick scene and would be over before I knew it.

it may just be that I don’t enjoy this type of comedy, but it bugged me that it had the potential to be a lot better. I do hope to see more of Leo and tai though.

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Very inspiring

Its totally amazing c drama. I love it. In the starting i felt it seems boring but as i continued it becomes very interesting,cool, attractive and inspiring. President lu is amazing. He has talked and took care of ye shilan very nicely. Very understanding and not selfish at all. He is really a man with all qualities. This web series' episodes are made very patiently. Its a romantic drama as well as very much to learn with ye shilan life. The way president lu always explain to dr ye is quite amazing. He always respect his assistant and his colleagues. And his family is also very nice. He tried to keep a good environment in hospital and that is very nice thing he did as a president. He supported ye shilan and always motivate her to be optimistic. And the friend of ye shilan jiajia she is also very interesting character. Her acting is so cute. Her novel are amazing.

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How many spies can you find?

damn ! I miss say that this drama got me sitting on the edge !

The male lead is mathematican, the Chinese government is trying to protect him at all cost because they are trying to make a submarine missile. The Taiwan people are against them, trying to get all their informations making their operation fail. The female lead is a police of the Chinese government. She is one badass cop , who is good at investigating and find information. The second female lead is a nurse.

Initially im thinking why is the Chinese government side always so slow in finding out the identities of the spies that the Taiwanese government sent. Literally so many spies and they are so slow to find the identities.

It mainly revolves around the mining field, the hospital, the police investigating , attempt tries at the submarine.

The later half is definitely better and filled with somethings i didnt expect.

The 2nd female lead's dad was one of my favorite characters, couldnt tell whether he was a good good or bad guy until the end. He really loved his daughter and wanted the best for his daughter.

No romance whatso ever, just flirting that it lol because this drama is not about romance. oddly enough it ends at 38 episodes... they should of have them get together, would of been nice.

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It's good until it reach ending. I don't get both the ending.

this movie have 2 endings. but, I don't really get both the ending. I don't know if I am just dumb, but both the ending is kinda forceful for me. I actually quite enjoy the shows (episode 1 - 15). For episode 17, it's basically just a re-run from previous episodes. I think they want to emphasize the alternative ending.

It's funny and don't have much politic involve even though the setting is in kingdom. It's also a good thing the emperor and empress both are easygoing.

Actress wise, I don't know why, her hairstyle looks so weird. People around her have similar hairstyle, but in my opinion only her hairstyle looks a bit silly. She is pretty, though.

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I just couldn't patiently go through the last 4 episodes...

The first 8 episodes were pretty good... I enjoyed watching and understanding "what would you want to say or do before disappearing from this world?" This drama WILL make you tear up!! And that alone deserves a 7/10.

Unfortunately, the story was lacking some in depth romance and focus... I couldn't understand the story about the pregnant/apple mom... She was murdered? But then this pregnant lady did not care about finding the murderer??! I mean isn't it the first thing you would share to capture the bad guy? To have closure before leaving the world?? I kept waiting for this case to return and have closure but nothing.

The friend turned out to be the evil one but why suddenly so heartless to the FL trying to strangle/kill her?? And then later give her the Micro SD card evidence to prove that he is not a "horrible" person because he actually might turn himself in one day?? Wow. I was somewhat lost like one scene making him evil but then another scene trying to show he's actually not that bad??

I felt asleep and tried so hard to stay awake just to finish the last few episodes but I got so impatient and pretty much fast-fowarded everything to get it over with. Yep, I even didn't care about the death of the FL dad. Fast fowarded the whole entire speech too. It's like this scene was forced to be added to the end of the story just so you can tear up again... But I just didn't care after feeling confused and dissatisfied with many of the dying cases...

And the romance...just not very satisfying... Don't really know what is it that is missing... The kiss scene was alright... No bed scene... Somewhat felt like high school couple... But then, they were supposed to be older? He is a doctor, like 30 years old?? Aaah.... Not very fun to watch for me... So, 7/10...

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THE BEST DATING SHOW EVERRR

This set the golden standard for all dating shows. The simplicity, the tenderness without vulgarity and genuineness makes it special unlike Korean shows where 5 days / 7 days plastic people date for like a minute and then say bye soon after the show ends.

Chinese media should stop their narrow mindset get their content to international audience (subbing, dubbing etc) they've much better content quality wise compared to Korea.
Love Junjun, the music and panel were too notch (prolly the best panel among all seasons the new seasons have few guys in panel who are boring and contribute absolute nothing)?

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