Reviews

hidden gem alert

i genuinely think the past couple of months have been one of the best kdrama eras we've had in a while because why is every drama suddenly so GOOD again?? and then there's reborn rookie, a drama i found completely by accident while doomscrolling. i clicked because the synopsis sounded fun, expecting nothing more than a silly body-swap comedy. little did i know i was about to find one of the biggest hidden gems of the year. this drama perfectly balances comedy with corporate politics, family drama, mystery, and just a tiny pinch of romance at the very end. every week i kept asking myself, "okay... but how are they gonna land this ending?" because body-swap stories can go downhill REAL fast. but nope. they actually pulled it off. i know it's adapted from a popular webtoon, but after hearing people's say about the original ending... yeah, i think the drama version is way better. the changes just make more sense and give everyone a much more satisfying conclusion.

the story follows kang young ho, the chairman of chaesong, who suddenly swaps bodies with young football player hwang jun hyeon after a car accident secretly caused by his own twin sons. and honestly? watching this old chairman casually speedrun rookie office life inside a young athlete's body was comedy gold. but underneath all the laughs, the drama slowly uncovers how terrifyingly greedy and cruel his own children have become, and that part hit harder than i expected. my biggest concern was definitely kang bang geul's crush on hwang jun hyeon because... WE knew that was technically her dad inside that body. i was stressing so bad wondering how the writers were gonna fix that without making it weird. thankfully, they cooked. after everyone returned to their original bodies, it turned out the real hwang jun hyeon had already fallen for bang geul while visiting kang young ho during his coma, so their relationship still worked naturally. and PLEASE... those last two minutes??? i was fully ready for the credits, then suddenly ITZY's Ryujin showed up out of nowhere and hwang jun hyeon ended up swapping bodies AGAIN. i actually laughed out loud. what an unserious way to end such a satisfying finale.

and can we PLEASE give lee jun young his flowers?? because wow. he wasn't just playing two characters—he was playing two completely different souls, and i could immediately tell who was who just from his expressions, body language, and the way he talked. that's insane. everyone else delivered too, from the main cast to the supporting characters, and even the villains were so good at making my blood boil. the writing stayed solid for all six weeks, the directing never lost its momentum, and every episode was just... FUN

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They Didn't Fail. They Just Didn't Succeed.

Disclaimer: I cried SO MUCH watching this that I don’t even know why myself. Please keep in mind that I just finished the series, so I’m feeling a little emotional. With that in mind, let’s get started.

Kasuga Yuma (Ito Kentaro) and Hasegawa Itsuki (Sato Kanichiro) are a gay couple who recently went viral in an interview about co-parenting. With the popularity the couple achieved, a proposal came up to make a documentary about their dynamic as a couple. The problem? They had actually broken up a while ago.

My goodness, what an important series! At its core, it’s a slice-of-life show, filmed to some extent like a sitcom (like *The Office*), because it mimics a documentary, I personally thought that was a brilliant idea. Setting aside technical aspects and performances, which, by the way, were flawless, I have no negative criticism, not only for the protagonists Kentaro and Kanichiro, who made me rethink the nature of all the relationships around me, but also for Narumi Yui and Nomura Masumi, who played Shiho and Naomi, respectively. They didn’t just act; they did so with excellence, highlighting how patriarchy affects women in the workplace in a unique way.

IN SHORT

The protagonists’ relationship which, by the way, initially seemed to suggest they would indeed end up together proved to be something so complex and delicate in and of itself, culminating in a line Itsuki said in the final episode:
“The people who will shape the world are those who yearn to live in the light.”
And that alone defines the series; their dialogues when they’re alone lead us to understand that there’s no right or wrong in this story, they just didn’t work out. In the end, when they both talk about the relationship they had, and as shown in the scenes that unfolded there was indeed affection between them. Itsuki was built to live one day at a time, while Yuma lived several days ahead; he wanted his place in the sun as a “””””””””normal””””””””” person, so to speak; he wanted to get married and start a family. In the end, it becomes clear that Itsuki isn’t the kind of person who worries about what he’ll have for dinner the next day, but even so, he sacrificed a lot in terms of his lifestyle. Over the course of six episodes, we got to see what their relationship was like before all this happened; we could see the difference in their approaches to life. Everything became very clear, and I think that really impacted me, because it wasn’t the kind of thing I expected to see.

From what I’ve said, you can tell that I really liked Itsuki’s character, because as he himself said, Yuma is an ordinary person even if he doesn’t want to believe it. But Itsuki isn’t like that, he’s afraid of being forgotten, even if he hasn’t admitted it in those exact words; he lives one day at a time. And he doesn’t feel the need to fight for a collective; he just wants to live his little life, he’s minding his own business. Personally speaking, I appreciate people like that in real life and, eventually, the characters who represent them.

I think the line “We’d never work out. Because the things I want to throw away are the things he wants to carry” suggests that they tried, and in the end, it’s okay that it didn’t work out. The series almost seemed to convey the message that, just because we share the same letter in the LGBT acronym doesn’t mean we’ll work out. Shared suffering is also part of who we are.
10/10

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A Ticket Well Spent

By the final episode, Ticket to Heaven doesn't so much wrap up as it settles — quietly, gently, like the last candle going out after evensong. Tanrak and Barth's journey from wary strangers to something far deeper never loses sight of what the series was really banging on about: that faith and love aren't natural enemies, whatever the seminary walls might suggest.
The ending doesn't dodge the hard stuff either. Both lads have paid a price to get here — Barth with his broken family, Tanrak with his crisis of conscience — and the show has the good sense not to paper over that with a tidy bow. Instead, it offers something a bit more honest: the sense that they've earned their peace, rather than simply been handed it.
For a six-episode run, it punches well above its weight. It's not perfect — a longer series might've let a few of the quieter moments breathe a touch more — but as a piece of storytelling about first love, faith, and finding your own version of heaven, it lands its ending with real conviction. A proper lump-in-the-throat finish, and no mistake.

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My first K Drama - - Loved it!

Not going to lie - this was a show that I almost gave up on after episode 1 of Part 1. SO glad I gave it another chance because it's going in my top five. The action in Ep 1 was super cool but they throw a LOT of history at you right at the beginning and it took awhile to get to the fun part. Do give it a chance though because it gets better.

It ticked all my drama boxes; cute MLs, fantasy/magic, good music, interesting story, fun characters - it made me LOL a lot (mid Part 1 and lots of Part 2) - - I was laugh barking so loud, I scared my cat.

Also - you can totally make a drinking game with this show! (Semi-spoilers ahead)
- Every time there's a montage
- One of the characters cries
-Slow motion walk
- The Prince sighs and looks thoughtfully "Hmm"
- Jung Uk MAKES AN ENTRANCE (Part 2)

I read somewhere that someone suggested to skip Part 2 - - - So glad I gave it a shot because I liked it more than the first part!

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First of all, I know I'll say things that most people aren't going to agree with, and that's fine! Everyone has their own opinions.

The first thing that's impressive about the series is that it's well made. And made with deep care. There are some beautiful scenes, and it's one of the most delicate series in terms of working with more than just words. A lot of BL series focus heavily on dialogue, making sure every point is made super clear… because, let's be honest, the average BL spectator isn't educated in audiovisual, which is fine, but they don't appreciate it as much when things aren't spelled out for them, when it's not screamed and handed to you. When it's not about NCs and boys making out.

TTH isn't like that… for me, it's about what's not said, it's about feelings, and there are some scenes with amazing photography and framing.

I think the visual language is the highlight of the series. Actually, thinking about it more, it doesn't have that much dialogue? Which is something I liked and, at the same time, didn't like. There are parts I would have liked differently, but overall, it's not something I can just call good or bad… it depends. I think it's definitely interesting, though, and very well constructed.

The directing is on point, that's not the problem for me here. The problem for me is more in the screenwriting. I didn't like the way things were organized… not exactly the development, because my problem with the development in the series isn't the narrative itself, it's more about the development of the characters. Well, not the development itself, LOL, but the lack of development.

I hate that we get to the last episode and Tanrak is still the same boy with the same questions… like, 30 years after meeting Barth and being together, he's still stuck suffering in his guilt? And Barth too?

I also don't like how the episodes were structured. In the last episode, a bunch of things happen. And from episode one to five, we have development in a proper structure, then we get to this last episode and it's just a bunch of scenes, time skips, and things happening, with a lot being left unsaid. I understand it's a stylistic choice, but… idk, it doesn't make sense to me. I didn't like it.

But the acting… Fourth, why are you the best of your generation? Gemini is also good and does wonderful work, but Fourth is extraordinary. It's insane. This boy is SO talented and he gets so immersed in his characters, he's so so so talented.

Overall, it's a good series, but I think toward the end they got a little lost in it.

An additional observation, and this one is very, very personal: I understand that this was a very personal work for Aof (the director), since he is Catholic and gay and still attends church. Of course, that's understandable… the whole point of view he's coming from. It's a specific and personal view. I just can't say I liked it, because I understand his point of having faith and hope, and it's beautiful and bright, I understand that he wants to lean more toward the cheerful, brighter side of things. It's just… utopic.

As a queer person who grew up in a Catholic church, in a Catholic family, it feels almost utopic to me… completely unrealistic in some parts. Some of it leans more toward propaganda, and I have strong, bad feelings about that. It was a beautiful, well-made series despite the issues I've already mentioned, it isn't a bad work as a whole piece, but this "detail" bothers me a lot. I can't ignore it.

But this is a very personal critique, because I also understand that it's a personal work he's doing based on his views and his beliefs, and he made that clear the whole time. I can just say I don't like this detail (it isn't a minor detail, but I do understand that it's a very personal point of view).

So… yeah.

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Full of Betrayals

I waited until this drama finished airing before starting it, and I'd say it was definitely worth the wait. It was fun, entertaining, and kept me engaged from beginning to end.

I'm the type of viewer who relies heavily on the first episode. If Episode 1 doesn't hook me, it's usually hard for me to continue the rest of the series. Thankfully, this drama gave me exactly what I was looking for right from the start.

First of all, I have to commend the Yulivia team and Director Lee for their excellent teamwork. I really enjoyed their dynamics, and they worked so well together that it became one of my favorite aspects of the show.

I also felt sorry for the twins. I honestly thought the drama wouldn't give Jae Gyeong a redemption arc, but after watching the finale, I think she genuinely regretted everything she had done. As for Jae Seong, I found it difficult to trust him for most of the series, but I'm glad he eventually made the right choices for himself.

This drama was filled with betrayals, bribery, and constant twists, I don't think I've watched another series with this many people double-crossing each other.

The only thing that didn't really work for me was Na Eun Se as the main villain. She didn't leave much of an impact, and honestly, the final five minutes of the finale surprised me more than the reveal of who killed the chairman. That twist felt more memorable than the actual murder mystery, but that's just my opinion.

I also couldn't help but laugh at the way Kang Bang Geul liked Hwang Jun Hyeon. Despite knowing HJH is the chairman and is KBG's father, their chemistry was surprisingly hard to ignore. I had to keep reminding myself that they weren't meant to be a couple because some of their scenes unintentionally made me think otherwise.

Overall, I really enjoyed this drama. It had plenty of funny moments that balanced out the suspense, although I have to admit that all the business terms and corporate politics were sometimes difficult to follow. Still, they didn't stop me from enjoying the story.

In the end, this was a very entertaining watch with a strong opening, a lovable team, and enough twists to keep me guessing until the end. It may not be perfect, but it's one of those dramas that's easy to binge once you get into it. If you enjoy mystery, crime, and corporate power struggles mixed with humor, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.

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Sensitive and fun. A whole mix of emotions!

It's a very interesting story, and differently from most GMMTV series, it's about an already established couple and also, a couple of adults.

This series is not exactly about their development as a couple (though they do have some development), but more as individuals. How they can grow together, heal their traumas (and ofc, this does affect the growth of their relationship).

It's very well made OMG THE COSTUMES 🤏🏻 it's sooo cute, their clothes were like adorable. Every set was so cutely decorated.

And everyone delivered SUCH good acting. Seriously, ofc it has to be Santa doing Sun/Solar bcs who else has this boyish-ness like him? I wouldn't buy it if it were anyone else. This character was MADE for him. Perth is such a good actor too.

It's a beautiful storyline, but it does have some… holes? In the narrative. Some things are left without proper development. It's still enjoyable but I can't ignore it.

But definitely very well made and the struggles with mental health were addressed properly and with care. I do wish that they would have had more of the psychiatrist and therapists, though.

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SWL

What a drama!! First few episodes were like a fever dream. Finally, Song Wei Long gets a good chance to show his acting prowess and Zhang Jing Yi fit right into this angsty fast moving plot. Solid acting . Dark 90s hood atmosphere appreciated. If the intensity keeps up, this could be an unforgettable romance.
Initial episodes had shadows of Speed and Love but i must say by the end of it, the editing team did a great job of doing away with anything that might have reminded us of SAL again.

Update episode 23-
Great music!
It has fizzled out as fast as it heated up. First half of this drama was brilliant. Should have kept the tone but they didn't, reeled us in and then left us out to dry! Well, the ride up was really fun .

Update episodes 27-32-
Excellent end to the story, a complete plot with the whole smuggling arc coming to a closure. CP finally leaning in with complete trust and disclosure and embracing each other fully. Our inspector ml getting justice for his fiancee was emotional as well. I liked that everybody ml, his friends, tu chi, everyone got to get together.
Hints of feelings from those initial episodes return momentarily reminding us of the great start this drama had. Congratulations to the team for this beautiful execution and music.

Why i didn't raise the rating is because humans are emotional fools and we don't like peaceful resolutions, we need passion and fire till the very end in all aspects of life, a bowl of noodles needs to have the same intensity as the new pool room setup, something the drama did not offer in full. A minor personal quirk.

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Novel - Reading the novel was not a good experience, their relationship is shown to be dysfunctional, toxic and violent, not just dark and sad. Agression, codependent survival and PTSD like behavior is a big motif throughout. These kids developed unhealthy coping mechanisms continuing cycles of rejection and resentment to detached surviving and disconnection, they never witnessed loving relationships, and lacked adult guidance. The male protagonist is filled with hate resentment while the female lead is in Survival mode, developing a Stockholm like complex being the younger more vulnerable one. Their situation is horrifying. Moreover, author has a strong desire to focus on their sibling type of relationship, instead of moving away from it. I am glad the drama has steered away from these core problems in the novel, and chosen not to fetishize their situation like the author did.

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such a fun and unique dating show!!

firstly i really like the set up of the dating show. Normally all other dating shows are the same 1 island with 8 people on it that 'fall in love' and while that is fun it gets boring. I like the new fun concepts like blind date in bed. While the isolated cabin videos can be compared to normal dating shows I do still think they are different and engaging enough for you to watch without getting bored. Not to mention the supppeerrr funny hosts, i can't get enough of their jokes they are actually so real and make the best jokes. I'm so excited to see the next eps (i'm writing this while wiating for the new ep) >.<

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THIS WAS SO GOOD! MAJESTIC SERIES!

I love this series it was very good and GeminiFourth always so good. The story, plot, characters, ost especially sooo good, etc. 💯/10

I predicted that Kongdech would be the one to became priest of not Tanrak 😭😔 it turned out to ne true 😢💔

I could have liked a sad ending where Tanrak chose to be a priest and forgets about Barth but they always like good ending that bitter sad ending ones...

Special mention I really loved the ost so catchy specially the intro or opening song sooo goood the choir versio chills and the duo of Tanrak and Barth singing omgosh heaven sent like HEAVENLY 😇

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This was beautiful

I didn't plan to write a review for this serie bcz i felt i wouldn't find best words the express my thoughts and feelings, so this might be messy
I loved the show, every minute of it, the storytelling, cinematography, symbolism, the songs,, dialogues acting, everything was perfect, this is gemini fourth best acting performance, bcz i felt its tanrak and barth bought to live,

We watched the journey of both, the struggle between, love, life, and religion

Barth who was angry at god bcz of what he went through from his family, he couldn't let that anger go till he met his mom, one of best scene in serie btw, asking her of she loved him as she love god and she said the words he needed the most

Tanrak, who imo never wanted to be a priest even before barth coming into picture, to me he was seeking love, the family he lost, he found that in god, father and his friend, he lived his life on one goal and its to die and go to paradise, he didn't have any other dream or purpose in life, barth was the love he tried to fight, his battle against himself, his guilt and fear, we lived that with him throughout the serie, the scene when father hugged him after years to let go was heartbreaking, bcz it took him years and he never forgave himself but he never regretted his decision.

I want to praise acting once again, and everything about this show

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