Reviews

A very clever made romantic comedy drama with combined themes

The most important elements in a romantic comedy is the story(setting), the characters(roles and acting) and the theme(s) of the drama(in this case traditional and modern themes combined). All of these elements have a above average score for me. Everything, except for the music, (which does set up the atmospheric tone for any drama) caught my instant attention. I found it harder to skip scenes (and I can be a very impatient viewer) and loved every minute of it, bit to bit. Even rewatched certain scenes because of the references and funny scenes. As a long experienced watcher of k-dramas(especially romcoms), I can say this is one of those iconic and timeless romcoms, just done right with the right flavor of emotion and slapstick humor. It surely will be remembered. So here is my review divided by several important elements:

1. Story

I find it a very interesting storyline and the way it was set up with the setting and the characters, it really brought everything to life. I felt sort of nostalgic because it has this feel good taste to it that reminds me of the older, more iconic romcom dramas from years before, that always remained memorable to me and gave me warm feelings. The story also has much variety in it like comedy, romance, mental issues, superstition and mystery. I look forward to how to the story will continue, but interesting it will be for sure.

2. Characters

Adore the characters, played by very favorable actors who bring their characters to life. It felt like they belong in these roles, and the actors came off authentic and pure in their acting. Until now I can see much chemistry between not just the main leads, but all the characters. I also love the backstories of the characters, they are interesting and original, maybe not too realistic but that would not make it interesting if it was. I look forward to see where it goes from here, but I am very pleased with how the characters are written and shown on screen. I do wish if I must have some criticism in this review, that the main character the king would become more dynamic and come to have more depth and variety to his role. Because in the first two episodes he seemed to be constantly the same and putting out repetitive vibes that could become tiring if it continues like this. But I have hope that this will change.

3. Style of writing and how it played out in the scenes

This sense of style is very interesting to me, it is just the perfect combination of emotional and psychological writing with humor and light hearted scenes. It brings proper balance and makes it feel well rounded and interesting to watch. I can also appreciate the humoristic parts as it makes the heavier parts lighter/ Humor is a double- edged sword in writing. Used well, it elevates your work, creating a connection between you and the reader. A connection between emotion and relatability. It’s a human element that let’s you(as a viewer) be more easily absorbed by the work. Used poorly, it becomes a burden. Because humor is subjective, there is a large risk that we as viewers just won’t get it or won’t like it. The jokes might even fly right over my head. With this drama it dit not even go there and even if I did not get the joke immediately, It was so interesting that I watched the scene again when I did get it. Because I am not korean, and not very familiar with every cinematic work from Korea, some drama’s I just do not get no matter how many times I try to watch it. But this drama does not leave many people out and made it enjoyable so that anyone could get the story(with subtitles ofcourse). Watching earlier works from the same writer can help as well, or seeing as it is an historical romcom, being familiar with the korean traditional culture and superstition can make it more enjoyable. The writing has a lot of unexpected depth to some scenes as well, which makes it feel even richer to watch. There is noting like a comfy night watching a romcom with deep emotions and hilarious moments. The lines were well understood and not too cheesy or repetitive, there was always an element of surprise and variety to what was said and what was going on. Despite the story being a romcom with over exaggerated happenings at times, the lines still felt real and authentic. It fitted the characters well. It had a very rich sense if humor, with surreal humor where it takes advantage of the audience’s expectations and perceptions, flipping them over to create unpredictability. Making use of illogical thinking, absurd characters and events and nonsensical themes. The humor here is derived from the ridiculousness and unrealistic situations created by it’s unpredictability.
Wordplay, as suggested by it’s name, is a form of wit that plays around with the meanings and ambiguities of language for humorous results.

4. What I expect from this series?

Before this came out I initially did not expect much, I did capture my attention and interest as I find these sorts of rom coms with different elements to them very interesting and watchable. I personally do not have much patience so I like that the story keeps me going and keeps my attention. I also enjoy the touch of mystery in it, and the fact that it is an extra point to it and not the main thing, but just all different kind of point brought and set up together, it is very cleverly done and enjoyable to watch. Definitely recommend this series as it is appropriate for several different genres that you may like. I expect it to be endearing and have an unpredictable ending.

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I thoroughly enjoyed it but i do have criticisms

It was a realy good and enjoyable drama that pulled you with each characters story and motivation, making you understand and root for them, aswell as wanting to know more and what would happen next, anticipating for next weeks eps. it had a very strong and unique concept making it stand out 5oother kdramas but im am here writing this as i want to spread awareness, this may be an uncommon opinion but i really disliked how they used DID (previously known as 'multiple personality disorder') it is already such a stigmatised disorder thats heavily vilified by media enough and this does add to it, ppl may not realise this as people often dont know about it and thier main concept is from media which misrepresents it but i wanted to make sure people realise this and do further research onwards, but honestly other than that i really enjoyed the show as well as it depicting a queer characters and the struggles and dangers queer people go through. I rly fell in love with ok chanmi and sooheon, they very well written .

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Good ending

I’m glad it wrapped up without leaving any cliff hanger.
I’m not even mad that they all made up in the end.
I’m just mad that xu banxia had to serve one year also even though her fault was keeping silent about it. Tong should be the one who got full sentence. I hate that she always shoulders everyones mistakes.
Wu didn’t even get sentenced to jail time but he has done worst. LOL wtf is this….

I gave less score because of that and the ex-husband arc was stupid and yet again xu banxia shouldering other peoples fault when it was the ex-husband karma.
The second love line was also annoying. They have communication problem, only telling each other important things at the last minute. Annoying also about the getting pregnant arc. Like if you didn’t want a child use protection!

My only wonder is who ran xu banxia company while she was in prison? Was it zhao lei?

But overall great acting and good drama.

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Blueprint K-romcom

So - Shin Ae Ra and Cha In Pyo married IRL after this drama. They've had a daughter, adopted two girls, and are living happily ever after indeed. Cha In Pyo is living his best life as a poet/author, and Shin Ae ra is just chilling, sometimes goes on TV, sometimes just hanging out with her fellow actress mates.

The drama is only 11 episodes long, as opposed to the usual 16 for an MBC Miniseries. I'd have liked some 5 more episodes for sure, more to that later, but, who am I to complain. We're getting 5 more decades of their cuteness, chemistry and bantering at least.

It's your classic, peak korean 90s romcom. You got the bosses, the workers, the beach trips and camp fires, the biker bois and the Ha Soobin wannabes, you got the poverty and the richness all in one. She - Lee Jin Joo, is poor and works at a clothing store in the department store that he owns. He -Kang Poong Ho , is one heckuva rich boi, playboy, whatever.
He's got another woman, Eun Chae, in his life that he technically still loves? I mean they were together before he left to America to study, but she's from a rich fam too, so, yeah, in the meantime, arranged marriage with business profits, and he loses her to his biggest rival and political/financial enemy, Jung Do il. Doesn't stop him from being controlled by his... um... organ though, LOL. The drama basically revolves around how he manages his two women - one that he used to love but can't anymore, and the one that he wants to love. The two meet too - but Jin Joo's but a salesgirl at a clothing store, so she bows her head.

Also here, kudos to the wholesome writing. No jealousy, no bitching, no "take-your-hands-off-my-man". No abusiveness, no makjang suspense, no anger to be let out. They talk with respect. Jin Joo admires Eun Chae's style, fashion, and elegance, while Eun Chae just wishes to live like Jin Joo for a day. Both address each other with respect and a weird sense of affection, knowing that they won't be an obstacle in each other's paths. And even after Jin Joo and Poong Ho share their first kiss, she adresses him as "Director-nim".

Now there were so many topics discussed apart from the enemies - to - lovers trope that the both leads go through. It's the loveless, slightly abusive marriage that Eun-chae goes through with Do-il. The fact that she has a baby and chances are high it's not his. The fact that he forces himself onto her once too often. The frequent leg shots, her characterisation just show her as what he sees her as - a trophy. An object whose emotions are not to be considered. Her character starts out as the one that a watcher is slightly put off by, but in the end, we cheer for her as she finds her path and breaks free.

It's also the queer-coded character of Jinjoo's department leader, who is affectionately called "Madam Ahjusshi". It's the little office romances that kinda get swept under the rug. It's the authentic portrayal of 90s work culture that did it for me.

As far as the plot progression goes, the enemies to lovers thing doesn't drag on too long, I think we can wait some good few episodes before they kiss (they deffo dated after that ngl), especially with the "stealing the department store from the Kang family" plotline needing to be introduced, as well as the many side characters.

As for acting, Shin Ae Ra SLAYED. She embodied Jin Joo to a tee, and I never cringed at any of her actions at all. Sure, there might have been some scenes where I chuckled at Jin Joo's innocence. Like, no way girlie was THIS sheltered LOL. It's again, a testimony to writers and casting directors picking the perfect person for the role. Cha In Pyo was a literal rookie but got a lead role, and it showed. In the first few episodes, man had no emotions in his voice whatsoever LOL. But he saved Poongho just by his vibe. Same to Lee Seung Yeon, who although slightly better on the acting side, also showed an acting progression as the episodes went on. It just goes on to show that uniqueness in looks and casting is so so needed. All it was was the vibe, the aesthetic of the character that none of the lead actors had to try much to channel it.

Music wise, the theme song is an addictive melody, and the warm fuzzy feels and the basically nonexistent tension make it a great drama to watch during the holidays or with friends, best while a bit drunk, just to enjoy the cheesiness of the 90s in fullest.

The drama is so corny, and yet so loveable, which makes it super rewatchable anytime. All in all, it's the k-romcom blueprint that birthed a star couple in Korea.

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all cliches served in a plate but didn't taste bad

This drama series is surely like all clinches put together and served to the audience but it wasn't bad. Basically there is nothing called story it's like a simple rom com in which a girl meets a guy, fights with him initially then work under him then they fall in love then the anti-fl comes messes up everything and goes away in the last ep. Nothing new.
But this one was cute and funny it didn't get boring despite being super predictable.
The chemistry between the leads was good and the stories 2nd and 3rd leads were also intresting . The characters of ml and fl were pretty much like any other dramas of the same type but here the ml wasn't imported from Antarctica.
Overall there is not much to say abt this one. At the end i can only say that you can watch this one only for some cute,fluffy and funny moments and this one should not be taken seriously basically don't expect much.
U may watch it as a filler or maybe when u don't have anything better to watch.
If it's not exceptional then it is not awful either.

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LLTG : BEST HISTORICAL DRAMA OF 2022

I like this drama, I love this drama, it's as if the drama "the story of minglan" is mixed into this. I like the fierceness of LBY and how witty CSS is. I ike how cool LBY is as a general and as a man, lover and friend. Both CSS and LBY are loyal and protective of the ones they love. I like the way CSS matured and became an adult, I like the costume and the way they fetched their wine with a long spoon before drinking, I like the empress and concubine Yue, I like the emperor so much that he is for real my favourite character from the drama, I also like the grandmother too even her biasness to her youngest son(just not the way she treated CSS and separated her from her family) . I like the little villains court ladies before they all got married. I like how every topic is related to the story, the plots that's the massacre intrigue and mystery, characters and scenes in the drama, each were leading up to somewhere . I like how focus the drama is and nothing was messed up or wasn't cleared up, everything done or said were all connected.
I like how LBY never forgot his goal and got his revenge even if it meant losing the one person he loves most. His main focus has always been avenging his family and didn't stray from the part. I super love this drama and all the characters, because all characters had a role and all played it well. I will forever hold this drama dear to my heart because of the amazing leads. I love LBY two deputies that was always with him come rain or sun, death or life saving situation. I also love the grandmother acting, and while I don't like the way the mother treated her daughter, I'm trying to understand her needs of teaching her how to be a virtual lady even though I think she really had no idea how to do it and never really listened or saw her daughter right in front of her or saw her from other people's perspectives.
I like how the ending was similar to the beginning in the sense of their dressing, for the first episode during the lantern festival LBY first saw her among the crowds wearing a red Robe and him with his black robe but this time they were finally together taking a vow. I like how we finally see the parents and siblings fighting in war, we finally get to see them show us why their were really needed and left CSS at home.
Finally I like how in the last scene the emperor reminded me of why I love him. This is a good drama that made me sad that it ended.

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LLTG: BEST HISTORICAL DRAMA OF 2022

I like this drama, I love this drama, it's as if the drama "the story of minglan" is mixed into this. I like the fierceness of LBY and how witty CSS is. I ike how cool LBY is as a general and as a man, lover and friend. Both CSS and LBY are loyal and protective of the ones they love. I like the way CSS matured and became an adult, I like the costume and the way they fetched their wine with a long spoon before drinking, I like the empress and concubine Yue, I like the emperor so much that he is for real my favourite character from the drama, I also like the grandmother too even her biasness to her youngest son(just not the way she treated CSS and separated her from her family) . I like the little villains court ladies before they all got married. I like how every topic is related to the story, the plots that's the massacre intrigue and mystery, characters and scenes in the drama, each were leading up to somewhere . I like how focus the drama is and nothing was messed up or wasn't cleared up, everything done or said were all connected.
I like how LBY never forgot his goal and got his revenge even if it meant losing the one person he loves most. His main focus has always been avenging his family and didn't stray from the part. I super love this drama and all the characters, because all characters had a role and all played it well. I will forever hold this drama dear to my heart because of the amazing leads. I love LBY two deputies that was always with him come rain or sun, death or life saving situation. I also love the grandmother acting, and while I don't like the way the mother treated her daughter, I'm trying to understand her needs of teaching her how to be a virtual lady even though I think she really had no idea how to do it and never really listened or saw her daughter right in front of her or saw her from other people's perspectives.
I like how the ending was similar to the beginning in the sense of their dressing, for the first episode during the lantern festival LBY first saw her among the crowds wearing a red Robe and him with his black robe but this time they were finally together taking a vow. I like how we finally see the parents and siblings fighting in war, we finally get to see them show us why their were really needed and left CSS at home.
Finally I like how in the last scene the emperor reminded me of why I love him. This is a good drama that made me sad that it ended.

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Twists and turns around every corner and an ending that leaves you with your jaw on the floor. A creepy hostel where everyone in it is harboring some dark secret or evil side of themselves, but inside there are no rules. Yoon Jung-Woo moves in and slowly begins his decent into madness.

--Spoilers Below --

Yoon Jung Woo when he's first introduced is a handsome, smart guy who is pursuing a job in tech. His girlfriend lives in a different city and is working for a large company. Jung Woo finds everyone in the hostel creepy and somewhat strange, but cannot find another place cheap enough, so he stays there. He slowly begins making friends with some of his neighbors, particularly a handsome dentist: Seo Moon Jo. As the months go by, Jung Woo finds his life dreary and finds everyone around him annoying and beneath him. His coworker speaks down on him, but is secretly a pervert. His boss who is supposed to be his friend... is trying to steal his girlfriend behind his back. He cuts every one off and begins spending more time with Moon Jo. Their relationship, although odd, was one of my favorites in the show. As more and more time progresses and the longer Jung Woo stays in the hostel, the more his mind goes crazy. It's hard to tell what's real and not real and in the end, he's the one who pays the price fully.

Seo Moon Jo is a serial killer who has been hiding in hostels with other killers moving around for years. He works as a dentist for his ordinary life and comes home to the hostel and is cannibal by night. He found solace in Eom Bok Soon and they begin running the hostel together as a cover for killing and eating people. They kill tourists and random people who come through, never being enough evidence for the hostel to be considered or they leave before the cops can come for them. He is more controlled with his killing and methodical and also wants to find a prodigy to pass on his talents and live on in them. Moon Jo slowly brainwashes Jung Woo and falls in love with him, making him do whatever he wants, and Jung Woo not even knowing. He knows what Jung Woo is capable of and brings it out of him. Towards the end as the cops zero in, he gets Jung Woo to kill him and completing his wish of living on inside of Jung Woo's mind.
I loved his character and the way Lee Dong Wook played him. Such a dark and evil character, but has such a charisma that even pulls you in as a viewer.

-- End of Spoilers --

I didn't care for the cop side of the story at all because the more interesting side of the story was in the hostel, in my opinion. I skipped through most of it and stuck with watching the main plotline. Other than that, I would say it's not one that you would be able to re-watch since the main mystery and thrill is gone, but it's still a great, easy, short watch.

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Uhh...

Oh god! It's an amnesia drama, the most intense kind too. It feels like the humans who worked on this dram come from an alternate reality or a parallel universe. This drama by far had the highest concentration of "buffoonery" in any makjang out there. Zero chill, ridiculous over the top and a "bruh moment" every other scene. All in all, not in a good way because this is the only thing the drama had going on for it, that is to throw as much makjang elements as fast as possible. The writer/director were speed running any% no-loot the human brain tolerance to "bullshit receptivity". Anyway, wouldn't recommend.

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This is a very low quality drama. The cinematography, costumes, plot, and acting are really subpar. Although the main leads have shown better acting skills than the rest of the cast, there is not a single actor that can be singled out as having done a great portrayal of his/her character; possibly the worst are the actors that are doing the parents’ roles. Some reviewers have said that the drama is cute and great; but REALLY, don’t waste your time on this one. SPOILER: And what is that ending all about? Cliffhanger of her sister coming back hinting at a second season? Is she going to take her place now? JUST FOOD FOR THOUGHT! It will be terrible to continue with this series, get the main leads into another drama to give them a better acting opportunity!

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You will never regret watching this

probably the best drama I have seen and in 2022
saw this trailer from my YouTube recommendations and spark my attention. waited for 2 months for it to come out as expected it didn't disappoint me. This story plot is so interesting and gives off the fresh youth vibe. The acting was so on point that I fell for both the male and female leads not to mention the villians also did very great. The set up to gao jian hong arc is very understandable and realistic. The music choice for this song is SO SO NICE and the fact that the side cast sang it makes it even better. I love the casting for this drama , Chen feiyu did a amazing job potraying li xun and so is Zhang jingyi I can literally see zhuyun in her. I have finish watching this drama almost about 2 weeks ago 😭 still not over it. I am planning to rewatch it again soon. BUT THIS IS SUPER RECOMMENDED

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A punishment given to a woman who commits the ultimate sin. She is to run a bar and help as many people as she can get over their hardships through their dreams. If you're looking for a heartfelt, subtle romance, and found family tropes then this is the one for you! The ending is very happy and leaves you feeling very satisfied with the whole show. I could watch this one over and over with how much I fell in love with all of the characters and their bar.

-- Spoilers Below --

Wol Joo is probably one of my favorite characters out of any kdrama I've watched so far. She's so strong, confident and stubborn, but can come off rude to others. She is very strong in her hatred for all people, this due to her terrible past, which led to her suicide. Now, she has to run a bar and help the very people she hates: Humans. Along the series, you slowly watch her open up and learn that things get better and to truly accept her feelings. You learn that her and Chef Gwi were actually supposed to be together in their past lives and now finally get to be together in their present while still running the bar. The slow burn and realization of their feelings was one of the best parts of the show, but didn't overpower any of the ongoing story already. Her relationship with Han Kang-Bae is so cute and I loved seeing her journey to actually getting to see her child and correct his soul. She took him in without even knowing it and to watch the 3 of them get closer was the best.

Han Kang-Bae has had a "power" or a curse as he would probably say that when he touches someone they have to tell him everything wrong going on in their lives. It's drained him from all of these years and he avoids any physical touch with anyone due to it becoming a huge problem. He finds it hard to build relationships and only really has a few friends from work. He lives a mundane life and eventually comes across the pop-up bar. You watch him slowly come to terms with his power and learn how it can actually be used for the better and can also help the bar as well. He also becomes super close with Wol Joo and Chef Gwi, learning that she is his mom, the ending becomes super perfect when he realizes her sacrifies were not in vain and they can continue to live happily together and continue to help people. He eventually also finds love with a security guard he meets on one of the calls for the bar and then eventually while she starts working at the store. She is immune to his touch powers which makes it easy for him to actually open up and be around her genuinely without the trauma dumping.

I do wish there was more of the storylines with Chef Gwi's backstory (even though his is technically tied with Wool Joo's) and definitely more with Kang Yeo-Rin. Both of their characters were so likable and played such great supporting actors that it left me wanting more from them! Especially after the romance between Yeo-Rin and Kang-Bae sparks up. I loved them together so much and same for Chef Gwi and Wool Joo. All relationships in the show are so close and sweet that it made it an even better watch. The chemistry between all of them was incredible.

Will definitely be re-watching this one and it quickly became a favorite of mine.

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