Reviews

It is unfortunately not for me....

Hate to be a wet blanket but whew I have many thoughts and this will be long. The writers of this drama were incredibly confident, to say the least, but the numerous issues presented throughout the show were astounding. You Raise Me Up was something that intrigued me due to the more mature plot. The trailer made it seem like it was quirky and creative and I will say, it most certainly was different, hence the reason why I picked it up to begin with. It’s not every day you see a kdrama discuss sexual topics such as erectile dysfunction, especially in a comedic way. Unfortunately, I did not find myself laughing as much as I had hoped. If anything, I was deeply disturbed by the direction this show went.

Before I immediately jump into the negatives(which will be a lot) I want to at least discuss what I actually did like. The show definitely wasn’t boring and because it was short, it was very easy to get through. I also thought Hani and Yoon Shi Yoon did a great job, especially Shi Yoon. Yong Shik was such a lovely guy, and I really enjoyed how he brought this character to life. The pain he was feeling was real, and his low self-esteem was relatable. Overall, I am a sucker for soft male leads and he definitely fits the bill. I also really REALLY enjoyed the two lead’s chemistry(though there are power dynamics I did not like, which I’ll discuss later) and thought they were great together. It didn’t feel awkward or forced, and I genuinely found myself smiling from here and there during their scenes. The acting for the most part was pretty good so I don't have a single complaint in that department.

Another thing that I did like to an extent was the general idea of YRMU. The show was clearly trying to push some boundaries in the kdrama landscape, and I can appreciate what the writers were attempting to do. It’s not common to see a drama about a young man with erectile dysfunction who also has an obsession with pink and pretty much hates his entire life because of it. Quirky dramas have come out before, obviously, but they’re considered quirky for a reason. I was excited about how this was going to go and how Hani’s character, Ru Da, would fit into all of this, but that’s pretty much when it begins to enter a territory that I am not entirely happy with.

Medical malpractice is huge in this show, and I tried to excuse it at first because it is fiction, and kdramas are known for glamorizing poor work ethics, but for some reason, it really bothered me here. It all starts when Ru Da makes a bet with her boyfriend that she can “fix” Yong Shik in order to get back at said boyfriend for essentially not being a great partner. She wants to show him that she can find someone much better than him, and overall, it makes me feel icky. Bad enough romance is going to take place between a doctor and a patient, but then they also wanted to add in not one, but two, of these very doctors conspiring against our male lead just so they can be petty and spiteful; I say they because Ru Da’s boyfriend, Ji Hyuk, is no angel. He takes Yong Shik as a patient for a short period of time and within that time manages to purposefully humiliate him in front of Ru Da, air out confidential information, and continuously states that he is hopeless and pathetic(this man is supposed to be a therapist by the way).

What really grinds my gears is the fact that neither of them suffers any consequences for their actions. Yong Shik finding out that she was only helping him because of a bet was incredibly anti-climactic. He not only forgives her that very same episode but then he implies at the end of the show that he was only upset because he liked Ru Da and not because they were literally fucking with him and his treatment. Both Ji Hyuk and Ru Da apologize but there was no reason to add in such conflict to begin with if these two characters had nothing to lose and if no consequences were going to take place. I understand that Yong Shik is a forgiving person(and a doormat ahem ahem)but it would have been nice to see Ru Da actually work for forgiveness. I am trying to be more understanding since the show was only 8 episodes, but I can’t help but think about how they could’ve gone about this differently if they felt the need to cram the show with medical malpractice every chance they get.

Personally, all of this is what makes the romance undeserving and incredibly uncomfortable. There is an obvious power dynamic between Yong Shik and Ru Da as she is his doctor and he is her patient. It was hard to ignore this brutal fact considering all she put him through beforehand. Despite the fact that they very much did have chemistry, it was completely shattered by the way YRMU went about telling this story. Yong Shik was not in the best place mentally and was clearly suffering from depression and possibly even anxiety and/or OCD. To see Ru Da use Yong Shik, speak harshly towards him when he isn’t making progress at the pace she’d like, and then get romantically involved with him while still treating him just disgusted me and I couldn’t get past this fact, no matter how strong their chemistry was. Even the way she guilt trips him and calls him pathetic, yet again, to continue receiving treatment from both her and Ji Hyuk(who he felt extremely uncomfortable around)was awful.

The way suicide was handled also made my skin crawl, especially because so many kdramas are incredibly ignorant when it comes to this topic and how it works. The way Ru Da tried to shame Yong Shik for wanting to take his life and hammering home the very things he already knew was very nasty. Suicide is not selfish, it’s not meant for someone to be pitied and it is a very real and serious issue that is more common than many realize. If YRMU wanted to address mental health, I am not understanding why they couldn’t do actual research and why they wrote the doctors as unprofessional, uneducated, and apathetic. It was beyond frustrating how the entire premise of the show is about Yong Shik overcoming his trauma, seeking help for his mental health, and finding the underlying cause of his erectile dysfunction, and yet, not a single writer knows a single thing about any of these topics.

Also, Yong Shik's character development for an 8 episode drama was almost nonexistent. The show decided to cram almost everything pertaining to him healing into the last 2 episodes, especially in the very last episode. He mainly stays consistent throughout the drama and the constant self-pity and deprecation became incredibly old by the 5th episode. As much as I rooted for him, it was hard to continuously feel bad when he was like this for the entire show. Pacing can be difficult when you only have so many episodes to work with, I get it, but what was the point of writing a drama about a man overcoming mental health in order to help with his erectile dysfunction if we weren't really going to get any of that?

There were a few other issues such as the subtle transphobia thrown in for laughs and the plot being a general mess, but I am not surprised considering the nature of YRMU in its entirety. It was clear that the writers were overly confident and that they wanted to make something that would stand out in an oversaturated industry; it felt as though they were trying to make a less offensive and more palatable version of Backstreet Rookie, which is a very loose comparison(very, very, VERY, loose), but you get the point I’m trying to make. *sigh* A lot of kdramas that follow this specific genre tend to be extremely hit or miss and it is difficult to find a good one. I was just really hoping this wouldn't be one of them.

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SUGARED FRIENDSHIP & LOVE?

This drama has a heart-warming glow of romance brought by these 3 couples and an awesome kind of friendship which somehow relates me with my 2 buddies girls Krisya and Grasya?. Whenever one of them is in a bad state, everyone did not missed a single chance to give comfort, encouragement, and support despite their busy schedule of their work. These 3 bestfriends may vary in terms of their personalities but they have only one common and that is how they firmly expresses their love towards their partners. As I've further watched the episodes, I cannot supress my laughter especially in the middle of the night that I almost forgot everyone's already at their own deep slumber?. The love story of these 3 couples is just like an ordinary one in real life who also experienced disapproval of parents, break ups, arguments, sweetness and chessy lines, and the most exciting part is 'marriage'. The last episode really made me laugh so hard seeing Zing Li and Ma Yi Yi crying out loud as they've witness the wedding of their friend Wu Ying, so childish.......indeed they're really bestfriends. There's no heavy conflict present here only a light one, it is purely sweet romance with inclusion of craziness. Anyway, thank you for bringing another good drama that I can add on my list.❤❤❤

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Both male and female lead is a visual, however, the chemistry was not that good. This is because of how the story perceives of the female lead as an overwhelming one. She may be trouble-making, impatient, but the antagonist in the story really did their part well. The story also discusses a social issue -- corruption, hierarchy, and such. Thus, it is actually very interesting

Watching this is like a set of Healer. I also recommend watching that after this or before this!

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The Most Heartfelt Bl Korean Highschool Drama

At first when i started watching this it's full of second-hand embarrassment ? then it's straight to comedy scene that keep me watching this without skipping any moment. As the lover of angsty+hate to lover dramas(or it's just SW being a tsundere?) this is really what i will put in top list of bl drama ! the heartfelt content it makes me fully awake with big eyes even its 5 in the morning ? they are so goddamn cute especially the main couple♡ there's so much more i want to say but words can't I really describe how much precious and gold this is! overall I'll give 10/10! reallyyy worth the time(≧▽≦*)

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10 lifetimes and an inch of hope

This series may be long but it is definitely worth to watch. Honestly, I watched this three times because I could not move on easily. The story, characters, cinematography and everything else is top notch. The male lead gave too much emotion to the audience, shedding a lot of tears were a part of binge watching this series. The chemistry between male and female lead is too precious.

This is a heart wrenching and full of plots story but has a happy ending.

This is too beautiful to just put in words, I recommend watching it for you would also feel it yourself.

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Entertaining without cheap thrills

A light comedy with a fine cast (except, perhaps, for Nishino Nanase, who appears a bit weak and timid to look like a police officer). The scene in the first episode when the station chief does his routine inspection of the men and women under his command is hilarious. Toda Erika has the maturity of age and looks to be convincing as the stern but caring training officer, and Nagano Mei is refreshing as the starry-eyed rookie. The narration takes the form of her letters to her father and has the authenticity of inner thoughts confided by a daughter. Muro Tsuyoshi is always good in his quiet, withdrawn way that combines affection and distance, wisdom and cynicism. Miura Shohei and Yamada Yuki also perform well and add a comic touch to many of the situations. Kudos also to the direction and editing that make it an endearing series.

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The most romantic drama I’ve watched yet

Omg I LOVEEEEED this drama! I’m a huge yang yang fan ever since love O2 … i didn’t think he cld top that drama. BUT THIS IS JUST AS GOOD, maybe even better! I love healthy realistic love stories without the unnecessary melodrama … and this fit the bill 100%. We see this mature couple advance from crush to friends to finally long distance dating, live in dating and then married. Just like a normal modern day couple. and then the witty banter and chemistry is off the charts! You don’t need rom com tropes and unnecessary melodrama when the writers know how to entertain an audience with conversations. It’s funny it’s romantic. It’s so feel good and swoon worthy. I loved every second. I’ll be back to watch again! HATS OFF TO THE WRITERS for crafting such a refreshing healthy modern love story!

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Do you trust BKK Ambulance Service

Great start. The trailer will pull you right into it.. The story was about a young man's investigation into the dealings of a dirty volunteer ambulance service. With the help of a young reporter, they ventured into the dungeon of death to find the truth. Once you have caught your breath after the first episode, the pace then slowed down. I feel it could press on and chase the story. But to the director's credit, it picked up well in the second half. Weir and Aom worked well together, both appeared so innocent at the start before the baptism of fire. Their continued struggle against the odds was what kept the suspense going. Good music throughout. Drone views of Bangkok at might were great. Well worth watching.

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This series will give you goosebumps. A good drama to binge watch with your family or even during your alone time. This drama also speaks about social issues -- hierarchy and justice system. The ending is definitely a to watch, worth to wait but a very unfair and (*spoiler*). The actors did an amazing job in portraying the story's characters. You may also find yourself crying yourself out, but you won't regret watching and shedding a tear.

If you like law, thriller, mystery, this is for you.
If you are also looking for a visual characters, this is also for you.
This series will not disappoint you.

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Hear me out

It was definitely not fantastic but i will say it was NOTTTT horrible at all! I felt the need to make a review because I saw so many bad ones really making people not want to watch it when I believe this show deserves a chance so heres my short review of ‘Close to you’.

The story between the brothers is weird and low-key high-key toxic I don't wanna get into it cs ill go on for dayyysss. I did like the 2nd couple though. A lotta cliché and cringe scenes but also a lot of cute and funny ones. The characters are unique in their own way and they all have great chemistry with each other so that was nice to see. The acting was good and the music wasn't bad. There were so many sexual assaults, i think that was my main issue with the show. Overall its a good watch if you’re bored, so don't go into watching it thinking it'll be a masterpiece. Nonetheless, i really enjoyed watching it. A lot of time and effort was put into making the show and you can really tell. I give it an 8/10. Watch and see if you like it please don't form an opinion based on the bad reviews or even the good ones over hyping it :)
take care x

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A therapeutic, slow series...

I think this type of series are for those with a certain genre of watching. Some may find this slow, plain, boring or therapeutic. The ending was kinda rushed (?) but the vibe was still present. The acting showed the characters' true self -- their past and feelings. The chemistry of both lead artists were good. As to rewatching the series, I think it really depends on the audiences' taste in watching.

For those interested in watching this series, I recommend watching this during winter time or cold season (for those countries without four seasons) so you would also grasp the feeling.

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Romance in need, Romance indeed.

To start, would like to make a conscious notes. A good well played drama is forged by great decent of good actor and actress. Their portraying of the characters in this drama are immensely heartfelt. And gives defining vibes of chaos, mishaps and beautiful desperations. Also light and bubbly feels of a true love. It caught me off-guard , when I thought this production would just be another sappy school-theme drama. Turns out, it has more depth, ruggedness and flair. I will try my very best not to spoil on anything IMPORTANCE. So, here we go...

This drama tells a tale of an unrequited love, however it is more like faithfully loved. From ep 1, it is romantically narrated by the heroin her adoration towards her darling hero. Nothing is more intriguing than having flashbacks of 'almost' momentum.

L (our heroin), daydreaming scenes are as sweet as sugar. It is like mirages of intensified fondness. Very natural for the closeted-obsessed. Hence, S (our hero) is nevertheless the same. He's too, has the obvious infatuations as hers.
Their attraction to each other, sprung from their hearts like charming overtures. Whimsically, I've enjoyed the ups and down of their mood for love. It is delightful with a tinge of despair when things gone south.

My best scene, would be (surprisingly) the minute S hating himself for testing L's honesty. Is very humane to opt that. Hu Yitian nailed the crying scene, it's well put heartbroken.

This drama has lines of dialogues cleverly played within all the casts. Everyone really showing great performances. Nothing is less or to much. All fits superbly. Chemistry between OTP and the rest of the cast are very wonderful.

The OST blends well in all scenes. Oozing blues aura, very cool for romance.

If anyone here reading reviews, are looking for noteworthy school-theme romance drama. This could be it. Rewatched value? From from my tenth time rewatching... very looking forward for another one. Truly binge-watch worthy.

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Both female and male lead have a solid chemistry. The male lead pulled all the stunts and action scenes so well, his duality of being a cold-hearted in mission and being in-love is awesome. The female lead also did her part in the series and I think it worked. The story is fine from acting, props, and editing everything fits.I found out that only 2 songs were mostly used but I agree with the music director, it fits the scene so well. Thus, it intensifies the scene wherein you would feel it yourself vibe. Watching this is like a set of The K2. I also recommend watching that after this or before this!

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