MUST WATCH
This is my first review, I just had to as I recently finished watching this (along with s2). LITERALLY MADE AN ACCOUNT SO I CAN POST A REVIEW !!!!!S1 absolutely got to me, I cried, I laughed, I screamed and more.
Production quality is amazing, the acting is refreshing, realistic and the story is adorable but not cringe.
I thought this was another enemies to lovers story but HELL NAW it is more than that !!!
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This review may contain spoilers
First impression
You can watch it on GagaOOLala: https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/8378/duty-first-kiss-later-2026Japanese BLs just hit different sometimes, and this is definitely one of those times. Awesome acting and an interesting premise, I'm bought!
This series reminds me of another BL called "Love Is a Poison." Both have a similar vibe and have the storyline around law work.
Overall I really like it so far; I'm excited for more episodes.
Episode 1:
* It is so nice to see more mature Bls.
* I like the characters and the whole opposites attract thing. Takoi being a sweetheart older detective and Shiono being more of a blunt and straightforward kind of guy.
I sort of enjoy watching their bickering and little silent glances of microaggression.
* Most of the humor is pretty much typical Japanese humor with all of the exaggerated face expressions and that sort of stuff. Not bad or annoying necessarily, I just can never get used to them.
Episode 2:
* Yeah, Haruka got real creepy real fast. I'm never one to complain about a female side character who has feelings for one of the leads in BLs, but this one is just crazy.
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Acting - I have to say totally impressed by Chen Zheyuan’s portrayal as Emperor. He conveys a lot with just his eyes. A face that handsome and with such a confident steady performance, it’s unbelievable that it’s his first time acting as an emperor!! A veteran level acting. Wu Jinyan is also perfect with her known charm as in her previous hit dramas. The ministers and close officials are also really done their job well.
The main actors are gift for directors who like to take close up shots. Court room scenes are so majestic and realistic. This drama has close to real life cinematography. Less filters and more natural colors. Very easy on eyes.
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A Headache in Motion
I like both actors, but I struggled through four episodes before finally dropping it because it literally gave me a headache.Apparently, storytelling has become optional, and unfortunately that seems to be the latest trend. This is yet another cliché drama that mistakes style for substance, prioritizing visuals over storytelling. Yet the visuals aren't striking at all, quite the contrary. The short scenes, constant cuts, rapid editing, endless camera movement, and relentless visual changes created nothing but visual fatigue. The editing is fragmented, the pacing frantic, and the scenes are illogical and unrealistic. Of course, we also get another female lead who can apparently do everything except be believable.
As if that weren't enough, another trend in recent Chinese dramas is loud background music that plays almost continuously, is mixed so prominently that it competes with the dialogue, and soon becomes exhausting. Apparently, every emotion now requires an orchestra, and every conversation needs a soundtrack.
I like both actors individually, but I didn't think they suited these roles together. She looked a little too old for the character, while he had too much of a puppy-faced, youthful appearance for his role.
I'll leave this cinematic rollercoaster to viewers with stronger eyes, a higher tolerance for nonstop editing, and perhaps faster reflexes than mine.
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It's been a while since I was this invested in a drama
Loved this so much.You'll find that this drama is a bit fast-paced than most dramas, but that doesn't make it any less engaging. In fact, I think its fast pace is one of the reasons it's so captivating. This is one of those rare dramas that keeps you hooked every second, and if you skip even a few minutes, you might miss something important. Because it's fast-paced, it doesn't waste your time, which makes it even more worth watching.
Now, I also wanted to leave a note regarding the criticism about the cast's age and the age gap. I've been a fan of both Hou Minghao and Ai Mi for a while. As for Ai Mi, I've seen her in several supporting roles and already knew she had the potential to become a great leading actress. It's true that I wasn't expecting her to star in this kind of romance drama at just 17, but as long as it doesn't include overly intimate scenes or excessive kissing, I think it's fine. They're actors, after all, they're simply doing their job. And despite all the criticism, just look at how successful this drama has become.
I also hope people will look at the positive side. At just 17 years old, Ai Mi was able to deliver such an amazing performance in her first leading role in a drama like this. She was incredibly captivating. She did an excellent job, even though, like any actor, there's always room to improve. As for Hou Minghao, he didn't disappoint, as always. His emotional performance was spot on. For me, the acting in this drama was top-notch. It was also refreshing to see an actress who is nearly the same age as her character portraying the role so naturally. I loved that energy.
The supporting cast was great as well. Everyone did an excellent job. The OST was so good too. This is one of the best dramas of 2026 for me. It takes you through laughter, sadness, joy, heartbreak, and so many other emotions. I highly recommend it. You'll definitely want to give it a try.
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A STRONG LOVE STORY INTANGLED IN STORM
IT was kind of a unique story i really loved it story was also good the characters every thing was well balanced according to the situations 😁 i don't want to compln about other things because it needs a lot of patience to watch this series so I don't recommend this if u don't have patience to watch.The story feels long some times it feels lots drop it but hearme it's worth to watch. u will feel the happiness and laugh and cry with that ghost in side of your room.
Acting is always top-notch every character was well matched and acted but my only complaint is it missed a lot of action scenes i really wanted to watch some actions. I want to mention about uncle zhou bro was like a pillar for our Main leads really that guy lost everything but never gave up on leads our leads.
music will it was good every time its good.
re-watch value it's almost 32 ep i want to watch i will watch last 2 episodes
that's it I am going to watch another drama bye bye 👋
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the best kbl I ever watched!!
My expectations for korean bls aren't high but this was actually really good. Like ones I started it I couldn't stop watching it!!I didn't fully understand the plot not gonna lie and some of the plot twists were pretty obvious... but the kissing and sex scenes!! Pretty good!
The usage of AI was horrible tho and the reason I can't give this drama a 10... they really didn't need to use AI at all... I hope this won't become the standard for kdramas..
But I do hope that more bls like this will be released!!
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Oranges
Honestly? When I put aside the fact that it takes place in past and everyone is okay with them being gay, it's 10/10. It's cute, meaningdlful, emotional, the story makes sense, the actors do have a chemistry... And the ending? I didn't expect it'd expect like this, but it's really great.I feel sorry for Jason (actor), because he didn't deserve such a big punishment for one wrong repost. It's good that they let him in last episode at least, when he can't attend the fanmeeting with other cast. At least it was so obvious that they still left some space for him <3.
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See you at work tomorrow!
Firstly I watched only because of Seo In Guk, it is not like I do not like calm romance but I choose them mostly because of the cast. This drama is not bad but comparing to other in this genre is just average. I feel like it is either too slow or there are too many too long episodes (yeah, episodes were definitely too long).SIG was really good, his chemistry was on poin but I wished that he or his storyline appeared much more, in the end he also was a main character. But I have to admit that I am suprised with roles/dramas choices, He played so similar character in Boyfriend on demand, which was view months ago (and was so much better, sorry not sorry, but everything was better there, storyline, chemistry between cast/couple).
Park Ji Hyun - my first drama with her and she was not bad, do not misunderstand me, but she also was not the best, chemistry from her was pretty weak, maybe her character was just written badly. She was relatable in view aspects but still not my favourite character.
Kang Mi Na - she shined here, she is perfect for romcoms!!
To be honest I was more interested about PJH's parents storyline and second couple than main couple or simply main female character. But I have to admit that there were not any character who would annoy me too much.
To sum up, it is not a bad drama, people who want something calm and like this genre will like it, but in my opinion it is still too long.
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This review may contain spoilers
Teamwork Makes The Dream Work!
Road to Success is a heartwarming, healing sports-and-growth drama that champions mental health, resilience, and mature partnership. There is so much to root for and we get a very satisfying ending.Esther Yu delivers a mature performance as Wan Xing, the beating heart and vocal student advocate of the story. Chen Jing-Ke plays Wang Fa, a green-flag, reserved, and deeply devoted partner whose love language is built on action and unwavering support. He’s quite handsome, too! Wang Fa is a quiet character, especially in comparison to his father and Yu Bo (Victor Ma), who have colorful personalities. But don't let that fool you--still waters often run deep! Their "Mom and Dad" dynamic gives the team a united, secure front.
The Backstory: The leads carry deep trauma, causing them to retreat to Hongjing No. 8 High School. For Wan Xing, it is a nasty set-up surrounding the death of her psychology grad school professor, in which she is the target. Under duress, she leaves grad school and becomes the high school's sports equipment custodian and soccer team manager back at her grandparents’ hometown. Wang Fa is a top tier UK youth soccer coach, who carries deep self blame for the untimely passing of a player under his wing. His initial investigation leads him to believe Wan Xing is the culprit to his player's death, so he becomes a tenant in her building for close proximity to dig further for the truth. Prior to the arrival of Wan Xing and Wang Fa, the high school soccer team was disbanded, but the members never lost their fighting spirit to return to the field. Wan Xing’s background isn’t fit for technical soccer coaching, so through persistence she enlists the help of Wang Fa, who reluctantly agrees to the position. Thus the road to success begins!
Themes: Emphasizes that real love expands your world rather than caging you, highlighted by Wang Fa's most romantic gesture towards Wan Xing to prioritize her personal dreams and growth. Did the drama need this romance? No, but I'm glad we got it! The drama focuses heavily on teamwork, perseverance through life's peaks and valleys, and the power of having agency. Life is hard at times, but it is important to remember that everything has meaning and that there is another chapter after the challenges. Having the right person/people at your side can make all the difference!
The Good: The underdog team's bond, the strong emphasis on mental health, great supporting characters like the comic relief from Yu Bo (Victor Ma) and Director Qian acting as a crucial school ally, and a wonderfully mature romance. The boys on the soccer team are good kids and I found myself cheering for them both on and off the field! Yes, there was friction but the boys figured it out and became united. Chen Jing-Ke demonstrates his athleticism and is convincing on the field as a soccer coach. Wang Fan’s arc as skeptical to completely devoted to her journey is a joy to watch. He allows her to move at her own pace, never demanding. Wan Xing’s dedication to the students and her ability to confront Wang Fan during his decision to leave the team was handled with care. It takes strength to be a safe harbor for others while you are internally struggling as well.
The Could-Be-Better: The voice dubbing for Chen Jing-Ke felt a bit off, and I wish they had kept his natural voice. The thriller-adjacent plotline involving her psycho college senior didn't fit the uplifting team-spirit energy of the drama and was just strangely done. It also would have been refreshing to see some genuinely supportive high school parents instead of the heavy focus on trauma. There's a lot of subplots going on, and sometimes the resolutions seem a bit too easy or overlooked.
Overall, it's a healing comfort watch and a drama that I will definitely return to! Maybe it resonates so much because of my own background as an educator.
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a warm hug that smells like fresh oranges!
if you want to watch a series that will have you smiling ACROSS all episodes, then this is for you!it perfectly captures that feeling of young love, budding friendships, fear of change, being from a small town, and growing up.
the characters are such that you will relate to all at some point of time.
i didn't expect this much from this series.
AND. the way it's shot!! the colours, the locations.. SO GOOD.
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So far it is on par with season 1! Love it!
I am sooo thoroughly enjoying this season! I was worried that season 2 wouldn't be as good, but oh my gosh! Each week has me wishing the next episode was out already! The action is top-notch, and the story and pacing are amazing too! I am LOVING it so far! I am hoping they don't botch the ending, but so far so so so good!Was this review helpful to you?
❄️ A journey worth taking, even if the destination feels incomplete. ?
*Blossom of Power* impressed me most with its outstanding production quality. The cinematography is stunning, the color palette is elegant, and every frame feels carefully crafted. It's the kind of drama that's simply beautiful to watch. The OST is equally impressive, with songs that not only sound beautiful but also perfectly reflect the characters and enhance the emotions of each scene.One of the biggest highlights is He Yu as the Crown Prince. His performance is exceptional, effortlessly balancing charisma, authority, and emotional depth.
Also, a big thank you to Meng Ziyi for personally inviting He Yu to take on the role of
Xiao Hua Yong. She definitely has great taste, and I have to say, she made an excellent choice
As for the main couple, Meng Ziyi and He Yu may not have the most striking visual chemistry, but they fit their characters so well that it never feels like a drawback. Their natural interactions and genuine comfort with each other—likely because they're close friends in real life—make the romance feel warm, believable, and easy to root for.
My only complaint is the ending. It feels rushed and leaves several storylines without proper closure. I genuinely think the drama would have benefited from a full 40 episodes.
Overall, *Blossom of Power* is a visually stunning historical drama with excellent performances, a charming lead couple, and a memorable soundtrack. Despite its rushed ending, it's definitely worth watching.
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1
1Speed dating on crack - fun edition.
Honestly, I had a blast watching. All the contestants were extremely unique (or at least far more unique than the usual bunch we get in shows like that) with their own distinctive charms. As individuals I loved them, as for the relationships, I had some questions.Seeing how many couples ended up actually dating after the show, I’d say it was a massive win. Do I understand how at least some are still together? No. But then I saw just a tiny part of their interactions in a short period of a week they lived together.
On a personal level I truly liked Siwon and Jihye. They both seemed really determined and direct - knowing what they liked and what they dislike, being honest with people they interact with.
On the entertainment side I loved Jungwon - what a fox he was. I was shocked by more than one of his decisions and actions.
Pairings one, I adored Siwon and Yujin - they were such an unexpected ship for me, but I loved how wholesome their dates were.
For the criticisms, , it’s the usual: wish the show was longer - not even necessarily more episodes, but they staying together longer. One week is a ridiculously short period of time, especially since if they pick each other at the end, they are called “couples”... when they are still in the process of getting to know each other.
Then I wish there was more variety of age gaps, but also for the smallest age gap being larger than here. The catfish this season was way too young.
Overall, I liked it more than season 1 for sure.
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So so so good!!!
(Sorry for my english + its my first review)I watched many dramas and I think this one is one of the best I've watched. Characters that are very real, not some good or bad guys, relationship progress, nice shots, good music.
Not once i felt this tightness in my chest waching this. I laughed, I got agitated, I was moved and I think thats the most important think, that I felt many emotions watching this drama.
Two main characters are very good writen, they emotions, they dialogs, everything.
One little flaw is rushen ending in last epizodem. I think if this drama had at least 14 episodes there would be better ending
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