Tag: K-drama review

Review: ‘Falling into Your Smile’ C-drama (2021)

“Necklace this year, Diamond ring next year with a marriage certificate. You look great with anything.” – Lu Si Cheng to Tong Yao

Another one of my favourite Chinese dramas that I will never stop yapping about. I love sports in general and drama, especially Chinese are highly invested in turning them into dramas. I love video games I mean I have spent my entire childhood playing video games, so when I came across this drama I knew I had to watch it. It is about Tong Yao, the first female player in the all-male ZGDX team. She is bubbly, however, her team leader, Lu Si Cheng is cold-hearted. They start on the wrong foot but seeing them setting everything right is worth a thousand times.

Let’s start with the plot of the drama, it involves games and the relationship between the teammates. The biggest concern of mine while watching sports drama is that sometimes they focus so much on sports that relationship development is cornered. But I think this drama balances sports and romance very well. Their teammates were hilarious and I liked that in playing games they were equally treated so nobody looked extra. I liked that they did not focus so much on the female lead’s past but they let it flow. Another thing I liked was the importance of playing as a team and how different it is from playing as an individual. The warm-up of teammates and the slow learning of each other were heartwarming to see. I also loved the fact that the drama revolves around the video games only, not another unnecessary act they added.

Lu Si Cheng, the cold-hearted captain of the team and his face card never declines. I love leads who speak less and act more and he definitely falls in this category. I loved the way he played games and truly acted as the leader. He was the first one who understood Tong Yao and made her realize the importance of playing as a team. I love male leads who are very much clear on what they want and he is the one. He realizes his feelings and confesses them directly to Tong Yao, Oh I love that scene.

Now, Tong Yao is one of my favourite female characters. I loved that the drama portrayed female and male leads as equal in the game. She is hilarious and her scenes are so funny. I want to point out that she is the only girl living in the house with boys. And we might think she will be uncomfortable however she is straightforward while the boys feel shy. I love how she is so game-focused and truly knows her path.

The chemistry is electrifying, I think that added another charm to the drama. I loved their confession scene – simple and sweet. The way Lu Si Cheng confesses in a slow and non-hesitant manner shows he truly wants to be with her. Their pets: the cat and fish play cupid for the couple and I adored it. Also, after getting into a relationship I liked how they kept their professional and personal affairs different from each other. There is no misunderstanding or breakup, a positive point to watch.

The friendship between them is so pure and real. I liked how slowly they warmed up to Tong Yao plus all of them were hilarious. The cinematography was breathtaking, and the stage for the game was beautiful and intense. The house of the ZGDX was so mesmerizing and energetic. I want that house.

Overall the drama ticks all the good marks for friendship, games, and romance so I recommend it.

“Do you want to give it a try?” – Lu Si Cheng

“Try what?” – Tong Yao

“Me.” – Lu Si Cheng

My Rating: 9/10

Total Episodes: 31

Genre: Romance, Friendship, E-sport, Youth

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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Review: ‘Love Next Door’ K-drama (2024)

“I doubt my decision a dozen times a day and wonder if I’ve made the right choice. But I still think that it’s better to regret doing something than to regret not doing something”. – Choi Seung-Hyo

I am so frustrated and angry with the writers of this drama. OMG, you guys don’t know how excited I was to watch this drama as it was supposed to be a friends-to-lovers trope and it was told that the couple would be chaotic, I mean it makes sense they are friends. However, all my expectations went down the drain, the writers did not make the right use of the chemistry between Jung Hae-in and Jung So-min, they would be such a power couple if the storyline was great. So it is about two friends Choi Seung-Hyo and Bae Seok-Ryu. Choi Seung-hyo is a successful architect while Bae Seok-Ryu works outside South Korea but leaves everything and returns. She tries to reboot her life and her relationship with Choi Seung-Hyo.

Let me break down how it went bad. The first two episodes were perfect, they were chaotic and showed their friendship. It fulfils and shows that the drama will be chaotic and have a healing vibe, and I wanted that. But then the third episode happened and I knew it would not be my cup of tea as in chaotic and happy vibes. In the third episode, the writers went too crazy and included a lot of Seok-ryu trauma altogether, which should have been done in later episodes or in parts. My mood went off then too I continued it and it did get better the next episode, but then the writer did the worst thing by making Choi Seung-Hyo, an idiot. I mean in the beginning he was with her and he was the only one who understood her then why did they make him such an idiot later, he was such a green flag.

“Looking back now, I feel a bit sorry for myself. I cared about how others saw me, and I don’t think I paid attention to myself.” – Bae Soek-Ryu

In the later episodes, Choi Seung-hyo starts ignoring Bae Seok-ryu as he likes her but cannot confess. I mean where is the friendship, she needed him the most and he left her all alone without explaining anything. Love comes second but what about them being friends since childhood? The writers destroyed that by making Seung-hyo ignore and cold to her, I am sorry hello, it makes no sense. Then their exes entered the drama and actually, it was good but the worst of the worst happened they added the disease plot and I would not watch it. Nothing makes sense at all, the fact is most people continued it because Jung Hae-in gave the spoiler. Seok-Ryu endured so much all alone that she did not even tell Seung-Hyo, I mean the way he was with her, how could she tell him.

I wanted to see their friendship, chaotic side, bond, and understanding, but all went downhill. We just get to see their love but I did not feel any chemistry because the writer did all the damage in the beginning. I could not enjoy their love moments because their bond was supposed to be built on trust, not revelation and regret. The chemistry would have been so fierce and I was so excited to see them on screen together but a huge disappointment.

Now let’s talk about the things I love about the drama, actually apart from the main couple I liked everything. The side couple, Kang Don-ho and Jeong Mo-eum stole the spotlight. They were everything that I wanted the main couple to be. They were chaotic, understanding, hilarious, and lovable. Then comes another couple, the parents of Choi Seung-Hyo, they were my favourite of all. If you have watched Queen of Tears, the parents are the older version. I love them, I thought their story would be incomplete but their plot twist was the best. I love the character of Seok-Ryu, she represents all the children out there who are buried underneath the expectations of their parents. I was so touched by her and how strong she was and I am glad she gets to reboot her life the way she wants. She shows it’s never too late and too easy.

“Parents aren’t always right, they make mistakes with their children too. When you argue over it, you end up feeling guilty for no reason.” – Love Next Door

I love the contrast shown between Seung-Hyo and Seok-Ryu’s families. His family doesn’t care so he can be whatever he wants and do whatever he wants but there is no love. But then Seok-Ryu’s family has a bond that binds her to her parent’s expectations, and she doesn’t want to hurt them.

I personally would not recommend this drama as it’s nothing special but infact boring.

“Not everyone can be special. Most people just live ordinary lives. So don’t be too obsessed with becoming someone great. Just find what’s valuable in your life. That’s more than enough.” – Bae Seok-Ryu

My Rating: 6/10

Total Episodes: 16

Genre: Romance, Friendship, Family

Side Note: I just want to clarify that this is entirely my opinion, you are free to love this drama and I am free to give my opinion on this drama. I would be very happy if you loved this drama but please do not take this review to heart; it is okay to have different tastes. Thank You.

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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Review: ‘W- Two Worlds’ K-drama (2016)

“I’m someone who’s hoping for you to have a happy ending. I’m your fan.” – Oh Yeon Joo

2016 was an iconic era for K-drama lovers because the number of K-dramas that came with so much versatility is mind-blowing like this ‘W: Two Worlds’ K-drama starring Lee Jong Suk and Han Hyo Joo. I have never seen this kind of drama again and to be honest 2016 was not ready for this masterpiece. It is about a doctor, Oh Yeon Joo whose father is a webtoon creator and he created a webtoon called ‘W.’ Everything is going well until she gets dragged into her father’s webtoon and saves the protagonist, Kang Chul. Kang Chul gets really confused by her sudden appearance and disappearance but falls in love with her without knowing anything. This leads to him following her to the real world.

The drama concept is unique, and it was executed really well. I could feel the difference in both worlds. The plot was something I really appreciated watching because of how unique and different it is from the other dramas. I liked how fast Oh Yeon Joo grasped the concept of how to go back to the real world, and some of the ways she did were hilarious. I did not find myself getting confused about how the story was moving because I think it was like an open book and everything was making sense perfectly. Another reason why I liked this drama was that I did not have to use my brain much. I loved that in the beginning she was saving him then, in the end, he was the one who took charge of getting everything right and saving her.

Now talking about the characters, I absolutely adored Kang Chul, he was shown in different phases as he discovered his reality. I loved his and Yeon Joo’s first scene and his eagerness to meet her again. I could say that she really met him at times when he needed her the most. In the starting, he is shown as a kind and straightforward man who helps Yeon Joo. Then later he realized his reality and became more serious and intimidating, he looked handsome. I loved that he was shown as intelligent in knowing the situation and accordingly, he acted on it.

“Gosh. You’re such an unpredictable woman. You suddenly showed up, slapped me in the face, kissed me, disappeared, and showed up again. Now, you suddenly take your clothes off and point a gun at me.” – Kang Chul

Yeon Joo, the girl because of her father was a mess. The way she got sucked into the parallel universe and had to deal with everything. She was legit funny in front of the people of the parallel universe as her talks made no sense. The way she acted so deranged to make sense to the people was a treat to watch. I loved her character because she was smart and grasped everything very fast and within episodes she made everything right as well.

I cried for Kang Chul when he realized his reality about how he is a webtoon character and someone is writing his story. His realization that his friend is not even real and he lost his family and his world. The chemistry is beautiful as I already wrote at first she was saving him but later he was the one saving her. He falls in love with her at first sight and whenever he meets her, she saves him so it does make sense for him to fall in love with her.

The ending was beautiful with everything making sense and the couple getting their happily ever after. The supporting cast was hilarious I have to mention them.

I highly recommend this drama if you want to watch something fantasy yet not so much confusing. This drama has everything comedy, thriller, romance, fantasy, basically an outstanding K-drama.

“I think this girl holds the key to my life. I think she has the key to find the reason of my existence.” – Kang Chul

My Rating: 10/10

Total Episodes: 16

Genre: Romance, Thriller, Fantasy, Comedy

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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Review: ‘Healer’ K-drama (2014)

“Fate, destiny, I believe in that kind of stuff. If it didn’t exist, why would words for it exist, right?” – Young Shin

I just re-watched the drama to write a review after reliving the old vibes from this K-drama. I watched it years ago and since then I re-watch it once in a while. I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since this drama was aired. It is a mystery and thriller drama with intense chemistry between the leads. Chae Young-shin is a failed reporter who aspires to become like Kim Mun-ho, a star reporter. Then she crosses paths with Seo Jung-hu, a mysterious criminal named ‘Healer’, and their lives intervene.

It is one of the finest K-dramas out there with such a good plot line, the whole time I did not have a dull moment. The mystery is very much intervening however the execution is done so well. The twists and turns were amazingly inbuilt and I loved how the main characters were so greatly connected. The drama is filled with suspense and slowly the mystery is revealed and how each is connected.

Chae Young Shin is a sunshine that was developed amidst black clouds. I loved her and her talks. Seo Jung Hu is a character who truly knows how to show his duality. He in black is everything and I love the duality in him a lot. I loved Kim Mun-ho, if not for him the drama wouldn’t have progressed. The biggest shout out to Jo Min-Ja, she is hilarious and the best side character to exist in K-drama. I loved Cha Young Shin’s family and how much they loved her.

The chemistry is insane, you all. I loved every scene of them especially when things were getting revealed and how they are connected to each other. The love is pure as both went through so much and fate brought them together again. I would say, he was sunshine and she was midnight rain.

I highly recommend this drama if you want to watch a story filled with suspense and intense chemistry.

My Rating: 10/10

Total Episodes: 20

Genre: Romance, Action, Suspense, and Mystery

“The truth doesn’t always end with happiness. Sometimes it can be hell.” 

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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Review: ‘Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo’ K-drama (2016)

“We can’t do anything about the people we hate. You’re pretty and popular, but that’s not everything. You should be a decent human being first.” – Kim Bok-Joo’s father

I will never stop raving about this K-drama ever. I am not usually someone who has comfort dramas but this right here proves me wrong. I watched this drama years ago but I remember every piece and how much it has brought me comfort. If you watch K-dramas you might know that the male leads are often portrayed as cold-hearted and serious. But this drama brought back the male lead who is unserious, comedic and crazy. So basically it is about Kim Bok-joo who is pursuing her dream to become a weightlifter, she gets a crush on her friend Jung Joon-Hyung’s older brother Jung Jae-Yi. 

Let’s start with Kim Bok-joo, she is so funny and cute. Her whole friendship group is hilarious and she did an incredible job of portraying an athlete. Her father runs a chicken shop with his brother and both are hilarious which adds no boring scenes to the drama. The main focus is also on their food and how a weightlifter has to maintain their body. Even their eating scenes are full of comedy. I love how she has a crush but is clueless about how to express herself. This is where the main hero, Joon-Hyung, comes into the picture. He tries to help her but each scenes turn into comedy. There are a lot of comedic scenes that went viral and still make me laugh.

Jung Joon-Hyung is a masterpiece character written in K-drama history. He is so unserious, hilarious, and unhinged. He is a swimmer with a past and meets Kim Bok-joo in college again. He is a green flag and truly gives her the right advice. His acting is on point, the hilarious face he makes or unhinges talks of his takes the drama to another level. They became good friends and their scenes were so calming because you can see how a beautiful relationship they have created. The confession scene is iconic, it’s the right word to describe it. She is so clueless when he gives her hints about his feelings, it makes the drama more hilarious because of her response.

The chemistry is electrifying. Even after they get into a relationship. The bond of their friendship still surfaces. They are still hilarious and a teenage couple trying to figure out each other. There is so much depth to their chemistry that I loved every moment of theirs. I think their pair can maintain a romance and comedy to their relationship which is one of the reasons why I loved this drama so much.

The plot focuses on sports, friendship, love, food, comedy, and the depth of being surrounded by the people who love and encourage you in every step of your life. I highly recommend this drama. Watch it if you want something different filled with comedy, friendship, love, and food.

My Rating: 10/10

Total Episodes: 16

My Favourite Episodes: All

Genre: Friendship, Romance, Comedy, and Sports

“Everyone keeps a few painful wounds buried in his / her heart. If they can move on, it’s great. But even if they can’t, they still live. They become numb to the pain with time” – Jung Joon Hyung

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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Review: ‘Flex X Cop’ K-drama (2024)

“In the movie, a cop’s life looks so interesting. They chase the criminals with fascinating actions and handcuff the criminals. You know what they don’t show. A labour of detectives in reality.” – Lee Gang-hyun

One thing you should know about me is that I am a sucker for action and thriller dramas. I don’t care much about the storyline if the action scenes are performed well, and I am satisfied. And it is even better when it has enemies to lovers, friendship and comedy incorporated in them. And guess what “Flex X Cop” is that drama for me that I never expected to like much.

It is about a rich brat, Jin I-soo who became the prey of the wrong time and wrong place. Due to this, he was assigned to work as a detective in the violent crime department under the leadership of Lee Gang-hyun and two other detectives. Now Jin I-soo in a typical bart manner is very not likable and is very blunt so he is not liked by his leader. The enemies-to-lovers trope in this drama taught me that romance is not needed for it to be successful. Both in the starting can’t stand each other but slowly he becomes an important part of the group.

The plot line is great there are many cases included and each was solved in 1 and a half episodes. The end twist was amazing I did see it coming but at the same time, I did not expect it to be like that. I loved the fact that they did not show him overly smart but did include flaws as he is not a real detective which makes it relatable at times and perfectly balances out his character.

Lee Gang-hyun, the girl she is. I loved the fact irrespective of not liking I-soo she thoroughly accepted and did her responsibility as a leader. She looked for him and involved him in the cases. Her action scenes were done so perfectly, I just love her.

The acting was top-notch, the cases involved were astounding, and the ending was mind-blowing. I am not very sure about romance and romantic relationships in action dramas because then the main focus just shifts and allows the drama’s main aim to go down.

In this drama there is no romance at all, both never really thought at all about feelings or relationships which I think was great because it never started so there is no point in ending and nobody gets hurt. The drama does not focus on romance at all but on friendship. Both the leads look and care for each other which shows their proper teamwork.

Talking about the ending, I liked it as it perfectly fitted for the drama. The friendship all four created they didn’t know when Jin I-soo became a part of their group and Jin I-soo did not know what true friendship was until he met them. When it is said that the chemistry in non-romance dramas is so intense that is what I will say about their chemistry.

If you want to watch something action-packed but not too intense this drama is perfect as it has a flow of comedy within it.

My Rating: 9/10

Total Episodes: 16

My Favourite Episodes: 12 and 16

Genre: Crime, Comedy, Action

“Everyone has their own task in their life. But I’ve never believed that. Living with no purpose was not that bad.” – Jin I-soo

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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Review: ‘Lovely Runner’ K-drama (2024)

It is so hard nowadays to find a drama that you know you will return to it again but Lovely Runner is an exception. Man, what a drama! It is filled with every trope that exists. It is divided into three main parts and is a true traveller drama that is not as confusing as other dramas. K-dramas are now creating more male leads that are cheerful and lovable like Ryu Sun Jae. He is literally a loser in love and what a plot twist in the second ep that I did not expect.

Im Sol, is an angel and a hilarious character that did every embarrassing thing to protect her Sun Jaeeeee, hahaha. The girl went through a lot to change her and his fate, but if you are tied by the string of fate, nothing can stop it. The family of both is freaking hilarious, especially Sun Jae’s father. He can’t believe that his son can be this loser for a girl, his reaction is priceless. Im Sol’s mother and brother is another story of sarcasm.

I loved her grandmother and just predicted she was the mastermind. The plot was everything, we get to see idol and fangirl trope, friends to lover trope, dating trope, and even enemies to lover trope which is my personal favourite. In every timeline, their meeting is iconic and hilarious. Kim Tae Sung and Baek In Hyuk need a shout-out for their screen time filled with entertainment.

Now talking about the cinematography, it is like a rainshower that you watch from your window. How the rain falls upon the leaf petals like droplets and how flowers glow in the rain enhancing their beauty. How colourful umbrellas are seen everywhere and how much we want to jump in the puddle and let the rain wash away all our sadness is what the cinematography looks like, you really want to enter into the screen. There is no doubt acting was top-notch.

How much both try to erase each other from their life, but fate always wants them to tangle with each other. Now talking about the ending, to be honest, I don’t personally like the ending of many K-dramas because they drag problems till half of the last episode and only half part is left to show the couple’s happy moments which are rushed.

But Lonely Runner is an exception. The last few episodes did not drag the villain part of the story but let it flow normally with the scenes, which I liked and the last episode was just about their happy moments which is very rare for a K-drama. Lastly, Byeon Woo Seok deserves every appreciation, he truly killed it and Kim Hye Yoon is a sweetheart in acting and their height difference is to swoon for.

The OST is beautiful is an understatement it matched with the vibe preciously.

My Rating: 9/10

Total Episodes: 16

My Favourite Episodes: 11 and 16

Genre: Time traveller, comedy, and romance

If there’s a fate that doesn’t change no matter how much you try to change it means the choice didn’t change. There are choices you make even though you know the consequences. Because you like it. – Sun Jae to Im Sol.

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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