✅ COMPLETED SHOWS IN 2023

Watched as currently airing. Finished June 8 (6-2, 6-3, 6-8)

➤ Engaging in the beginning because of lots of action scenes, boring in the middle during business parts. The family feud then becomes like typical Thai lakorn.

➤ The reason the mastermind did the crime is lame, considering many people died or got hurt.

➤ The main couple's chemistry is off the chart. Real kisses. The romance is solid and they believe each other. ML never wavers with his love for FL and believes she still loves him, even though she left him because his family forced her. No prolonged misunderstanding or breakup.

➤ No annoying second leads. ML is engaged to SFL but she loves someone else. FL's ex-bf then becomes their ally in investigating. There is also SML who comes later but he becomes friends with them.

➤ The leading actress Bifern is so pretty!

➤ The sub from Artop is bad (docked point).

OST:

"Lucky Star" by Kangsom Tanatat Chaiyaat I can't believe I watched his drama before! Fun Fueng. He has a nice voice!

Binge watched Jun 5

➤ It's like a classic Thai lakorn: toxic relationship, revenge, abs, gun, gangster, S/K, family feud. The only difference is this drama has several steamy scenes, in which usually lakorn has fake kisses. Watched it for guilty pleasure.

➤ The couple's chemistry is on fire.

➤ The ending is confusing, did, after the blood bath, they die? Two years time skip with somewhat HE imo is fanservice. And government PPL: Chinese patriotism since ML becomes a soldier and FL becomes a nurse, reunion during the war. Docked 0.5 point.

OST: Full album (titles are translated into Vietnamese from original Hanzi)

Watched as currently airing. Finished Jun 4 (5-7, 6-4)

➤ This drama takes a risk to make serious family issues of infidelity, domestic abuse, and divorce to be farcical and comedic. Two veteran actors who are not new to comedy acting Uhm Jung Hwa and Kim Byung Chul nailed their respective characters.

➤ It starts strong and inspirational but becomes draggy.

➤ The ending is unsatisfactory. In the public (hospital colleague's) eyes, they view FL as being ungrateful, hubby donated his liver but she divorced him. They saw how SML treated FL, there might be rumors the divorce is caused by the FL-SML affair. Still, in the end, the public is never aware of the long-time cheating.

➤ The introduction of SML, after how the ending turns out, merely is a fanservice.

OST: full album (fan audio)

5-28 to 5-30 (3 days)

➤ The last installment of the Cupid series is about the romance between the owner of the Cupid Hut and his loyal secretary. It's better if they pulled out the couple romance in all the side stories embedded in the previous series and put them all together in this drama. Or using some flashbacks of how the ML and the FL established the dating agency together. Instead, the plot uses a heavy love triangle if not love square. Plus another love rival.

➤ I love the FL, she is so pretty, funny, independent, and determined. She is also not mean/physically abusive towards the ML, unlike some other FLs in the previous series. Too bad the ML is insecure, and wishy-washy.

OST:

"Love Destiny" by Nan Watiya and Tar Mr. Team

5-26 to 5-27 (2 days)

➤ I want to give this a 9 because the couple is so adorable with chemistry off the roof. The ML is so flirty towards the FL, while the FL is so cutesy. No love triangle nor annoying second leads. However...

➤ The side story of the second couple, which will be the main couple in the last series (Kamathep Prab Marn), takes too much screen time, especially if the side story doesn't go together with the main plot

➤ The real Cupid is so hilarious, a unique character who is not in any other series.

OST:

"Lover" by Alek Teeradetch

5-24 to 5-25 (2 days)

➤ This drama changes what is supposed to be a cute rom-com genre into a thriller/supernatural genre.

➤ Don't like the plot, with excessive fortune telling to emphasize the character differences between ML, who is towards logic, and FL, who is superstitious, characters although the main couple has great chemistry and they're both nice characters (the reason I didn't give a 6.5 rating).

➤ Over-the-top characterization of supporting characters (SML and SFL).

OST: "Destiny" by Tono Phakin (official MV)

Watched as currently airing. Finished May 21 (5-4, 5-8, 5-16, 5-21)

➤ Engaging action and scheming scenes. The political plot is draggy.

➤ Strong female characters.

➤ HE on the couples (the main and side couples)

➤ Amazing cinematography but the frequency of closeup shots of ML and FL looking at each other is too much.

OST:

Silence Wang "Heart Gate" (official MV)

Liu Yu Ning "The Cloud Trick" (official MV)

Watched as currently airing. Finished May 18 (5-3, 5-18)

➤ The plot is rather slow but has plenty of action scenes when they're due.

➤ Love Ms. Lee's gadgets!

OST:

Taylor "Play" (official audio)

Ending theme: "Stealer" rap from The Boyz (official MV)

Yelo "Run" (fan audio)

Finished May 14 (4-29, 5-14)

➤ An odd and unique blend of psychological, supernatural, thriller, comedy, and drama. One of a kind

➤ Endearing main plot (of the main protagonists) and intriguing side stories (the supernatural cases), while leaving room for mysteries along the drama (remaining unexplained/unresolved topics)

➤ Amazing directing (camera angles, shots), script (with a blend of sarcastic comical dialogues and meaningful serious convo), editing, cinematography

➤ Great acting of  Tseng Jing Hua as the main protagonist Pu Yi Yong with line deliveries and facial expressions.

➤ Endearing and intriguing characterization of the main cast and supporting roles, supported by solid acting of the actors.

OST:

Ending theme: "Painful Hug" by Ozone (artist's official MV)

Full album (fan audio)

Finished May 12 (5-14)

➤ Story is predictable and the watching experience is somewhat boring. The villain character is so-so. Watched it for the action (fighting and driving) scenes.

➤ Extra points for special effects, CGI, props

OST: "Black Knight" by Primary, Tablo, and Kriz (fan audio)

Watched as currently airing. Finished May 12 (5-2, 5-15, 5-16)

➤ Special episode key words: 无眠之境 番外篇

➤ The mystery plot is quite interesting but the autogenerated subtitle makes it confusing. I docked down 0.5 point for bad sub.

OST:

"In A Dream" by Xian Zi and Yao Chen (fan MV)

5-12 to 5-13 (2 days)

➤ A cute couple with great chemistry once they start working together to shoo away ladies sent by ML's sister. Because of their chemistry, I decided to watch their newer drama A Cunning Destiny.

➤ The leading actress Cheer is subjectively imo the least attractive of the Cupid Hut girls, but her comedic acting is on the spot and she becomes endearing after Ep 1 (past her character's abusive action).

➤ I was thinking of giving 8.5 (the highest among the series). But what docked the point down: 

• FL is physically abusive toward ML in Episode 1 when she thought that he was a pervert/playboy. This is easily done since they live in apartments across from each other and some early mishaps happen.
• The annoying FL's mom and the indoctrinations of her and FL's grandma that every man are bad due to their marriage experiences.

OST: Jib Piyathida "Change" - my favorite OST among the series

Watched as currently airing. Finished May 10 (4-30, 5-10, 5-11)

➤ Great chemistry between ML and FL

➤ The child actor Cui Yi Xin played their son. He is the cutest Chinese child actor so far with his adorable face and smarty-pants dialogues. When the drama drags and becomes boring his character practically saves the screen.

➤ Great sismance between FL and SFL

➤ The drama becomes draggy after a while (no need to be 28 eps)

➤ The plot doesn't really tell the past connection between FL and the villain. If it's told better, the audience will sympathize with her better and her hesitation to accept ML all along. For example by giving the audience past glimpses of the FL and villain scenes that cause her PTSD.

➤ The TML (SFL's partner) is childish and imo unworthy to be with SFL who is suave and swoon-worthy.

➤ Unnecessary subplot for the third couple. Imo they just want to give SML a partner but their side story is boring and the girl is childish and pushy.

OST:

"I Always Love You" by Curley G (official MV)

"Braving Love" by Yu Jia Yun (official MV)

Watched as currently airing. Finished May 9 (4-17, 4-18, 5-1, 5-9)

➤ Perfect ending: Ep 35 

➤ OE with positive tone (unless it has a special episode) - docked 0.5 point

➤ Confusing plot due to cuts to reduce the episode amounts - docked 0.5 point

➤ Superb acting Luo Yun Xi acting four characters in various state

➤ Great chemistry between ML and FL

➤ Amazing costume and makeup

OST: Full album (fan audio)

Ending theme "Black Moonlight" by Diamond Zhang and Mao Bu Yi

5-5 to 5-6 (2 days)

➤ The story started strong and I like the main couple and their chemistry. Strong FL and ML. Slow-burn romance, the plot is mainly action/mystery investigating human trafficking. There is plenty of skinship mainly due to the sister imagining a plot for her romantic novel in which the main characters are FL and ML.

➤ But the plot goes down with the stupid sister.

OST:

Nui Nantakan "I Don't Know How I Can Love You"

4-26 to 4-28 (3 days)

➤ I rated this the lowest so far because the FL and her friend are so physically abusive towards men and they're just being plain rude and hit ML and the friend's lover for no legitimate reasons.

➤ The only thing that didn't make me rate 6.0 is the cute past connection and mysterious online friendship between ML and FL (hidden identities).

OST:

Rose Sirintip Hanpradit "Hand Print"

4-24 to 4-25

➤ So far this is the best of the series since the couple starts as close friends of 3 years, so their slow-burn love is believable despite of her previous standard.

➤ The only cringe-worthy is ML uses FL as his filming object without her knowing. ML hides his identity as he wants FL to accept him as a taxi driver/lower status, as he knows FL is superficial for a reason.

➤ Great chemistry with a lot of skinship. FL is so hilarious.

OST:

Tol Vonthongchai Intarawat "If You Look Into Your Heart" (official MV)

4-23

➤ noir, arthouse movie

➤ great cinematography

➤ explanation of the plot in Wikipedia/Hidden Blade

OST:

Wang Yi Bo  "Nameless"

4-21 to 4-23

➤ 500 Days Watching Completed Dramas

➤ Thrilling full of action and plot twists

➤ Unsatisfying ending (open for S2?) with some plot holes. The most thing I docked point is the ending of some characters, especially ML.

➤ Great acting (badass FL, grey ML, sociopath SFL, psycho killer supporting character, etc).

OST: Full album (fan audio)

4-19 to 4-20

➤ I think this is the worst to start the series as the Cinderella vibe is very clear with all the cliche of romance stories: rich ML, poor FL, smart ML, stupid FL, and their relationship develops in the most unlikely situation: being stuck together in an island, lol. 

➤ The character setup for both ML and FL is the most horrible of all. The relationship is considered toxic (verbally abusive ML).

➤ The only redeeming value for me not to give 6 (as bad) but 7 (as so-so) is the chemistry between ML and FL, FL's positive attitude and her character growth, and the redeemed ML's family towards the end.

OST: 

Klom Orawee "You Are My Love"

Watched as currently airing. Finished Apr 13 (4-9, 4-10, 4-15, 4-16)

➤ Watched with Eng sub until Ep 32, the rest episodes were watched raw, and the drama was sped up from the initial schedule. Last episode was rewatched with sub.

➤ The initial premise is interesting: twins with secretive backgrounds, a pretending couple, intertwined past, etc. But the story progress drags a lot, with boring cosmetic business.

➤ Good chemistry between the main couple and the second couple.

OST:

Liu Yu Ning "Long Promise" (official MV)

Shan Yi Chun "You Are the Reflected Star" (official MV)

Full album by fan audio

Watched as currently airing. Finished Apr 13 (4-14)

➤ I watched it raw version all the way thru. The sub is super slow.

➤ Good low-budget short drama. Decent revenge and romance plot. HE.

➤ Good chemistry between the main couple.

➤ Good cinematography and costume (with pretty FL).

Ending theme: 

Yi Shan Jin "Dark Light" (fan audio)

Watched as currently airing. Finished Apr 12 (3-9, 4-8, 4-13)

➤ Slow-paced although not draggy. This is a character-driven drama although it has an interesting plot that kept me wanting to know the next episode.

➤ Excellent acting of the leading actors as well as supporting characters.

➤ Great cinematography (camera panning, fragmenting) but excessive pink filter.

➤ Time jump HE seems so-so after all that happened.

OST (official MVs)

Wonstein "The Secret Garden"

Hyun Ji "Call It Love" by Hyun Ji

Roy Kim "Flower"

Sun Woo Jung Ah "Going Home"

Sogak Sogak "Moon Song"

Choi Yu Ree "Love Without Pain" - my fave

O. When "Calling the Star"

Oo Hyo "Walk Slow"

Watched as currently airing. Finished Apr 12 (4-12)

➤ I watched it for Li Fei, after watching him in Royal Rumours (but not too happy on how the ending of his character's romance arc). Watched it raw version all the way through.

➤ Simple story, so I watched it raw, the fan sub is available super late (see drama page's comment on the site).

➤ Low budget, decent acting, good chemistry.

➤ Too many female assistants, confusing on which one is on whose side.

OST (fan audio)

Main theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxlddjSm55k

Ending theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2ytir3Xn7Q

Watched as currently airing. Finished Apr 11 (3-5, 3-7, 3-29, 4-11)

➤ Plot twists

➤ Heavy in politics and mystery/investigation, not much in romance (slow burn romance)

➤ Cute second couple

➤ All's well ends well

OST (official MVs)

Cheeze "This is My Heart"

Jeong Yun Ho (Ateez) "Wind"

Janet Suhh "Resemble"

Jae Man "Hoping"

Park Hyung Sik "Bud"

Watched as currently airing. Finished Apr 8 (4-5, 4-7, 4-12)

➤ The plot can be confusing with twists and turns. Used cyn lynn recap to understand more.

➤ Very dark part of the history of China's Ming Dynasty. Bloody and gruesome, brutal in Ep 21 and 22 (be aware)

➤ Great bromance/friendship, not a romance genre although there are love interests

➤ Good performance of the main leads

➤ Good cinematography, costumes, and props.

OST:

"Young Spirit" by Leon Zhang 

"Shadow of Mountain and River" by EXCUSE ME

4-6

➤ BEST ADVENTURE/TRAVEL SHOW

➤ Mini review: I hope they will make this kind of show again, Season 2 or something like that. Pairing two actors from different countries who don't know each other and don't speak the other person's language. Yet they can communicate to work together because of their love for their fans and passion for adventure/travel. The places showcased are very beautiful and their fans are adorable. I understand some challenges were obviously staged so they could finally figure out the clues to find their fans, they were all entertaining nonetheless because of the variety of games. And even if Seung Gi and Jasper acted out their reactions etc, they did so naturally and professionally. They sincerely enjoyed being in the show!

➤ Milestone: Birthday 2023

OST:

"It's Gonna Be Alright" the singing scene in Thailand (Ep 5)

Watched as currently airing. Finished Apr 4.

➤ the story is a bloody mess between amusing horror, psychedelic experience, time travel/parallel world, and cult/religion. Also, cuts of flashbacks make the last episodes rushed.

➤ HE with the possibility of S2 (the main characters are time travelled to a war era)

➤ A mix of good and bad cinematography, costume, and CGI.

➤ Great acting of the main leads as well as some supporting and guest roles.

OST: N/A

4-3

➤ A lighter lakorn, the main plot is underdeveloped with only 6 episodes. Watchable tho for lakorn beginner.

➤ Tay Tawan did a good job with doppelganger characters.

➤ With the main plot, the romance is light, although the leading actors have good chemistry.

OST: 

"Ready to do Anything" by Mew Suppasit (official MV)

Watched as currently airing. Finished Apr 1 (3-16, 3-27, 4-1)

➤ Hilarious/comedic scenes

➤ Great chemistry between ML and FL. Strong and smart ML and FL

➤ Great sismance and bromance (friendships)

➤ Lovable side characters

➤ Rushed/bad ending: 

• The villains are not punished (let them go)
• Rushed ending (although both the main and the second couples have weddings)
• My biggest pet peeve: The third couple doesn't get together for the sake of serving the country.

OST: (all official MVs)

"Cherish" by Sara Liu

"Returned Person" by Zheng Yun Long

"Heaven's Arrangement" by Yin Lin

Finished March 31 (3-31, 4-2, 4-3)

➤ Great visuals: the main couple look good together, costume, set/location, winter setting, and Chinese arts.

➤ Great chemistry. The main couple works together on their issues and differences maturely. No prolonged misunderstanding or immaturity.

➤ The side couple's stories and ex coming back seem unnecessary/filler. They docked down my rating by 0.5

OST: Need more than 1

"Fairy Tale" by Ma Chen Long

"If Love Have a Will" by He San

Mar 30

➤ It's a coming-age high school romance, too plain for me probably because I am no longer interested in high school romance.

➤ The strong point is that emphasizes character growth and romantic relationship growth. 

➤ I watched it because of the leading actor Suzuka Ouji and because it's rare to find subbed Jdramas. The leading actress is plain but perhaps she fits the FL instead of the leading actress in the movie version who I think is too cute to be the FL.

➤ I never read the manga, watched the anime, or the movie version.

OST: 

"Love Song" by Kawasaki Takaya (artist official MV)

Watched as currently airing. Finished Mar 28 (≈ 0.5 day)

➤ Not a romance genre but a thriller

➤ As a romance, unhealthy relationship (domestic abuse)

➤ As a thriller, inconsistency in the plot. For example, fillers with the side story of FL's sister and her husband. On the contrary, ML's sister seems to have important secrets on her own that are never revealed.

➤ Inconsistency in characterization. ML is shown as dominant and abusive in many scenes and suddenly becomes weak in the last scenes. FL is shown as a doormat in half of the drama and suddenly becomes strong in the other half. There is no character growth process.

➤ The only saving grace of this drama and the one that kept me watching is Fan Zhi Xin's acting. He nailed his role as the bad guy.

OST: N/A

3-21, 3-22, 3-28 (2.5 days)

➤ Interesting and unique theme of preserving ancient arts (martial arts and paintings) in a modern-day school setting.

➤ Bi Wen Jun and Sun Qian (the main couple) are super cute together. Great chemistry but there is a lack of skinship. There are two other side couples.

➤ The FL is strong physically (good in martial arts)

➤ Amazing martial arts choreography although not many fighting scenes.

➤  Breath-taking sceneries with great cinematography.

OST:

"Fisted Heart Fisted Intention" by Bi Wen Jun (fan audio)

3-25 to 3-26

➤ This is unfinished drama, needs S2 where ML and FL will go to the court in Chang An (she'll be ML's defender, he's the son of a dethroned CP and should bear the punishment on behalf of his dead father).

➤ The court cases are interesting

➤ The Female Lead is calm and intelligent in law. 

➤ Slight romance, weak chemistry between ML and FL, and SML and SFL.

➤ Annoying facial cream PPL

OST:

Opening theme: "Tea Flowers Bloom" by Sabrina Zhuang (official audio)

Closing theme: "Spring Light" by Shuan Sheng (fan audio)

Watched as currently airing. Finished Mar 24 (2-28, 3-1, 3-24)

➤ Although the premise is forever true love, the plot is draggy.

➤ Kim Jung Hyun did a great job acting as 3 characters. Kokdu's character is childish, hot-tempered, and moody.

➤ Im Soo Hyang is so pretty when she is Princess Seol Hui, but as doctor Gye Jeol she is boring and her costume is bad.

➤ Forgettable supporting characters. Gak Shin and Ok Shin are not funny

➤ Beautiful cinematography and set, tho.

OST: (all are official MVs)

"I Am" by Kim Jung Hyun

"Wind" also Hui 휘 (FL's ancient character's name) by Hong Isaac - my fave

"Secret" by Han Dong Geun

"Latte Latte" by Jihan from Weeekly

"The First Moment" by Joo Eun

Watched as currently airing. Finished Mar 23 (3-3, 3-23)

➤ Storyline with the fantasy/deity part is a mess

➤ Although HE, I think it's more bittersweet since Dal's memory is erased so is all her hard work as the group manager, tho sweet since eventually she meets Rembrary again. He will not forget her and will pursue her again.

➤ Hilarious plot twist on the original idol Woo Yeon Woo

➤ Cute couple/great chemistry

➤ Good bromance with Wild Animals members and Rembrary-Grim Reaper

OST: (all official MVs with exception of last special track)

"Suddenly" by Yoo Seung Woo

"In Those Days" by O.When - my fave

"Please" by Onestar - my fave

"The Moments of Us" by MRCH

"Be All Right" by Motte

"When I Met You" by Lee Young Hyun

"All My Heart" by Byeol Eun

Special track by Wild Animal (fan audio)

"Things I Couldn't Say"

"Tasty"

3-17 to 3-20 (4 days)

➤ Watched as 14,000 completed episodes milestone.

➤ Story-wise almost perfect, but unsatisfying or hopeful (depends on how you perceive) of the open ending. Docked -0.5 of the rating.

➤ Great acting especially Chen Xing Xu with his many roles, and Landy Li

➤ Romance: love both first and second couples

➤ Best sismance

OST: 

Official MV "Speak to You" by Liu Yu Ning

Official MV "The Starry Love" by Sa Ding Ding

Official MV "Flawless Heaven and Earth" by Mao Bu Yi

Official MV "Flower Pair" by Shuang Sheng Zi

Watched as currently airing. Finished Mar 16 (3-2, 3-16)

➤ Good teamworking

➤ Lighthearted cases and investigation

➤ Slight romance

➤ HE but they announced S2, since ML's main case is not resolved yet

OST:

Closing theme "No Possession" by MEAN Band (official MV)

3-12 to 3-15

➤ Super cute couple

➤ Handsome ML

➤ Supportive family of ML

➤ Isan simple lifestyle and gorgeous nature

OST:

Opening theme "Everything" by J$R (official MV)

Closing theme "Stir or Microwave" by Bell Warisara (official MV)

Watched as currently airing. Finished Mar 12 (2-27, 3-4, 3-11, 3-12)

➤ Plot twists and unexpected HE.

➤ Team-working couple with good chemistry.

➤ Best SML/love triangle.

➤ Good characterization of almost all supporting characters.

➤ Amazing fighting scene/choreography.

OST: "Dawn and Dusk" by Liu Yu Ning (opening theme) - official MV

Full album (fan audio)

Watched as currently airing. Finished Mar 10 (3-10)

➤ The fact they are divided into 2 parts makes the second part less interesting, with the addition of side stories.

➤ The addition of romance (not on the original Webtoon) is unnecessary since there is rare sweet interaction between them. Especially since they make ML vanishes into the thin air in the end as spirits do.

➤ The main plot is finished but a possibility of Season 2.

OST: ???

Watched as currently airing. Finished 3-8 (2-23, 2-24, 3-6, and 3-8).

➤ Must watch Ep 41 (extra) for confusing HE (time jump 100 years later according to the novel).

➤ The reverse harem cliche is so overly done, like seriously (?) several guys like FL.

➤ Yang Chao Yue cannot act (although she looks pretty in the demon costume), Jeremy Tsui role is so boring. The only thing that got me going is the eye candies (this factor also earned +0.5 points for me), which put it in my "okay" category and not "bad" category.

OST: full album (fan audio)

2-26

➤ Solid acting etc, but the story is rushed because of a movie length, not a drama length. It's confusing. See the explanation in Full Timeline (Major Spoilers)

➤ Gives happy endings/closures

OST:

Remembered by Shi Shi (official MV)

Obsessed by Ko Chia Yen (official MV)

The Girl by Nine Chen (official MV)

Last Dance by Wu Bai and China Blue (official MV)

Instrumental violin  by Lin Zi An (official MV)

2-26

➤ Wrapped every loose end from S1 and S2

➤ Filmed abroad (Spain?), so the set is beautiful

OST: N/A (all instrumental)

Watched as currently airing. Finished Feb 25 (2-18, 2-19, 2-25, 2-26)

➤ Starting good but gets draggy in the middle. Was going to rate it 8.0 but the ending ruined the drama with the lazy amnesia trope. I read that they shot up till Ep 30 when the Covid pandemic started and finished shooting the last 6 episodes after the pandemic including the Covid story.

➤ Bad editing

➤ Good character growth for ML and FL, but after ML's amnesia trope it seems his character growth is nullified.

➤ Almost all key supporting characters are somehow bound to be sick or hospitalized. Can't they just make medical cases with guest characters?

➤ Some supporting characters are annoying at first but you grow on them (for example the second couple).

OST:

"Turn Left Turn Right" by Zheng Bu Ren (fan audio)

2-21 to 2-22

➤ BEST WAR DRAMA

➤ Showing the Japanese side of WW2, without being political only slice-of-life of how the war affected commoners and soldiers.

OST: N/A

2/17, 2/20, 2/21

➤ The first 2/3 drama is very funny with hilarious dialogues. But they tried to add a plot to every character, so later they made Zhi Ran's mischievous and sarcastic character dirty. 

➤ Instead of the above, they should've added more about traditional medicine. The synopsis tells that the Female Lead Hua Hua is a TCM medical student is misleading since there are no scenes with her learning medicines. More scenes with her and Master Shi would be better.

➤ FL's character is very naive and pure, which either makes the audience hate or love her with her blunt personality and 'uncultured' mannerism. Her auntie's clothes from beginning to end are horrible. No character growth makes Hua Hua's character 2 dimensional.

➤ Eye candies and interesting characters that get me going (ML's female assistant Xiao Xiao, ML's secretary Shen Jun, the gossip girls, ML's brother Zhi Ran and ML's cousin Zhi Ang).

OST:

Full album (Fan audio). 

All songs are sung by the actors. The opening theme "You Are the Most Unique" sung by the leading actors/couple Luo Zheng and Rain Lu.  

The closing theme "Let Me" is sung by Lin Yan Rou who played Xiao Xiao. The upbeat "New Day" is sung by Ye Hao Ran who played Zhi Ran. The rap song "He and She" is sung by Darrien Zhang who played Zhi Ang.

2-16

➤ Great directing, acting, and cinematography. The director is Katayama Shinzo who is an award-winning director, as well as became an assistant director to the award-winning South Korean director Bong Joon Ho.

➤ The ending is either sad or open (see after ending credit scene). Need another season. The Director said if the reception is good they'll make a sequel since the manga is unfinished. If there is a closure in the form of S2 I will modify the rating.

OST: ???

2-14 to 2-15 - VALENTINE'S DAY 2023 DRAMA

➤ Best second-chance romance

➤ Time travel drama done right (the last scene explained how the time travel happens)

➤ Mother-daughter relationship

OST: Full album (fan audio)

Watched as currently airing. Finish Feb 13 (2-11 to 2-13)

➤ The murder cases are creepy, but the hypnotic problem solution sounds easy. They mixed supernatural and logical.

➤ Zhang Ping's (Song Wei Long) rigid character is annoying imo. Zhu Ling (Wang Duo) is the third male lead but he only shows up starting Ep 22.

➤ The cinematography is spectacular.

OST:

Ending theme "Farewell" by Jing Bo Ran (official audio)

Full album (fan audio)

Watched as currently airing. Finished Feb 9 (2-9 to 2-10)

➤ My goodness, no need for a sequel despite the novel story continuing after S1. The introduction of a new love triangle/square is annoying, although the Princess' case is resolved halfway. Some backstories of the member of the Gyesu Clinic family are nice, but the cases seem more fillers.

➤ Good all's well ends well ending, the winter scene is so pretty!

OST: 

(All these also played as closing themes) - all are official MVs

"Don't Leave My Side" by Park Ji Won (fromis_9)

"We Must Meet Again" by The Ade

"That One Word" by Baek Ye Seul

"Wounds of the Heart" by Choi Nak Ta

Watched 1-21 (2-9)

➤ 十歩殺一人 (Shí bù shā yīrén) = Kill someone in ten steps. No one can escape.

➤ Watched this to prepare for the upcoming movie Eye for an Eye 2.

➤ The theme is the usual: about a pugilistic hero (the blind man). The fighting scenes are amazing. The cinematography is stunning. The only drawback: sub is unsynchronized.

OST: N/A

2-4 to 2-8

 ➤ My favorite theme: second chance love.

 ➤Typical lakorn. The villains are over-the-toply mean beyond logic. I don't understand why the ML cannot have power over the family's fortune and protect his family (FL and his daughter). All ML does almost during the whole drama is try to woe over the FL again. The villains must 'tragically' meet their karma before the family safety issue is resolved. No wonder FL is hesitant to accept him back.

 ➤ Therefore there is frustrating characterization around the ML's family. The only ones who are fun to watch are the little daughter, Chot and Rita's coupling, and the bickering aunties Sri and Chuan.

OST:

Opening theme "Stop Following Your Heart" by Palm - Chilling Sunday

Ending theme "Deserved" by Frame Thanavuch

Watched as currently airing. Finished February 2 (2-2 to 2-3)

➤ Prepare a lot of tissue since lots of heartbreaking moments.

➤ The first episodes are depressing but the story gets better as secrets unfold. I wished there is no romance between Phukao and Kongkwan. The mystery is intriguing and the friendship between Phukao, Kongkwan, Plu and Zo is beautiful.

➤ Best acting: Ohm as Phukao. Bank (as Uncle Santi) and Chalad (as Uncle Piak). Best character: Oh (Amarin) and his daughter Zo (View). Meh: Tu's acting is like a crybaby. The character Plu (Off) seems like a filler. The rest important supporting characters/acting are either so-so or ott.

➤ The friendship between the four main characters is the best.

➤ "From now on, the past is only for you to look back on, not backtrack to" (Piak, Ep 15).

OST: 

Ending theme "Unlovable" by Ohm Pawat who played the Male Lead.

Watched as currently airing. Finished January 22. Watched subbed till Ep 25, the rest is raw. Rewatched subbed (1-29 to 2-1)

➤ The story is long with a lot of side stories of side characters. Fleshed out and acted by seasoned actors. The actors who played locals blend nicely with their costumes and culture.

➤ It seems a heavy promo on Dali tourism (we also see Mandarin-speaking foreigners visiting the area) with arts and crafts, specialty food, culture, accent, etc. The Dali sceneries are so breathtaking. Watching the panorama itself is refreshing.

➤ Crystal Liu and Li Xian are really gorgeous and they look good together. The romance is slow-burn and seems natural/realistic.

OST:

Closing theme  "Windy Place" by Yisa Yu (official MV)

Chen Li "Day By Day" (official audio)

Sisi Yufan "Cradle Ballad" (official MV)

Vanessa Jin "A Beautiful Smile" (official audio)

Watched as currently airing. Finished January 20, watched the last 5 episodes raw then rewatched the subbed last episode (1-25 to 1-28)

➤ It's a very good wuxia but there are SO many characters, so don't bother to watch this wuxia as a beginner! The Airing Calendar / Link to Anime /  Martial Arts Levels / Four Pillars / Characters' List list with the character name, description, and picture helps!

➤ Later becomes draggy with a bunch of meetings and talks when the characters start getting involved in the palace politics. 

➤ The martial arts choreography is not bad.

➤ The various array of costumes from different clan/group are amazing, and meticulously made.

➤ The CGI is okay.

OST:

Full album (Unofficial audio with Hanzi and Pinyin)

Opening theme "The Blood of Youth" (official opening scene) by Zhang He Xuan

End theme "Sing the Treading Song" by Qu Xiao Bing - see full album

My favorite OST "Zither" played during Ruo Yi Sword Dance (Ep 11), a beautiful dance between Wu Jie and Ruo Yi.

Watched as currently airing. Finished January 21 (1-23 to 1-24)

➤ A light-hearted palace romcom that defies the usual Joseon culture. A strong chemistry between the couple

➤ Love the Female Lead characterization, although it's unbelievable for a usual palace drama in which a court lady does not get as much power and freedom as So Rang (Park Ju Hyun) has.

➤ The Male Lead Emperor Lee Heon (Kim Young Dae) is eye candy. A Great bromance between ML and SML Shin Won (Kim Woo Seok), ML and palace Secretary Kim.

➤ Can be a strong love triangle/SLS depending on how you look at it. 

➤ A wholesome ending, all's well ends well.

OST:

Seo Eun Kwang "How Can I Forget You" (official MV)

Eunha "Do You Know That" (official MV)

Kim Min Seok "The Wall" (artist' audio)

Lee A Young "Can You Hear Me" (official audio)

Watched as currently airing. Finished January 20 (1-20 to  1-23).

➤ I was worried that Chen Yu Qi would ruin the drama/romance because of her previous performance, but she delivered the Female Lead Bu Yin Lou really well, smart, brave, and independent.

➤ Dylan Wang acted as the powerful Eunuch Xiao Duo. Seems like all his costumes are made just for him!

➤ Cut scenes from censorship (didn't pass review once). Makes the story flow disjointed and a lot of romantic scenes are cut. Great chemistry, healthy romance. Reason: see Why scenes were cut.

OST (all unofficial English subbed)

Ending theme "The Wind Has Risen" by Mimi  Lee.

Ding Shuang "Lock"

Wang Yue Xin "Moonlight Song"

Tian Er Bei "Sugar Sweet"

January 19 (1-16 to 1-19)

➤ Disappointing, unlike its original version Boss & Me, this one drags with too many over-the-top side stories of bitchy side characters.

➤ The only thing I watched mostly is the beginning episodes, Payu and Namkhing's scenes, Namkhing and her bff Wu. 

➤ +0.5 for chemistry between Push and Aom.

OST:

Opening theme "That's It" by DoubleBam (official audio)

Closing theme "Strong-willed" by the Mousses (artist's official MV)

Watched as currently airing. Finished January 13 (1-15)

➤he story is confusing at first, but the recap below is helpful to understand the plotline of the background myth and also when Island Season 2 starts. S1 sets up the characters and their story and our getting to know them.

➤ Kim Nam Gil slays his role as the half-demon half-human Van, with a dilemma in choosing a side of himself and what he wants to be.

➤ The only FL here Mi Ho (Lee Da Hee) seems a damsel-in-distress all the time, which made my rating go down -0.5. We'll see how she'll grow in S2

➤ Cha Eun Woo is an eccentric Catholic priest specializing in exorcist Giovanni/Yohan. Some people are turned off by religion being used or misused in this drama.

➤ Villainous Goong Tan (Sung Joon) doesn't appear much in S1.

➤ The action scenes are great. The CGI needs improvement.

➤ The division into 2 seasons diminishes the overall thrill (-0.5). Will review the rating after S2 is finished.

OST: ??? (something called Awaken?)

Note: recap thereviewgeek

Watched as currently airing. Finished January 12 (1-14)

➤ Dark comedy, while presenting the dark side of life (poverty, prostitution, debt, etc), is still maintained to be funny.

➤ Characterization of Mote, Kat, and Jay. Acting of Off, Jan, and Mond.

➤ Mote's nice uncle and aunt.

OST: ???

Watched as currently airing. Finished January 12 (1-13, 1-14)

➤ The topic is unique and interesting, it's about AI. The mystery built around the missing SML Kim Sun Joo (Park Sung Woong) is nice as well. But he mostly becomes the AI's voice with flashbacks. His secretary, the FL is emotionless and the actress only has one facial expression. So the whole drama solely depends on Chae Jong Hyeop's acting as the ML Park In Sung.

➤ K-dramas are famous for having supporting characters with great side stories, backgrounds, and characterization. But this drama is lacking. The villain, the villain's assistant, the house staff, and even the detective are bland characters. The interesting supporting characters become only fillers. They even killed two interesting characters.

➤ The beauty and the beast, Min Ah and Ma Pi (Uncle Mafia) are screen stealers.

OST: (they're mostly used also as ending themes)

Sion "Lie to Me" (official MV)

Mckdaddy "Nobody is Perfect" (official MV)

Bum Jin "Home" (official audio)

Park Hyun Kyu "Crossing the Dawn" (official MV)

Watched as currently airing. Finished January 10 (1-9 to 1-12)

➤ It started nicely and I like when Vin Zhang is the cheeky Lu Li, together with Lu Shao (Xu Lu) and other students. Then halfway the story becomes draggy, with some annoying villains. The second romance was good too until the drama did the couple dirty.

➤ Vin Zhang played 4 different characters.

➤ I was only able to finish it for Wang You Shuo and his character He Na. What a feast in the eyes!

➤ Some artistic designs, for example, the under-the-sea Demon World, some costumes (not the usual boring white xianxia robes, but the black or white ones), makeup (Riley Wang's Fu Jun eyeshadows), the female hair accessories.

OST:

Opening theme "Chasing Dreams" by Charlie Zhou(official MV) - as usual enjoyed his powerful voice!

Closing theme "If There Is a Prophet" by Vin Zhang who played the Male Lead (Official MV)

Winnie Zhang "Let Love Continue" (official audio)

Watched as currently airing. Finish January 8 (1-7, 1-8)

➤ Some red-herrings, foreshadowing, and plot twists.

➤ Hot and spicy romance. There are real steamy kisses (not camera tricks).

➤ There are a lot of moral and ethical issues in this drama but they are only explored lightly. This can be a downside for this drama since it doesn't take it seriously and viewers think they're plot holes or a positive side for viewers who want only be entertained with romance without draggy scenes.

➤ Happy ending with a time jump and rushed ending.

OST:

Opening theme "Feel My Love" by Vivien Loh - this is a short version uploaded by the singer herself in her FB channel. Long version is unavailable yet

Ending theme "Untaught Lesson" by Ailing Tai (official audio)

Stefanie Sun "Cloudy Day" (official MV - singer's MV) - this is also the piano piece played by Chen Meng Yun

Lin Rong Xin/Bae Lin "Us" (official singer's audio)

HAO R/Xu Shu Hao "Please Don't Go" (official singer's audio)

Watched as currently airing. Finished January 8 (1-6, 1-8)

➤ If this is a stand-alone drama, I would probably give it a 9 rating. But the expectation for S2 is so high, it turned out to be slightly disappointing in some ways: One, a rather confusing revelation of Naksu/Jin Bu Yeon/Cho Yeong/Jin Seol Ran. Two, drag with too much convo. Three, Naksu is like a damsel in distress than her S1 appearance. Lastly, too many imitations of a beauty-and-the-beast folktale, Goblin, the Chinese Phoenix's myth, etc.

➤ The one thing I like is the ending is all's well ends well. I gave +0.5 for that.

OST:

Lia "Blue Flower" (official MV)

Hwang Min Hyun "Tree: Just Watching You" (official MV) -He sang the same OST sung by Jung Se Woon in Alchemy of Souls Season 1 

Ailee "I'm Sorry" (official MV)

Watched as currently airing. Finished January 5 (1-3 to 1-5)

➤ This is a simple love story, good to be watched in a relaxed manner not binging, or the story will feel draggy/boring. Two episodes a day is enough, between the dark and serious dramas. Almost no confrontation (no love triangle/misunderstanding/breakup/parent objection). The workplace problems are quite mild.

➤ Romance-wise: Healthy and mature relationship. The Female Lead Ye Shi Lan undergoes major character growth. The Male Lead Lu Zhao Xi is a different kind of CEO unlike the usual trope, thanks to the screenwriter Wang Xiong Cheng who it not lazy to copy the stereotypical CEOs in C-dramaland but wrote flesh-out characters.

➤ Off-the-chart chemistry between the lead actors (Joseph Zeng and Liang Jie have collaborated before). Real kisses in the final episode.

OST:

Opening theme "With You" by Qian Xi (official audio)

Closing theme "With Your Beauty" by Joseph Zeng who played as the Male Lead (official audio)

Guo Jing "Glad to Meet You" (official audio)

Zhao Bei Er "Time Engraved in My Heart" (audio)

January 3 (1-2 to 1-3)

➤ This is a beautiful but sad romance between Non and Fern, using historical events in Thailand as well as worldwide to tell the milestones of their long love story. 

➤ I also love the bromance between Non, Win, and Kluay, and their friendship with Fern and Nut. Their group dates are cute.

➤ It doesn't feel like watching a lakorn (no over-the-top acting or characters or ridiculous plot).

OST:

Opening theme "Finding the Rainbow" by Polycat. (official MV)

Suveera Boonrod and Nan Sathida Prompiriya "I Love You" (official MV) - you can see the singers singing this beautiful duet.

January 1, 2023

New Year 2023 drama.

➤ What a ride, simply loved it! Less action than S1 because the games are more complicated with the bosses, and need more logical thinking. The rules of the games can be quite complicated I got help from the recap to clarify/remember. 

➤ Some philosophical/spiritual insights about life by some characters. 

➤ The logical explanation behind the borderland makes sense. 

➤ Sweet open ending (for the ones who shipped Arisu and Usagi)

OST: ??? (the same as S1?)

Note: recap readysteadycut to understand about the game rules