Brotherhood, flying baby, hide and seek... Is it a comedy hour? YES!

An unexpected error leads Lee Yeon stuck in 1938, where he reencounters not only his younger brother Lee Rang but also his past soulmates: a guardian spirit of the west mountain and an ex-friend who seems to have suspicious schemes. Lee Yeon needs to return to the present to complete his mission.

When I got to the first episode, they did a quick recap of the first season, and then we have our Lee Yeon, he's being really snarky, right off the bat the story was really hilarious. and I'm enjoying it so much! The whole drama gives anime vibes, amazing cinematography, and is full of beautiful scenes. They have flashcards featuring the main characters' bio, personalities, strengths, and quirks. Also, Lee Dong Wook promoted this show very much on his Instagram, it makes me feel the rush and the hype! If you're in for light, a bit nonsensical entertainment, with eye-candy characters, this can't be more perfect!

Production quality is top-notch! (except for the weird train CGI, but it's nonetheless super entertaining). Also, the visuals and cinematography are much superior in this 1938 season than in the first season, including the OST collection. You don't need to watch the previous season of Tale of the Nine-Tailed. It's completely different vibes despite the same cast. The characters feel similar, they have the same personality as they were in the first season, and they feel like themselves. Here they are so much funnier too. I mean there is a slight creepyness too here, but the first season was just so scary to me. My favorite part of the first season was the brotherhood of Lee Yeon and Lee Rang, and here they highlighted this aspect so strongly, so I really enjoy that aspect.

Another thing I like is the mythical creature here is still highlighted in this season, and it's quite episodic. It's kind of monster-of-the-week, but they still do not lose the overarching plot that is our Lee Yeon is trying to solve his case and get back to the future. Because again, he's on a time crunch, he has to go back soon. I think that the story didn't waste much time to set up this premise from the very beginning. I feel like they pace it very well in these 12 episodes.

What I like less are the last few episodes and the ending. They're too cartoonish and unbelievable. The protagonists seem to gain more superpowers towards the end as they can just escape death by creating thunder, immune to zombies, and get saved by true love! Well, it's all forgiven because we got a happy ending after all :)

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If you are looking for a heart-wrenching angsty long-drawn-out melodrama you will love this

The Red Sleeve has a promising premise. My favorite moment is Deok Im's childhood when she is so full of life! I also love the friendships between her and other palace maids last throughout the episodes. The casting is really fitting, I loved the couple's chemistry together, and I thought they were incredibly swoony. I loved that they're both adults and yet can be so innocent and giddy together, it makes me smile. The visuals are gorgeous, and the OST is so wonderful and gives me all the feels.

But around the midpoint way I kind of lost a little bit of interest because it started to veer into heavy melodrama territory, and that aspect lasted too long because they're constantly faced with inconvenient circumstances, misunderstandings, miscommunications, the male lead is sometimes really harsh and showing off his power. I know that is part of his character and part of his growth, but I found it annoying. And the slow pacing just stretched for the rest of the entire series and I just got so tired. The final episode is too jarring, there’s no build-up towards the ending. I couldn't fully enjoy it anymore. For me, It would have been perfect if this drama is 8 episodes.

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Though I did not like how the story leads to, it was overall lovely and funny!

Lovely Runner delivers a true rom-com moments and up-beat-ness which I enjoyed for the most part. The characters are likeable, very bubbly with laugh-out-loud jokes a lot of times, especially the ones involving the friends and families. It was interesting and great to see the story through different timelines without it being confusing – which is essential for a time travel drama. I loved that the couple is cute and trusting of each other. Their romantic scenes were wonderful and were shot beautifully.

Well, at some point I started losing interest. I was expecting they eventually would address Sun-Jae & Im Sol's insecurities that we saw in the beginning, but they focus on the murderer involvement. This part of the story was so uninteresting. Every time the episode is about to end, this mysterious guy appear and whatever he does gives no tension. The accident and incidents happening were repetitive so they did not make me care or anxious anymore. Overall, still a fun watch, though, it gave me motivation to look forward to Mondays!

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It may not be boring for fans of slice of life genres, but this is not my cup of tea.

Jung Da Eun is transferred to the psychiatric ward of her hospital, she tries her best learning how to help and care for her patients. Disclaimer: I don’t have the experience nor knowledge on the subject matters so there will be no commentary on whether the portrayal regarding the mental health issues is relatable, accurate or not. But I would not recommend it to anyone struggling with their mental health, as the graphic depiction of self-harm and suicide might be triggering.

First impression, the drama seems to be an exact opposite of Daily Dose of Sunshine, it’s more like Daily Dose of Chaos. As the story unfolds, the trauma and mental health problem of everyone is shown, not only patients but also the caregivers. You'll follow these characters through their rollercoaster of emotions, some hitting their sunshine moments, while others navigating their twists and turns. I find the show is unique in showing the hallucinations from the patients’ perspective, some are quite comedic.

With the pacing, I honestly feel bored upon the halfway mark, but it may not be boring if you can relate with the characters emotionally, I just find it lacks engaging moments. Also, the solutions for the patients’ issues feels oversimplified, that their problems are solved with new habits, simple actions or short conversations, while often recovery needs time, even with all the desperate efforts. I get that it want to show good arcs and delivers feel-good vibes by the ending though… Or else, it might be too depressing to watch.

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Sword fights, love, friendship, and a mystery of whom shall claim the throne

First, the cinematography and sword fighting choreography are amazing. The story itself doesn't involved much emotions but it does hit the right beat. It kept me guessing without dragging plot points out.

Secret Romantic Guesthouse’s highlight is its’ tight pacing, consistent writing, great characters, and plenty of lovable tropes! All leads and support characters have equal footing, so you can root for whoever you want to emotionally invest in. Palace politics are not dull; No overdose of ministers discussions!

Although I had bumps on the 2nd half and felt bored for the lukewarmth vibe doesn’t moved me emotionally; Overall, everything is wrapped up neatly at the end. I'd highly recommend it for something that's not too deep but not too superficial either.

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What is the moral of the story, writers? :(

One day, a young woman named Anna effortlessly takes on a background that was never hers. She becomes a pathological liar and live well for years successfully. The premise: how far can she go before it all comes crashing down?

Anna: Extended version was recommended to me by a friend, so I have only watched this and not the prequel. In her childhood and teenage years, Anna was seen as a prodigy. She aced in everything she put her mind to. With many talents and excels in her schoolwork and arts. But as she was brought up in poverty, finding recognition was a struggle for her. One day during her first job, she failed to satisfy her boss and she entrapped herself in a web of lies, masking her identity and educational background. We follow her journey to earn her reputation in the rich society.

What I really liked about Anna beyond the plot is how visually stunning it is this is one of those like art house Kdramas, the storytelling, and the plot is delivered as much through visuals as it is with dialogue. For this, I think the rewatch value is quite high, as I noticed that certain mundane scenes are actually quite impactful upon rewatches.
For example, one day she's getting ready for a meeting, there was no dialogue nor explanation as to where she was going or who she was meeting but I learn later that she was getting prepared for a confrontation and that just put everything into context when I think back to that scene where she's getting ready, she's essentially getting ready for war, she is choosing her armor when she's choosing what shoes to wear what shirt to wear and I really really love that detail.

Another pro that hooked me is the OST, which is mostly classic piano music with high energy. It fits the shows and all scenes perfectly. Really propelled me to watch further because of the rush I got from the music.

Although I was invested in watching Anna, the story is quite slow and I wasn't attached to Anna on a personal level, I felt quite distant from her as a character and wasn't care much towards the end. What bothers me most is that even though she's lying all the time, there's no justice, no consequences she has to bear until the finale. So what is all that tension built up for?! I was so unfulfilled at the ending, the writers really write her character to win despite all things. So for that reason, I'm give this show a 5.5/10!

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WE ALL LIE swell in each cliffhanger is dope! dislike most characters, love their fantastic acting!

The drama showcased societal issues and the pressure on schooling, focusing on families living in a luxurious residential area SKY Castle. Students were expected to spend over 16 hours a day studying to get admitted into one of the 3 big Korean uni: Seoul, Korea, and Yonsei, hence the title SKY Castle. A new simple family moved into this area, it becomes a major upset to their neighbors. Thus, the motivated parents compete another in their best way as possible...

I've rarely watch shows about rich people, but I applaud the crew for the craftsmanship of SKY Castle. The masterful use of sets levels up the whole experience of watching it. The sets look rich, with luxurious costumes. The camera work is amazing: there are lots of reflections and unique angles that make the vibes much more dramatic (and comedic for the twin fam). The family photos you can see on the next photos are very meaningful to represent each family. However, the only fitting OST is We All Lie, there rest are not memorable.

The story itself is not very exciting to me overall and I hate most characters, but their acting is fantastic! The only family I'm rooting for is the family with the twins. LOVE the twins; Seo Joon and Ki Joon, whoe are always there for each other. Their dad was so messed up in the worst and funny way possible. Frankly, I don't like the new family mother, she keeps meddling with other families' business. But I like the ambiguity of the coach. Overall, I enjoyed the dramatic family melodrama, but not so much when it reach the latter crime incident (no spoil!)

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Heartwarming story but it's not as engaging as I thought it is

This drama is very warm-hearted in the beginning, but the episodic nature of the drama becomes a bit repetitive. I could not get as sad about the second and third clients, after the first one. The story involving the uncle and Geu Ru's dad is the part I like the most.

I have a problem with the character's progressions: If the show spends some time letting Han Geu Ru feels devastated at first from the trauma of losing his dad and the unexpected intrusion from his guardian, and then we see him recovering from it, I would pay more sympathy. Instead, he seems to be undisturbed and can maintain his work productivity at the same level as when he's doing it with his dad. I appreciate his independence, but it feels too unnatural / fairytale-like. This is not the first time I see an Asperger syndrome lead portrayal in a drama. Tang Jun Sang did very well, but he's a bit stiff.

In the last episode, I see they planted some plot seeds in order for romance to develop, and I don't want this! The story should maintain its' uniqueness as its' strength and not start something unrelated, in order to continue the story. Apparently, there is no second season confirmed, so I feel somewhat at ease :)

I don’t regret watching it, though. It's a beautiful story.

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Not everything I love, but there's so much goodness in it.

Yoon Gyeo Rye (Ji Chang Wook) is a brusque ex-convict on the run from gang members. He almost end his life, if not for an encounter with Kang Tae Shik (Sung Dong Il), who leads Team Genie, a committed, enthusiastic team that ensures that the final wishes of their terminally ill patients come to fruition. Due to an incident, Gyeo Re ends up joining Team Genie and that's when a new and better life begins for Gyeo Re.

"If You Wish Upon Me” is inspired by an actual hospice center in the Netherlands. Realizing about its’ existence is heartwarming and I'm grateful to know it through this drama. The drama itself is emotional, heart-wrenching, full of humanity and faith. Due to the subject matter, it might not be for everyone; it deals with deaths, illnesses, child abuse, violence, also, Gyeo Re’s dog is dying since ep 1. Those all sound depressing, but this drama brings a lot of comfort. As Tae Shik tells one hospice patient, “We started this to bring comfort in one’s last moments, when people need each other most.”

The OST is beautiful, the setting is beautiful, and the acting never let's us down. Ji Chang Wook shows once again how versatile and talented he is. Gyeo Re has an awful start to life and from all this unhappiness he evolves into a gentle, caring man. Then, the incredibly talented Sung Dong Il steals the show as Kang Tae Shik. Gyeo Re and Tae Shik brought out the best from each other. Sonny has my heart throughout and I love how he's being treated by everyone and that his story gives a meaningful character growth to Gyeo Re. Choi Soo Young is just delightful as a committed nurse, though the romance was not memorable to me. Also, the overly dramatic mystery subplot, I think it was unnecessary. Having said that, I think it's a wonderful drama that should be on your list!

June 2024
Find me on Instagram: @kdramajudge

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Abandoned by her father with his debts, Yoon Ah Yi (Choi Sung Eun) leads a difficult life financing herself and her sister. When she gets entangled with threatening loan sharks, a mysterious magician Ri Eul (Ji Chang Wook) saves her and offers to teach her magic. Is this magician true or is he simply a con man living in an abandoned amusement park?

As the title stated, the highlight of this show is the musical and fantasy aspects. I enjoyed those musical performances, especially The Curse of Asphalt I think it’s a masterpiece. The cast, especially the Sung Eun & Chang Wook, delivered strong performances. Ji Chang Wook as Ri Eul looks weirdly charming with his eccentric look and his shady & a bit creepy behavior. The songs I enjoyed most are the ones performed by Ri Eul himself. As his power is reality-altering, Ri Eul performing the magic, singing and dancing matches well with him as a magician. However, I found his backstory was underwhelming and wish there is a satisfying closure for him, but for what he was given, he played his part really well. I think our female lead Sung Eun has a better arc. Her encounter with Ri Eul leads to her emotional transformation and I love seeing it. Overall, I like this drama for all its' fantastic visuals and the unique experience that is rare in kdramaland.

thanks for reading!
you can find me on instagram @kdramajudge

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Kim Woon Bin shone among the mess of this melodrama

Shin Joon Young (Kim Woo Bin) and Noh Eul (Bae Suzy) were high school sweethearts who broke up but reunite years later as an idol actor and a filmmaker. As they work together filming his documentary, Joon Young endeavors to mend their relationship and win her heart back.

This is not really a romance, rather a potential romance with a melodramatic back story turns into a revenge mission. I found this revenge plot was really dull and not thrilling, but I watched it to the end for Joon Young. If someone can get crowned for portraying a terminally ill person, Kim Woo Bin deserves it! I think his character could easily be messed up due to over-the-top drama, but he played the charming jerk persona of Joon Yeong just perfectly, from confident smirk to ugly tears to polarizing breakdown due to his growing illness, how heartbreaking and believable.

Though his story was so sad, I did not cry the whole time watching this. How come? I felt annoyed with No Eul and her motivation, she's a hassle and keep making reckless decisions. This is not to fault Suzy because she has great chemistry with Woo Bin. It's her character I couldn't sympathize with despite her struggles. Finally, it was a good ending, it felt justified and concluded. Something that I've been missing a lot in dramas in these recent years.

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"And the winner is... " -> watch Arthdal Chronicles 2: The Sword of Aramun

Two tribes live in a mythical land called Arth; the red-blooded humans who can't dream and the blue-blooded humanoids who can dream, and who are also faster and stronger than humans. A war for resources breaks out between the two and the humans end up winning the war through some trickery. Years later, the struggles and greed of power continues...

This drama is unique, it brings you to the bronze age. There's a lot of knowledge on anthropology, evolutionary biology, politics, civilization stages, farming, domestication, religion/mysticism. More than just entertainment, they kept me occupied intellectually. I appreciate them to realize this daring concept into a drama. The story itself is using the common fantasy trope; like a prophecy, a mysterious barrier between two tribes, and it's very plot-driven.

The characters are a lot of fun, especially Tagon, the human leader, he's morally ambiguous and dignified, at the same time he hides a dark secret which is a real high stake. I have to say his younger self gave me chills more than the adult version, he had a very cool charisma; great job Moon Woojin, I always admire you, also in It's Okay to Not be Okay, The Devil Judge, yeah). This is also my only favorite Song Jong Ki drama so far, he's magical in his dual twin roles, together with the irreplaceable Kim Ji Won. There's a lot to enjoy within their relationships and dynamics.

Overall, I think it's a really darn good fantasy. I wanted to know more, the characters surprisingly got stuck with me personally, like I think about them when i'm not watching. The first season is laying a wonderful groundwork for the 2nd season.

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The best part of the series in my opinion :)

Two tribes live in a mythical land called Arth; the red-blooded humans who can't dream and the blue-blooded humanoids who can dream, and who are also faster and stronger than humans. A war for resources breaks out between the two and the humans end up winning the war through some trickery. Years later, the struggles and greed of power continues...

This drama is unique, it brings you to the bronze age. There's a lot of knowledge on anthropology, evolutionary biology, politics, civilization stages, farming, domestication, religion/mysticism. More than just entertainment, they kept me occupied intellectually. I appreciate them to realize this daring concept into a drama. The story itself is using the common fantasy trope; like a prophecy, a mysterious barrier between two tribes, and it's very plot-driven.

The characters are a lot of fun, especially Tagon, the human leader, he's morally ambiguous and dignified, at the same time he hides a dark secret which is a real high stake. I have to say his younger self gave me chills more than the adult version, he had a very cool charisma; great job Moon Woojin, I always admire you, also in It's Okay to Not be Okay, The Devil Judge, yeah). This is also my only favorite Song Jong Ki drama so far, he's magical in his dual twin roles, together with the irreplaceable Kim Ji Won. There's a lot to enjoy within their relationships and dynamics.

Overall, I think it's a really darn good fantasy. I wanted to know more, the characters surprisingly got stuck with me personally, like I think about them when i'm not watching. The first season is laying a wonderful groundwork for the 2nd season.

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Refreshing, nostalgic & lively!

A young woman moves to her hometown in the countryside to heal her emotional wounds with the help of her childhood friends, nature and food…

This movie captures a realistic countryside life; it’s simple, refreshing, aesthetically pleasing, and particularly nostalgic for me, since I was living alone for a few years in a countryside during my study, before moving to a capital city for work. Watching Little Forest brings me back to those idyllic days, when I feel my absolute best in my favorite habitat. I relate with Kim Tae Ri’s character, living a seasonal life in a simple place.

Aside from my personal attachment, I truly recommend this to all. The leads characters are all inspiring, their moments are never mundane… just the right amount of friendship spice. No angst, no cringe, no tears. Seeing Ryu Joon Yeol here remind me of Jung Hwan from Reply 1988 and I can’t be more grateful J. I love that the director put focus on seasonal appreciation and friendship besides romance, unlike the usual stereotype movie tropes.

Also, you'll be mesmerized by the food shots, so maybe grab something to eat while watching! The cooking scenes were shot with care, they will sooth your souls like an ASMR aesthetics. The thing that I was anticipating is something more intense beyond cooking or gardening. But then, it makes up a great "feel good" bedtime story, feel free to just simply watch and love it!

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Two capable detective, Dong Sik and Joo Won team up to solve a string of serial killer cases that seem to resemble serial-murder cases 20 years prior. As their investigation proceeds, they are forced to look far deeper than what the evidence suggests, questioning the liability of everyone involved within the investigation.

A story about choices and self-identity. Beyond Evil is a slow-burn psychological thriller full of eerie crime and corruption that involves an entire town. The story takes its time to tell the motives, behaviours and connections among the characters, the mystery unfolds very slowly and intend to be confusing. For that reason, I think it's perfect to binge it than watching weekly to keep feeling engaged and focussed. Trigger warning. there were many many suspenseful and gruesome scenes that I found quite disturbing.

The bonds that Dong Sik and Joo Won form between each other is another highlight of the show. Despite their initial mistrust, they are two people on the same side of the law who learn to walk that fine line between good and evil together. They both were obsessed with finding the truth. Aside from the two, all the other characters were significant. The police team is heartwarming and the villains are blood boilingly frustrating, as how they should be. Overall, it's a though, slow show, great performance and character developments.

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