A Dark and Brutal Ride Through the Underworld

I aim to keep my reviews short, spoiler-free, and focused on the key points to help you decide if a drama is worth your time. I never fast-forward and always strive to watch the entire series to give a fair and thorough perspective.

This drama delivers an intense and violent depiction of South Korea's underworld, exploring themes of drugs, corruption, and survival.

The first episode is intentionally disorienting, leaving you questioning how the characters are connected and what their motives are. While the premise is intriguing, the series struggles with character depth. It's hard to connect with anyone besides the pimp, who himself feels so hollow that it’s challenging to fully invest in his journey.

The action scenes are a standout, with well-choreographed fights and relentless pacing. While the drama includes the familiar trope of 1v10 fight scenes, the choreography is generally well-done and satisfying. However, the violence is graphic, and the themes of drug use and prostitution make this show unsuitable for everyone. While the latter is cautiously portrayed due to its taboo nature, it still aligns with current social issues in South Korea, including runaway youth and systemic corruption.

The drama does well in explaining how the main characters started working together, but more character development would have made it easier to care about their fates. Most of the cops and prosecutors are shallow caricatures of corruption, lacking the complexity that would have made their motivations more compelling.

Despite its shortcomings, the show remains entertaining, with a steady stream of chases, murders, and kidnappings. For once, the villains are smart, and the main characters don't have to make foolish decisions to drive the plot forward. However, the story falters in the final episode, where poor writing and unnecessary missteps by the villains drag down the climax.

The OST is understated, complementing the action scenes but not leaving a lasting impression.

Ultimately, the show falls short of the best in its genre (like My Name), but it’s still an entertaining watch for fans of gritty, action-packed dramas. Its depiction of the harsh realities of the night life, including drugs and corruption, feels relevant but occasionally theatrical. With a stronger ending and more nuanced writing, it could have been a standout series.

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A Slow-Burn Journey Through Healing and Romance

I keep my reviews concise and spoiler-free, focusing on the key points. I also watch every episode without fast-forwarding to provide a fair perspective.

This drama is a slow-burn experience, deeply atmospheric and intentionally paced, which may not appeal to everyone. Its genre leans heavily on mood and introspection rather than fast-paced thrills.

The visuals and OST are excellent, with the soundtrack predominantly instrumental, perfectly complementing the drama’s somber tone. The darker, muted visual style enhances the story's weight, even in daylight scenes. Despite its slow pace, the show is packed with hints, questions, and layers of trauma and conflict that immediately draw you in if you're willing to adjust to the rhythm.

At its heart, the drama is a poignant exploration of depression and healing, focusing on deeply broken characters navigating their way through a toxic environment, self-sabotage, and the possibility of redemption. The darker themes are balanced by sweet, tender moments during the romantic parts, giving the story a sense of hope amidst the gloom.

The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, with their interactions feeling grounded and mature. The romance is handled differently from most dramas, offering a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of relationships. However, the story misses opportunities to delve deeper into certain side characters, who could have added more depth to the narrative.

While some of the story arcs build strong initial intrigue, their resolutions may feel a bit less impactful than anticipated. Similarly, the thriller and investigation elements are underwhelming, failing to deliver the tension or complexity they seem to promise. They could have been either improved or omitted entirely to focus more on the characters' emotional journeys.

The drama’s brevity might leave you wanting more, and its pacing and tone might have worked just as well, if not better, as a film. Nonetheless, it remains a compelling and beautifully crafted story for viewers who appreciate mature, introspective storytelling.

If you’re open to slower-paced dramas with strong visuals and a focus on emotional healing, this one is well worth the watch. Just don’t expect a gripping thriller, it’s more about the journey than the destination.

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A Stylish and Wild Ride Through the Late 80s

I keep my reviews concise and spoiler-free, focusing on the key points. I also watch every episode without fast-forwarding to provide a fair perspective.

This drama is a crazy and ridiculously fun experience, blending humor, action, and emotional depth with an unmistakable 1989 vibe. The first few episodes set the stage, introducing the characters and laying the groundwork for an engaging story that pulls you in immediately. While you can anticipate the challenges the main character will face, the execution keeps you hooked, evoking both fear and excitement as events unfold.

The performances are fantastic, even when deliberately over the top, fitting perfectly with the drama’s tone. The OST is exceptional, featuring nostalgic tracks that immerse you in the late '80s. The visuals and costumes are equally impressive, creating a refreshingly authentic retro atmosphere.

The characters provoke mixed emotions, adding complexity to the narrative. Some struggle with their identity, navigating the fine line between revenge, redemption, and deception. Others undergo drastic transformations, appearing kind and vulnerable at first but becoming more ruthless as their true nature resurfaces.

Midway through, the tone takes a dark and serious turn, diving into the internal conflicts of the characters and their descent into morally grey areas. This shift may polarize viewers but adds depth to the story. Thankfully, the drama later returns to its original lively tone, wrapping up with a balance of humor and action.

The fight scenes are well-executed and thrilling, though certain depictions of weapon-based fights might raise concerns. The cast of characters is colorful, with memorable identities, adding to the drama's quirky charm.

That said, the series isn’t without flaws. Certain key characters are underdeveloped, feeling shallow and lacking depth. Some transformations feel too abrupt or one-dimensional, while others are given limited screen time despite their potential to enrich the story.

Finally, while the drama delivers an important message about identity and power, it lacks the emotional weight of something like The Glory, leaning more on humor and entertainment. Still, the result is satisfying, capped off with a bonus post-credits scene for viewers who stick around.

Overall, it’s a highly entertaining drama with stylish visuals, a vibrant ‘80s setting, and a mix of humor and action that should keep you invested until the end.

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A rollercoaster of highs and lows

I aim to keep my reviews short, spoiler-free, and focused on the key points to help you decide if a drama is worth your time. I never fast-forward and always strive to watch the entire series to give a fair and thorough perspective.

This drama is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, offering an intriguing blend of heartfelt moments and over-the-top storytelling.

The characters are undoubtedly one of the drama's strongest points. They're layered, engaging, and easy to root for, particularly in the friendships and love stories that form the heart of the series. The cast delivers strong performances overall, though it does occasionally lean too much into exaggerated acting, which can be off-putting at times.

For viewers new to K-dramas, this show may feel like an instant favorite with its charming leads and emotional storytelling. However, for seasoned fans of the genre, it may not resonate as strongly. Unless you're a devoted fan of the lead actors, the drama's flaws might outweigh its strengths.

The storytelling is uneven, excelling in the portrayal of relationships but faltering elsewhere. For example, the first responder scenes and the depiction of a pivotal event that drastically changes the male lead's trajectory feel cringe-worthy and lack the realism needed to support the narrative. These missteps make certain parts of the drama feel over-the-top in a bad way, detracting from the emotional weight of the story.

Additionally, the long runtime of certain episodes clocking in at 1 hour and 30 minutes per episode can test patience, with some scenes feeling unnecessarily drawn out. A tighter edit would have made for a more compelling watch.

On a positive note, the OST is a highlight, beautifully enhancing the drama’s emotional moments and leaving a lasting impression.

In conclusion, while this drama has its charms, particularly for fans of the leads or K-drama newcomers, it might not hold the same appeal for more seasoned viewers. Its engaging characters and touching moments are worth watching, but the uneven storytelling and unrealistic elements may make it less satisfying overall.

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