Fate can be a powerful thing

First Love is what the kids these days might describe as “a vibe”. The nine episodes Netflix series is based on two songs by Hikaru Utada– “First Love” and “Hatsukoi. First Love delivers those feelings of giddy young love, of painful separation, long absences, and sudden reconciliations in spades. It’s at least a couple of episodes too long, but it’s impressive in its construction, visuals, performances, and emotional power.

This series spans over 20 years and tells the story of Yae Noguchi and Harumichi Namiki, two highschool students who fell in love in the 90s, but are then separated due to unusual circumstances. As a kid who was born in the 90s, it especially hits closer due to the flashbacks of the 90s era and how love used to happen in those times. A very good series under Netflix, First Love will feel like a slideshow presentation of young love, how it blooms and bundles of emotions that becomes a part of it.

My Rating : 8/10

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Hangs in the middle

Today's Webtoon, adapted from a Japanese manga, is mild and not much interesting when converted into Korean Webtoon world. With a global hit (Business Proposal) this year, Today's Webtoon is the 2nd drama of Kim Seo Jeong in 2022, however it had less to no sparks in terms of story.

The screenplay to Today’s Webtoon recalls K-drama tropes where a bubbly female lead ends up inspiring those around her and changing it for the better – cheesy motivations, juvenile humour, viewer enjoyment highly dependent on the geniality of the leading lady. At times, Today's Webtoon stretches out select moments of friction between characters or circumstances. At others, it glosses over points that could underpin significant character development.

To summarise, Today's Webtoon is much like the many office dramas before it, but the unbridled confidence, optimism and faith of the characters makes it a one time worthwhile watch.

My Rating : 5.5/10

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Gripping with a rushed yet satisfactory ending

Another law mystery drama in this year's plate, Why Her started strong, thanks to an amazing performance by See Hyun Jin. The premise is simple, a goal of reaching to the top, due to unfair past behaviour by everyone.

In a world full of injustice, there seems to be no hope of going up against big corporations that can easily influence various institutions in society.
Although fictional, characters like Chairman Han, Assemblyman Lee, and Chairman Choi represent a portion of the powerful in today’s society, who abuse the law for their personal gain.

But in the end, there is an end to their abuse of power that disgraces the justice system. The collapse of their empires is also caused by their own misdeeds, which have always been at risk to be exposed.

The pacing was well maintained, although it suddenly rushed in when the 14th episode aired, with multiple layers coming and ending within moments, without giving a proper enclosure. The finale was cliche and had nothing extraordinary, but what made me feel good about the finale is that justice prevails in the end, no matter what.

My Rating : 8/10

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Somewhere in between..

Forecasting Love And Weather had a good concept, but dragged down, primarily by weak writing, but also due to it's not so impressive execution.

It felt like there were 2 different things shown on screen, and neither of them was able to achieve anything. The chemistry was good between the leads, however the constant dilemma of the leads to the situation in their hand, made me annoying towards them.

What works though, are the side characters. Chae Yu Jun and Han ki Jun had a happy ending, however it still bothers me that cheating led to a good conclusion though. Apart from them, the personal life of the other members of the Team 2 was quite intriguing which made the plot more interesting and relevant to the message which the lead character should have displayed.

An another drama, where the conclusion wasn't good enough, with focussing on details that weren't much relevant to the premise. However, the story and engagement of side characters' story is what handled the drama a bit well.

My Rating : 6.5/10

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Short but effective in its own way

Soundtrack#1 is a romantic work that was as beautiful and exquisite as a picture, with everything in its place to the point, however it was a shame that it couldn't last for many episodes, which might have been a better treatment in terms of character development and relationship of friendship to love exposure.

The drama has a good soundtrack, soothing and alleviating oneself from any sadness, to create a good mood. Soundtrack #1 elicited sympathy from viewers by depicting the romantic story of ‘between love and friendship’ in a cute manner, bearing satisfactory results, although it could have been much more than that.

The major point missing in the drama was the connection they formed, their past wasn't much explored, how they connected and 20 years later, the bond still prevailed. This could have had a major impact in the story which otherwise ended with a very simple and cliche ending.

My Rating : 6.5/10

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Life is beautiful, just live it

Hometown Cha Cha Cha is not a love story, but a story full of emotional moments. It's all about love, pain, sorrow, happiness, regrets and every human emotion that can be expressed.

Without divulging much, it is impressive how Hometown... attempts to go beyond a run-of-the-mill romantic comedy as it explores grief, guilt, loss, and healing. While this is dealt with in a mature way, it would have benefited the show more if the intense themes weren’t all packed into the final two episodes.

Kim Young-Ok as Gam-ri, an octogenarian grandmother who Du-Sik is closest to, once again proves why she’s the best K-drama grandmother. Hometown excels at slice-of-life goodness and wholesome romance of the best kind.

My Rating : 8/10

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Beyond Evil is beyond your average thriller

Beyond Evil is a great example of how to take a simple concept and absolutely run with it. Between the exemplary acting, tight writing and numerous twists and turns along the way, this Korean drama is easily one of the best shows of the year.

Given the simplicity of the story, it’s actually quite impressive that the series adds layers of twists while also making sure there are no plot holes left behind either. Every single character has an alibi, a place to be and – more importantly than that – a motive for killing. In fact at one point there are 8 different possible suspects!

Beyond Evil is amazingly consistent and efficient in its writing; it not only manages to keep episodes compact yet compelling, it also manages to keep up the suspense for its full 16 episodes, which is a big deal. The OST was used skillfully as well.

My Rating : 8.5/10

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Brilliant origin spin off story

Kingdom Ashin Of North is a brilliant spin off of critically acclaimed Kingdom series which tells the story of Ashin and the origins of the undead.

The story was great along with the lead cast and overall production of this special episode. From the very beginning till the end, there was no boredom whatsoever. A story of survival, betrayal and revenge, Ashin Of North serves a great plot that will eventually tie up with Kingdom storyline. Jun Ji Hyun was brilliant as Ashin.

The 3rd season will probably the ultimate showdown of humans vs the undead and I am waiting eagerly for it

My Rating : 9/10

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This mystery is ridiculously amazing

Mouse got me hooked from the start. A murder mystery of a serial killer/psychopath, with numerous different storylines that ultimately connects to the same place.

The plot was amazing, Lee Hee Joon as Moo Chi, the detective/policeman was just terrific. At 20 episodes, it didn't felt even once that the story was loosing it's grip. Rather, there was some kind of twist in every episode which made it interesting and kept me guessing.

The BGM was quite good as well along with the production of this drama. In the world of K Dramas that are usually filled with romance, comedy and Slice Of Life, Mouse serves the best thriller/suspense Korean show which should get more attention, just like the others. Mouse is without a doubt, among my Top 5 best Korean series/drama of 2021.

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A unique idea and a nearly perfect execution

Start Up started very well, with unique idea of innovation world with competition among the best. But the way it ended, especially the last 3 episodes, I would say it was nothing like expected.

The emotional connection between Mr Han and the grandma was beautifully portrayed, so was the friendship between the developers/friends of Samsan Tech. The only unexpected thing was the relationship between Jung Sa-Ha and Chul-San although I can understand why they ended up together in the show.

The episodes towards the end felt a bit fast paced, loosing the grip of the story, not much but to certain extent. Although I can't argue who should have ended with whom, and what ending could have been more satisfactory, but I still liked the show very much due to it's unique concept.

MY RATING : 8/10

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All well that ends well

Business Proposal is your typical office rom-com with employee boss love affair that starts on a wrong note, but eventually gets synched by the end. What works with Business proposal are the characters, and I mean both the couples.

I won't say this is the best rom-com in the recent times that I have seen, given that there were innumerable cliche points, however Business proposal still proves to be effective with it's charming characters and the comedy moments that happens time and time again.

Kim Se Jeong was too good and adorable to watch. The drama didn't only shown relationship of a couple, but a strong bromance and womance throughout the show. The soundtrack was decent that matched well with the moments.

To summarise, Business Proposal is a delightful drama that minimizes weighty issues and major conflicts in favor of a comfortable plot and endearing characters. Plus, there are two lead couples worth rooting for. Although it's not the best I have seen, but it's worth a watch.

My Rating : 7.5/10

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Inferior to Season 1, but an ending quite a worth

Set 3 years later after the finale of Season 1, Season 2 starts slowly and brings all the characters back to the game. There are very few fantasy shows which make you invest in characters, and season 2 fits this description.

Although the second season starts sluggish with everything that kinda replicates the first season, the last 3-4 episodes bring the real excitement and closure, with which I am pretty much satisfied. What still works for this fantasy drama is the star cast, the chemistry between characters and how magic is used to weave a tale of ambition, dreams, love and kingdom. What perhaps could have been better was a climax full of action. But again, the makers opted for a rather happy ending. Personally, the latter is inferior when compared to its predecessor, but all ends that ends well.

My Rating : 8.5/10

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Enchanting fantasy crafted with precision

With its fast-paced plotting, engaging characters and resplendent wardrobe, Alchemy of Souls was a compelling escapist fantasy that helped us fly through the sweltering summer.

Plot wise, the show revolves around the lives of people residing in a place not known to regular humans, Daeho. There, mages, sorcerers, assassins, maids and all manner of other imaginable people ply their trade, helping the numerous areas of this restricted world function. Continuing, the whole series looks fantastic visually. Bringing life to this fictitious world, director Park Joon-hwa emphasises the expansive area he has to play with, immersing the viewer in every scene. Complete with some rather solid CGI, visual effects and use of pathetic fallacy, the show has some undeniably sleek appeal.


Overall, the first season of Netflix’s Alchemy of Souls was an enticing, consistently solid introduction to (and journey through) the complex world of Daeho. It might not have been perfect, nothing ever is, but there’s plenty here for anyone to sink their teeth into, as well as enough substance for those looking for something comprehensive to enjoy, with season 2 down the line.

My Rating : 8.5/10

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First half intriguing, second half mehhhh

Love all play started very well, giving us a glance in the past of the main characters and focusing more on the sports aspect. The situation that young athletes go through in their life, was visibly portrayed in the first half of the drama.

The downfall started in the next half, wherein it became more of a love story and very little a sport drama. Undoubtedly, the main characters 'Park Twins' had a good chemistry on screen, however too much of an emphasis on their love life and not on their professional life as a badminton player, let me down in the second half.

The soundtrack was decent, however while watching the show, it felt like an Instagram filter thanks to it's weird production. Overall, Love all Play had good intentions but didn't stood upto the expectations as a sports drama.

My Rating : 5/10

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Love stories behind the scenes

Shooting Stars offers a story about the different lives of people behind the cameras. Starting from writers, managers and PR’s who work hard to take care of the image of their artists.
During the drama, these characters also unveil the hardships of their work especially in handling their actors. Even though they are immersed in their jobs, they also opened their hearts to the people whom they like. Shooting Stars shows that a well-balanced lifestyle would make one’s heart happy.
The background music and the pairing were effective, although the acting of the cast felt overdone and sometimes there was a lack of stability. The drama felt monotonous at times however the end result was not bad at all.


My Rating : 7/10

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