The Biggest Disappointment of this Year

This is one of those shows that had a strong start, but quickly deteriorates into a disaster of epic proportions. Starring Lee Ji Ah and Kang Ki Young in the lead roles, “Queen of Divorce” was supposed to be a fantastic tale about a badass female lead, who is a divorce fixer. Only, it turns into a mediocre drama that depicts the same old daughter-in-law and mother-in-law rivalry, while the husband/son is caught unaware between the two (plotting/scheming on his own). While the cases they took initially did seem intriguing, the show quickly devolves into family melodrama and nothing gets past it. Lee Ji Ah tries her best to deliver a commendable performance as a wronged woman who is out for revenge. Her candor and dialogue delivery are perfect, only the role isn’t meant for her. She deserves a better role than someone who probably left her lover to get married to a rich guy (who is a good-for-nothing). As for Kang Ki Young, this was his moment to shine. After playing an antagonist in “Uncanny Counter Season 2”, this was his big break. Unfortunately, the show doesn’t do any justice to his acting skills; I just felt he was better off playing the villain. Let’s get down to reviewing this show in detail!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/03/09/queen-of-divorce-series-review/

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One of my favorite age-gap romances ever!

This show was a fresh breathe of air, everything from storytelling to the nuances of the characters portrayed, stood out firmly and commendably.

This was my second time watching Kim Myung Soo play a main lead (after “Numbers” where his chemistry with Choi Jin Hyuk was topnotch). So, I kept wondering how he would fare in an age-gap romance with older actress, would they have the same kind of fiery chemistry? Suffice to say, Kim Myung Soo molds into this role into an entirely different manner; the way he embodies Shin Yoon Bok’s shy optimism with his traditional resolute made the character so intriguing. Paired opposite Lee Yoo Young who plays his Master/Lover Kim Hong Do; both actors have done a praiseworthy job of enlivening webtoon characters that were already quite popular. Was the age-gap between the actors viable? Frankly, it was but the way their love story develops, it all makes sense. Their romance didn’t scream uncomfortable, rather it was mature and well-oriented.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/07/03/dare-to-love-me-series-review/#more-989

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The Most Entertaining Show of 2024

Where should I petition to get Season Two? I haven’t got enough of this show, I want more!

Lee Je Hoon’s “Chief Detective 1958” was an unforgettable experience, once that was well written, portraying the brotherhood and camaraderie between four men who are crusaders for justice. Starring alongside Lee Je Hoon, the ensemble casting includes Lee Dong Hwi, Choi Woo Sung, Yoon Hyun Soo, Seo Eun Soo. The show portrays the younger days of Inspector Park Young Han, a fictional legend who formed a formidable team with the other protagonists in difficult times when corruption was on the rise in the police force. As the main protagonists cleanse their department of corruption and seek justice for the downtrodden, the show is high on antics as the four main leads bring different flavors to this variant palate. Inspector Park Young Han (Lee Je Hoon) remains at the centerfold as he fights alongside the righteous Chief Yoo Dae Cheon (Choi Deok Moon) who had been fighting alone until his eccentric team gather together. Let’s wind down as we reminisce the best parts of this show!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/05/19/chief-detective-1958-series-review/#more-845

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A Phenomenal Drama that will leave Mesmerized

I still can’t grasp the reality, is this show really over? Where is my “Hae-Young & Ji-Uk” happy hours?

I’m mostly annoyed by the fact that tvN had the audacity to end this phenomenal show at 12 episodes (why so stingy?). Frankly, I could sit down and watch Hae Young’s hijinks for another 12 episodes as she drives her deterrents up the wall, falls in love with her fake husband again and protects her foster sisters fearlessly. Shin Min Ah is an exemplary actress, so I had no doubts that she would add meaning to this role. The surprise package was however Kim Young Dae, his subtle yet empathetic portrayal of Kim Ji-UK was so fantastic, I’m in tears. I kept comparing his past performances to Ji-Uk and realised one thing- it is the patented Shin Min Ah magic. When you have a co-star like her, naturally your performance gets enhanced. Despite the visible age gap, they led this drama fearlessly and got me hooked. Apart from them, I was also mesmerized by the second lead couple, Lee Sang Yi & Han Ji Hyun. Mostly secondary couples get sidetracked, but this show did them justice and both actors were truthful to their characters. Honestly, this drama is a potboiler of emotions with hilarity mixed in equal proportions!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/10/02/no-gain-no-love-series-review/

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My Favorite Bromance This Year

They really outdid themselves; “Justice in the Dark” might be in the dungeon but the director made sure that “Live Surgery Room” surmounted the boundaries of Bromance!

It was halfway through that I learned Qiu Zhong Wei (“Justice in the Dark”) was helming this project. For those who have read the novel, MC Zheng Ren supposedly has a love story with nurse Xie Yiren, which has been totally sidetracked in the adaptation. If you are wondering why, the answer lies with the director who obviously prefers bromance. So, we got a drama with lots of medical terminologies thrown in alongside oodles of delicious bromance. Must admit, I was afraid that the script might pair the male protagonists with the female leads who had a crush on them; but surprisingly they didn’t. The director makes no efforts to appease the censorship and the show solely focus on the budding relationship between the male protagonists. Also read somewhere, that the male leads spend months getting themselves familiarized with the medical terms and surgical processes. In short, this drama is a commendable artwork made possible by the hard work of a dedicated team that includes some talented actors/actresses.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/04/20/live-surgery-room-series-review/#more-745

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An Intriguing Tale of Brotherhood

This show ended at an odd note; the open ending was rather innocuous, because we don’t know if there is a sequel in works (and if it is, when will the show premiere?). Adapted from the novel “Purple River” (紫川) by Lao Zhu (老猪), the storyline is set in the fictional world of Zichaun and is centered around the brotherhood of the three male protagonists. Di Lin, the oldest of them is ruthless, scheming and cynical, Si Yilin is an eternal loyalist and highly disciplined individual, while their youngest, Zichaun Xiu is a shrewd strategist, pretending to be a wannabe playboy. All three of them are set in their own ways, have no familial connection, and yet they would die for each other. That’s the extent of their brotherhood; it is an unwritten rule, inscribed in stone. The political turmoil coupled with the unending plotting and scheming is entertaining and gives a slight edge to the story line. You never know who the antagonist is, simply because everyone seems to have their own agenda. Let’s dive into the story line and learn more about the characters.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/03/15/eternal-brotherhood-series-review/#more-671

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One of the Most Entertaining Watch in 2024

There are very few instances where you are left stunned by the brilliance of the script. Coupled with a phenomenal casting, “Judge Dee’s Mystery” was a riveting tale of intrigue, mystique and societal reforms. It is easier said than done; one thing that I noticed throughout the show was Di Renjie’s steadiness. He isn’t someone who can be easily wavered; even in times when he was unsure of his emotions or decisions, he never denounced on his belief. His strong devotion to the Tang Code shines throughout the show, and he is a strict followers of rules. This series is adapted from the Dutch author Robert van Gulik’s novel of the same name and is loosely based on the life of historical Di Renjie (630–700), chancellor of Empress Wu Zetian during the Tang Dynasty, who earlier in his career served as a district magistrate. The series involved 9 cases, each spanning three to four episodes; the attention to detail is commendable. This was one of those dramas that wasn’t easy to guess; we might make speculations and in the end, we will still miss out on that vital clue which only Judge Dee notices. His intelligence is unparalleled and he is a brilliant investigator. As a magistrate, Judge Dee is someone who sets the example before expecting the people to follow him. Let’s talk about this show in detail!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/03/02/judge-dees-mystery-series-review/

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An Impresive Start to a Hilarious Romcom

If you enjoyed watching the recently concluded romcom “The Matchmakers”, then probably “Knight Flower” should be on your watchlist. The premise is quite similar, a widowed daughter-in-law belonging to an influential family who lives a double life. While Jung Soon Deok (Cho Yi Hyun) portrayed a masterful matchmaker, Lee Ha Nee plays Cho Yeo Hwa, a gutsy yet happy-go-lucky widow who masquerades as the “legendary hero” at night. I jumped into this drama because Lee Ha Nee is one of my favorite actresses and her comic timing is unbeatable. If you have watched her in “The Fiery Priest”, then you would understand my point. She doesn’t disappoint here either; Yeo Hwa is a joy to watch, it could be the fight scenes where she punishes the baddies or her subtle romantic scenes with ML, Lee Jong Won. Well I did have reservations about this pairing, the eleven age-gap is pretty obvious; I’m not even sure if this is a noona romance. Nevertheless, both have a striking chemistry, and we are going to talk more about this!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/01/15/knight-flower-first-impressions/#more-450

"Knight Flower" Series Review

There are very few shows that actually get me excited; especially the weekend ones. Currently, I’m juggling not one but four shows on weekends and despite this hectic schedule, “Knight Flower” always held priority. Simply because I couldn’t wait to watch what kind of new antic Cho Yeo Hwa would get involved in. The central character of this show, Yeo Hwa is the dutiful widowed daughter-in-law of the Left State Councilor. She was widowed the day she got married and has spent 15 years mourning of the loss of a husband she never met. Rather tragic, but underneath her demure nature hides the legendary hero who climbs walls at night and helps the needy people while punishing the evil. The entire circumstances of this story line is elevated by the fact that Lee Ha Nee plays this role with a dexterity. Her perplexed expressions are on point, comedy is Lee Ha Nee’s strong point, and she excels in that. Let’s review this hilariously ridiculous romcom with slight dangerous edge!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/02/19/knight-flower-series-review/

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A Crispy Storytelling With Stellar Casting

Club a drug addict detective, a greedy reporter and an insurance agent together and we get a crime thriller of epic proportions!

Although the said genres in this drama are thriller, action and mystery; “Connection” strongly thrives on the complicated friendships in this show. It could be Jae Kyung who has given up on friends altogether or Yun Jin who is too invested in her own affairs to care much about her friends or Park Tae Jin and Won Jon Soo who use friends for their ulterior purposes. Friendship is the start and the endgame of this show. The past few weeks flew by fast, that’s how much this show occupied my weekend space. Starring Ji Sung, Jeon Mi Do, Kwon Yool, Kim Kyung Nam in the lead roles; the drama seems to revolve around Jang Jae Kyung (Ji Sung), but he isn’t at the epicenter. Rather, the storyline evolves as he deciphers the uncoded murder of Park Jun Seo, who was seemingly friends with all of them. So why did he commit suicide or was he murdered by his close friends who all seem equally suspicious? The story keeps you guessing and up until, the last episode you couldn’t have guessed the real criminal!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/07/07/connection-series-review/

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A Phenomenal Journey Throughout

A Youku original (albeit not an adaptation), this historical is definitely one of the best written scripts in a long time. Featuring Liu Xue Yi & Ju Jing Yi in lead roles, the storyline focuses on the resurrection of the female lead (who escapes death twice, miraculously). Once in childhood when her entire family is massacred and next on her wedding night, when the female antagonist does a face swap. As I have already mentioned in the “First Impressions”, face swap doesn’t make much sense; I’m still calling it “Soul Swapping”. The newly resurrected female protagonist Yang Cai Wei makes use of her beautiful face, and rich lifestyle to seek revenge. Easy concept right? Nope, it is easier said than done. The 32 episodes romantic saga takes us on a revenge journey where our odd couple counter each other, become allies, fall in love again and conquer the evil villain. This was a phenomenal joyride and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/04/03/in-blossom-series-review/#more-706

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Loved the Beginning, the Ending Not So Much

This show ended in a hasty manner and I didn’t even realise that it was over!

Starring Son Hyun Joo, Kim Myung Min, Kim Do Hoon & Heo Nam Jun in lead roles, the show was a fast paced thriller. The storyline remained focused on the father-and-son dynamics, with the antagonist pair struggling against the just ones. We can’t exactly call them just, because Song Pan Ho (Son Hyun Joo) and Song Ho Yeong (Kim Do Hoon) both resorted to nefarious plans, for their own benefits. The show was characterized by uncalled violence, a typical revenge saga throughout. While I’m not condoning their acts, at one point of time; it becomes difficult to differentiate between the protagonists and antagonists; because both engage in schemes that inevitably lead to several deaths. It was both painful and heartbreaking watching them each wage an unnecessary war where no one wins.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/09/12/your-honor-series-review/#more-1172

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Could Have Been Better

This felt like an extended version of a chaebol melodrama with added action scenes!

I’m a huge fan of Rain, that was one of the main reasons to start this show. The pilot episodes did catch my attention and I was slightly hooked (won’t say that this show was intriguing right from the start). We have loads of plotting and scheming happening in the backwaters, alongside the “classic mother-in-law & daughter-in-law melodrama”; add a cheating husband, a crazy illegitimate brother-in-law and a hot bodyguard to this mix, and we have a complete potboiler. This show was full of overused tropes- a bodyguard falling for his employer, a husband who is insanely in love with his wife and yet cheats on her and a scheming mother-in-law who got her comeuppance in the end (that was quite satisfactory). There isn’t much to dwell in this drama, so we are going to quickly tap into the specifics!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/08/04/red-swan-series-review/

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Thriller Family Melodrama at its Best

Two mothers with different agendas and priorities!

MBC’s “Bitter Sweet Hell” pulls off hijinks in the most egregious manner possible; it can be considered as a journey of maternal love but from two different perspectives. While Hong Sa Kang keeps a tight rein on her only son, Dr. Choi Jae Jin; No Yeong Won gives her son, Do Hyun the breathing space he needs. Both love their sons but in different ways and this familial love becomes the cruz of this family melodrama. Starring a ginormous casting like Kim Hee Sun, Lee Hye Young, Kim Nam Hee, Yeonwoo; the show portrays complicated family relationships in the most realistic way possible. At the epicenter of this show is the terse, strained relationship between a sharp mother-in-law and her smart daughter-in-law, who have been at loggerheads forever. Their dynamics start to change when a psychopath decides to destroy the familial ties. Decidedly, there is nothing new in the script but the show keeps you on your toes. The thrill factor could be attributed to the unrestrained antagonist, Lee Se Na, who plays the “Devil’s Reincarnate”, judging the entire family and handing out punishments.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/07/01/bitter-sweet-hell-series-review/

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My Favorite Love Story in 2024

Have you watched a time travel romance that is exceedingly amusing but also exhausting!

Adapted from the web novel “The Best of Tomorrow” (내일의 으뜸) by Kim Bbang (김빵), “Lovely Runner” was supposedly a fantasy comedy portraying the repeated attempts of a fan who travels back in time to save her favorite idol. Starring the fresh pairing of Byeon Woo Seok & Kim Hye Yoon, the show has become a global success, skyrocketing the actor’s popularity to new levels. Although it was tiring watching Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon) frolicking back & forth to protect Ryu Seon Jae (Byeon Woo Seok), her strong sense of belief that she could save her loved one was truly inspirational. I have never seen a more committed character, even though her journey starts as a fan, it’s not long before they fall in love. The best part of this show was watching their teenage romance; the fact that Seon Jae fell first for Im Sol was shocking & surprising. And he remained true to his heart in every timeline; waiting or searching for her; shows how much they cherished & loved each other. “Lovely Runner” is an ardent love story, unlike any you have seen in recent times.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/05/29/lovely-runner-series-review/

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I loved watching Byeon Mu Jin's hijinks to win over his family!

The mystery has been solved, and we now know how Byeon Mu Jin became rich!

Many might think that the answer to this question is the premise to this storyline, sadly it isn’t. The show focuses on the changing times and its direct or indirect effect on familial ties. Although the show is hugely centered around Byeon Mu Jin’s attempts to reconcile with his family, “Romance in the House” is not just a love story. Its atypical melodrama that revolves around a father-daughter’s estranged relationship. The drama tries to reconnect a disjointed family who were separated because of unlikely circumstances. That doesn’t mean, they start living together; the Byeon family exists as individual units as they find their own “Happily Ever After”. The show seemed to hint at the precursor that families don’t always need to stay close; they can exist individually, as each of them seek their own happiness.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/09/19/romance-in-the-house-series-review/#more-1189

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