One of my Favorite Shows in 2024

There are very few shows that have an immense impact on you from the start and the impression remains the same until the very end. “White Cat Legend” is one such drama, with an entirely male centric casting that boasts of a formidable ensemble, the show was an intriguing mix of fantasy, adventure and mystery. Starring Ding Yu Xi, Zhou Qi in the lead roles, the storyline was crisp and detailed. Wei Zhe Ming’s arc as the fake antagonist was another detail that was elevated the entire experience of watching this investigative saga. The eccentric supporting cast is interesting and each had their own detailed storyline; none of them were left out as they contributed to the overall plotline. The stakes were high since the storyline revolved around the concept of “Demon Cat Case” alongside an immortal being who was hellbent on death and destruction. Let’s get to know the characters better, as we talk about their camaraderie!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/03/13/white-cat-legend-series-review/

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The Most Endearing Watch This Year

What happens when Cinderella shift gears from being a damsel in distress to becoming a knight in shining armor!

Apart from the comic hysterics that are a metaphorical part of this moniker, "Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale" was a hilarious double take on an age-old classic. The show didn't have any godmother springing a surprise visit on the poor Cinderella, instead we have a daredevil female lead who knows what she wants and she strives to achieve her goals, no matter how foolhardy they seem. Add two handsome men to this mix, and we have a romcom bursting with fun and joyful antics. Starring Pyo Ye Jin & Lee Jun Young in the lead roles, the show gives us a wishful romance full of aching love and yearning. After watching the pilot episodes, I was instantly wooed over by the chemistry between the main leads; they are unusual, chaotic, and totally abnormal, but what is amusing about them is that they match each other's craziness. Shin Jae Rim is the only one who can stand Moon Cha Min's presumptuous attitude and arrogant demeanor, they are a match made in hell or vice versa. My Friday's have been an utter joy for the past five weeks, I couldn't wait to watch the new episodes.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/06/30/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale-series-review/#more-972

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My Favorite Fantasy CDrama this Year!!!

The show has ended and I still haven’t gotten over the wild vibes!

Guo Jing Ming’s directorial always have a set tapestry- the characters are as queer as they can and the cinematography is at another level. With sumptuous locales and luxurious settings, he always commands stories that will take up every minute of your existence. His characters are so endearing, that you wish to join them on their journeys. It could be a 34000 years old Great Demon, who is both hilarious and flirtatious, a proficient Demon Hunter from an illustrious family line, reserved and highly disciplined, a Goddess from the Wilderness, who is sweet, frail yet courageous, an erstwhile Commander of the Martial Camp whose only concern is protecting the said Goddess, a childlike physician who loves to scream and a Mountain God who loves to cook. The similarity between them- they all love each other and are a huge family. The storyline wraps these characters tightly into a bond that is unbreakable and unbelievably strong.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/11/19/fangs-of-fortune-series-review/#more-1336

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The Most Exciting Watch of 2024

I followed this show as religiously as I did with “The Blood of Youth”.

Every time I saw characters from the sequel, it seemed to draw me back to the time when the protagonists from the prequel paraded as the older generation, wise and more experienced. So, watching their naive, inexperienced selves was endearing. Celebrated as the Liquor Deity of Xueyue City, the show focuses on Baili Dongjun’s journey from the wayward grandson of the Marquis of Zhenxi to becoming the First City Lord of Xueyue City. Joining him on this sojourn is the dreaded villain of all times, Ye Dingzhi. The show focuses on their decades long friendship and even though, Baili Dongjun stops his descent into demonhood, it doesn’t affect their brotherhood. There are other characters from the sequel whose backstory is explained, like Yi Wenjun, who is Wuxin & Prince Xiao Yu’s mother. There might be many who would wondered why she is confined to her palace in the later years, this show explains the very reason of her lifelong confinement. The detailing is as particular as the sequel, so there is never a dull moment!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/08/17/dashing-youth-series-review/#more-1121

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The Most Endearing Watch in 2024

I was so caught up in this drama, that I didn’t realise it was the last episode yesterday, that’s how much I enjoyed it!

Fundamentally, this show piques the question of how lifestyle diseases could adversely affect a family with superpowers. We are led to believe that their decline began with Bok I-Na’s birth, it is a curse or vice versa. While the poor kid spends 10 episodes or so, battling her insecurities; the elders are at another level of bewilderment. Joining them on this charade of epic proportions is a family of scammers, who turn out to be less of cheating scums and more of potential bodyguards. The show is all about familial love or the loss of it; therefore it hits harder. Each of them are so lost in their own world, that they have forgotten how to be a family unit. That’s where the scammers come in and teach them the true meaning of being a family. Sounds cliche or unbelievable, right? Wrong, because this is the most important part of this storyline. The budding romance between Bok Gwi-Ju & Do Da- Hee is questionable on all accounts; I’m still wondering how the depressed and aloof Gwi Ju suddenly fell for Da- Hee after she decides to dump him. But that’s where the magic lies; knowingly or unknowingly, Da Hee brings this entire family of misfits together and gives a new meaning to their regretful lives.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/06/10/the-atypical-family-series-review/#more-906

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An Endearing but Slow Paced Romance

This was simply a comfort show that made my midweek bearable!

I wasn’t anticipating a great story line from this show, when I first started with it. So, we can’t say, it rescinds on its promise of delivering a phenomenal romance. Somewhere down the line, the show does turn cliche and harbors every overused trope in the book with unwarranted twists & turns. And despite these odd nothings, I did enjoy the show nevertheless. I guess different people have varied tastes and some may beg to differ. This show strongly focuses on familial love, it could be found family or struggling with your real family dynamics. Handling family affairs can be tiring, but that doesn’t mean you don’t love them. The show is a chaotic mess with haywire characters; you can’t hate them nor love them endlessly!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/06/07/frankly-speaking-series-review/#more-899

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A Saga of Love, Dual Personalities and Revenge

When I first started with this drama, it didn’t seem more than a reproachful saga of an assassin warrior seeking revenge on an unseemly king who massacred her entire family. From the onset, the show seemed to revolve around Yeon Wol/Kyera/Consort Hyo (Hong Ye Ji). The woman had many names and titles; she was the last living descendant of the royal family of Yeon (how exactly, I don’t know; given the fact that her father was a mere General; was she related to the royal family through her mother? The connection was never made clear). So, while we joined Yeon Wol on her quest as she saved her people from the heinous King Sajo Seung, the male protagonist became the subplot. Park Ji Hoon’s Sajo Hyun suffers from dissociative personality; the trauma caused by watching his father massacre an entire household bred another personality, the evil Ak Hee. Both share the same body but have different temperaments. In the end, this show became less about Yeol Woo’s revenge and instead turned into a forbidden love triangle. I won’t say it was boring. I enjoyed watching the ever-changing dynamics between the trio; but this show wasn’t exactly phenomenal.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/02/28/love-song-for-illusion-series-review/

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An Endearing Romance Between Two Time Travelers

What started as a revenge saga turned into a “Forever Love Story”.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of revenge stories, especially those with beautiful FL’s who are hellbent on vengeance. “Marry My Husband” serves that revenge piping hot with a casting that take their roles seriously. It helps that the titular role was played by a veteran actress like Park Min Young. As Kang Ji Won, she is reproachful, aggressive and entirely manipulative when it comes to raining hell on her archenemies- namely ex-husband and ex-best friend. It was a gratifying experience least to say; frankly the show depicts adultery realistically. I guess that was the whole premise and intend of this show; to portray the mental and emotional torture that women experience when their so-called better halves cheat on them. It could be Kang Ji Won or Yang Joo Ran (Gong Min Jung); most women spend their lives adjusting to their husband’s crazy whims, unable to express their displeasure. This show will be a welcome relief to those women; it might even help them gather the courage to pack their bags and stage a walk out. For now, let’s review the show in detail!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/02/22/marry-my-husband-series-review/#more-561

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Don't Go Looking for Romance!!

I can’t believe that it is over, I could watch Justita punish unrepentant criminals in her own crazy way forever!

There are very few shows that manage to hold my attention till the very last and “The Judge from Hell” was one such gem. Starring Park Shin Hye in an eclectic role, the show focuses on Justita, the Demon Judge in Hell who specializes in punishing murderers. As the third most powerful Demon in Hell, she is arrogant, and terrifying. A slight mistake in judgment lands her in trouble as she is exiled to Earth where she has to kill 10 unrepentant murderers and send their souls to hell. Easy, right? Wrong, because while Justita is quite good at doing her job, nothing could have prepared for the earthly attachments that cripple her desire to return to hell. As Justita, Park Shin Hye gives an eccentric performance, portraying a demon who is bloodthirsty and yet justified in her deliverance. Despite the ensemble casting that forms the core of this show, Park Shin Hye grabs your attention from the get-go. It was entertaining watching her on a killing spree that is seemingly warranted. This show doesn’t hinge much on romance, so you will be disappointed if you are looking for a somber love story!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/11/03/the-judge-from-hell-series-review/#more-1300

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My Favorite Watch in 2024, Shin Ha Kyun Wins

One of Shin Ha Kyun’s best works yet, it will definitely remind you of “Beyond Evil”.

Shin Ha Kyun is prone to excel in serious roles that are cater to his excellence in adapting to any roles, it could be a sly police officer on the roll (Beyond Evil), or as a desperate lawyer (Evilive). “The Auditors” is just an extension to his calibre as an exceptional actor. What sets these shows apart is the slight tinge of bromance, obviously Shin Ha Kyun excels in that arena as well. His compatibility with his male co-stars shines through and “The Auditors” was no different. Paired opposite Lee Jung Ha, the actors spell a sophisticated tale of redemption and justice. Their roles are polar opposites; while Shin Cha Il is strict, disciplined and has a no nonsense attitude; Han Soo is kind, caring and has a happy-go-lucky attitude, something that led to regular spars between our main leads. Add to this, the quirky villains who were fishing in murky waters and the mountain of cases that needed auditing, the show was an instant hit. Frankly, I never knew nor thought that auditors could act like investigators, maybe they do or it was just the theme for this show. Nevertheless, the precision with which Shin Cha Il handles those cases was awe-inspiring. We got surprises piled in this review so let’s catch up fast!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/08/13/the-auditors-series-review/

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An Unforgettable Revenge Indeed

An Unforgivable Revenge!

This quote reverberates throughout the series, turning it into a sediment that resonates hard. “The Impossible Heir” was one of those shows that constantly kept me on my toes; I was buzzing with excitement each week to see what kind of new trick Han Tae Oh would pull off. The irretrievable chip that worked in Tae Oh’s favor was Kang Joongmo’s intense distrust of his own family members. A gripping tale of deception and betrayal, the show stars a stellar cast which includes Lee Jae Wook, Lee Jun Young and Hong Su Zu. Their characters form an unlikely alliance which is tested by time; not so much by fate as by themselves. One of the most striking things about this show was the crisp script, no pitfalls or odd pacing. It was thrilling experience indeed and not one minute wasted. Let’s talk about their caricatures before reviewing this business thriller!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/04/03/the-impossible-heir-series-review/#more-713

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A Romance Between a Quirky Princess and her Evil Husband

I went into this drama with zero expectations. I was suffering from a drought of good Chinese dramas and decided to pick this one on a wimp. I’m so glad that I did, because the storyline is engaging, the ML is a handsome hedgehog who looks eternally scary but is a gentle marshmallow; the supporting cast is equally engaging. Well, you might be wondering why I haven’t talked about the FL, because it’s obvious from the synopsis that this show is related to the female protagonist’s transmigration. I won’t necessarily call Hua Qing Ge a strong character; but she is street smart and is making the most of a situation she is trapped in. Kudos to the costume department for dressing the male lead, Ding Ze Ren in the most resplendent costumes that I have ever seen in a Chinese drama; it just adds a chilly aura to his coldhearted personality. The settings are equally grand and it makes for an entertaining watch!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/01/25/different-princess-first-impressions/

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A Woman's Struggle Against Mental Illness

This is one those of those dramas that could be a “Hit or Miss” phenomenon. There are very few shows that are daring enough to depict main characters with mental disorders. If you have watched this show, Seo Jae Won expresses her life long suffering and anguish in the penultimate episode, while openly challenging the societal mindset and prejudice. As she rightly points out, the disorder itself causes pain to the patient and their family, to be discriminated by the society is ever more agonizing. The scriptwriter indeed hit the nail with this point; patients suffering from mental disorders are the same as others, they have every right to lead a normal life while getting their treatment. There is nothing to be ashamed about, and they should not be prejudiced, the trauma only worsens their situation. As always, Jang Na Ra does a fantastic job portraying the main character’s struggles. Let’s take a moment to talk about Seo Jae Won and her relationships, as the show revolves around them!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/02/27/my-happy-ending-series-review/#more-574

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One of the Best Sapphic Adaptations till Date!

Set in the 1950s, “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born” delivers a classic retelling of two Korean art forms- Gukgeuk and Pansori.

I spend a lot of time learning the intricacies of these two folk arts, which are quite liberal and intriguing as compared to those in my motherland. For those unaware, Pansori is Korean genre of musical storytelling performed by a singer and a drummer, where the singer tells the story by singing and the drummer accompanies her on the drum. Incorporating this aspect into Gukgeuk was the main highlight of this show, which refers to a theatrical performance that combines singing and dancing. In post war era, Gukgeuk was extremely popular and women portrayed men’s roles. In short, it was an all female- production which had a cult following from the 1950s to 1960s, after which it rapidly declined due to the rise of films. “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born” delivers a subtle romance with homoerotic tones. Adapted from the webtoon “Jeong Nyeon” (정년이) written by Seo Irae (서이레) and illustrated by Namon (나몬), the original storyline was a sapphic love story. Even though the show is a censored adaptation, the all-women ensemble renders itself useful in maintaining the sapphic flavors.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/11/18/jeongnyeon-the-star-is-born-series-review/#more-1325

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An Entertaining & Thrilling Watch Indeed

This review was long overdue, I’m glad that I finally got time to watch the show completely!

Forgoing on the dynasty politics, “Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II To the West” sticks close to what it is best known for- solving crimes in the midst of diffident situations. Despite their initial misunderstandings in the pilot episodes, our dynamic duo are back together as they travel towards the West with their motley group. Whilst Lu Lingfeng is demoted to the position of the Sheriff, Su Wuming tags along as his personal secretary aka sounding board. The 40 episodes span across their various adventures as Lu LingFeng & Su Wuming solve mysteries in the midst of defending themselves from varied assassinations attempts. Even though they suspect the Emperor, Lu LingFeng never gives up on his principles and chooses to strive for justice. As they cross borders to reach Yunding, their camaraderie grows stronger; with Su Wuming taking a step back and relinquishing control to Lu LingFeng, who is now adept at investigations.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/10/09/strange-tales-of-tang-dynasty-ii-to-the-west-series-review/#more-1253

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