Typical tropes made special

Enemies to lovers turned exes to lovers two of my favourite tropes. Yes, they’ve been done before but not like this. Our beloved summer takes two very common tropes and manages to make them different, special and realistic. Such close attention to the smallest details. Beautiful use of colours, tones and weather to reflect the mood. They dive deep into characters emotions and the psychology behind them really drawing you in to help you have a deeper understanding of them. The use of the documentary and showing us each characters point of view. The situations that the characters was in were so realistic and relatable, you find your self feeling more immersed into the story and understanding the pacing of the show more. The script, it was written eloquently! The show deals with really important serious topics; abandonment, depression, loneliness, poverty and more. Yet they were all handled with care.

The acting was obviously amazing. The emotions they were feeling I felt them too and even if I didn’t feel them I still found myself feeling emotional regardless. We have Oscar winning and Chungmuro actors of course the show’s acting was going to be good!! Kim Dami is my favourite Korean actress and after Our beloved summer I like her even more and I’m excited for her future projects.

The music was very enjoyable with a wide variety and lots of respected artist. My favourite OST was definitely Sam Kim’s and BiBi’s!


Now the very few dislikes. NJ I couldn’t really find myself liking or connecting with her character I found her annoying and out of place. The only time I really liked her is when she stood up for herself against her trolls but unfortunately that’s where it started and ended. My only other complaint is one of the love triangles. Jiwoong being in love with his best-friend’s girl friend for over ten years was just silly and it took far too long for him to finally get over the situation. It just didn’t make any sense. 10 years is a very long time for him not to have moved on. It also felt out of character. Was he really willing to risk his only deep and meaningful friendship to try and pursue a woman who’s in love with his best friend and always will be. These are the only reason I gave the story a 9 and not a 10.

Overall, this was a brilliant kdrama and I highly recommend it. At first I was worried that they left too many storylines last minute and the ending would feel rushed but I was very wrong. The ending was done beautifully filled with a mixture of emotions. Kdramas tend to fall flat somewhere along the show but Our beloved summer was genuinely good ep 1 until 16.

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A romcom gem

If you’re looking for a short, fun and well executed rom-com then this is the show for you.
Recently I’ve been watching a lot of kdramas that are emotional and can be difficult to watch mentally, however ‘A Business proposal’, was the complete opposite.

First off this drama is absolutely hilarious somtimes I find it difficult to laugh at kdramas because so many are not my type of humour but this show surprised me. The special effects are probably my favourite from any drama I’ve watched and it really gave the show character. It’s full of cliches but the effects were definitely something that made the show unique. Like I said before the show is very cliche, stereotypical and full of tropes that are common in the world of kdramas but that doesn’t take away from how good the execution was.

The characters were great as well as the acting. Hari was a very likeable and Taemoo wasn’t typically mean, like male characters usually are in Boss-employee relationships. Sejeong is a great actress and I’ll definitely look out for her future shows. In terms of chemistry they were okay, sometimes I did find their kiss scenes a little awkward but it didn’t take away from how cute of a couple they were. On the other hand, the second couple definitely stole the show in terms of chemistry and I loved their storyline which didn’t drag at all.

Now, there were a few things I didn’t enjoy. The idea of Taemoo not recognising Hari and Geumhui were the same person was silly, although that storyline didn’t drag on for too long. Also the story about the pervert and Young Seo clearly effected by it wasn’t taken as seriously. I do understand that the show is a comedy and the light hearted element probably would have disappeared. But that storyline should have been handled with a bit more care. Yongseo was self conscious about using the toilet after being watched for days unbeknownst to her and then that was it. It would have been nice seeing how she handled overcoming that difficult situation. The last few episodes for me were maybe a little bit more draggy and boring and different from the previous fast paced episodes. I still enjoyed them but I just wasn’t as hooked. I do also think the second couples engagement was a little quick.

Despite me being pedantic and picking a few negatives the show was very enjoyable!! It was definitely a comfort show for a lot of people and a great form of escapism. It was light hearted, exciting and a breath of fresh air. Some times it’s okay to enjoy a drama that isn’t overly dramatic with important relevant themes and that is very simple. It really made me enjoy Mondays and Tuesdays.

I recommend this drama for people who want to watch something short and sweet.

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Deserves the hype

This is going to be a quick and short review because I just need to get my love of this show off my chest.

This show is a literal masterpiece. I literally sobbed for 40 days and 40 nights over this show. Lee Jehoon is an incredible actor and literally never disappoints. Tang Junsang also done an amazing job. 'Move to heaven' which is a company that specialises in crime scene clean up takes time and effort to really appreciate the life that a person once lived through packing up their sentimental items and then delivering it to the family. Each episode is based on a person who has passed away and every episode was just as sad and beautiful as the next. The relationship between the uncle and Geuroo had one of my favourite developments in a kdrama. Both characters were total opposites and I loved watching both of them slowly adapt, respect and love one another. The characters were well written and acted. Lee Jaewook probably had one of my favourite guest roles in a drama. I honestly couldn't love everything about this show more.

This drama has excellent acting, beautiful story telling, drama, action, death and many more themes. I would definitely recommend this drama if this is something that you are genuinely interested and now just giving it a go because you see a high rating.

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A beautifully told story

I don't even know where to begin with this one. The red sleeve genuinely might be the best kdrama that I've ever watched! The show displays important themes of feminism, power, and love. The characters were written attentively. The chemistry between the two leads were perfect. The acting was outstanding but most importantly the script was eloquently made.

Story
When I first started watching the show it was honestly quite funny, I found myself laughing at a few scenes although that quickly changed. I usually avoid Dramas that have lots of episodes that are more than an hour long, but this show was an anomaly. The pacing was just so perfect. I’ve watched a few kdramas where the show was unnecessarily long and the pacing was all over the place, plagued with filler but this drama was the opposite. The show never dragged and was always interesting. I always wanted to know what happened next and was never bored regardless of who was on the screen. In conjunction to the main story line where side stories that left just as big of an impression. The storyline about the Tiger foreshadowed it wasn’t going to be easy for Yi San to be come king. A young Deok Im ripping out that page from the book showed us that she’ll always protect and love her king. The Fairies was one of the best executed storylines it could have been its own drama it was that elevating. Seeing the juxtaposition of Deok Im protecting the one she loves versus fighting alongside women who she shares a strong bond with was captivating. As well as this we see Yi San struggle to become a great King while simultaneously fighting off the reputation of his grandfather and father. The story was NEVER boring each character was written so well. They each had their own backgrounds, flaws, growth, and motivation. We see the downfall of characters because of power, greed, and superstition. There were truly no small parts as every character had a such an important role.

Deok Im
Feminism, women’s rights, and independence were very important big themes throughout the red sleeve and Deok Im was the embodiment! Deok Im is an amazingly written strong female character. To be quite blunt she is a bad b***h! Watching her fall in love was so bitter/sweet. It really was an emotional rollercoaster. The number of internal conflicts Deok Im was facing because she was a woman who worked as a court lady but also a human who fell love. Or because she enjoyed her independence, wanted to live freely, and didn’t want to live as the Kings concubine but inevitable fell for him, she struggled a lot and because of Lee Se Youngs superb acting I struggled with her. I wanted to see them fall in love and be happy, but I also loved the fact that she wanted to be her own person and enjoyed her own hobbies, like reading. Seeing her eventually succumb to love after realising she couldn’t live with him made my heart wrench . I know sacrifices were made that she could have been resentful of, but she really did love him.

Acting
The acting in this drama was too good. The acting was so realistic that it allowed me to be fully immersed into the drama. Jun Ho really was amazing in his role. I cried whenever he cried. Lee Se Young was the star of the show for me and has a new fan! Kang Hoon played a very cunning character that I absolutely hated; I’m looking forward to seeing him play in something else hopefully a character that’s likable this time. There were so many actors in this drama that shined. The quality of acting was astounding, and everyone was amazing. These talented actors came together to make the best kdrama of 2021 and one of the greatest of all time.
I do not have any dislikes and enjoyed every minute!

Overall, I recommend YOU watch this drama you will not regret it. If you are looking for a fictional drama, which is based loosely on true events that happened in Korean history, about love, power, feminism, and strong characters then this is the show for you.

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An underrated gem

This show has it all: romance, love triangles, sexuality, unrequited love, humour, relationships and many more making it my all time favourite kdrama.

Story
When I first read the story I didn't think it was anything special just another unrequited love story about a weird woman with no backbone who for some reason is in love with someone who's rude and disrespects her on a daily basis. But when I first started the show I realised it was much more than that The show is about 4 love triangles, which each deal with love (not just romantic), life, regrets and relationships. The show can be quite serious yet deals with these subjects carefully, tastefully and always humorously. I can also say this is the first and only kdrama I watched where I would class it as having an actual Love triangle, not a boy who has been in love with his childhood friend for 10 years but was too cowardly to do anything about it. Both men actively pursue the female lead.

Acting
Hyojin is one of my favourite Korean actresses and I'll watch anything she has been in. She's not dubbed the queen of Romcoms for no reason. I loved her character specifically her growth into a strong minded, opinionated and successful woman.
Jungsuk, what a performance he made me hate him , then sympathises with him and then eventually love him. When he cried I cried too!

Rewatch Value
Rewatch????? I already have like 4 times. This drama made feel all the emotions and I can't stop re-watching.

Also have no clue as to why this show isn't popular internationally.

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One of the finest Psychological dramas

I have no idea why the reviews are so bad but, Through the darkness is one of the best psychological thrillers I have ever seen. The show is about criminal profiling first being introduced into South Korea to help discover 'what makes a serial killer?', 'what attributes does a person have that makes them commit a crime?' and to be able to link crimes thus making catching a killer a lot easier.

The drama centres around Hayoung and Youngsoo who decide to take up the difficult task of creating their own behavioural analysis unit to aid investigators catching serial killers. Of course in the beginning of the show there is plenty of ignorant characters who do not take them seriously but as the show progresses we see how helpful criminal profiling has become and the difference it has made to the justice system. Hayoung is a passionate character who will literally do anything in his power to show how reliable criminal profiling is and to prevent serial killings. The shows has different storylines with a new serial killer for each story set over a time period. Each story is completely different and shows the growth of criminal profiling as well as how detrimental to your health working in this field can be. Through the darkness is different to other kdramas in the same genre as it is realistic and based off of real events and research from a South Korean criminal profiler. Therefore it isn't overly dramatic or has any unrealistic plots.

The acting? Perfect!

If you enjoyed the American drama 'Criminal minds', then this drama is 100% for you. This is a realistic portrayal of serial killers so please keep that in mind.

(bare in mind some scenes can be upsetting and overwhelming)

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Still smiling thinking about this show 10 months later

I watched this underrated drama 10 months ago in 3 days and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about it. Taeyang and Taejun have to be one of my top 3 kdrama couples.

Lets start off with the story. So the show mainly focuses on Taejun, Taeyang, badminton and their relationship with each other as well as the sport. Personally I am not a fan of sports dramas, however I loved this one. I think the show has a very good ratio of badminton to drama. One thing that did take me by surprise is the fact that this show is honestly a light hearted melodrama. Taejun and Taeyang both have a lot of childhood trauma, family issues and psychological issues that they both need to overcome in order to make their relationship work and to fulfil their dreams as badminton players. Although, in the later quarter of the drama the show can be more emotional and serious (the story does need to progress so no complaints from me) there is also plenty of comedy relief. From the team, to the many coaches, love all play had me smiling and giggling. The show also does have multiple couples which was enjoyable but didn't shy away from the main couple. The Yunis team also does live in dorms so there is a sense of that University life within the show.

NOW ONTO THE GOOD BIT. Never in my life have I watched a kdrama and loved a couple this much. Their chemistry was absolutely perfect and found myself having butterflies and smiling anytime Chae Jong Hyeop smiled. Seriously my jaw hurt from smiling so much, kicking my feet in joy, putting my phone down whenever the scene was too sweet. No character has boyfriend the way Taejun has boyfriend in a show. From the minute he saw her it was like love at first sight and pursued her so persistently and cutely, I too was falling for him. He was so obsessed with her ( as he should be) and smitten and I have genuinely never enjoyed watching a man pursue a woman in a romance drama so much in my life. I have genuinely rewatched this show so many times because I have yet to find a couple that I like more than them two.

Park Juhyun is one of my favourite Korean actresses and have literally watched every single one of her kdramas. She embodies versatility and it was a delight seeing her play yet another different character so well. I will always look forward to any kdrama she has coming up. In addition, this was the first kdrama that I've watched from Chae Jonghyeop and his acting was great. I have never seen an actor fit the 'golden retriever/ sunshine' trope so well. Of course the supporting cast were amazing as well!

The music was also great very catchy and uplifting.

Now, if I had any complaints it would be about Taeyang and the situation that caused her to leave badminton in the past. Although I understand why characters were angry, Taeyang did NOT deserve to be treated the way she was. I don't want to say too much because I do not want to include any spoilers but that situation was frustrating in the sense that it really wasn't solely her fault and people should take responsibility for themselves instead of pinning the blame.



I would definitely recommend this drama to any one who is a big fan of romance and doesn't mind sports dramas. Like I said it is not a full on melodrama however you can fill the essence of a melodrama. I have genuinely rewatched this drama every month and watch edits everyday of the Park twin couple!!

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THE best Chinese drama

Where do I begin. Ashes of love is the epitome of a good Fantasy drama. Everything about it was perfect

Story
The story was beautiful, engaging and overall enjoyable. The plot twists had me shocked, the love triangle left me frustrated and main leads had me falling in love. The constant theme of love vs power left me hanging on the edge of my seat wondering who is going to betray who next and is it for power or love. And don't get me started on how much I cried throughout the show.

Acting
Personally I haven't watched a lot of Chinese dramas where I thought the acting was very good but this is THE exception. Deng Lun and Yang zi did an amazing job as well as the rest of the cast.

Rewatch
Although this show has over 60 episodes I've re-watched it 3 times. Especially the part when Xu Feng and Jinmi are sent to earth as a test of fate.

The only complaint I have is that there was too much Runyu and not enough Xu Feng towards the end. I did NOT have SML very far from it. A character has never angered me so much. If he wasn't so annoying I'd probably give the show a 10

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Unlike other histrocal dramas

When you think of a Korean historical drama 9 times out of 10 you think serious, heart breaking, and LONG. However this Saeguk was different.

You have a King who has lost his wife and set a marriage ban until he remarries and So rang a girl who has lost her way, working as a swindler and now has somehow ended up in the Kings palace pretending that she has been possessed by the late Queen and yet this was was HILARIOUS. The comedy in this historical drama was literally a breath of fresh air. I started this drama while I was in a slump and omg it brought me right back to life. Of course, their is treason, scheming, murder all of the tropes that a Saeguk has but somehow it never felt that serious and always managed to make me laugh, Now, there is a love triangle and although I used to LOVE a love triangle Korea has manged to make me hate them! In the beginning, I actually was enjoying it surprisingly and then after 4 episodes began to quickly hate it as it turned into an overly persistent sml who can't take no for an answer. I have seen some people complain and say that the show lost its fun in the last third of the drama however I have to disagree. The show was more funny and light hearted in the earlier stages of the show, but there is still major plots that need to be resolved and can't help but be a little more serious as the show comes to an end, but the quality was always the same. Anyway, I still thought the show was funny and unserious throughout and was quite obviously not historically accurate.

THE MAIN COUPLE!! One thing that I will always love in historical dramas is the TENSION and omg was it great. The drama was the opposite of a slow burn and they came to like each other very quickly although the king took a little while to recognised his feelings. Their chemistry was so GOOD. I kept rewinding scenes while internally screaming because the tension and chemistry was hitting DIFFERENT.

The acting was up to scratch Park Juhyun is always a plessure to watch and was so good in the comedy genre and slayed her emotional scenes of course. Kim Youngdae, is literally so FUNNY, he has amazing comedic timing. I hope to see him in more romcoms soon. The supporting case were also great, some actors were doing their job a little too well because at times I wanted to punch the screen.

The music was enjoyable so no complaints.

The forbidden marriage is the sort of drama you rewatch because you know you'll keep enjoying it over and over again.

I don't actually have any complaints other than the the love triangle but it didn't take away from the show.


Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this drama and would recommend this romcom to any one who wants to watch a Saeguk that isn't gut wrenching but will instead a have you smiling and blushing.
Quick sidenote I have seem this drama being compared to the Cinderella trope but I would disagree it's not really rags to riches after you learn about her character.

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A web drama worth watching

Honestly I wish this was a full length kdrama they could have done even more with this storyline.

Fantasy is my favourite genre but I’ve always been picky and pedantic with what shows I actually choose to watch and I’m SO happy I watched this.

Story
My all time favourite trope in a fantasy drama is FATE and SOULMATES. People who are destined to be together, meant to be together written in the stars, overcoming hurdles to be with one another, nothing gets any better. So after finding this web drama about your soulmates name suddenly appears on you one day along with a cliche trope of misunderstanding of genders I knew I had found a gem.

Acting
The acting was good I don’t really have anything special to say.

My only complaint would be I wish it was longer or they had a season 2!

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