not even Kim Jung Hyun can save this mess

Kokdu: Season of Deity is Kim Jung Hyun's first drama comeback since Mr. Queen and was one of my most anticipated dramas of 2023. But despite the interesting premise, talented cast, and Kim Jung Hyun's especially strong performance, Kokdu: Season of Deity is a huge disappointment and not really worth watching in its entirety. The drama is a convoluted mess lacking clear vision and direction. It's like the writers can't decide if they want to be a comedy, a melodrama, a thriller, etc. They try everything and none of it really works. As a result, the drama feels really disjointed.

The main romance in this drama is one of the worst I've seen in years. I'm a fan of both Kim Jung Hyun and Im Soo Hyang but they have terrible chemistry. The only time there's any spark between them is when they bicker. Everything else is a snoozefest. AND the writing for the main couple is bad.

The writing + main couple are awful but there are strong performances from the talented cast especially the two male leads, Kim Jung Hyun and Ahn Woo Yeon. I also liked a lot of the relationship dynamics like the Han siblings and the 2nd lead couple. But the drama spends a lot of time on the boring villains/hospital conspiracy so in the end, all the relationships feel underdeveloped.

If you're a fan of any of the actors in the cast, just watch clips of their scenes and behind the scenes footage. You'll thank me later.

dramatoast.com/kokdu-season-of-deity-kdrama/

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Si Wan and Seol Hyun's chemistry make Summer Strike worth watching

Summer Strike is worth watching for Dae Beom and Yeo Reum and their relationship. Yim Si Wan and Seol Hyun have a very sweet and natural chemistry and are a joy to watch. More time should've been spent on their relationship. Their individual performances are excellent too.

The supporting characters and storylines aren’t particularly strong with some that are downright unpleasant to watch. Summer Strike has the obligatory murder plot most kdramas have these days which really drags down the drama. The drama was darker than I expected and I wouldn't call it a healing watch.

Honestly, I would recommend fast-forwarding or skipping scenes without the leads. They aren’t very interesting or likeable.

If you aren’t interested in watching two awkward introverts fall in love, Summer Strike is not for you.


https://dramatoast.com/summer-strike-kdrama/

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fun premise, weak execution

The Heavenly Idol has a fun premise and talented cast but suffers from weak execution.

A drama about a priest from another realm swapping places with a kpop idol? The concept is pure fun and The Heavenly Idol is at its best when Rembrary is a fish out of water adjusting to idol life.

Sadly, The Heavenly Idol never manages to find a good balance between the idol and fantasy storylines resulting in disjointed worldbuilding, plotholes, and underdeveloped characters.

All in all, an unsatisfying watch despite the charming leads and fun set-up.

https://dramatoast.com/the-heavenly-idol-kdrama/

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Island never lives up to it's potential

Island is a drama with an exciting concept and a great cast that never lives up to its potential. The drama is bogged down by mediocre writing, generic monsters and sloppy action sequences. The cast is small yet all the characters and relationships are underdeveloped.

Kim Nam Gil fans will be especially disappointed as his character is not given much to do and his strong acting is not enough to elevate Van into a character I care about.

After a slog of a season, Island part 1 actually ended on a high note and I was actually excited for part 2. But part 2 doesn't build off the momentum of part 1 and goes back to the slow and boring pace that plagued most of part 1.

Part 2 also sidelines Johan which was disappointing because he's the most entertaining character.

https://dramatoast.com/island-kdrama/

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Island moves at a snail's pace

Island part 1 really takes its sweet time introducing the characters and setting up the world.
There's only 6 episodes and they drag on forever.
A fantasy drama about fighting demons should not be this boring but it is.

The only memorable character is Cha Eunwoo's Johan and he brings much-needed humour and fun to the drama.
And Eunwoo's styling in this drama is great. Best he's ever looked in all of his dramas. I especially love the earrings.
The side plot with his brother is the best part of the drama.

My full review: https://dramatoast.com/island-kdrama-review/

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