Female characters - Im Sun, Mi Jin, Im Cheong - steal the thunder!

Having completed Emergency Couple a few months ago, I was excited to learn about Choi Jin Hyuk's new project Miss Night and Day.

What I liked:
1) Pacing - I only started watching this show when it had already aired 6 episodes. So I binged all 6 episodes on a Sunday. Overall, I enjoyed the first 12 episodes of the series as it was refreshing, fast-paced.
2) Lee Jung Eun - It's wonderful to see her in a main role (loved her in Strangers from Hell, Fight for My Way)! Brilliantly cast. Despite the age discrimination against her, Im Sun is smart, capable and unintentionally funny.
3) Supporting characters - I really like Mi Jin's parents, Ko Won and Mr Ju. Jung Young Joo looked bold & beautiful in red lipstick. Delighted that Ko Won has some depth in the middle of the series.
4) Ageism - It's good to see a series that shows age discrimination especially now that most countries have ageing population. The scenes were hurtful but that's the reality of our society.
5) Songs - I love the theme song She's back by The Vane as it is more rock-ish. I also like BOYSNEXTDOOR's Lucky Charms - it's so Im Sun!

What I disliked:
1) Romance - I didn't like pairing of Mi Jin and Ji Ung because I didn't feel much spark between the characters. Because of the body swapping, I see Mi Jin and Im Sun as 2 separate characters. I'd rather see Mi Jin and Ko Won as a romantic pair.
2) Writing - Since I like Ko Won a lot, I was disappointed that he didn't get much screen time after the confession. I am also frustrated by the mystery part of this series because last quarter of series was saturated with many arcs - murder mystery (wah the red herring), romance, body swap dilemma.

Favourite scene:
When Ko Won covered Mi Jin as she transformed into Im Sun.

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Enjoyable Korean webdrama with good plot, acting & kissing scenes

Came across this web drama when I was exploring the 찐엔딩 Youtube channel. This series was fast-paced, enjoyable and with cast that have good chemistry and dynamics. I didn't realise that Kim Jae Won was Rowoon in King the Land (one of the 2 characters I liked from dreadful series) until I checked his list of credited work.

What I liked:
1) The plot - There are many dramas about revenge on cheating boyfriend but Romanced has a refreshing take on it. I like that writers showcased different perspectives in the main 4 characters.
2) Female lead characterisation - I like that female lead Bom was upset and somewhat guilty instead of feeling rage when she found out because people react differently when confronted with unpleasant situation. I also liked when Bom realised that she's been gaslit by Sihoon and told him about it.
3) Romance - I'd say the kissing scenes were blazing hot. Making out behind a wall when your friends/course mates were just few metres away.
4) Antagonists - Kudos to writer for writing unlikeable antogonists. I like that there was a self-absorbed character who thought he could get away with hurting his girlfriends' feelings and there was another character who realised her mistake of being with a douchebag.
5) Acting - Good overall. Better than some Chinese minidramas.

What I disliked:
1) The ending - There were many flashbacks at the start of episode 8. Wish more scenes of Bom enjoying life post-breakup.

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Fun minidrama with strong female lead & comical male lead

Found this minidrama from Fresh Drama Youtube channel so decided to watch it after briefly reading reviews on MDL.

What I liked:
1) Female lead characterisation - I like that Wen Lan's smart & capable. Fan Luo Qi played the role well and she looked beautiful too.
2) The plot - It's centred on Wen Lan's personal and professional life and there is a great balance and execution of this short minidrama. She suffered from amnesia but this trope wasn't dragged (thank gawd). The last five episodes were fun to watch.
3) Visuals - I must say Ma Chen Xi, who played second male lead Shi Cu, is more handsome than the actor who played male lead Xu Kai Xin. The actor who played rival Shi Xun is handsome too.

What I disliked:
1) Mu Bai characterisation - I dislike that he's vain and kept checking out himself. I understand the moments were done to bring out humour but they didn't build the case for audience to root for him in his pursuit of Wen Lan.
2) The romance - Sadly lacklustre and too focused on comic relief. I get it that he realised his mistakes and mistreatment of his wife. However I felt that there was no clear distinction between his guilt for his wrongdoings and his love for Wen Lan. Despite that, the lessons on wooing Wen Lan were hilarious and I do love the wedding scene.

Favourite scene
Episode 3 was so hilarious especially when Wen Lan was drunk. ROFL.

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Do first impressions matter?

Random youtube video recommends Love to Hate You. Finished it within 24 hours. I love that female lead is not dainty nor cute!

What I liked:
1) Do first impressions matter? - No love at first sight here. This drama is labelled as enemies to lovers because of Yeo Mi Ran's first impression of male lead Nam Kang Ho. I like that they started off as strangers who then needed each other's help. It's great that the animosity/negative energy didn't stay long because finding balance of push and pull in enemies-to-lovers drama can be challenging.
2) Pacing - This series was an easy & fun watch. I watched 5 episodes after dinner and finished remaining 5 the next day. I even gushed to my bestie that evening when we met for dinner.
3) Positive masculinity & male friendship - I love the camaraderie between Kang Ho and Do Won Joon. I like Kang Ho's reaction when his colleague caught him and Won Joon in awkward situation. Instead of making comments to avoid being labelled as gay, he was just cool about it. I also like that Kang Ho did not feel emasculated by Mi-ran's strength.
4) Mi-ran characterisation - She is no Mary Sue - she's cool, capable & confident but vulnerable. She's tough but she understands that being in male-dominated office presents challenges and she adapts to them instead of demanding special treatment.
5) Mature romance - I like the conversation that Na Eun and Won Joon had about disclosing friends with benefit. I really like Na Eun's response.
6) Health & fitness - I love dramas that feature sports & training so it's great to see Mi Ran and Kang Ho training for his upcoming role. I also love the stunt sequences. Kim Ok Bin is trained in martial arts. Thus her stunt coordinator scenes looked believable.
7) Kim Ji Hoon hair - wow so shiny and luscious. I love to "hate" him for this reason!

What I disliked:
1) I wish there were more romance plot for Na Eun and Won Joon.
2) Oh Se Na characterisation - I hate characters that like to play the victim.

Favourite scene
When Mi Ran was injured from stunt sequence. It's great to see Kang Ho started to care about Mi Ran.

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Mellow romance with healthy relationship between main leads

I was curious about this drama after seeing many positive reviews on reddit. They are right. If you are looking for romance with healthy relationship between main leads, then watch this series! I find Joseph Zeng resembles S.Coups and Xu Kai at certain angle.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This is one of the few dramas which male and female leads have healthy and mature relationship. I like that they take time to develop their relationship and have a solid base. All the insecurities are rational and discussed. I also like how workplace romance is showcased in this story especially when it involves a boss and subordinate (not equal in status).
2. Lin Kai Wen / Kevin characterisation - I must also say that this is one of the few dramas that have fully fleshed out second male and second female leads. Assistant Lin is the star of this drama. He's calm and rational and has good strategic thinking skills. I am surprised that Zhou Zi Han doesn't have many tv and movie credits - he should act in more tv roles!
3. Jia Yao Yao characterisation - I also like how the writer fleshed out this character. She writes romance but level headed (not too absorbed in the concept of love). She's a great friend. I also like that she's confident in her capabilities and allure. She wasn't coy once she figured out signals given by Assistant Lin and recognised her feelings for him. Li Lin Fei has magnetic smile.
4. Taoyuan Village - I like the scenes in this village even though they aren't many. Nice to see contrast between rural hospital and upscale, big city hospital.
5. The tone - I'd consider this series as light due to the absence of major conflicts (e.g. jealous ex, family drama). However there was a dark/deep issue that was explored in this drama - the passing of Dr Ye's father.
6. Styling - I really like the styling for Lu Zhao Xi and Assistant Lin from the hair to the clothes. Styling for Ye Shi Lan is alright - not a fan of oversized vest over flowy dresses because Liang Jie is petite.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - I felt like there is a cliffhanger at the end of the series. It'd be great if the writer can wrap up the office drama because I'd love to see how Vice President Gao is dealt with.
2. Team dynamics - I would love to see more of the dynamics within paediatric department. Dr Ye's ex boyfriend looked sketchy. What happened to Dr Huang after the free clinic?

My favourite scene
How Dr Ye disclosed her boyfriend to her colleagues at Paediatrics Department. I like that she was the one that reveal it, not Lu Zhao Xi.

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Quarter-life crises

At first, I thought the title 'Fight for My Way' was referring to Ko Dong Man's journey as an athlete. I was wrong - this title and drama are about quarter-life crises experienced by 4 friends in their mid-to-late 20s.

What I liked:
1) The writing - Kudos to the writer for fully fleshing out 4 lead characters of this drama. It's great to see growth in Dong Man, Ae Ra, Sul hee, Joo Man. and even Jang Kyung Goo. In terms of professional growth, I like Ae Ra's arc the best especially her interview scenes.
2) Acting - top notch acting by cast, main and supporting. Song Ha Yoon's acting was the most impressive to me. Her character seemed like a submissive / too trusting partner but she put depth, kindness and empathy into the role. I understand why Sul hee behaved that way.
3) Park Seo Joon - I have only watched him in Midnight Runners, The Divine Fury, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim (albeit few episodes only), Concrete Utopia before this series. Fight for My Way is my favourite PSJ work. He looked and acted like an athlete. He was hot when he wore black shirt and jeans in episode 1 - PSJ worked out damn hard for this role! Just look at his forearms - I want to get back hugs from PSJ.
4) Childhood flashbacks - The use of childhood flashbacks is relevant for this drama since the core 3 have been friends from the age of 5 or 6. The child actors were great in their roles but kudos to Lee Han Seo for bringing tenacity and girlboss energy to young Ae Ra.
5) Romance - It's also great that writers demonstrated 2 different types of romantic relationships. We have existing romantic relationship (Sul hee & Joo Man) and budding romance (Dong Man & Ae Ra).
6) Kwak Dong Yeon - I have only watched him in Vincenzo (he was an impressive himbo) and he was also good in this small role.
7) Choi Woo Shik - I have only watched him in movies Parasite, Train to Busan and Okja and DAY6's music videos before this series. It's great to see him in kdrama especially this role. Wah, I never knew he could be a playboy because he has kind / nice guy face!
8) Pyo Ye Jin - I also like her acting because it's the first time I watched her in a baddie role. I was shocked during the conversation she had with Sul hee.

What I disliked:
1) Joo Man - His character is important but I dislike him when he wasn't forthcoming with Sul hee about Ye Jin's interest in him. Despite that, I shed some tears when he mourned the loss of his relationship.
2) Hye Ran's stalker and possessive behaviour is alarming. I dislike past version of Dong Man for being at Hye Ran's beck and call.

Favourite scene
When Dong Man spotted Ae Ra in a sea of audience and then comforted her. That is a best friend move. Very sweet and unexpected scene.

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Cliche story but male lead was hot

I watched this series because it was recommended on youtube. Oh boy, this story was full of clichés done badly.

What I liked:
1. Guo Jia Nan was excellent in his role. He was believable as bodyguard / boss. Plus he looked good in white shirt & suspenders.
2. Ma Cheng Jun was also excellent in this series. His character was a villain whom I find quite zany.

What I disliked:
1. I don't feel chemistry between male & female leads. Their kisses were stiff / awkward.
2. Story got boring in second half. I didn't pay attention to story - just let it played on tv so I could mark this series as complete.
3. Female lead characterisation - Female lead could have done something greater once she figured out how she fell from the hospital rooftop but gosh she didn't.

Favourite scene
The reveal of how female lead fell from hospital rooftop

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Sweet drama. Male lead is handsome

The Date of Marriage is a sweet J drama. Simple love story.

What I liked:
1) I like the bright coloured clothes in the series.
2) Matsuda Genta has many moles on his face & neck, gosh he is handsome.
3) Good enough chemistry between male and female leads

What I disliked:
1) I find their romance bit hard to believe. It doesn't flow naturally like other romance dramas that I've watched.
2) I think the styling of hair & certain clothes made female lead looked bigger than she was in reality.
3) Lack of communication

Favourite scene
When male lead carried female lead

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Sexy but heartfelt drama on friends-with-benefit

Rinko wants to try is a sexy jdrama that reminds me of those sexy stories I used to read.

What I liked:
1) Acting - Kaho Takada portrayed Rinko's vulnerability very well. She had great facial expressions & good chemistry with her romantic interests.
2) Rinko characterisation - She is capable at work and likeable to the audience. At the start of the series, she had a crush on another guy and I like that she pursued dating the guy despite developing some feelings for Gen.
3) Fast-paced & like how drama concluded by the finale.
4) There were a few heartbreaking scenes such as her first time and her love confession in the finale.

What I disliked:
1) I would liked it if there were more kisses and communication between Rinko and Gen.

Favourite scene:
When Rinko confessed her feelings for Gen and Gen asked permission to kiss. I liked that Gen didn't force a kiss on her.

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Captain Su = Li Sang, Captain Lu = Eugene/Flynn Rider

Got a crush on you is a light romance cdrama with strong FL. Despite its flaws, I liked this series.

What I liked:
1) I like when drama feature health and fitness scenes. I enjoyed training & mission scenes.
2) Gulnezer Bextiyar & Xu Kaicheng made visually stunning couple. They put in enough passion in their kissing scenes. I really like the scene when Captain Su was hospitalised. I also like that Captain Su is supportive of Xing Chen's professional goals and never stopped her of pursuing her studies despite the challenges that they might face.
3) Captain Su Qing Che is like a Disney prince - Mr Nice Guy archetype! Dashing & guileless. I'd say Su Qingche reminds me of Li Shang. I like that Xu Kaicheng looked like an everyday man with his physique.
4) Lu Qun is a charming sweet talker. He reminds me of Eugene/Flynn Rider.
5) I like the double date scene when Xing Chen offered dating tips to her best friend. It's refreshing to see a confidant woman who isn't shy about picking up men.

What I disliked:
1) Song Xing Chen getting too involved with ex-boyfriend.
2) Mid-point of the series felt draggy.

Favourite scene
When Captain Su, his crew and the volunteers went for training in episode 4 or 5.

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Kim Sejeong & Seol In Ah excel in this rom-com

Business Proposal is light & well-paced kdrama.


What I liked:
1) Shin Ha Ri characterisation - She is smart, capable, beautiful, humourous and I love it! Ha Ri did't give in easily when pressure was on. Kudos to Kim Sejeong for bringing this role to life because it wouldn't have worked without her charms.
2) Jin Young Seo characterisation - Wow, it's rare to have 2 female leads that are brilliantly written. Young Seo is rich but not spoiled. She is smart and hard-working. Kudos to Seol In Ah for masterfully showcasing Young Seo's smart and vulnerability.
3) Romance - I prefer second lead romance to the main lead romance because Seol In Ah and Kim Min Gue has effortless chemistry that translated very well on screen. Prefer Sunghoon to Tae Moo
4) Friendship - I love that this theme was prevalent throughout the series, i) Ha Ri-Young Seo, ii) Taemoon-Sunghoon, iii) Ha Ri Minwoo, and iv) even Young Seo and her frenemy cousin.
5) Random Korean-English phrases - Gosh, I love them all!
6) Melomance scene - I love the song but wah the scene was heartbreaking. I really felt Ha Ri's pain.
7) Grandpa - I like love Tae Moo's grandpa. Great dynamics between him and Tae Moo and him and Sunghoon.
8) Health & fitness - As a person who started working out at gym after a health issue, I appreciate dramas that feature health & fitness scenes. Young Seo and Sunghoon at the gym. I love Sejeong's toned arms when she had her blind date with Tae Moo.

What I disliked:
1) I wish some Young Seo's PTSD were further explored so we could see more vulnerability from Young Seo and compassion from Sunghoon.
2) Tae Moo characterisation - Out of the four leading characters, he is the least interesting one. His character did not grow as much as the others and he seemed awkward when with Ha Ri. Maybe I am also tired of the cold, distant boss persona.

Favourite scene
When Sunghoon took off his glasses and kissed Young Seo. That was very hot and passionate!

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Exhilarating watch!

Reset is exhilarating Chinese drama that introduces me to Zhao Jin Mai & Bai Jinting. Great combination of action, thriller, sci-fi and a touch of romance.

What I liked:
1) Acting - Brilliant performances by main & supporting cast.
2) Writing - The drama reminds me of Source Code and Speed. I like the multiple scenarios faced by the main characters. The emotional scenes really packed a punch!
3) Shi Qing characterisation - She is not a damsel in distress. I love her character development. I was impressed by how Zhao Jin Mai portrayed this role considering how young she was during this drama.
4) Ending - I like the ending especially the part which Shi Qing has to lead the mission.
5) Bai Jin Ting - His facial expressions. I like the fact that he is a normal, everyday man (not a muscular hero). He was boyish, nerdy adorable.

What I disliked:
1) There was an episode which my attention was lost. Sometime in the middle of the series.

Favourite scene:
Bai Jinting's emotional scenes.

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Fun & light action, comedy, thriller, drama

Korean dramas on Disney+ Flex x Cop have been hit and miss for me. For me, Flex x Cop is a hit. Watch it if you want a fun & light action, comedy, thriller drama.

What I liked:
1) Ahn Bo Hyun always great at playing man baby but this role showcased his skills in both comedy & drama. I like when main character who is in a serious field has fun at work!
2) Supporting cast - Kyungjin character is so cute, glad he got a happy ending hahaha. I also enjoy the developing bromance between Isoo & Junyoung.
3) Love that the opening theme goes for a rock song . I also like other songs featured in the OST such as Hey! by Lucy and Shadows in the Night by Hersh.
4) It's great that writers did not fully explore romance between Isoo and Jihyun.
5) I like that the show showcased two different types of family dynamics: close-knit (Jihyun's family) vs cold, distant (Isoo's family).

What I disliked:
1) I understand that Isoo has connections but with that level of professional and life experiences, I am surprised he managed to solve a lot of the cases.

Favourite scene:
When Isoo was down and it was noticed by his cop friends.

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Fangirling + mature romance = I like very much!

Being a serious kpop fan, I was intrigued by this show. What an enjoyable drama!

What I liked:
1) Fangirling aspect was done tastefully. This drama showcased the positive and negative side of fangirling. I like that main character Deok Mi is a professional in mid-level position.
2) Family theme was prevalent in this series. It's wonderful to see love that knows no bounds in the case of Nam Eun Gi and the Sung family.
3) Wow, the romance scenes made me hot. Kim Jae Wook and Park Minyoung's kissing scenes set me on fire.

What I disliked:
1) Childhood friends trope - gosh I wish they hadn't used this trope.
2) Nam Eun Gi was a manbaby. Compared to the more mature and sophisticated Ryan Gold, Eun Gi wouldn't complement Deok Mi. Gosh Ahn Bo Hyun really enjoyed playing this type of characters (Her Private Life, Yumi's Cell, Flex x Cop)
3) The second half of the drama isn't as strong nor interesting as the first half.
4) Cindy was an interesting character at first then her character became stagnant and not fleshed out.

Favourite scene:
When Deok Mi discovered Ryan Gold's secret identity and he asked her to teach him to become a fanboy. I love that the scene started off humourous then became sexy.

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Don't be fooled by the poster. Not steamy but light, enjoyable drama

Light, enjoyable drama about work, love (friends-turn-lovers trope) and friendships.

What I liked:
1) Umi characterisation - Animals is about a woman challenging herself personally & professional. I like that we see changes in Umi - she was miserable in that first job but once she changed to a different job, she thrived!
2) Wonderful cast - Airi Suzuki was great in her role.
3) Friendships - This theme was prevalent in the drama. It's wonderful that Umi stayed in touch with her formal colleague despite being in a different company. I also like the friendship between Umi and Kazao.

What I disliked:
1) Romance - wish there were more romatic scenes once they became a couple
2) Based on title & poster, I expected sexy J-drama but haha I was deceived.

Favourite scene:
Particularly enjoyed 'choose an outfit for 1st date' scene.

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