K-Dramas

As a woman in her early twenties, this FL's life spoke to me. Dealing with cramps at work, having a catty female coworker you don't get along with, taking care when out late at night, early periods, and just trying to save what you can on a budget.

At the end of the day it helps to have someone who notices what you're going through and tries to give you a bit of help. Ji Eun found a great guy like that :)

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgEQBfLjqmM&list=PLJ8tSVdIuzBYocZ1o5u6OPkyIvPcok73-

A really enjoyable drama with some legitimate teaching moments.

Regarding Representation: We had a Gay ML, Tae Jin. We get a few minor hints but it doesn't really become clear until the end. I feel his story is best watched rather than explained by me. I will say that they did a great job at subtly conveying his feelings and realization, and I loved how they focused on the relationship with him and his father. To have a parent be the one to apologize and reflect on their actions was heartwarming and refreshing. Parents in real life and parents in dramas more often than not don't see any problem with their own behavior and rarely if ever say, "I'm sorry." Let alone do they act sensitively and respectfully if their child is LGBT+.

This is the kind of dad everyone deserves. Someone who listens, learns, and is there for their child.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBBHcLeFDm8&list=PLQ0f_g2mQlLcayB3SSQhzqnAj1O_9Dg7e&index=21

It was sweet, but I felt it was lacking that signature magical spark Strongberry seems to bring to every production.

Also, with that kind of ending, I need a second season.

Can be found on iQiyi or GagaOOLala

Pretty easy and cute. Also, very short. Lol.

I very much enjoyed the fact that we got three different endings, one for each of the love interests. Everyone wins here!

Link to Ep 1-8: https://youtu.be/r7E7BHPsfqA

I enjoyed this. I do wish they had done even more with the vampire concept though. However, for what it was, I liked watching it when it came out. And I sometimes rewatch episodes of it.

I kind of cheated with this one. I just watched one of the couples' scenes in a compilation. I'd rate them a 8/10.

I'll get to the rest of it eventually though.

It's refreshingly different to see a guy-disguised-as-a-girl drama. This is one is quite entertaining  and has some real heart to it. Also, the disguise actually looks believable unlike some girl-disguised-as-a-guy dramas.

I think they pretty much got the pacing right for this. The finale was not quite what I expected, but I was pretty okay with it. The "reveal" flipped my expectations which was also pretty refreshing.

I think it's a pretty alright 7/10.

I find this resolution . . . Fairly acceptable, considering what happened and didn't happen with regard to the final conflict. Jae Min took accountability for his actions and even where his emotions were heading. And Nam Yi was rightly harsh in his honesty about why he was hurt and what Jae Min did wrong. They're going to need to work together to stay strong in their relationship.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfaogVGCvwTczUW4K1YELu_cWQfUQ21a&si=eaWXzNJGoxizFhF_

While the chemistry and natural intimacy between the two leads was nothing short of insane, the ending made it all feel pointless for me. I needed something more enthralling or moving to close this drama with. Ultimately, it felt unfinished.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfaogVGCvwTczUW4K1YELu_cWQfUQ21a&si=qqVtESTPU5lb2xdL

I did find Tae Ha's character rather compelling. The actor contributed a lot to this. But, again, this production seems to have trouble smoothing out the finer details of a story.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfaogVGCvwRtjaJ9-6V6InWnPJxR5z5U&si=k-na9S9844AX_6E5

Pretty cute. I like the style of it as well. The lighting is quite nice and the posting parts look a bit like Quora. It was rather unique to include her asking online strangers for help/telling them about her story and seeing the answers/comments she got.

Link to Ep 1: https://youtu.be/yiwYp9jzh6o
Link to Ep 2: https://youtu.be/Svhnf2UoI2M
Link to Ep 3: https://youtu.be/RNaDtuHyyzg

When is the next season?! I need it!!! <3

Link to Ep 1: https://youtu.be/i-HCAe1CMWI
Link to Ep 2: https://youtu.be/5cQbolw0cGI
Link to Ep 3: https://youtu.be/Ua_Jla4FEMo
Link to Ep 4: https://youtu.be/rJQMzA52Omc

It was pretty fun and cute.

Regarding Representation: The FL was either Bi or Pan. She says, "I am not exactly only into... men." It isn't brought up again after that though.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbmL8PfuSrVne9Mao0YLQHDMsRe3mTp4n

Again, the acting was good. But this production company keeps going back to cheating/misunderstandings and ends up rushing to resolve things.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfaogVGCvwQ_32A8H9oWjdEtXVTWcrja&si=qNZ9T1qbVr5i5cxQ

My rating could and probably will change. I gave The Sweet Blood a 7.5/10 though and I enjoyed this about as much if not more.

The effects were interesting, the mutual interest and lack of confusion regarding sexuality was refreshing, there was some legitimate tension and acting, and the backstory was handled pretty well and added to the character. Also, the brother's disagreement only being about him being a vampire was hilarious. He's like, "No, it's not because he's a man. It's because he's a vampire!" I can't. Lol!

Something about this felt unsatisfying though.

And, I don't really know how I feel about the ending. I kind of like that it wasn't what I expected. But, I also don't quite feel like it fit. The ring for one thing was an anti-Chekhov's gun which annoyed me. Why show it so many times and treat it with such importance only for him to never pick it up? There really wasn't much point with it. If it was so he could find the photo that doesn't really fit well. The idea of having a picture of him was barely mentioned while the ring felt like it carried real weight.

Anyway, I enjoyed it for the most part, but it could have been better. 

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

It had its shining moments of good chemistry and tension and memorable lines. But, overall, it was kind of just there. Once I got to the end, my reaction was, "That's it?" I don't know; I felt it was missing something story-wise. It doesn't linger in my mind at all.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Very sweet and serene. Overall, I had a pleasant time.

The audio wasn't the best quality at times which did sometimes affect how I took the more serious dialogue. Sometimes the acting was a bit unconvincing. Though part of that was also me needing to get used to the soft tone of this drama, which I did after about the first episode.

How is it compared to the first (at least I think so) historical BL, Nobleman Ryu's Wedding?

This was more intended to be something to go along watching with a gentle smile while Nobleman Ryu's Wedding was made to illicit laughter. If I had to pick which I preferred I think it would be Tinted With You. I have a soft spot for quiet and slow dramas and movies.

Brownie points:

The actor playing the ML, Jun, is from the K-Pop group A.C.E which is known for being supportive of the LGBT+ community and also providing music for Light On Me <3 

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

We have an actual Gay person playing a Gay ML!!! A.K.A. Holland playing Tommy. Real representation!

As far as the drama itself, it was nice. Nothing special or memorable though. I feel like it's between a 7/10 and a 7.5/10. It did make me laugh and smile a few times. And Han Ba Da was pretty convincing.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I want to see more!!! The two episodes we got were great. Now, give us the rest!

How do I rate something that teased me with an intriguing premise and then stopped after two episodes with no conclusion? I'm not quite sure.

Ep 1: https://youtu.be/8PqTYlnfxHs
Ep 2: https://youtu.be/XqNkOsanjf4

I don't remember the details of this too much. I just remember laughing a lot while watching it.

Not quite sure how I feel about this one. I may have to rewatch it to see.

This was fun! A wacky nod to classic K-Dramas, but shorter and without the weak and naïve FL.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

This was very much a typical K-Drama shot in the same way with the same clichés and characters. But I hadn't seen an older K-Drama in a while (and the reviews looked good), so I thought I'd give it a shot. 

The ML was arrogant and eccentric rather than an unredeemable jackass, which was a relief. The FL had a lot more to her than I first thought and quietly grew throughout the drama. The SML was a pleasure to see on screen. He was kind and put the FL's feelings and thoughts before his own, never truly trying to pressure her into being with him.

All that being said, this did drag on longer than it needed to. Twelve or sixteen episodes would've sufficed instead of twenty.

My biggest problem, though, is what starts and ends the drama. The fact that two people were induced through drugs into having sex without their consent/knowledge, and it wasn't treated seriously at all. It was brushed aside/laughed off on both occasions. That's why I couldn't give this an 8/10 in good conscious.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

It was looking pretty solid but then they just did too much. Why does everyone have to have a connection from before? It did not feel natural at all. I suspect it was just to increase the runtime. But it certainly didn't do this drama any favors.

It's not awful. Just, not something I would actively recommend to anyone.

Side note: I thought maybe there was going to be some very very brief rep. But, no.

Can be found on Netflix

This was a nice little series. FL was cute and all the characters were likeable.

The "twist" with one of the male leads, Joo In Hyuk, having feelings for ML Park Ji Hoo and not So Dam was really cool to see. It was a surprise but didn't necessarily come out of nowhere. Since we assume from the start he also likes the FL we never analyze his actions any further. We just assume, "Oh, he must be Straight." But, in hindsight, some looks show something different. Reminded me of K.will's "Please don't..." music video where we as the audience didn't realize because our minds were so closed to the possibility of the guy liking anyone other than the girl. 

I liked how he also confessed to Ji Hoo himself and revealed his feelings on his own terms. That scene was very well acted. There are no direct statements or indications that In Hyuk is "just Gay" and one of the tags says Bisexual Character so I am leaning toward him being Bi (could also be Pan of course but I don't think that's the case here), also he does mention showing interest in So Dam in order to figure out his feelings.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bN_t-b2_e7A&list=PL_xCFqnGwSN2DdmhaOSoZ0DwkP2A3KkSu&index=1

They were going for whimsical, but it felt quite forced. And the CEO stuff felt very tired.

I did appreciate the discussions about trauma/PTSD though.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

*coughs in I-just-watched-it-for-the-representation* The rest of it was pretty cute. I liked how the guys chatted and speculated just as much as the girls.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrteJtcvuOA&list=PLS--ClexQbQ1nRw10u1lag8y9tFHC3lbE&index=4

I wanted to give it an 8/10 but the big conflict between the ML and FL left me with a bitter taste in my mouth.

For about 75% of the time watching this drama, I was having a fun time. The vibrant setting and colorful cast of characters melded into something soothing but also outlandish. Honestly, looking back, the FL was my least favorite part of this drama. I'm not saying I hated her, in fact, I liked her the majority of the time. But sometimes she could be so ridiculously callus or cold that I couldn't relate or sympathize with her to save my life.

The ML, on the other hand, was a real treat all around, with an optimistic outlook, kind nature, and thought-out pain and struggles that weren't unrealistic and actually added to his character.

Together, they had good chemistry and were the cheeseiest couple to ever cheese. Like, off the charts levels! I kinda liked it though. It was refreshing to have a ML and FL both be truly equally head-over-heels in love.

Overall, despite my grievances, I would recommend it.

Regarding Representation: Though very brief, I was quite pleased.

Can be found on Netflix (with a VPN) or free websites

This had a great start, for sure, but some rather disappointing twists and conclusions. For a fair bit of time, I found this to be an interesting modern romance with a stylish FL and slow but solid character-building. However, as time went on, I quickly was able to predict the drama's trajectory: Despite the chemistry with the 2nd ML, his growth, and his genuine character, the FL would dismiss him as a potential love interest without a second thought and things would never progress between them, the clear aiding of a parent's emotional abuse would be easily pushed aside, and the main ML and FL would only get together after a ridiculous breakup. This one kind of stung because the whole time I was watching it I kept hoping for better but knew for a fact that I wouldn't be getting it because the drama thought they were tying everything up in a perfect bow.

As far as what made me smile, I really liked how Sang Eun and Ji Ho decided to not have a wedding since that just wasn't for them, how Ji Ho respected Sang Eun's decision regarding her mother, as well as the allyship both Sang Eun and Hae Jin provided Gwang Nam.

At the end of the day, I'm left with these thoughts: #JusticeForKangHaeJin and #GetGwangNamAManPreferrablyJungHwanSinceTheyHaveSomeLegitimateChemistry

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or free websites

I liked the mysteries and the rather "bold" and nuanced way they brought up and discussed Queer people. However, as charming as I found the girls and the odd way they solved cases, I found they were too forgiving to many undeserving characters. Also, the drama itself didn't treat some topics with the seriousness they required, making me unable to take the drama seriously. Overall, a quirky and well-meaning watch that could have been a bit more.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

You know, for a good two-thirds of this drama, I found myself not intrigued but rather along for a generic crime-drama ride. The last third managed to pull me back in, though, with conflicting feelings.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

At first, I really enjoyed myself. It was gripping and entertaining. But then, I felt like they just tried to do too much, make the mystery/crimes more complicated than they needed to be, and wrap too many characters up in it. In my opinion, the first twist was already good and all they really needed.

Like, here were my literal notes for the last few episodes: Make it make sense. Because it makes NO sense.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I was going to give this a 7.5/10, but I had to take away .5 due to the dub-con scene with the sister. That really bothered me.

Introverted Boss certainly leaned more into the classic K-Drama formula, with a misunderstood as cold, rich ML and an out-there, energetic FL.

I appreciated that the message here wasn't to force someone with severe social anxiety to conform to society's standard of normal and present themself as someone they aren't but, rather, to take manageable steps out of their comfort zone to connect with others as well as make necessary tasks in their own life easier to handle, with the understanding that they can still put up boundaries and step back when they need to. 

Also, I would be remiss not to mention the short but well-done Trans rep present in one episode. I was pleasantly surprised by how respectful it was.

All this being said, while I felt they handled the ML and his experiences well, I found many of the side characters to be inconsistent in their personalities, often flipping on a dime to conform to a "necessary" misunderstanding to push the story forward/make the audience have a certain reaction. Also, many plot points were confusing, made no sense, and/or could have been scrapped altogether without anything missing.

I wouldn't go out of my way to tell you to watch this one, but if you stumble across it on Netflix, I believe you'll have a decent time and get some laughs out of it, too.

Can be found on Netflix 

To put it simply, this felt clunky. It had the makings of what should be an engaging crime drama: an intriguing opening, a mystery that's revealed bit by bit, a heinous and tragic crime, twists, etc. However, the main ML was difficult to connect with, and overall, the story seemed to lack a clear focus. I felt like maybe if the drama was told through a certain ML's perspective, it would have been a lot better.

This is not one I would recommend when there are far better crime dramas out there.

Can be found on free websites

This had so much potential. It was really good until the middle of episode 5. But, then they had to go and ruin it. Watching the last few episodes was painful. Up until that point while watching it I had no idea why people disliked it so much. But, after then, I understood.

The FL flipped and the story went off the rails and made me stop caring about the main character and her life.

This could have been an 8.5/10 at the very least. But, ultimately, they ruined what they had going for them.

Can be found on Netflix

This was an uncomfortable, sensual, and interesting experiment. And I found IU's acting and the cinematography to be outstanding.

Can be found on Netflix

I did have fun, don't get me wrong. While rather classic K-Drama, this one just wasn't quite my cup of tea. Maybe if I had watched it when it was airing, I would have had a different impression.

My biggest problem was that they kept reusing the same conflicts over and over and magically resolving issues in an inconceivably convenient way. This left me feeling like the drama could have flowed much better if it was only ten forty-five-minute episodes or eight one-hour-long episodes. Also, while I didn't dislike the leads, I often found them rather bland, and so the side characters with boundless personalities ended up charming me more.

Can be found on Netflix

Simple and likeable. I enjoyed how they went around the table telling everyone's story and slowly connected each person together.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr4v_NtRJv8&list=PLS--ClexQbQ0XnezKfsboLYVOg7nfabmT&index=2

A bit predictable. But, a fun watch for the most part.

Can be found on Netflix

Bizarre, but somehow bizarrely pretty good. Lol.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgT7UBXSh54&list=PLdBvEUNP7RyeLcb8WCKDnRjOxqTW00fun&index=4

They're both pretty cute and sweet together.

Also, the music and sound clips from old movies blends quite nicely in the background.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obrhaNmTI0M&list=PLihMMFMYqK8HqLH1Pg0Bo-AN0Ay7ZssvJ&index=6

The styling of the guys was cool. And, I liked how the stories were deeper than I anticipated.

Ep 1: https://youtu.be/xhvU__fh6tA

Ep 2: https://youtu.be/gtHjXuI3xpk

Ep 3: https://youtu.be/ZNX60lXRemo

Ep 4: https://youtu.be/tHjTC1cC9J0

The bromance has the best comedic moments in this. Lol. It was overall a moderately humorous drama with some great gags at times.

Can be found on LineTV

Was I entertained? Sure. Would I watch it again, though? No.

My liver hurts! *sobs*

Regarding Representation: I was pretty satisfied with it.

Can be found on free websites

The casual fatphobia was so NOT it. The haircuts and stage outfits were indescribably bad. The characters themselves and the lines they said were so textbook I could predict nearly every interaction. And the dancing! Don't get me started on the dancing! Overall, this was a cringefest that threatened to grind my teeth down to nothing. My God, was it cringey. Dear God, was it cringey. IT. WAS. CRINGEY.

. . .

But, cards on the table, it was SO bad it was downright fun. I laughed at the cringe and laughed at how much it made me cringe. And, admittedly, there were times it was honestly rather charming in an incredibly cheesy way.

Do I recommend it, though? Yeah, no.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

This premise promised a rather unique story and at first, I was excited: How exactly will they make them fall back in love? And heal Hyun Woo's relationship with Hae In after her treatment of him/neglect of his feelings?

They took a (for the most part) serious as well as comedic route to this, which I did feel worked sometimes. I found myself chuckling as well as hurt for both the ML and the FL. I felt everything went heads up the moment the antagonist appeared, though. It felt overly dramatic to the point of being both predictable and tiresome to sit through. Misunderstandings, break-ups, dramatic collapsing and crying, amnesia, car accidents, and an over-the-top-obsessive SML? We got all those! Felt like a bingo card!

I don't know. Maybe because I went into Queen of Tears hoping and interested to see Hae In have to be the one to work to mend their relationship, I was just destined to be disappointed.

Can be found on Netflix

A Korean Historical Bl?  I believe this may be the first.

It's aesthetically pleasing, charming, sweet, and quite funny. 

The episodes are really short but generally feel as though they used the time wisely. I only wish they had about 2 more episodes to show more with the family and what ended up happening with them.

Also, guys disguised as girls is not seen very often. It's usually the other way around. I'm glad to see even more variation in the genre of Bl.

Can be found on LineTV

While it could be meaningful, funny, and even informative at times, by the end, I still found it seemed to narrow down and push women into a certain way of being a mother, especially a "good" mother. I was often left feeling irritated.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

After finishing the first episode, I could sense my incoming boredom and frustration. Oh, how this dragged on and badly copied better past K-Dramas. The entire time, I wished I was watching Goblin, My Roommate is a Gumiho, or Doom at Your Service.

Can be found on Netflix

For a drama I gave a second chance to, this left a good impression, for the most part. I liked the wide variety of topics they covered and the nuance they tried to give certain characters/issues. However, I did raise my eyebrows at some choices. Not mad I watched it, though. Not at all.

Can be found on free websites

Every Lee Jong Suk acting role summarized: "So, you see, that's where the trouble began. That smile. That damn smile."

This was very cute for an ad. I had fun.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUBrXIikG9k&list=PLqfqR4Lc3PK_5uULCgxLJrPLNRwx3fPR2

Well, this was a gem! There was some real acting here! The clear distinction between the characters they were playing vs. their authentic personalities was SO well done. Not to mention, the chemistry was just fire! 

Ep 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNR3I0-soP0
Ep 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96xEKKN0wY4 

Damn. That actually made me really emotional. How sad but also beautiful that it was the end of the world that brought them together. 

Can be found on Vigloo (will have to pay to watch all the episodes) or can be found on free websites

Very well-acted. The last episode was a bit confusing though.

Ep 1: https://youtu.be/2TMOIdnwVDM
Ep 2: https://youtu.be/bAk2wZstUgc
Ep 3: https://youtu.be/OAfXD5G7xVU

It's a crime this is so short! Dammit, I want more!

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTwpl5IWgPSHeOJuiVZUjObuj5COTp7uA&si=jTGqrl4ltdUK4Wpu 

This was nothing special, but it was fun to see a god write fanfic!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I wasn't expecting the level of harsh reality they brought to this, but luckily, it was super fluffy the rest of the time. Hong Jo really snuggled his way into my heart, and even though Sol Ah annoyed me at times, I found myself fond of her by the end as well. I liked how this drama, while silly on the surface, was about valuing time with the people you love while you can and the meaning pets can bring to our lives.

Finally, I would be remiss not to mention the intro because it is seriously SO cute!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Hilarious and sweet. What more could I need?

Can be found on free websites

They had good chemistry, the acting was pretty decent, and the overall plot execution wasn't done badly, per se. But this should not have been such a hassle to watch or so expensive!

Link to Ep 0-5:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OLKIYk3Dog&t=377s

Link to Ep 6-9: https://youtu.be/cVBr9ZOW_AE?si=GZLGke4vjgy5aEoD

Remaining episodes can be found on the TopReel app (will need to watch ads/purchase)

Or can be found on free websites (with a VPN)

I felt this wasn't as put-together story-wise compared to To The X Who Hated Me: E Jae X Woo Ri or as engaging. Did they have chemistry, though? Yes.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTwpl5IWgPSHeOJuiVZUjObuj5COTp7uA&si=b7Rr-baOFNeOeLur

Just something short and silly to pass the time. I really like the Fl when she's dressed up as Sherlock K. The outfit is really nice and the hairstyle suits her.

The ending left something to be desired. I felt they could have gone deeper and darker. But, I do understand wanting to be quirky and leave everything on a high note. I just felt like we missed out on something good.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIXRH-OugPI&list=PLWJyBp-S5PHS5NIlh3X5dBpmkpBiOOdwT

Had a nice message. And the acting was pretty good.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnum-Y055p2HHJVbDyr0sPmqMPxy1FXdm

Style but no substance really.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRXdsS5E_8i3ntTeWS0YGupPC9pBo568s

This was kind of all over the place. There were some moments of good acting and good chemistry, but overall, if I had to describe this to someone, I would say it felt like a conversation that got beat around the bush continuously. And for the life of me, I cannot comprehend the reason for the time skip! Like, why?

Really, I would say this is a skip. I honestly stuck it out because I wanted to support OMEGA X  (the MLs are from that K-Pop group) after finding out they had to go through what they did at their company.

Side Note: It's getting pity points because I would feel bad rating it any lower.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Pretty solid and cute. But one episode didn't feel like it had a proper ending.

Ep 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjHWTgbKTIE

Ep 2: https://youtu.be/ZKrjqEii0-E

Ep 3: https://youtu.be/lPikvv2MyrI

It was pretty entertaining and there was some good chemistry.

Link to Ep 1: https://youtu.be/ibQqVd_tG88

Link to Ep 2: https://youtu.be/0XvG2gXd6LI

Cute. And the voiceover is very soothing and expresses the feeling of secretly liking someone close to you very well. Also, nicely acted. I only wish there were more episodes!

EP1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l-QfsX-o30
EP2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmVshhARDfo

A charming enough little series with a fair bit of stylistic shots.

Link to watch it: https://youtu.be/Uk_pn8-nh-0?si=oaPt8onl6_4U661q

It was okay for what it was. It's a short watch that's kind of cute and without big conflicts. Maybe give it a try if you want something to pass the time.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjQnh3jVKk-Kxyp989Dz9V2RD0ZOz3nha&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE

Nothing really special here. Just something silly with too much cringe and awkward moments.

Can be found on Netflix

It's an easy and fun watch. So, why am I giving it a 7/10? Because of the FL Ji Won. That's why. She is overly possessive of her boyfriend and tries to control who he's friends with and doesn't trust him. Not okay. Men and women can be friends believe it or not. And the drama frames her and her boyfriend, Hyun Seung, as having both made mistakes. He didn't do anything wrong! It was all on her.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS--ClexQbQ1lg6TttQTcE3a60T_noSnh

"Do you really need to lose weight? It's fine if it's really what you want. If it's because of the people who blame you, you don't need it."

This was fairly solid. The subtitles were a bit to blame for some lines not making sense. But, that can be looked over. I particularly liked how they used all of the characters in examples of being critiqued for your looks whether it's height, plastic surgery, makeup, or current/past weight.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZKMzCKPu9Y&list=PLQ0f_g2mQlLd230-Hobyt2bI_6A39Yntz&index=2

It's more like between a 6.5/10 and a 7 for me, though.

In another universe, this would be an entertaining crime drama with kooky characters and mild fantasy elements set in the distant past. In this one, however, for me, it was a drama that didn't know how to incorporate its mysteries well, or fantasy elements for that matter (those 4th-wall-break scenes were downright annoying), with really only two characters you ever felt okay rooting for that only resulted in disappointment.

Putting all that aside, why I rated it THIS low: Going from watching Chimera, where horrific police brutality and coverups were a main theme, to Life on Mars, where violent police interactions were the norm, gave me major whiplash. And, honestly, not just that, I found myself getting pissed off.

Every "interrogation" scene was not comedic but wrong (it was often treated as comedic, though). I tried to hold off on judging it early, but I quickly realized (and was later proved correct) that this drama simply did not care. And the fact that only the main ML was slightly bothered by it and the drama didn't frame it honestly was beyond messed up. It was hard, if not impossible, for me to care about the plot and cast with this massive elephant looming in the room.

Can be found on free websites

Same problem as last time except it's Hyun Seung who's acting possessive. But, honestly, Ji Won is being so hypocritical. So, it's fine for her to hang out alone with a guy friend but he can't do the same?

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS--ClexQbQ07WPPZBGgkEZHGQ63rKQdb

The drama itself was fine. But, so much more could have been done here. The eating disorder wasn't really addressed seriously enough and was fixed too easily, and the romance just wasn't set up enough to be believable.

Regarding Representation: We had a Gay side character, the FL's ex-fiancé, Yeong Jae. In the first episode, he is revealed to have left her and run away with his boyfriend, K. He didn't have the courage to tell her, so K called and told her the news. She's very upset, but not because he's Gay.

They are also a few scenes showing her looking at their pictures online, the two going on vacation, and some flashbacks. Otherwise, they don't really come up again. It felt very naturally included. And I liked how she was even jealous of their happy relationship, wanting that for herself with someone.

In my opinion, it's pretty brief rep that does a good job and isn't demeaning.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

It was confusing but entertaining. Not much else to say.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjd5-3yYwC4QCyp7ZxMNnkIjD3H2A8UCp

It was really sweet to see this bar be a place of refuge for these women.

Ep 1: https://youtu.be/OAoYzGjBxuo
Ep 2: https://youtu.be/W1fIgnkYPqA
Ep 3: https://youtu.be/15LxHpxE_WI
Ep 4: https://youtu.be/qit3mA-524M
Ep 5: https://youtu.be/MDHAwYY-Szg 

The way they jumped back and forth through the years made the story a bit of a confusing mess. Also, the timing of the subtitles was a few seconds slow which was frustrating. It was cute and pretty well-acted for what it was though. And it was nice to see them not shy away from the kiss.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mh2lXSQlIE&list=PLAA0PQX_i8vMyLXKZF5EmwgA552e52Jno&index=2

Short and charming enough.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWRwTqESLjiS82DHOuWUvi2yEpRrKGZK2&si=5W4Et_d3yRkXYlV7

When you're only here for the rep and everything else is kind of just background noise . . .

You give it a 7 and go, "That was alright. The kisses were nice and tension tensioned." 

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I didn't feel like any of the stories had a real point or deeper meaning.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8g_6wQttkwFuSXeGldTt3gwfSYhGr8jl&si=9tYlNevAFZOLB0MW

Is my rating honest? No. In reality, it's more like a generous 7. But I love my LGBT+ supporting kings OnlyOneOf, and I would just cry if I rated a drama they starred in any lower than an 8, okay?! So forgive me for fudging the numbers! I am a person with feelings!

All this being said, just because I won't rate it honestly doesn't mean I won't review it honestly.

It makes sense that the acting here wouldn't be stellar; they were all new to this. Credit where credit is due, though, Nine and Mill managed to pull off some pretty decent chemistry with their characters despite not being given a lot to work with. However, the editing, story beats, and pacing desperately needed work, and there is no excuse for that. Many times, when scenes continued, they would abruptly cut to new locations or would skip forward a few hours, giving the watcher this uncomfortable feeling of being rushed. Also, more screen time should have been devoted to showing more of the leads spending quality time together rather than talking about or cutting to very brief clips of it. As they say with books, "Show, don't tell." Finally, did we need the scheming ex? No, we did not.

All in all, could have been a lot better.

Can be found on iQiyi

It was nothing truly spectacular or moving. But, it was quite pleasant and fun. The jokes didn't always land, but I didn't seem to find myself caring too much.

The humor ranges from cringey to cringey-funny to just funny. If you can get past/like the first two episodes, you'll probably have a good time. The romance itself was delightfully awkward and cute. Because this was a lower budget project I actually found the two leads to be very natural, I think it worked to their advantage in that respect.

Now, the potential side couple was Okay. I didn't Hate seeing their story, but they took up a bit too much of the runtime that could have been used to develop the main couple, in my opinion.

Overall, this was harmless :)

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Link to my review (my thoughts were too much for the word count to handle): https://mydramalist.com/profile/8835865/reviews/350443 

The very short version: Wedding Impossible had potential. It had a bit of a unique premise, a wacky start promising some over-the-top fun, and the opportunity to say something/showcase Queer representation in a mainstream K-Drama. I don't have to tell you that it failed on all counts.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I have TOO much to say! So much that I can't get myself or my copious notes together to do a proper review. What I will say here is that I was very much disappointed with this drama and how it could have put forth a much better product and done more representation-wise with little effort. First off, they could have made Jin Sung's choice to lie more understandable: Put his father in a comma/have the surgery be more urgent, and make the hospital expenses much higher. Also, have him have in-depth talks with his brother, who is ACTUALLY part of the LGBT+ community.

Post about 4 Queer alternatives they could have easily taken Park Jin Sung's character (if they dared) to make him actually Queer, his lie less egregious, and completely fix the drama (I'd put it all here, but the darn character limit is stopping me!!!): https://mydramalist.com/profile/8835865/feeds/4ZplOTA

In conclusion, if you thought of watching this, I would recommend you don't. Unless you just want to skim through it for Kang Tae Wan's story, in which case, by all means. He was the saving grace of this drama, and his story was very well done.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

This was lovely! I wish it was longer though!

Ep 1 Link: https://youtu.be/F3764w00Xyc?si=D1RJYkzNDQWOilFh

Ep 2 Link: https://youtu.be/FO06e6wIoBQ?si=QILA6CToFuSbiQA3

Ep 3 Link: https://youtu.be/IFYdzg-SLBw?si=6XB79s4X3g5FlJ3g

I suspect the original was much better. If only I could find it! Still, this was a fairly fun watch.

Ep 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnxRQU2Up4I
Ep 2: https://youtu.be/-bBGsWIJpBI

I wanted to like this. I really did. At first I told myself: It's not bad. But not good.

But . . . It was just bad.

I could tell the actors were trying to work with what they were given, but it was like you could almost see it behind their eyes that they wished they could say some lines differently.

And it wasn't just the performances that were lacking, the camerawork could be downright ugly, the important plotpoints of the story felt like they were thrown in at random times, the pacing was off, and the dialogue made me feel like I was in a hamster wheel!

Side Note: Why did Dennis even exist as a character?

Me trying to see the positives:

The concept had promise, the ending wasn't too bad, and sometimes the MLs had legitimate chemistry.

This is a skip my friends. Go watch The New Employee instead. I know you've been thinking about it. Just go!

Can be found on iQiyi

Regarding my rating: Rating it any lower seriously feels like bullying, and my conscience simply won't allow it! *groans* Honestly, if I didn't feel guilty doing so, I would be rating it a 6 at the highest.

"Why R U?" No, seriously, like, why are you? Hearing the original Thai drama was going to get a Korean remake made me feel skeptical as to the quality, to say the least. Seeing it come to fruition, I could not even muster disappointment because, really, what did I expect anyway? To be pleasantly surprised? LMAO. The original drama already had its problems, but at least it had some semblance of a story and plot and sizzling chemistry to distract the viewers.

When I tell you, this made less than no sense! Just . . . Why? Trying to think of something nice to say feels like work. The kisses were better than some K-BLs? I don't know; that's all I can seem to come up with!

Save yourself the time and find something else to watch, or go binge the Fighter and Tutor cut on YouTube. We both know you watched it last week anyway. I see you.

Can be found on iQiyi

It was deeply unsettling and disturbing, and made me feel an uncomfortable crawling in my skin. Undeniably, it was well-acted and shot to have made me have such a visceral reaction to it. Beyond that, I don't see what I'm supposed to have gotten from this drama, if anything.

Can't say I'd recommend it, to anyone, really.

Can be found on Netflix

I'll just link my long-ass review here: https://mydramalist.com/profile/8835865/reviews/232431

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

The way they played into Biphobic stereotypes, making it seem like Ajin couldn't help but cheat because "Oh, no, I love two people" just pissed me off more and more as time went on.

IF YOU WANT TO DATE TWO PEOPLE, YOU SIT DOWN AND HAVE AN HONEST FUCKING CONVERSATION WITH THEM.

And to end it all with just a slap on the wrist?

I can't with this production company anymore.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfaogVGCvwScMgbcMzyvGf-MGa81J0vj&si=Zyllfd1_81OW5VjD

Here's the thing: I HATE what this drama says about suicide. It basically tells anyone who's suicidal to rethink their decision because it's "selfish." That they would be a selfish person for experiencing deep suffering/depression and not being able to take anymore. That their loved ones being in despair due to their passing is more important than what they're going through. Fucking excuse me?

First off, fuck that message. What a shitty and inaccurate thing to say. What's next? You're going to tell people with clinical depression not to be depressed because they're bringing down the mood?!

Second off, saying that is not even helpful. You shouldn't be convincing someone to live for others because what happens when those people are no longer around? A person needs to learn to live for themself.

This all felt like a demeaning slap in the face to mental health and people's struggles generally. I was just waiting for someone to say, "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps."

The only thing I appreciated and enjoyed about this was the action. Because when it was all chase scenes, murders, and new, unique stories, it was legitimately entertaining. If this were about Death being some cruel game master and went more the route of Alice in Borderland, I would find it not only palatable but worthwhile to recommend. As it stands, due to its messaging, I can't. Skip this one, my dear MDLers.

Can be found on free websites

Can be found on free websites

They got their "Happy Merry Ending," but what about the viewer?

First off, this should have been a movie. The pacing would still be absolutely ridiculous, but at least not as noticeable as in drama format. Not to mention, the characters' conflicts and feelings come and go whenever necessary but not in any flowing or sensical way.

Really, only these positives come to mind: The leads' pretty faces, nice singing voices, and good kissing scenes. Nothing else.

Near the end, I felt so detached I would liken it to the experience of an AI robot trying to understand human emotions.

I honestly wonder if they made this just for the OST; otherwise, I can't see a point in its existence.

This is definitely a skip, my friends. I finished it only because I felt obligated to.

Can be found on GagaOOLala or Rakuten Viki

I feel bad that I'm giving it such a low rating. But this just didn't measure up and I have to be honest.

I'll try my best to explain why.

The first Color Rush was a combination of light horror and romance. It didn't solve the mystery it introduced, which felt disappointing, but it was great nonetheless.

It knew not to give up absolutely everything about this world with Monos and Probes. And its effects, music, narration, tone, and slow build made it believably "otherworldly." Plus, there was good chemistry between the MLs and a fascinating and twisted balance of power between them. There was mutual feelings and mutual obsession and tension at the mere possibility of them being around each other.

When people saw it they not only wanted the mystery solved/explored they wanted to see more of the unique world they created, right?

This second season fulfilled that wish. Incorrectly. It dumped too much of the world on the viewers and despite being about the same length as the original (about five minutes shorter each episode) constantly rushed through everything. There was no time to process, it was, "Let's get to the next scene." And, the action was weak, there wasn't any believable tension or weight to the story or characters' actions, sets and effects looked too cheap, and the writing wasn't up to par. Not to mention the ML didn't act like his character would have in his situation. I would expect him to have done something rash and/or be wallowing in misery. Rather than that, he seemed just a bit upset and to be going about life fine. Where was the despair? The agony?

And of course, writing out the other ML was the biggest reason this failed. But, we all knew that.

All in all, I'm disappointed but not surprised.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki once released there.

This is how not to do a misunderstanding. Just one sentence would have fixed things.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqqQvcAR1H0mkqY-4nimgaxeAOaMZrEh6

It was rather frustrating, to be honest. They started off with good chemistry and tension and then dove into conflict and seemed to go in circles.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfaogVGCvwQqk6jItGB-w4CRalXCh5lI

It was okay for what it was. It's a small production, so they did what they could.

It didn't really have an ending. Unless they're making a second season,  I don't see why they did that. It made it unsatisfying.

Ep 1: https://youtu.be/WX6p-2OVdYw
Ep 2: https://youtu.be/aYbi_r72TkI
Ep 3: https://youtu.be/L0W8qiEjlQQ
Ep 4: https://youtu.be/PF4VynO-ey8
Ep 5: https://youtu.be/V_OUv4uqzV8

I get why things went the way they did. But, I really think that the way the characters acted didn't seem to fit at many points.

Link to YouTube playlist for episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqCoVH1bdO9-CH30p-ysnqneHzfkwlUCR