THIS REVIEW IS FOR BOTH PART 1&2:

I did not expect to like this drama more than I did, mainly because I was ho-hum about Yang Zi as an actress despite watching a few of her dramas, but she was much better in this one, IMHO. The show definitely benefitted from the acting prowess of the cast, with Cheng Yi in particular. He was more subdued here and not a long-suffering idiot like he was in "Love and Redemption," which I liked.

Though a bit convoluted, the drama was fast-paced and rarely boring. There's a few downsides though: I do not know how much more repeated reincarnations that I can take. This seems to be the go-to tropes of historical dramas, but this one is a bit much, especially with the same evil resurrecting a few times, it became annoying AF. Also, the CGI is not the greatest, I would say even to the point of particularly bad and laughable in some instances. But all in all a good story about love and sacrifice.

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I almost passed on this drama because of reviews that say it was boring, the FL looking too old and homey for the ML, etc. etc. But I gave it a chance, and I was glad that I did. Right of the bat, I must say, that it took some getting used to the style of the drama, particularly not so much as the FL isn't your typical hottie older noona with the unfashionable clothes. But I have to put her wardrobe choice down to its context, and when we see the FL as the unmarried lady, who single-handedly took care of her mentally-challenged brother and her young niece since she was a teen, with very little money to her name, we can see that her lack of fashion sense was befitting. She had no time to be up-to-date with current trends, with so much responsibility in her hands. Kudos to the writer and production team to cast Jeon Do Yeon as Nam Haeng Seon. She was down-to-earth and at the same time quirky.

The rest of the cast were amazing as well, in particular Oh Eui Shik and Roh Yoon Seo as Nam Jae Woo and Nam Hae Yi. The drama carried a hodge-podge of themes: the noona-romance, the bestfriends-turned-lovers trope, a murder mystery, the political machinations behind the private education system, the prejudice towards "lower" social classes, the adverse effects of rumor-mongering, the treatment of those who are mentally-ill.

Some may claim that the FL does not deserve the "princely" ML (because of the disparity in looks and age), but I have to disagree. Choi Chi Yeol was set up since the beginning to be a person who values emotional ties, than superficial ones. He gets teary eyed just from eating the familiar flavors of Haeng Seon's cooking, despite not knowing who the chef is. He rejected the blind date set up for him, even though the woman's qualifications look good on paper and she was easy on the eyes. People bashing on his taste in women is the typical reaction of some fans who took issue with the FL's "unattractiveness."

News Flash: Not every body can look like a model and have a "perfect" personality. I like this drama that is rooted in realism and it is about time that we get more of these type of shows.

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THIS REVIEW IS FOR BOTH PARTS 1 & 2.

Such an entertaining drama, no less expected from one of the rising actors in China, Zhao Lu Si who chooses good scripts. Her portrayal of a smart but unruly young woman is a hoot, as she captured the interests of many highly eligible young men, including the icy, cold General Ling Bu Yi. Because of her antics, Shao Shang managed to irate many of the ladies that have been vying for Bu Yi's attention for years, as well many of her elders who thought they can undermine Shao Shang's "lowly" position in the society, despite being the youngest daughter of a general.

Though her father dotes on Shao Shang, perhaps feeling guilty for the years of abandonment, her mother, on the other hand, is very strict on her daughter, leaving the latter to think that she was unloved. For her part, Shao Shang does absolutely nothing to make up for loss time as she still held a grudge for the neglect and had become wary of anybody who shows her affection. Bu Yi is the same, as he plots and plans his revenge upon the death of his clan, even at the expense of others.

I loved the intricacy of the narrative and the political/familial/societal drama is riveting, aided by a talented ensemble and diverse characters. I also liked the show's attempt at humor, for example, Shao Shang's dad, the King and Bu Yi's sidekick serving as comedic relief. For all the people in the court that are conniving and greedy for power, I appreciated the fact the the Queen and the King's consort (mistress) get along well and respectful of each other.

The only drawback in this drama is that there are some instances where, to me, the happy ending seems forced and neatly tied in a bow. I would have been fine with Bu Yi's death, as it was for me, so farfetched that he managed to survive despite the dangers befalling him. Also for me was Shao Shang's self-righteousness and how she treated Bu Yi. Her character development seemed weak for me, and sometimes wished she was her bright, spritely self like she was in the beginning. Otherwise, a very good drama.

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THIS REVIEW IS FOR BOTH PARTS 1 & 2.

Such an entertaining drama, no less expected from one of the rising actors in China, Zhao Lu Si who chooses good scripts. Her portrayal of a smart but unruly young woman is a hoot, as she captured the interests of many highly eligible young men, including the icy, cold General Ling Bu Yi. Because of her antics, Shao Shang managed to irate many of the ladies that have been vying for Bu Yi's attention for years, as well many of her elders who thought they can undermine Shao Shang's "lowly" position in the society, despite being the youngest daughter of a general.

Though her father dotes on Shao Shang, perhaps feeling guilty for the years of abandonment, her mother, on the other hand, is very strict on her daughter, leaving the latter to think that she was unloved. For her part, Shao Shang does absolutely nothing to make up for loss time as she still held a grudge for the neglect and had become wary of anybody who shows her affection. Bu Yi is the same, as he plots and plans his revenge upon the death of his clan, even at the expense of others.

I loved the intricacy of the narrative and the political/familial/societal drama is riveting, aided by a talented ensemble and diverse characters. I also liked the show's attempt at humor, for example, Shao Shang's dad, the King and Bu Yi's sidekick serving as comedic relief. For all the people in the court that are conniving and greedy for power, I appreciated the fact the the Queen and the King's consort (mistress) get along well and respectful of each other.

The only drawback in this drama is that there are some instances where, to me, the happy ending seems forced and neatly tied in a bow. I would have been fine with Bu Yi's death, as it was for me, so farfetched that he managed to survive despite the dangers befalling him. Also for me was Shao Shang's self-righteousness and how she treated Bu Yi. Her character development seemed weak for me, and sometimes wished she was her bright, spritely self like she was in the beginning. Otherwise, a very good drama.

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This could almost be a perfect romance for me only if the SML and FL ended up together, and since they didn't (as expected), I wasn't as blown away by this drama as I would be. I was more invested in watching the scenes between Fan Xing and Lu Ming; their banter are so funny and their bond more natural than between Fan Xing and the male lead. There were so many misunderstandings between Yuan Song and Fan Xing, mainly because of Fan Xing constantly putting her foot in her mouth. I get it that she has never been in a relationship before, but she's a grown woman; she should act more mature than the young man she's dating. It was sometimes frustrating to watch the main couple argue over silly things, and it mainly stems from them keeping secrets from each other, not a good basis for a relationship.

Despite this, there are a few things I liked about this drama: there are no overbearing mothers, evil stepmoms, or annoying sisters. Even the rivalry between some of the characters were not as intense and hateful as in some other dramas. Healthy competition for the win. I also admired the close-knit relationship of some, for example, between the three best friends who support each other in times of need, or how close Yuan Song is to his stepmom or MinMin to her uncle, or how the work colleagues will go and visit people who are ill. Fan Xing is also close to her brother Canyang, who is sometimes jealous of how their parents treat the siblings differently, but helps his sister anyway. The show's internal monologuing also provided a lot of Fan Xing's self-discovered truths, where she hopefully matures towards the end of the story.

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I went into this thinking this would be a noona romance as it was labelled as such, but for me, a one-year age gap does not constitute a noona romance. For me, the difference would have to be greater than 5 years to be even called that. Despite this, it was enjoyable show because not only it centered on the romance, but also focused on different familial relationships. Rowoon is adorable as the patient trainee who was overeager to please his mentor. We see him struggle with his feelings and also with the knowledge that his crush has a two-timing boyfriend. Won Jin Ah isn't so shabby as the no-nonsense manager who was very private about her relationships, that she had wool over her eyes, if it weren't for Hyung Seung.

As for the other characters, the sisters of Hyun Seung stood out for me, and their relationship with their brother was endearing. While I find Lee Hyo Joo a cloying biatch who gaslights a spineless Jae Shin into a forced marriage, her odd-ball brother Jae Woon became more of a decent character as the show progresses. One setback for me was the numerous characters this drama introduced with the many side arcs, and some of which were predictable like I can spot the backstory of Yun Seung's husband from a mile away. Otherwise, a decent drama.

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I would not have finished this drama if not for the fast-forwarded button. Nothing but the main couple was worth my time. The secondary couples were so bland and boring, and I could even care less about their individual lives. The only other aspect that I did watch besides the romance of the main CP was the office politics. I was rooting for Ruo Xin to get her comeuppance and well-deserved executive position. The only other character besides the main couple who I liked was Qi Xiao's mother. Compared to Ruo Xin's mother (the stereotypical Asian mom), Li Ting is a breath of sunshine in terms of mothers in Chinese-drama land. I was also excited about the arrival of Xu Ming Jie, not in terms of a rival suitor, but as an intuitive and supportive boss who wants to see Ruo Xin's career flourish despite being rejected.

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This drama started out really good, until it dragged halfway through. I liked Yuan Bing Yan here better than in "My Sassy Princess" but her character became annoying towards the second half. I mainly plowed through this drama because of Cheng Yi's portrayal of a devoted man who sacrificed everything for the sake of love, including multiple deaths in several lifetimes and realms. How much more a guy can take is beyond me, but apparently a lot if you are to base on Si Feng's actions. This was supposed to be a tragic love story, with heart-wrenching moments, but what I found ridiculous are the numerous times characters are brought back to life, some who I even have long forgotten. Also, I found myself inappropriately laughing during scenes where Si Feng implores with Xuan Ji in the body of the Devil Star, as if they are starring in a body-swap BL drama. I just can't.

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One of the better Noona romances out there. Zhao Jiang Yue and Gu Jia Xin sizzles on screen and their chemistry makes their romance so believable. I like the irony of an unromantic, no-nonsense woman being the tech director of a dating app, which relies on big data analytics to match potential partners. Jiang Yue's and Jia Xin's relationship really began with the ML's intention to help the FL in pursuit of her old boss. The banter between them was easy-going and friendly.

The FL's practicality clashes almost with the impulsiveness of the pro-racer ML, it also maybe due the fact that her immunity to the ML's charms has something to do with pining for her supposedly-unrequited crush. Former boss Ning Yuan's agonizingly slow and subtle romantic interest barely registers with the oblivious FL, that he required the help (or not) of an unlikely advisor in the form of FL's love-rival Yan-Ran. The SFL/SML interactions are awkwardly funny together that it works, although the SFL is equally unforgivable as the cloying chick clinging to the ML. I hate this trope in Chinese Dramas: the desperately stubborn SFL who wouldn't take no for an answer and stalks the ML everywhere. To Yan Ran's credit, at least she does it without sabotaging the FL, but instead focuses her energy on getting the Ning Yuan and Jiang Yue together.

The other couples also have their own bittersweet stories. FL/ML's BFFs Duo Xi and Qi Heng reunited after years apart and learned to work through a long-distance relationship. Social Media Influencer Jing Jing and her on/off hubby Zhang Hao had more problems that turn out to be solvable in the face of love. The love advice at the end of each episode is also cute and note-worthy. Overall, this is such a fun and flirty drama.

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I was prepared to give this a lower grade because of the family infighting (mostly between the parents) that dominated the first part of the show and it brought back not so good memories. Also for the wailing (I mean wailing, not crying) and temper tantrums from the daughter that got on my nerves (then I remember that she was supposed to be a teenager). The flashbacks were a good ploy and created suspense but could be a bit confusing at times. But it redeemed itself past the 2nd half. Quirky and funny show about friends, brotherhood, and family, but all those sheep "baa" prompts could be toned down. Loved that it was not as cliché like a lot of dramas but a realistic portrayal of first loves, unrequited loves, and 2nd or 3rd loves. Very down to earth and practical and certainly not your run-of-the-mill drama.

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I think the drama has a potential to be more amazing as it tackles mature and serious issues like mental illness which is big taboo in reserved societies like Korea. I appreciate the realistic elements as it deals with this subject without being patronizing and the drama discussing mental problems with a very gentle and delicate hand. However, what I find issue with is that almost EVERYBODY in the damn show has a mental health problem.

I get it that it's about psychologists and their patients, but how unlucky can one be, having a schizophrenic BF, an non-functional father, and the female lead herself battling issues with intimacy on her own. As if not to be outdone by his GF's miserable life, the Male lead suffers from a serious mental illness brought on by his abusive upbringing and violent past, which affected also his mother who suffers from disassociation and his brother with anger issues. Then after all the miserable stories we hear, everyone seems to be all miraculously happy in the end with their respective partners. Jo In Sung is a very good actor, however, his aegyo moments are cringeworthy. He cannot do cheese.

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Because of the drama's popularity and Song - Song marriage (and dissolution of), it made me curious to watch after extended hiatus watching from dramas. (Did not watch this until 2019, just putting review now). It did not disappoint as it was not just all about romance, but I feel it was over-hyped. Enjoyed the action and comedic scenes. The second couple also is well-rounded and their story is given equal weight as the lead couple. The story gives prominence to the sacrifices that a lot of men and women in the military and medical field make for their country and its people.

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Apparently one of the best Korean dramas ever, the Goblin tackles on supernatural themes of after-life and reincarnation. With characters such as the Goblin, the Goblin's bride, the Grim Reaper and ghosts, the drama fluctuates between romance and fantasy. The two male leads are as charismatic as the female leads were lukewarm. As the drama went along, I was more interested in the love story between the secondary couple. Even the bromance between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper was a better watch, IMO. Would have given this a 10, if it wasn't over-hyped and repetitive towards the last part of the drama.

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I personally love this story about a human pretending to be a robot when the actual robot is in repairs and managed to capture the heart of an eccentric CEO who happens to have human-contact allergy. Of course you have to suspend your disbelief in order to watch this drama. There are a lot of cutesy, funny moments in the first half of the movie, and then some heartbreaking scenes in the last half. Yoo Seung Ho is very dashing in this drama as he displays a wide range of emotion without overacting.

This is probably the first drama where I sided more with the Male lead than the female lead, and it's mostly because of Seung Ho's acting. Chae Soo Bin is not so shabby herself and she had to portray 3 characters, as a robot, as human, and as a human pretending to be a robot. However I could not relate to her when she managed to deeply hurt the person she is supposedly striving hard to protect. I did not like any of the secondary characters at all, and their individual story lines just bored the heck out of me, except when they are interacting with the lead characters. But this drama showcase that love, whether familial or romantic, conquers all.

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