Refreshing plot twist and some suprisingly good acting

The story is believable for the most part. The character development for the mains was solid; and for 8 episodes, I was also happy with development of the side antagonist. I find his story quite appealing and refreshing. Also the twist was quite unexpected. This drama has a lot going for it. And in 2024, I cannot say it is just enjoyable, it actually has something to add in the oversaturated field of bl dramas.

I did learn to appreciate when a relationship has a consistent character whose actions make sense on a larger scale.
We have Ju Yeong who is consistent and stable in his beliefs and truly, as Do Hoe points out, he indeed remains same after all the timetime. Then we have Do Hoe who is volatile and influenced by his upbringing.

I have to say it was an enjoyable watch. The actors were confident when the scenes demanded it and awkward when it was necessary, but their acting itself was never awkward or rookie-like. I think that made for the overall enjoyment and my forgetting of the plot holes.

The issues of the drama in regards to violence in family, the hardship as prerequisite for the success, betraying the ones you love in order to escape it -- these all are important topics and interesting questions to be raised to a viewer. And while I cannot say the drama went too deep to explore or justify them, it also did not do it injustice in sense they made it feel irrelevant. I think what saved them was clear focus on the relationship between Ju Yeong and Do Hoe. I was relieved by the confirmation that what they choose is each other at all times.

Twisty with a happy ending.

You should def watch it.

Thank you for reading,

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So fresh. Wait, I meant refresh.

Went into this with high expectation. Was familiar with the main antagonist who did a fairly good job albeit I felt he was not captivating enough (as for instance the main antagonist of the Flower of Evil was). Always thought Wooshik would kill a villain role, but whether it is the script or his execution, I just did not believe him as a main lead. The detective and his story also felt unnecessary. Also Roh bin's connection to everyone but low quality script/screen time?

All felt underwhelming.

The first few episodes were interesting. Random comedic elements and the element surprise was there to give drama a fresh feel. But the further we went from the mid of show, more the plot has lost its direction... everything became a random mess, useless killing of random characters and honestly as if they tried to just filler even those 8 episodes.

All seems to be indicating for S2. Because what is Lee Tang's gift? And what is the meaning of all characters gaps? Questions fly above my head.

Extremely underwhelming. Save yourself time and go watch Strangers from Hell.

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A disappearing snapshot ...of that unyielding force...to shape the world to one's own conviction

Before we get serious, am I falling hardcore for First? I think so. Someone save me because I need to study.

...

You will find many issues and topics to latch onto beyond bl and romance:
- The enemy being the one who knowing better than a friend.
- A group protecting your life because your life is an ideological statement.
- Doing something (art, protest, attack) to express the anger with the state world is in.
- Forgiveness and change come in no order. And lastly... the one I will latch onto...

Existing in a world by working for more than yourself:

While I wish the world worked out in this manner the ROT and their mob, humans are rather more complicated, their interests conflicting and therefore less united.

When I tell you I got the chills when the mob united to save the group.

This is many things. Idealistic. Non-sensical. Pessimistic about the world. Hopeful for a change. Angry. Rebellious. Everything what youth is and represents. I kind of love this cloud of delusion that gives one the sense of being alive. But of course in a 14 episode time frame. And then back to reality.

I mean, I will go on a rant but adults like Gumpa who continue fighting in such manner can do so if they have their own garage, resources and no family of their own who financially depend on. Throw in a child and Gumpa would've acted like the policeman. A lot of adults need to either shut down the fire or find other ways to do channel it. Even White abandons his identity to join the gang eventually. but why White? Didn't you like diplomacy? What do you do like? Until when you will act like Black? I mean, the difference between two is larger than outfits and composure. (But the drama did take a large bite, so I do not expect it to deal with every unclosed circle.)

But this also tells us why many do not...Many do not care about social issues, not because of ignorance necessarily but other priorities, like Yok's mother. And honestly, I do not blame them. This, full-on-100% deliberation is only reserved for the kind of privileged ones we forget - the youth.

But I did feel a sting of becoming an adult and wondering am I going to lose it? Am I losing the sensitivity for social issues because life gets in the way?

We need an uprising in our hearts. A continued reminder. To not allow ourselves not to be mistreated as individuals in our lives by anyone. Ignite the spark, and wake up.

This drama reminded me of it. Which makes it a necessary watch for anyone.

...

Also Dan, you bi***, I ain't forgiving you... so it seems I have some adulting left to do.

Eh, life.

10/10.


Thanks for reading.

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I am crushing on Kang, but in all honesty everything was average at best

My impressions:

1) BANTER SCENES ARE HIGHLIGHT, THE ONLY HIGHLIGHT
Dangerous Romance execution had a slice of life drama appeal to it rather than some dangerous vibes like KinnPorche or Not me...which I personally like as well because there is always something raw and honest about the formet. Even the better performances such as those of Kang, Max and Nava felt average for a bl. Highlights are mostly from Kang and Sailom banter, then Nava and Guy banter. The plot was not believable, had little consistency (Pimfah lady, wtf you fell in love with whom? how did we get there please enlighten me!!!) and that graduation scene - I am still laughing at the speech. I feel slightly offended when I think that GMMTV made Eclipse and Only Friends and then have this as what? a drama for second tier citizens? But eh I will just forget about it and...

2) ....ALLOW THE FANGIRL TO OVERTAKE:
because the way Kang was written vibes with me 100%. Writers seemed to put all of their creative jumble into him. Aside the bully phase, he was a great man and a boyfriend imo. I low key think he is boyfie goals. He stood up at all the right times, manly and attractive but vulnerable and sweet when necessary. Open with his emotions towards Sailom. Quite sincere and childlike in his honesty. Direct and deliberate in what he wants. Attractive character overall. Also his metaphor about Sailom moving Kanghan (wind and windmill) was chef's kiss. Kang was indeed my only impetus to continue watching. He was just good at this role even though sometimes he slipped from the scene he was in. Immense potential.

3) THE PLOT WAS NOT MATCHED TO APPROPRIATELY TO THE CAST
Truth be told, to answer the question of one of the other reviewers -- it was not dangerous really, in fact, the opposite imo. It seems as if someone took the title of another drama and pasted it by accident. The plot seems more mature than the actors themselves. It had potential to be dangerous. It did not get there. 'Not me' had fairly young cast but still did well so idk. Do not hate me but I thought casting for Sailom was not appropriate. The actor did not feel matched to the character and his expressions could be numbered on fingers of one hand, like three at most. Chemistry was also, well not bad per say but not vibrant if you know what I mean. I could feel more chemistry from Nava and Guy, and I did not vibe with Guy's performance so that says it all. Kang and Nava ate and lead their scenes.

THE VERDICT:
Surprisingly I could see this being of a fair rewatch value for me, despite it having all of the ingredients that would predict otherwise. I really liked the build up episodes, loving and teasing banter, deliberate expressions of cuteness. If you do not watch this drama you will not miss much, really. If you watch it, you will have a nice time, some of your brain cells may die but scrolling through insta kills more. Here at least your eyes will be blessed by cute actors.

Thanks for reading.

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I think a very good study in human behavior. Funnily enough.

Explicit. Characters are of all shades of gray. When I say explicit it is definitely on higher end of explicit for a BL. And when I say I overall liked this watch, you may think it was those scenes but not really.

It was simply upredictable and exciting to see characters respond to plot demands. So dramatic! So fun! With burlesque quality to it. Cannot pinpoint it but I feel like I have been thrown into the OG Gossip Girl first watch. Does anyone get what I mean?

I was easily invested in the story of each of the characters, so much that I remember all of their names. And I do not have to say leave your morality at the front because these are not good people and they do not pretend to be.

At the beginning, everything and everyone seems superficial and thin like paper but throughout the show they flunctuate as people and do so in an honest and raw way.

The characters were developed with solid back stories that justified their actions in the drama, but were still unexpected when they struck you as audience. Ray was multi-layered character from the get go and fit Khao's emotional and vulnerable performance excellently. Even the lack of chemistry with Mew exemplified that his match was elsewhere. Sand was an absolute favorite in the way he was written, his sass was very well portrayed and his wimpy attitude was toned down but his cool and confident disposition. The chemistry was on point between the main leads.

Ton was consistent as hell in his immorality. He made me think so much. Even though I would condemn some actions in real life, the drama made me consider the angles of forgiveness and contempt and change ...and all in all, letting go. Nuncheon, I thought was useless in the plot. If judging from this as my first time seeing his performance, Force seems better person than he is an actor. In behind the scenes he was funny and charming, seems like a great guy to have around in any team --but his acting I just did not think was complex enough for the role of Top. Book was solid, nothing much to complain about. Mark Pakin the same case as with Force, this is my first time to see him acting and he did not impress, seems like a great guy perhaps the role did not fit. Also strange because his chemistry with Neo was not really lacking in the interviews and behind the scenes so I am not sure why I was not vibing with them. I am throwing all unpopular opinions here, sorry.

In all, a few things carried this drama: complex and unpredictable plot, refreshing mature script that matched perfectly with the scenography and Khao, First and Neo.

I know many people here rate it as trash, even tho I understand I would disagree. depends what you are looking for (or finding). With all those salacious scenes you expect to be kind of at the brink of oversaturation but characters were simply well written so you may end up caring more about what happens to them. Like me.

I think I liked Only Friends more than Eclipse, even though I think Akk fit better First than Sand did, and Ray suited better Khao than Ayan did... And well, I am First's fan girl first, and an objective reviewer (caring about your viewing experience) second, hihi.

Go for it. It's unexpected surprise. And 12eps only.

Thanks for reading.

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Go get yourself a glass of wine. Watch as sequel to some drama that fails you cos this one won't

This drama is unique in its structure. The first half of the drama you are following Payu and Rain, and the second half follows Pai and Sky's relationship. I did not think it possible but I was equally invested in both couples.

Starting with the positives, the actors did better than your average bl actors. Also more hot scenes than your average bl that were somehow appropriately distributed. Everyone seemed very invested in those hot scenes and it shows. Cringe was minimal. And the drama worked to develop characters individually, which I greatly appreciated, to understand them better.

I could see how Pai improved in his acting throughout the show, that at some moments he brought tears to my eyes really. From smiles that became his go-to expression (and low key annoying), he be getting cuter tho from ep to ep not gonna lie..

Also, isn't Payu somehow green flagy? Like my man conditioned his partner to focus on his school prior to him. Gotta love man with his priorities straight. Pai was not that at all, but he had his moments.

...and now on weak points. There were really no major disappointments. Despite a lot of turbulence it dragged a bit. Major question mark is I did not understand why would both Payu and Pai fall for Rain and Sky respectively. I mean physical attraction I understand but they did not explain at all what was special about them so those handsome, mysterious, rich, bad boy and smart loners would find in them the love of their life them.

Soundtrack I actually noticed so I gave above average score.

Do not miss this one. This one is for cleansing eyes from you previous failures.

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Wonderful premise, weak acting

I just love a good medical drama and at that also BL. So fun. Although this does not classify as medical drama, the lead is a doctor (Tawan). He develops relationship with a motorbike driver (Morm). Look at Mork more as a Grab driver, than Mario Casas in 3MSC.

The couple is cute even though their character traits are barely developed. I got to know a bit more about Mork than Tawan, but it seemed that focus on other characters sidetracked the main story. Why did Tawan choose IM as his specialty? Why does he have such attitudes towards saving a relationship? Why does Mork actually like Tawan? Why did Mork give up everything for Fern? How is it possible that two worlds collide?

Side characters are warm and fun, the uncles and the moto gang. Very cute and supportive but too bad they had more character than the leads. Chemistry between the leads was also weak for me.

Overall...Does not require much from you as viewer. Nice drama, feel good, empty brain.

Besides that, it is short and has no major issues really. I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for reading!

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His whimpy attitude stole my heart ~ predictable plot, nonetheless punchy execution

The watching experience was an emotional rollercoaster.

The plot sometimes funny sometimes gore with Quarantino quality to it... but always was naively honest about the male lead's emotions... worn on a sleeve. He was absolutely the shiny star of this project.

What woman does not like a simp that is handsome, hardworking, patient and a tad bit crazy? Well let's say the obvious simping and random fascination with the female lead did not outshine the male lead's performance. All the plotholes can leave my memory, ok-hay? Wait they already gone!

If you do not like getting emotional over movies give it a skip. But otherwise it is a nice little movie to put in your pocket. (Not in an everyday typa shirt though). And nothing more.

As always,
Thanks for reading.

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Great watch overall - hard to choose a standout factor amongst great project

I am writing this review probably a month after the watch of this show. It stuck in my mind as a great watch.

One word for it - consistent. I was dropped into a bucket of emotion and comfort. I did not feel threatened by ridiculous plot or unnatural acting of the leads for the sake of story. They kept their character throughout (not suddenly cute while being portrayed as extremely cool). The makn character traits stayed the same -- some aspects of their character were challenged and some were relished by the moments in the story -- as it should be! It is really that easy, challenge the traits you give them as a writer, do not simply give them randomly new ones. It is life for God's sake (except dis fake life but ykwim, they be representing life).

Their chemistry was one of the best in bl I witnessed. Sometimes they made me feel butterflies just because of their bantering.

I do not particularly care for OST, so not really memorable.

One of fave watches of 2023.
Skip never.
Many rewatches shall proceed.

Also pls S2. Only if you won't disappoint me.

Thanks for reading.

Bye bye.

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Original to an extent...extent sufficient to warrant disruption in emotions

Original story. Handsome leads. Quite good acting. But what mattered the most is the chemistry made sense.

Thank the Lord (!) that they were attentive to the build up, so their relationship was believable outcome. You can feel in the first couple of episode that nothing was hurried and it paid off.

Utterly enjoyable watch up to the confession episode and then it kind of drags into kind of unnecessary drama.

I was hoping to get healthy response from both leads to tribulations but they went the trope way and did not exhibit much new.

Not many hot scenarios but the tension was so palpable that it could be cut through the air with a knife. Love that. I felt emotions and it is immediate rewatch because of it. Shows both leads did a wonderful job at their characters.

Here the second couple just did not click for me. I can see they were trying to explore the bad boy trope who is also an uneducated man who follows his heart instead all of them educated bunch overthinking everything. However, ring ring, you do not have to be (un)educated to have exclusive access to any of those two mind states. Anyways, I could not feel chemistry from them.

The somewhat of antagonist, the ex, did a great job at his character. Zero cringe from his side. He should have been given more screen time.

The cast was very good and pleasant to watch. I think the key here is that they BOTH acted well, and looked good. It raised the bar and high-brow feel despite the budget. The atmosphere of drama was very expensive, for the lack of better words.

Overall,
Definitely not a skip. Wonderful backbone story that powers more than half of total episodes to be a delight without plot holes. They abandoned the backstory and did not develop its potential fully. Instead they imbued the story with meaningless office drama, in latter eps. However, the build up to them coming together was done brilliantly. Then the last episode seemed pointless. I felt a large decline in meaning of what I am watching in the last two episodes. So you see, up and down. I was surprised at high score output for this drama but I did enjoy how genuine it was. So do not let yourself skip it. It will move you. The attention they paid to the backbone story at the beginning is certainly something refreshing that I hope to see more of in bl.


Enjoy and thanks for reading.

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Taeseong.. sculpted like a dream... everything else a nightmare

I am a bit exaggerating ofc. Nightmare is more extreme than this show was. This show was no curves or extremes. Blant and blah.

Story is non existent. Acting was also mediocre.
Two brothers from different mothers fell in love. There is a hitch. But so mild that I was left in meh mode throughout.

But props to little emotion evoked by the adopted son. I felt that little inner child that wanted to satisfy the adoptive mother. It hurt a bit. Also fluffy and supportive friends were cute, also the friend with good English. I notice you, okay?

Also, the first lead, the real son, Taeseong. What in the sometimes Yibo - sometimes Win-win combination was that?? God bless, all I gotta say.. his looks got better and better from episode to episode.. cleansing my eyes and keeping my attention until the very end. Many things were cringe but kissing scenes were not. To be expected from older actors but I was expecting nothing really.

Very uncontroversial, low stakes and unmemorable watch.

However it is just fine, you will not feel particularly disappointed, going back to beginning of my review. Is it worth it cos of the super handsome lead? It is 8eps but for me -- Not really.

That is it! Let's move on... although Taeseong.

Enjoy your day!
And thanks for reading.

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No high stakes from anyone and not a pass

Fluffy and non toxic.

Dohyun. I give him some props for the way he is open and vulnerable and consistent. I like the characher.

Also bonus points for actors having their own interests and maintaining their individual character even without the other.

I realize that fluffy and feel good dramas do get on top of my watch list.

Someone said that you should not miss out on this.

That is how I feel. It is short, sweet and not a pass. The storyline is not complex some things are left superficial but the chemistry is there.

I cannot see you regret watching it.

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The story that rewards knowing who you are

Well, it was entertaining because I had no idea how will the situation turn around that Shin Woo and Tae Kyung stop hating each other. And then if Da On will come around, and if he does how complicated everything will become.

So I was waiting in excitement.

But chemistry disappointed me. And to be honest, none of the characters were particularly well developed -- flat and uninteresting indiviudals. You don't know much about Tae Kyung's background except that he is a loner. You know a bit more about Da On's background, but how much more? And Shin Woo, also zilch. And it is 16 eps x 30min, so I expected a bit more in content? in quality? Also story from beginning to end has no continuity in narrative.

Ultimately, one take away is that the story rewards knowing yourself. Do I like that or not? Well... I am not sure. The story rewarded a genuine and firm partner, and I mean I would choose that one too, but then when do we get to that point? We are all exploring and trying to find ourselves and the question is whether love is to look for someone who already has "found themselves" or we "search for true selves together". I guess Tae Kyung has the right to love who he wants..but it made me think about why this is drama. And how easily it was to let go of the one you "love". Ahh.

It was okay. If you have extra time, watch it, but I do not think it was anything special.

Thanks for reading.

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Grief is the main actor, and it is about to expose (of) them all

Definitely not your typical kdrama. But it is for somewhat niche audience, those into long-winded dark, dreary and repetitive points hitting the same spot.

I like those dramas when there is a point to it and not exploitation of negative emotion. And there was. The point, I believe.

Overwhelming in intense gloomy and tragic undertones. Grief and coping are the actors in this drama, taking a large podium, to not immerse but drown each character. As if both take on a mercenary role. Each character is both momentarily rewarded and ultimately punished by decisions they made, rejecting grieving and coping in service of revenge. Grief is the main actor and not revenge, that is the point. And it punishes each character accordingly for that lack of awareness.

Which is an interesting take for a kdrama, not gonna lie.

The chemistry between Soo-hyun and Seon-yul was palpable. It never went the romantic route but I could sense the alignment between two characters that obviously found solace in their similar experience with loss. I wish it was further developed. This one does remind me a bit of My Mister in its attempt for two people to process pain together.

But this is not sad, slice of life piece. This took tragedy and packed a punch with some action, and quite a few, albeit predictable, plot twists.

There are of course quite a few duds, motivatios of Seon-yul fell a bit flat. Wrap up was rushed, general downer, and kind of too each. As if the production got tired.

Not many standouts (good or bad) among actors. The female lead really shone, and Kim Joon, one of antagonists. I did not see Cha Eun Woo laugh once. Gorgeous man no doubt, but I do not think he wants that to be the main takesway. I did think he did not have a range of emotional capacity/expression to deliver each scene, and thought both Park Bogum and Seo In-Guk would have delivered in this type of role perfectly. Albeit his acting continues to be average at best, he was not distracting from the plot for which I still approve of the show as a whole.

(Also, nice to see the lead of the Eight Sense getting his footing into kdrama industry. Little time, but step by step.)

Overall, I do not take this one as a binge. The main characters are complex and I believe the viewer should be a bit more invested to understand their perspective in order to enjoy this one. I would need to rewatch to understand better, but intrigue kind of dissipated.

Not for everyone, for sure. But an interesting one, 100%.

What do you think?

Thanks for reading.

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Leave the morality all those who enter... and enjoy great acting and some of best t-drama chemistry

Love mechanics is as ridiculous as it gets story-wise.

Enter with zero realistic expectations.

After you accept that the ridiculous never steps down but each episode gets more unpredictable and immoral in many cases...then you have zero expectations and can just hone into leads and enjoy the best part of this drama...

Their acting and chemistry -- chef's kiss.

Kids remember, take no lessons from this one. None of these characters should be your ideal partner in anything but perhaps physical looks. Vee's behavior is for me very despicable in 99% of cases. Mark, what are you doing my man?

Hot scenes are hot because actors are good at their job. But they are often a product of strange and manipulative circumstances that SHOULD NOT BE PRESCRIPTIVE IN ANY CASE to viewers.

Now that being said, this is pure drama and entertainment. I hope you can only take it at that value.

Always a fun rewatch for me.

Tnx for reading.

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