The Bequeathed: Some Fxxxxd up Family Relationships

Fascinatingly wild, the show revolves around a family feud over an inherited burial ground property. What follows after that is nothing short of insanity.

The series is concise yet enthralling, boasting an intriguing cast of characters. The plot's embedded mystery keeps you engaged until the conclusion enhanced by mind bending twists adding spice to the drama. The intricacies of family relationships leave viewers thoroughly puzzled and the haunting cinematic execution adds suspense enriched by crazy plot twists.

A standout character is Kim Youngho, the estranged step brother of the female protagonist, Yoon Seoha. His borderline craziness makes it very intriguing to watch.

While the entire cast delivered commendable performances, the true show stealer is Ryu Kyung Soo. His portrayal of madness is exceptionally well executed making his character a highlight of the show.

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Dark Twists and Sweet Treats: Exploring the Dark Realities of High School in High Cookie.

This show was an absolute roller coaster from start to finish, a fast paced dark thriller that consistently keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Every character was intricately twisted. The show started with the simple, naive FL Choi Sooyoung, but as it progressed her character's layers peeled off one by one.

ML Hosu presented another complex character rarely seen in recent dramas with a painful backstory and compelling reasons for his actions, albeit criminal.

Filled with twists and turns the show delves into the stressful lives of high schoolers and explores how cookies serve as a means to fulfill their inner dreams.

In terms of romance, there wasnt much but I loved the scenes creators gave us of Lee Eunsoo & Jin Woo. They were simply a treat to watch. However, given the dark thriller theme romantic elements were understandably limited.

On the downside there were many unrealistic scenarios like police investigations, how Sooyoung got admission to school, etc. Additionally the production quality could have been much better. But what mattered to me is how much I enjoyed this show and from that point of view it was an absolute treat to watch.

The acting of each cast member was commendable. Nam Jihyun, Choi Hyunwook, Seo Bum June, Kim Mu Yeol, Jung Dabin and others delivered standout performances.

Spoiler: The ending was tragically fitting for the show. Due to FL's greed many students including Jinwoo & Hosu, met their tragic demise. Minyoung took on her sister's life, working part time, while Sooyoung disappeared from the world, going into hiding to make cookies.

In conclusion, I will recommend this show to every thriller lover who enjoys watching thrillers with high school settings and a gripping storyline.

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The Midnight Romance in Hagwon: More Education and Less Romance

"The commercialization of education turns a public good into a private commodity." This quote by Diane Ravitch encapsulates the central theme of the drama. It focuses on education within an academy setting, exploring academy politics, conflicts between school and academy teaching styles and rivalries between academies and teachers.

The story follows Seo Hyejin, an elite private educator, as she navigates her struggles in the academy and discovers new love with Lee Junho. The drama employs a highly realistic style with every element portrayed authentically. Education related issues are handled with great care and a realistic approach. However, the pace can sometimes be slow. If you are not a fan of slowburn, workplace centric dramas, you might want to skip this one.

Most of the characters are very much like normal human beings, neither wholly good nor bad. Everyone has their flaws which makes the drama interesting when conflicts arise between them.

Seo Hyejin, an elite instructor at Daechi academy, has forgotten her passion for teaching focusing instead on traditional methods and maximizing profits. When her views clash with her new love, Lee Junho and she interacts with her new student, Siwoo, she realizes how far she has strayed from her original passion. Her journey is full of ups and downs and her conflicts with various characters, such as the White Haired Witch, Mr. Pyo, and Lee Junho, make the drama compelling to watch.

When Lee Junho entered Daechi academy, he appeared as nothing more than a lovesick puppy for Hyejin. While he has a long way to go to become a fully mature person, his growth as an instructor, even if slight is evident throughout the drama. He holds strong views on introducing new teaching methods, which, although innovative, are quite risky.
In his love life, Junho is immature and often comes across as a pushy character who doesnt understand personal space. His persistent pursuit or rather stalking of Hyejin made me uncomfortable. Even after entering a relationship with Hyejin, he frequently behaves in a pushy manner which made me dislike him at times. He certainly has a long way to go.

Mr. Pyo is a character who showed immense growth from the beginning to the end of the drama. His conflict with Hyejin was a major plot point. Initially, he seemed very intimidating conservative school teacher with a big ego. However as the series progressed, he displayed significant positive development.

I loved Nam Cheongmi's character a lot. When the drama began, she was portrayed as an insecure character with a less privileged educational background. Her insecurity was understandable for a rookie instructor desperate for a chance to prove herself. However as she got to know Seo Hyejin better, she stood by her until the end. Her love story with Junho's friend was genuinely cute. Despite her limited screen time, this character made a strong impression on me and i wish there had been more of her. I would have loved to see more of her development.

Other characters, such as the White Haired Witch, Director Kim and Vice President Woo, were quite complex and created tension for Seo Hyejin throughout the drama. Director Kim showed notable positive growth but the other two remained antagonistic throughout the series.
Even Junho's parents were portrayed realistically. Their scenes were relatable, especially for Asian viewers. While they werent entirely unbearable they embodied typical Asian parents to the core.

The drama primarily focuses on education, with romance being a definite subplot. The chemistry between Seo Hyejin and Lee Junho was quite nice but their love story was not without flaws. There were aspects of it that i disliked and others that i loved. If you are looking for a hardcore romance drama, this might not be the right choice.

The cinematography was heartwarming and cozy with a relaxing tone that i enjoyed. However some scenes were dimly lit, which i only noticed during nighttime viewing. Daytime viewers might find the dim lighting more problematic.

Overall, its a compelling drama that realistically explores education through the lens of an academy. If you enjoy slow burn workplace dramas, this is definitely for you.

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Blood boiling experience

This movie depicts very torturous bullying making it a blood boiling experience. Plus i found everything quite unrealistic. I know bullying in Korea is severe but the bully kicking the dean of the school and terrorizing teachers was very unrealistic.

I loved the last fight sequence between the female lead and the villain but i still didnt like how he was overpowering her in many fight scenes. I would have loved it more if they had tortured him to death or until the point where he begged to be killed because thats how cruel of a bully he was.

Acting wise, everyone did a good job with whatever they were given in the script but for me the guy who shined more in the movie was the bullied victim Jin Hyung. His acting in one of the crucial scenes was so good that tears literally started flowing down my cheeks.

Overall i had very mixed feelings towards this movie as it was blood boiling to the point where you want to go inside the screen and beat that bully guy.

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Good but not memorable

Watching this movie was a pretty fun experience. There were many cringe moments but it was still enjoyable to witness the amalgamation of Thai-Indo culture.

Both leads had cute chemistry but the plot was not that great, very average. Their representation of Indian weddings was accurate, covering major functions like Mehendi, Sangeet, and the wedding (although Haldi was missed). I loved the Sangeet and wedding events.

Coming to drawbacks firstly, there were too many cringe moments. FL's friends were so cringe.

Secondly, the ex of FL, Arun, was still in love with FL and just a day before the wedding, he expressed confusion about his feelings. His bride listened and broke off their wedding but the leads somehow convinced her and in the end they got married. This was a very weak point in the storyline; I don't think this marriage will last longer than a year.

The comedy was good in some parts but in others it was so cringe.

Overall, it was a pretty fun experience to watch this movie.

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Two Worlds, Two Takes : Decent Attempt But Original Still Shines

I would describe it as a decent remake of the original masterpiece. While the trailer of "A Time Called You" had me super excited with its outstanding visuals, the actual drama left something to be desired.

Although this remake remains faithful to its original version, it lacks that special something you experience when you've enjoyed the original drama, Someday or One Day.

The actors did their best, but it feels like they may not be the perfect fit for their characters. Ahn Hyo Seop's portrayal differs significantly from Greg Hsu's in the original Someday or One Day.
Jeon Yeo Been stood out among the cast, delivering an impressive performance.

The story is exactly same and many scenes are very similar, but it falls short in creating the emotional connection I felt while watching the original. Perhaps the direction is somewhat off.

Even when comparing cinematography, locations, background music, and OSTs, I would still prefer the Taiwanese version. In the original Taiwanese version, all these factors played a significant role in emotionally connecting to the drama, especially the OSTs.

For those who haven't seen the original, it's definitely a great drama. However, for fans of the original, this adaptation of their favorite show is decent at best.

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Burn The House Down: A Gripping Thriller with Some Missed Thrills

Burn The House Down is a thriller that kept me engaged with its gripping plot & numerous plot twists, although it lacked the desired level of thrill. Nevertheless I found it quite enjoyable.

The story follows Anzu, who returns to her childhood home as a maid in order to uncover the truth about a tragic incident that occurred thirteen years ago. Anzu's mission is to prove her mother's innocence, as her mother has been blaming herself for a fire incident that took place all those years ago. As Anzu begins to work as maid, she meticulously plans her path to revealing the truth, setting the stage for an intriguing thriller.

The acting performances of both the female lead and the supporting male characters were commendable, as they fully immersed themselves in their respective roles.

One of the aspects I appreciated about this thriller was of plot twists. The unexpected turns kept me intrigued throughout the story.

Additionally, the bond between Anzu and Kiichi was a highlight for me. I admired how Anzu made efforts to heal Kiichi's emotional wounds throughout the show.

The cinematography and overall production quality of the series were impressive adding to the visual appeal of the drama.

However, I felt that the thrill factor was somewhat lacking. While the absence of OTT moments was a positive aspect, it didn't consistently provide the thrilling experience I was hoping for. This could be seen as both a positive and negative point of the drama.

Another downside for me was the character of Anzu's father. I found him to be a hypocrite and hated him throughout the series.

Furthermore, the execution of the final plot twist could have been better. If Shinji was the main culprit throughout the drama, it left me wondering why Kiichi isolated himself from the world and portrayed himself as someone burdened with guilt throughout the story.

Despite these drawbacks, Burn The House Down is overall a nice thriller worth watching.

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The Melodramatic Turn : Yay or Nay?

It started well. I jumped into it, thinking it was a cute youth romcom because it was marketed that way everywhere even in MDL tags. However as the series progressed, it evolved into a full blown melodramatic romance which was a bit of a downer from beginning to end. FL Doona is an idol facing slump while the ML is a college student majoring in engineering.

I initially enjoyed their dynamic with the cool and sassy FL playfully teasing the clumsy ML. But as the series continued it veered further into melodrama which diminished my enjoyment.

On a positive note show did a great job depicting the idol's mental health struggles with Suzy's portrayal feeling authentic. Yang Sejeong also excelled in portraying the clumsy university student with adorableness.

Surprisingly i found the second pair more appealing than the main couple. Their storyline was less gloomy and provided enjoyable moments. I wish there had been more focus on their relationship.

The OST in the opening was good & background score complemented the melodramatic theme effectively.
Cinematography was a refreshing aspect that didnt contribute to the overall sense of depression.

Regarding the ending, i have no personal complaints. Its left open ended allowing you to interpret whether the main characters are still together or not.

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Stand By Me : A Poetic Journey of Self-Discovery

Im not sure where to begin as this show had profound impact on me & opened my eyes to many insights. Its undoubtedly my favorite drama of 2023 even though i have other favorites like Moving and I Am Nobody. This one however, holds a special place in my heart.

This slow burning melodrama set in 1990s China, follows the journey of Luo Qiqi alongside several significant characters who enter her life. From a very young age Luo Qiqi exudes optimism & possesses a unique ability to think outside the box, always questioning the world around her. This quality deeply resonated with me.

The portrayal of Luo Qiqi's journey along with the four other main characters is incredibly authentic, immersing the viewer in their lives. As i watched it felt as if i were right there with them, experiencing their trials and tribulations.

Luo Qiqi encounters many individuals who leave a lasting mark on her life, shaping her into the person she is today. Simultaneously these encounters influence the lives of those she meets raising intriguing questions.

Among the numerous characters, four stand out as instrumental in shaping Luo Qiqi's journey : Xiao Bo, Zhang Jun, Xiao Fe & Guan He. Their impact on her life is substantial & they in turn, undergo significant transformations whether for better or worse, leaving questions in their wake.

Luo Qiqi stands out as the most remarkable character in the entire show. Her strength, determination, intelligence & unwavering loyalty to her friends are truly inspiring. She also demonstrates remarkable empathy towards others and in the face of numerous challenges, she repeatedly overcomes her doubts and fulfills her dreams.

My next favorite character is Xiao Fe, Luo Qiqi's best friend whose imperfections make her character growth one of the most compelling aspects of the drama. Her experiences from unrequited love to personal hardships are portrayed with remarkable realism.
After her r*pe incident, Luo Qiqi comes into her life as a ray of sunshine & slowly helps her piece her life back together. Her whole arc was my favorite part of the drama from the trauma she endured to her recovery all portrayed very realistically, especially considering the 90s China setting. I loved how Luo Qiqi stood by her, supporting her until she could stand on her own feet. Kudos to both actors who portayed Xiao Fe and Luo Qiqi, who gave their all to this storyline.

Then there is Xiao Bo, who plays sibling like role in Luo Qiqi's life. Their dynamic is endearing with moments that sometimes hint at a romantic connection and at other times emphasize their deep sibling like care for one another. Xiao Bo maintains a positive outlook throughout the drama & remains one of the most hardworking characters despite challenging family circumstances. He significantly influences Luo Qiqi's dream of attending a prestigious university, although his later decision to give up on his studies is emotionally difficult to watch.

Guan He enters Luo Qiqi's life at a pivotal moment, precisely when she needs support the most. Guan He is the school's top student, faces unrelenting pressure from her parents to excel, all the while harboring envy towards Luo Qiqi, who lives life on her own terms as Luo Qiqi was living life which she always desired.
Guan He's presence becomes instrumental in Luo Qiqi's academic journey during challenging times & their friendship deepens. They become close friends studying together & sharing their lives. However, as Luo Qiqi outshines her Guan He's insecurity & jealousy surface, leading to the regrettable end of their once strong bond. This development is particularly disheartening considering Guan He's background and character, emphasizing the toll insecurity & envy can take on even the closest of friendships.

In the drama Zhang Jun emerges as its most enigmatic & morally complex character. His relationship with Luo Qiqi is a rollercoaster ride through their shared childhood marked by a mix of betrayal and undeniable attraction. They share a chemistry that is undeniably captivating but Zhang Jun's internal struggles and involvement with gang makes him quite unreliable chatacter.
Initially Zhang Jun & Luo Qiqi were inseparable childhood friends but their bond was marred by moments of betrayal, leaving a bittersweet aftertaste that lingered for years. As the story unfolds their paths cross again & magnetic attraction begins to pull them closer. While they never explicitly cross certain boundaries, its clear that their connection is charged with unspoken emotions.
Their chemistry is undeniable yet Zhang Jun's character is a mix of both red and green flags, underscoring the unhealthy nature of their relationship. Like Luo Qiqi he was once a top student but he loses his way & becomes entangled with a troublesome gang, leading to complications in his relationship with Luo Qiqi.
The most heart wrenching moment in the narrative arrives when Zhang Jun makes the painful decision to relinquish their shared dream of attending university together. He realizes that staying close to her will only hold her back & this decision again solidifies the point of him being most complex character of this drama.

Despite these characters drifting away from Luo Qiqi, which almost leading to her giving up on her lifelong dream of attending a top university, they also serve as her catalyst for self realization and personal growth.

This beautiful show feels like a work of poetic art delivering a profound exploration of self discovery and development.

I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone, although its essential to note that its a slow burn melodrama, so if this genre isn't your cup of tea, you may want to consider other options.

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Mystery, Mischief and Mayhem: The Intriguing World of Inspector Koo

As i was looking forward to Lee Young Ae's upcoming show maestra, so i decided to watch one of her previous dramas. I chose Inspector Koo and to my surprise, i ended up binge watching the entire series. It turned out to be much more interesting than i had initially anticipated, i can even say that i absolutely loved it.
The show revolves around a retired, eccentric Inspector Koo and a 20 something psychopathic serial killer. Despite their differences, they share a certain resemblance.

Inspector Koo, now retired spends her days playing online games, neglecting personal hygiene and eating habits. On the other hand, the young serial killer leads a stylish, charming and luxurious life. Interestingly their names are mirror images of each other, with Inspector Koo named Kyung Yi and the serial killer named Yi Kyung. However, their common trait is their intelligence and the entire series plays out like a thrilling game of cat and mouse.

Yi Kyung the college going killer, targets people who have committed wrongs & her killing methods are truly unique. She doesnt resort to direct violence. instead, she sets elaborate traps for her targets making her plans even more captivating. Another intriguing aspect of her character is that she only targets individuals who had done bad deeds in a past.
What sets her apart is her unusual method of punishing wrongdoers, she draws inspiration from various French books translating their ideas into her killing plans. Each book represents one murder.

Inspector Koo's character on the other hand, is far from the typical justice seeking detective. She takes on new cases from her junior solely because she offers her a new computer. Her motivation isnt rooted in a desire for justice but rather in the thrill and enjoyment of solving cases.

The drama also features one more strong villain, portrayed by the Kim Hae Sook, whose performance here rivals her best acting in Revenant and UTQU.
Both of these female villains Yi Kyung & Kim Hae Sook's character has very comeplx yet interesting relation which makes show even more exciting. At times they collaborate, assist one another and then turn against each other while Inspector Koo cleverly takes advantage of their enmity.

My most fav character in the series is Santa, played by Baek Sung Chul, a mute character introduced as Koo's assistant picked from an online game. Their bond isnt romantic but more like a parent and child, where he plays role like parent to Inspector Koo, they often shows him taking care of her in show. There is one interesting plot twist involving his character.

The show includes a few more interesting characters including Yi Kyung's accomplice, who happens to be gay, which i didnt expect in this type of series. What sets the serial killer characters apart is their multifaceted nature. They can appear as psycho killers in one moment and as normal individuals in the next.

Inspector Koo distinguishes itself from OCN's countryside thrillers by being a highly urban thriller set in Tongyeong, an unexplored location in Kdramas. The setting combined with the cinematography provides a fresh and beautiful backdrop for the series.

The top notch cinematography and the stylish OSTs/BGMs elevate the series to another level, enhancing the thrill of key moments. Without these elements, I might have rated the show lower.

The episodes end on suspenseful notes, leaving viewers eager for the next ones and despite some minor plot holes, i thoroughly enjoyed the series. In fact i found it more appealing than highly rated crime thriller dramas with MDL scores ranging from 8.6 to 8.8.

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Ready, Set, Love: A Dystopian Adventure with Romance and Humor

This show unfolds in a parallel universe, a dystopian realm where the male population is vastly outnumbered by females. Males are a rare sight, akin to an endangered species, housed by the government in a human zoo known as the Farm.

The government sponsors the reality show "Ready Set Love," where female contestants vie to become brides and form families under government care. The reluctant female protagonist Day, becomes a contestant through a lottery leading to an unforeseen journey filled with chaotic, hilarious, heartfelt and romantic moments.

This show encompasses multiple genres with its primary focus on Dystopian survival, complemented by sub genres like romance, comedy, thriller and drama. It explores various themes including LGBTQ+, conveying a positive message. The inclusion of two LGBTQ+ couples is handled maturely setting it apart from many other BL genre shows in the same region.

The overall tone of the show resembles a convergence of the Reality/variety and fiction genres. The reality show within this fictional context provides an authentic feel akin to watching a real reality show where you anticipate outcomes but cant help getting excited during the diverse game tasks. This undoubtedly bridges the gap between fiction and reality genres.

Thrills and romance kicks off in the second half offering an exciting narrative. While the thriller aspect may not be entirely unique, it captivates, keeping you engaged until the final moments. When it comes to romance, the main couple (#SonDay) and the second couple (#MaxChal) undeniably share sizzling chemistry. The main couple's chemistry and the actors performances leave you yearning for more, especially with their endearing childhood backstory.
The comedy aspect is delightfully campy, evoking genuine laughter. Personally im not usually a fan of Thai comedies finding them cringe worthy with their OTT humor. However this particular show managed to resonate with me.

When it comes to the characters, each one is unique and distinct. None of them is purely evil or negative but a few exhibit shades of grey. The drama becomes even more intriguing with such well crafted main and supporting characters.

The soundtrack is vibrant, peppy and jazzy, seamlessly enhancing different scenes. In contrast production value is huge, evident in grand sets and costumes that exude an expensive quality. I never thought Thai productions investing so generously in their shows but Netflix made it possible.

In summary, this show offers a must watch experience, delivering unique content that seamlessly blends comedy, romance, a hint of thrill and entertaining tasks/games making it a perfect choice for diverse audiences.

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"A Symphony of Emotions: The Impactful Journey of Loss, Guilt and Redemption"

The drama evoked every emotion within me, draining me and allowing me to feel every character's pain throughout the series.
When it started, i wondered what it could offer besides a mother's revenge. However as the story unfolded, i was drawn deeper into the intricacies of each character's psyche gradually understanding their motivations and perspectives.

While the story may not be new, it was the execution that truly stood out earning it a well deserved round of applause. The writer masterfully crafted a plot filled with heartbreak and tension, weaving together multiple storylines and character arcs with finesse. What struck me most was the portrayal of morally ambiguous characters, each grappling with their own demons and making choices that blurred the lines between right and wrong.
As each character's layers peeled away, their motivations became clear. Though i may not sympathize with all of them, i could understand their actions. The writer crafted these characters thoroughly and left their interpretation to the viewers.

The emotional depth of the series was further amplified by its poignant and gut wrenching scenes, which left a lasting impact on me long after the credits rolled. From the raw anguish of a mother mourning the loss of her child to the harrowing depiction of human frailty and redemption, every moment was imbued with raw emotion and authenticity.

Turning to the performances, the ensemble cast delivered nothing short of brilliance, bringing their characters to life with nuance and depth. Kim Namjoo's portrayal of the grieving mother was particularly poignant, her raw vulnerability tugging at the heartstrings with every scene. It was evident that she poured her heart and soul into the role, leaving a lasting impression that lingered in the mind.

Cha Eunwoo, in this series, he really beat the allegations of bad acting. I pretty much heard in every series that he cant act. I have watched almost all of his dramas, i never found him a bad actor. Its just his roles were always like they wanted him to give very few expressions and he did a fantastic job in those roles. But in this role, he really nailed it, especially in the second half of the drama. He proved to everyone that he is anything but a bad actor. I hope in the future he will take those roles which will give him a chance to perform his best.

Kim Kangwoo & Lim Semi were also phenomenal in their roles. Both of them had very complex characters and they performed their best in these roles. At first, i thought, oh this is another husband cheating drama but once twists started unfolding, i felt there is much more to it than just being a husband cheating. When you understand characters perfectly, you realize they are also very layered characters very much like normal humans who made mistakes but are very much guilty for their one wromg action.
Apart from these 4 leading characters, actress Won Mi Kyung, who portrayed the role of Soohyun's mother and actor Park Hyuk Kwon, who played the role of the main antagonist Kim Joon also made a long lasting impression on the mind with their powerful performances.

The series was further elevated by its exceptional soundtrack which expertly underscored the emotional beats of each scene, heightening the tension and drama to breathtaking effect.

In conclusion this series stands as a shining example of superb storytelling, flawless execution and stellar performances. If you are in search of a gripping and emotionally resonant drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further. Its a journey that will linger in your mind long after the final episode, leaving you craving for more.

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Boyhood : A Roller Coaster of Comedy, Action and 80s Nostalgia

Boyhood is a coming of age comedy action school drama set in 1989 in Chungcheongnamdo. It follows a socially awkward boy from Onyang who becomes a transfer student to Buyeo, only to be misunderstood as a troublemaker overnight. This leads to various comedic and action packed adventures.

The show was a wild ride. The first five episodes were hilarious, but Episode 6 took an unexpected turn, shifting from joy to tragedy. Despite the roller coaster, it kept its comedic vibe, making me switch between tears and laughter.

Each character shines uniquely, especially Jang Byungtae, the once targeted weak student who embarks on a hilarious and action packed journey after transferring to Buyeo. Among the dramas i have watched this year, Jang Byungtae's character stands out as one of my personal favorite. Quirky, funny and relatable, he faced bullying from his childhood due to his weak physique. However when mistaken for strength he cleverly used it for good. Jang Byungtae's transformation felt authentic, a gradual process mirroring the impact of a lifetime of bullying.
Im Siwan's outstanding acting, seamlessly transitioning between comedy and emotional depth deserves every award for his portrayal of Jang Byungtae.

The second character is Jung Gyeongtae, who brings some crazy twists in story. When he entered, i thought he was just a street smart thug whom everyone fears but he might actually be good at heart. However the way he flipped in Episode 6 quickly turned him from my most favorite character to the most hated one. From that episode, i just wished him to live a nightmarish life until he dies.
Lee Siwoo really nailed this character. When i realized he played the brother of Ha Doyoon in SYIM19L, i couldnt really believe it, as that character and this one are totally poles apart, and Lee Siwoo played it with conviction.

Two female leads, Jiyoung and Seonhwa. Seonhwa is a bad bi*ch from the start and i suspected some gold digger tendencies in her character from afar. Jiyoung was a badass queen, she was the one who encouraged Byungtae to get his revenge. I really loved her character but she had very little screen time to explore her character. I would have loved to see more of her than Seonhwa.

Each episode of the show is engaging and it never bores you even for a minute. My personal favorite episode is Episode 6. That was quite an insane episode, not gonna lie.

The setting of the show in the 1980s is quite believable. It actually gives the feel of the 80s. The styling and setting are very appropriate for the times of the 80s. The music also helps to give you authentic vibes of the 80s.

This was one of the few dramas this year that surprised me in a good way. For me, it was a 9.5/10.

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Orchestra & Affairs: Cha Seeum's Artistic Passion Amidst Life's Struggles

I really liked watching this show. It was my first time checking out a semi makjang series with art at its centre. The show had some drama but it wasnt too much, they kept it real without going overboard.

The main character, Cha Seeum was definitely star of the show. She faced a lot of problems but her love for her profession was something else. She is one of the strongest female leads i have seen in a while and Lee YoungAe did a great job.

Male lead Jeongjae was a complex character, initially portrayed as a calculative, manipulative, control freak who wanted to take charge of Seeum's life. However as the story progressed, his character developed and in the end you could see that he truly loved Seeum.

Luna was interesting too. Usually shows make obsessed characters act super ott but they made her seem like a regular person. You would never think she is obsessed until she actually does something crazy.

The show got a bit boring sometimes which was a downside but overall it was worth watching.

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From Suspense to Satire: The Intricate Blend of Black Comedy & Mystery in Bitter Sweet Hell

The original Korean title is 우리, 집, which means "Our Home." It tells the story of a family targeted by a psychopath, with each member being picked off one by one. The story isnt extraordinary or entirely new but the execution and acting made me appreciate this drama more and more.

The story explores various angles such as being unjustly framed, an LGBT subplot and an extramarital affair. While extramarital affair is quite common in south korean dramas nowdays, it was integral to the main storyline here and not just filler. ML Jaejin, comes across as very dumb but his character is understandable to certain degree given the immense pressure he faced, which led him to gradually isolate himself from his family and fall into Lee Sena's trap.

FL Noh Young won who is recognized as the country's best family psychological counselor tasked with saving her family from Lee Sena, who is obsessed with her due to statements she made on her TV program. Although Lee Sena's obsession may seem unrealistic, it is believable given her psychopathic nature. Psychopaths can become infuriated by seemingly trivial actions while sometimes remaining indifferent to significant harm.

Mother in law Hong Sa Gang was another captivating character in the drama. When she appeared in the first episode, she instantly captured my attention. Her aura was undeniably mesmerizing and Lee Hye Young's portrayal of Hong Sa Gang made the character even more compelling. She is a strong, independent woman with core values typical of her generation: protecting her family no matter what. Jaejin is not her biological son, he is the son of her husband's mistress. Despite this, she devoted her entire prime to him showcasing her great unconditional maternal love. However this devotion inadvertently placed immense pressure on him, leading Jaejin to go astray.
Hong Sa Gang and Noh Yeongwon's maternal love are quite similar but Noh Yeongwon never supported her son's mistakes or made him feel pressured. Noh Yeongwon did all the right things as a mother, which Hong Sa Gang couldnt. In the second half of the drama, Hong Sa Gang's character takes a backseat. While i was hoping for a bit more from her character, she was still a real treat to watch.

The main antagonist, Lee Sena was a complete psychopath, targeting Noh Yeongwon's family for a very petty reason. However the way she trapped them and made progress was quite entertaining. The cat and mouse game they played made the show very engaging. Lee Sena's character reminded me a lot of Kyung Yi from Inspector Koo. Both were psychopaths but Kyung Yi was on another level with her intelligence and murder tactics. Even Lee Sena's dynamic with Tae Oh was similar to Kyung Yi's relationship with her subordinate. Yeonwoo's portrayal of Lee Sena was fantastic. She perfectly captured the required psychopath vibes and nailed it convincingly.

With Noh Yeongwon's son Dohyun, drama introduces an LGBT angle in storyline. When i first read his character description before the show aired, there was a line that said "He holds a big secret." From that moment, i suspected he might be gay or have done something significant. Later when he brought his pregnant girlfriend home, i thought i was mistaken. However, in the next episode it was revealed that my initial guess was indeed correct.
The portrayal of Dohyun's coming out was handled well. I believe that if the family hadnt been going through such tough times, he might have faced resistance from his father and grandmother. Nevertheless, given their current family situation, they accepted him for who he is. Noh Yeongwon would have accepted his truth regardless but his grandmother might have caused a big drama.

In addition to being a thriller, it also incorporated elements of black comedy and they executed the black humor aspect very well. Hong Ga Sang's funny scenes, especially, were executed brilliantly.

Regarding the production values, i was thoroughly impressed. The cinematography, camera angles, color grading and drone shots were all executed beautifully. It looked truly spectacular, especially the drone shots featured in the drama.

Overall, its a compelling psychological mystery thriller with elements of black comedy that keeps you engaged from start to finish with its storyline and continuous twists and turns.

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