Loved the Beginning, the Ending Not So Much

This show ended in a hasty manner and I didn’t even realise that it was over!

Starring Son Hyun Joo, Kim Myung Min, Kim Do Hoon & Heo Nam Jun in lead roles, the show was a fast paced thriller. The storyline remained focused on the father-and-son dynamics, with the antagonist pair struggling against the just ones. We can’t exactly call them just, because Song Pan Ho (Son Hyun Joo) and Song Ho Yeong (Kim Do Hoon) both resorted to nefarious plans, for their own benefits. The show was characterized by uncalled violence, a typical revenge saga throughout. While I’m not condoning their acts, at one point of time; it becomes difficult to differentiate between the protagonists and antagonists; because both engage in schemes that inevitably lead to several deaths. It was both painful and heartbreaking watching them each wage an unnecessary war where no one wins.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/09/12/your-honor-series-review/#more-1172

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Could Have Been Better

This felt like an extended version of a chaebol melodrama with added action scenes!

I’m a huge fan of Rain, that was one of the main reasons to start this show. The pilot episodes did catch my attention and I was slightly hooked (won’t say that this show was intriguing right from the start). We have loads of plotting and scheming happening in the backwaters, alongside the “classic mother-in-law & daughter-in-law melodrama”; add a cheating husband, a crazy illegitimate brother-in-law and a hot bodyguard to this mix, and we have a complete potboiler. This show was full of overused tropes- a bodyguard falling for his employer, a husband who is insanely in love with his wife and yet cheats on her and a scheming mother-in-law who got her comeuppance in the end (that was quite satisfactory). There isn’t much to dwell in this drama, so we are going to quickly tap into the specifics!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/08/04/red-swan-series-review/

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Thriller Family Melodrama at its Best

Two mothers with different agendas and priorities!

MBC’s “Bitter Sweet Hell” pulls off hijinks in the most egregious manner possible; it can be considered as a journey of maternal love but from two different perspectives. While Hong Sa Kang keeps a tight rein on her only son, Dr. Choi Jae Jin; No Yeong Won gives her son, Do Hyun the breathing space he needs. Both love their sons but in different ways and this familial love becomes the cruz of this family melodrama. Starring a ginormous casting like Kim Hee Sun, Lee Hye Young, Kim Nam Hee, Yeonwoo; the show portrays complicated family relationships in the most realistic way possible. At the epicenter of this show is the terse, strained relationship between a sharp mother-in-law and her smart daughter-in-law, who have been at loggerheads forever. Their dynamics start to change when a psychopath decides to destroy the familial ties. Decidedly, there is nothing new in the script but the show keeps you on your toes. The thrill factor could be attributed to the unrestrained antagonist, Lee Se Na, who plays the “Devil’s Reincarnate”, judging the entire family and handing out punishments.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/07/01/bitter-sweet-hell-series-review/

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One of my Favorites in 2024, Surprisingly Impressive

There are very few dramas that actually hold your attention until the very end; I’m the kind of person who mostly fast forwards through the penultimate episodes because I can’t stand the angst or melodrama. I rarely did that with this show, enjoying each and every moment. I grew fond of the characters; it could be the sides or the mains. Adapted from the manhua “Wu Geng Ji” (武庚纪) by Zheng Jian He (郑健和) and Deng Zhi Hui (邓志辉), “Burning Flames” is a dystopian story with the MC seeking justice for the wrongs inflicted by the Immortal realm on the humans and the demons. It was peculiar that the antagonists in this show were actually Immortals who are supposed to protect the common people. From start to end, there wasn’t a dull moment as Wu Geng led the fight against the all powerful immortal while growing mature as an individual. Ren Jia Lun excels in his portrayal of Wu Geng/A Gou. Both are obviously varied personalities, and yet he embodies them effortlessly. Joining this ensemble casting are Xing Fei (Bai Cai), Zhu Xu Dan (Lan), Yan Yi Kuan (Zi Yu) and Zhu Zheng Ting (Ni Tian Er Xing), each of whom make valuable contributions to his arduous journey. There was character development for each of them and some more!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/04/28/burning-flames-series-review/#more-768

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My Favorite Love Story in 2024

Have you watched a time travel romance that is exceedingly amusing but also exhausting!

Adapted from the web novel “The Best of Tomorrow” (내일의 으뜸) by Kim Bbang (김빵), “Lovely Runner” was supposedly a fantasy comedy portraying the repeated attempts of a fan who travels back in time to save her favorite idol. Starring the fresh pairing of Byeon Woo Seok & Kim Hye Yoon, the show has become a global success, skyrocketing the actor’s popularity to new levels. Although it was tiring watching Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon) frolicking back & forth to protect Ryu Seon Jae (Byeon Woo Seok), her strong sense of belief that she could save her loved one was truly inspirational. I have never seen a more committed character, even though her journey starts as a fan, it’s not long before they fall in love. The best part of this show was watching their teenage romance; the fact that Seon Jae fell first for Im Sol was shocking & surprising. And he remained true to his heart in every timeline; waiting or searching for her; shows how much they cherished & loved each other. “Lovely Runner” is an ardent love story, unlike any you have seen in recent times.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/05/29/lovely-runner-series-review/

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I loved watching Byeon Mu Jin's hijinks to win over his family!

The mystery has been solved, and we now know how Byeon Mu Jin became rich!

Many might think that the answer to this question is the premise to this storyline, sadly it isn’t. The show focuses on the changing times and its direct or indirect effect on familial ties. Although the show is hugely centered around Byeon Mu Jin’s attempts to reconcile with his family, “Romance in the House” is not just a love story. Its atypical melodrama that revolves around a father-daughter’s estranged relationship. The drama tries to reconnect a disjointed family who were separated because of unlikely circumstances. That doesn’t mean, they start living together; the Byeon family exists as individual units as they find their own “Happily Ever After”. The show seemed to hint at the precursor that families don’t always need to stay close; they can exist individually, as each of them seek their own happiness.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/09/19/romance-in-the-house-series-review/#more-1189

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One of my Favorite Shows in 2024

There are very few shows that have an immense impact on you from the start and the impression remains the same until the very end. “White Cat Legend” is one such drama, with an entirely male centric casting that boasts of a formidable ensemble, the show was an intriguing mix of fantasy, adventure and mystery. Starring Ding Yu Xi, Zhou Qi in the lead roles, the storyline was crisp and detailed. Wei Zhe Ming’s arc as the fake antagonist was another detail that was elevated the entire experience of watching this investigative saga. The eccentric supporting cast is interesting and each had their own detailed storyline; none of them were left out as they contributed to the overall plotline. The stakes were high since the storyline revolved around the concept of “Demon Cat Case” alongside an immortal being who was hellbent on death and destruction. Let’s get to know the characters better, as we talk about their camaraderie!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/03/13/white-cat-legend-series-review/

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The Most Endearing Watch This Year

What happens when Cinderella shift gears from being a damsel in distress to becoming a knight in shining armor!

Apart from the comic hysterics that are a metaphorical part of this moniker, "Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale" was a hilarious double take on an age-old classic. The show didn't have any godmother springing a surprise visit on the poor Cinderella, instead we have a daredevil female lead who knows what she wants and she strives to achieve her goals, no matter how foolhardy they seem. Add two handsome men to this mix, and we have a romcom bursting with fun and joyful antics. Starring Pyo Ye Jin & Lee Jun Young in the lead roles, the show gives us a wishful romance full of aching love and yearning. After watching the pilot episodes, I was instantly wooed over by the chemistry between the main leads; they are unusual, chaotic, and totally abnormal, but what is amusing about them is that they match each other's craziness. Shin Jae Rim is the only one who can stand Moon Cha Min's presumptuous attitude and arrogant demeanor, they are a match made in hell or vice versa. My Friday's have been an utter joy for the past five weeks, I couldn't wait to watch the new episodes.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/06/30/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale-series-review/#more-972

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The Most Exciting Watch of 2024

I followed this show as religiously as I did with “The Blood of Youth”.

Every time I saw characters from the sequel, it seemed to draw me back to the time when the protagonists from the prequel paraded as the older generation, wise and more experienced. So, watching their naive, inexperienced selves was endearing. Celebrated as the Liquor Deity of Xueyue City, the show focuses on Baili Dongjun’s journey from the wayward grandson of the Marquis of Zhenxi to becoming the First City Lord of Xueyue City. Joining him on this sojourn is the dreaded villain of all times, Ye Dingzhi. The show focuses on their decades long friendship and even though, Baili Dongjun stops his descent into demonhood, it doesn’t affect their brotherhood. There are other characters from the sequel whose backstory is explained, like Yi Wenjun, who is Wuxin & Prince Xiao Yu’s mother. There might be many who would wondered why she is confined to her palace in the later years, this show explains the very reason of her lifelong confinement. The detailing is as particular as the sequel, so there is never a dull moment!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/08/17/dashing-youth-series-review/#more-1121

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The Most Endearing Watch in 2024

I was so caught up in this drama, that I didn’t realise it was the last episode yesterday, that’s how much I enjoyed it!

Fundamentally, this show piques the question of how lifestyle diseases could adversely affect a family with superpowers. We are led to believe that their decline began with Bok I-Na’s birth, it is a curse or vice versa. While the poor kid spends 10 episodes or so, battling her insecurities; the elders are at another level of bewilderment. Joining them on this charade of epic proportions is a family of scammers, who turn out to be less of cheating scums and more of potential bodyguards. The show is all about familial love or the loss of it; therefore it hits harder. Each of them are so lost in their own world, that they have forgotten how to be a family unit. That’s where the scammers come in and teach them the true meaning of being a family. Sounds cliche or unbelievable, right? Wrong, because this is the most important part of this storyline. The budding romance between Bok Gwi-Ju & Do Da- Hee is questionable on all accounts; I’m still wondering how the depressed and aloof Gwi Ju suddenly fell for Da- Hee after she decides to dump him. But that’s where the magic lies; knowingly or unknowingly, Da Hee brings this entire family of misfits together and gives a new meaning to their regretful lives.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/06/10/the-atypical-family-series-review/#more-906

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A Saga of Love, Dual Personalities and Revenge

When I first started with this drama, it didn’t seem more than a reproachful saga of an assassin warrior seeking revenge on an unseemly king who massacred her entire family. From the onset, the show seemed to revolve around Yeon Wol/Kyera/Consort Hyo (Hong Ye Ji). The woman had many names and titles; she was the last living descendant of the royal family of Yeon (how exactly, I don’t know; given the fact that her father was a mere General; was she related to the royal family through her mother? The connection was never made clear). So, while we joined Yeon Wol on her quest as she saved her people from the heinous King Sajo Seung, the male protagonist became the subplot. Park Ji Hoon’s Sajo Hyun suffers from dissociative personality; the trauma caused by watching his father massacre an entire household bred another personality, the evil Ak Hee. Both share the same body but have different temperaments. In the end, this show became less about Yeol Woo’s revenge and instead turned into a forbidden love triangle. I won’t say it was boring. I enjoyed watching the ever-changing dynamics between the trio; but this show wasn’t exactly phenomenal.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/02/28/love-song-for-illusion-series-review/

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An Endearing Romance Between Two Time Travelers

What started as a revenge saga turned into a “Forever Love Story”.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of revenge stories, especially those with beautiful FL’s who are hellbent on vengeance. “Marry My Husband” serves that revenge piping hot with a casting that take their roles seriously. It helps that the titular role was played by a veteran actress like Park Min Young. As Kang Ji Won, she is reproachful, aggressive and entirely manipulative when it comes to raining hell on her archenemies- namely ex-husband and ex-best friend. It was a gratifying experience least to say; frankly the show depicts adultery realistically. I guess that was the whole premise and intend of this show; to portray the mental and emotional torture that women experience when their so-called better halves cheat on them. It could be Kang Ji Won or Yang Joo Ran (Gong Min Jung); most women spend their lives adjusting to their husband’s crazy whims, unable to express their displeasure. This show will be a welcome relief to those women; it might even help them gather the courage to pack their bags and stage a walk out. For now, let’s review the show in detail!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/02/22/marry-my-husband-series-review/#more-561

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My Favorite Watch in 2024, Shin Ha Kyun Wins

One of Shin Ha Kyun’s best works yet, it will definitely remind you of “Beyond Evil”.

Shin Ha Kyun is prone to excel in serious roles that are cater to his excellence in adapting to any roles, it could be a sly police officer on the roll (Beyond Evil), or as a desperate lawyer (Evilive). “The Auditors” is just an extension to his calibre as an exceptional actor. What sets these shows apart is the slight tinge of bromance, obviously Shin Ha Kyun excels in that arena as well. His compatibility with his male co-stars shines through and “The Auditors” was no different. Paired opposite Lee Jung Ha, the actors spell a sophisticated tale of redemption and justice. Their roles are polar opposites; while Shin Cha Il is strict, disciplined and has a no nonsense attitude; Han Soo is kind, caring and has a happy-go-lucky attitude, something that led to regular spars between our main leads. Add to this, the quirky villains who were fishing in murky waters and the mountain of cases that needed auditing, the show was an instant hit. Frankly, I never knew nor thought that auditors could act like investigators, maybe they do or it was just the theme for this show. Nevertheless, the precision with which Shin Cha Il handles those cases was awe-inspiring. We got surprises piled in this review so let’s catch up fast!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/08/13/the-auditors-series-review/

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An Unforgettable Revenge Indeed

An Unforgivable Revenge!

This quote reverberates throughout the series, turning it into a sediment that resonates hard. “The Impossible Heir” was one of those shows that constantly kept me on my toes; I was buzzing with excitement each week to see what kind of new trick Han Tae Oh would pull off. The irretrievable chip that worked in Tae Oh’s favor was Kang Joongmo’s intense distrust of his own family members. A gripping tale of deception and betrayal, the show stars a stellar cast which includes Lee Jae Wook, Lee Jun Young and Hong Su Zu. Their characters form an unlikely alliance which is tested by time; not so much by fate as by themselves. One of the most striking things about this show was the crisp script, no pitfalls or odd pacing. It was thrilling experience indeed and not one minute wasted. Let’s talk about their caricatures before reviewing this business thriller!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/04/03/the-impossible-heir-series-review/#more-713

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Don't Go Looking for Romance!!

I can’t believe that it is over, I could watch Justita punish unrepentant criminals in her own crazy way forever!

There are very few shows that manage to hold my attention till the very last and “The Judge from Hell” was one such gem. Starring Park Shin Hye in an eclectic role, the show focuses on Justita, the Demon Judge in Hell who specializes in punishing murderers. As the third most powerful Demon in Hell, she is arrogant, and terrifying. A slight mistake in judgment lands her in trouble as she is exiled to Earth where she has to kill 10 unrepentant murderers and send their souls to hell. Easy, right? Wrong, because while Justita is quite good at doing her job, nothing could have prepared for the earthly attachments that cripple her desire to return to hell. As Justita, Park Shin Hye gives an eccentric performance, portraying a demon who is bloodthirsty and yet justified in her deliverance. Despite the ensemble casting that forms the core of this show, Park Shin Hye grabs your attention from the get-go. It was entertaining watching her on a killing spree that is seemingly warranted. This show doesn’t hinge much on romance, so you will be disappointed if you are looking for a somber love story!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/11/03/the-judge-from-hell-series-review/#more-1300

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