The cutest and almost perfect 2024 BL -If only they stick with the school-based concept

It was one of the cutest BL series this year that made me feel the butterflies, not until the downfall happened during the last few episodes. Despite being rookies, Sea and Keen played their respective roles very diligently. Kang and Moo are indeed a couple of babies that are too fluffy and loveable bringing another set of sunshine to the audience. I also love their distinct personality; Moo is too direct and confident while Kang is too caring and mature.

Almost everyone in the show is likable except for one. Potae is not hateable that much but he is my least favorite character. It would be more acceptable for me if Payos ended up with Jang and not the other one around. Despite this, giving everyone a partner at the end was unnecessary but ain’t that feel too pushover. I am happy to see Shone having his endgame during the last episode.

As I said earlier, I sincerely enjoyed the show during its earlier episodes. The time skip and chasing of dreams was too rushed for me and the sequence of scenes kept getting boring. The plots are too common with no sign of uniqueness from other shows. It does affect my overall rating from a high rate to only landing an average score. Nevertheless, Only Boo felt like another youth romance with a perfect start but with a bad wrap finale.

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Fighting scene execution wins!

Another anime franchise that Netflix decided to pour out their budget for a live-action. Yu Yu Hakusho, popularized in my country as “Ghost Fighter,” is a notable series during the 90s and early 20s. The anime became part of my childhood happy memories and after reading the announcement for a drama version, I am thrilled and somehow scared at the same time.

The production quality did not disappoint. We were served with realistic visual effects, the iconic costumes of the characters, and most especially the execution of the fighting scenes that deserve applause. Nevertheless, I can’t help but notice that they fast-forward the sequence of the story by cutting some major parts from the original version. It is understandable since they need to fit everything with only five episodes in total but I never expected to see everything in one sitting. To be honest, I was expecting to see them fight in the tournament in the demon realm.

The actors portrayed their roles nicely too. I love the perfect appearance of Kurama and the moment he turned into the white fox. They give justice to the characters although some of the cast aren’t that great compared to what I imagined them to be. Still, everyone did a good job handling their specific roles.

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Okay, he’s yours!

Cliche but still entertaining. The over-used office romance as the setup of the story kinda feels typical nowadays. Yet, the good thing about this show is that despite each character's norms and basic portrayal, the overall impression it has on me is average to beyond average. The romantic scenes are bearable but create an impact during the kissing scenes, in which, the main characters deliver intimate acting that makes you believe their characters’ perseverance in staying and growing together.

Leading the show with eye-candy visuals of the cast has always been one of the main reasons for a drama's success. I like both actors and how they executed the personality of their characters. The supporting actors, from the vice-president to the rest of the secretaries, also did a great job.

I don’t have much hate about the show and I like it the way it is. However, one can’t argue that it is not the best BL out there but the important thing is they let the viewers enjoy their project and make us feel light from their short yet cute love story. Although the ending feels rushed, I am already satisfied with how it ends -the two of them becoming one and having been accepted by the people around them.

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Ain’t that lovely at all

The cast but not the characters -the sole reason why I added this drama to my watchlist is because of the actors playing it. I am a big fan of Kim So Hyun’s acting projects and Hwang Min Hyun’s idol career. And yet, the drama itself is a total disappointment. The human lie detector seems a unique concept to talk about but somehow the story got too attached to the main character that it gets draggy towards the end. It has the cliches and norms from the usual Korean Drama and the storyline is boring.

Kim So Hyun’s charm of having the second-lead syndrome continued on this show. Yet. they let the police officer be excluded from the romantic vibes and let him focus on doing his job as a police officer. To be honest, I like him more than Kim Do Ha. The police also have a tear-jerking past that is not as scandalous compared to Do Ha but still breaks my heart.

As I said earlier, I love Hwang Min Hyung as an idol but his acting skills in this drama are not that remarkable. He has a handsome and innocent face but fails to deliver a more emotional facial expression as Kim Do Ha. I would like to give him another chance in his future projects but with different characteristics of his role. His performance isn’t what I want from a main character.

Side characters aren’t helping to save the show either. Almost all of them got their toxicity presented in the story and failed to give them character development. I just finished the drama mainly for the reason of completing all sixteen episodes.

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Light BL with seducing lead(s)

This drama slays and serves well with alluring actors to play the lead roles. It boosts the fondness of the viewers to continue supporting the show; all thanks to the sexual tension and eye-candy visuals of the cast. The story alone is obviously too bland and feels too rushed with how they emphasize the romance between the characters. They introduced us to Lee Jun and his three suitors which eventually led to the two of them being matched in the end.

I also feel disappointed that the production did not utilize the concept of scents in relation to the main couple’s journey of love. Yes, they implied this in some of the scenes but I feel like it is not enough. Despite the slow progress, I am happy with the two Jun’s chemistry on each other. These two can literally act unlike some of the BL actors out there.

There are some complaints I have with this show but you can tell that Jun & Jun is actually a fun light BL drama with a luscious cast to fill up the gap in the story execution. I fell in love with the manliness of Manager Jun and team leader Hyun Jae. Looking forward to their next project/s in the future and hopefully, another BL-genre!

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Soulmates done right with its astounding storytelling performances

Bestowed by the beauty of this extraordinary show: The prosperous production quality, creativity of the story, outstanding acting performances, realness of props and settings, admirably blend of genres, unpredicted plot twists, attachment to the characters, powerful execution of fight scenes, and the effective conveyance of impact to the audience. This, without doubt, is one of the best Chinese series I’ve ever seen.

Martial Arts, as the source of power and skills of the individuals in this story, is cleverly written and gracefully fits well into the traditional set-up along with its magical-fantasy clashes of sects and clans. The several factions that they introduced were my favorite thing about this. It began to click my interest the moment they started bringing those different groups of tribes such as the Ten Devils of the Ghost Valley, Five Lakes Alliance, Four Scorpions, Window of Heaven, Four Seasons Manor, Four Sages of Anji, Beggar Gangs, and the list goes on. They also gave them a unique naming with a meaning connected to either their beliefs or their contribution to the world.

The chemistry between the main leads is powerful and entertaining. It’s an inventive pairing as both of them are just like the two sides of the same coin; Zhou Zi Shu, the leader of the prominent Window of Heaven, and Wen Ke Xing the leader of the hated wicked Ghosts. Their personalities also differ, with one being all flirty and vengeful while the other one is a man of virtue who seeks only the goodness in humanity.

Aside from them, the rest of the cast also left memorable roles that feel like they're in one big family. Chen Ling is the couple’s son and acts as the bridge of reconciliation whenever the two need one. Ah Xiang is the daughter who is showering with a ray of sunshine around her. Wei Ning is their son-in-law who is very loyal to the one he loves. Ye Bai Yi is WKX’s mother-in-law who behaves like he hates the existence of him but in fact, he loves teasing him. Liu Qian Qiao and Xi Sang Gui are the trusted and ever-supportive aunts. And the rest of the cast are either their ally or enemy. The only antagonist from the show that I feel more sympathy for than hatred, is the Scorpion King who only wanted to feel genuinely appreciated by his foster father. It’s also a good bonus that he is cute despite having a dark characterization.

Personally, the Longyuan Cabinet Journey is my top pick of episodes from the show. The number of traps, mysteries, and the uses of mechanical arts was stunning. It somehow reminds me of Percy Jackson’s Battle in the Labyrinth, in which they found out that the minor-god Pan, is already dying while secluded inside. The same scenario was with the head of the Longyuan Cabinet who was brutally injured by his son. This is also the time when I hold a firm grip on the whole plot and past of the stories. There’s nothing more satisfying when you finally understand what’s going on. The feeling is amazing to be driven by the creative flow of the story.

The more I’ve watched the Word of Honor, the more I can feel the similarities it has to The Untamed, which I considered to be the best traditional-fantasy storytelling. Both shares the same genre, a bromance in drama (yet it doesn’t feel like a bromance at all since it is pretty obvious that they’re showcasing more than that) but a BL in the novel, a pilot episode that left you in awe of confusion, has an antagonist that can pass as the greatest pretender (Nie Huisang ranks first then followed by Zhao Jing), both most love hetero-couple died, and the two dramas explicit a rarity in providing top-class stories.

For the ending of Word of Honor, one should watch the special/epilogue episode to fully satisfy themselves by getting a happy ending since the last episode (36) looks like one of them or worst both of them died in the end. Nevertheless, it is pretty clear that they once again set the standard high for the next series you’ve ever planned to watch. I loved the overall impression that this series has given me. They’re indeed soulmates who are destined to survive all the odds in life. In addition to the story, it will never be as good as it is without the pleasing soundtracks that deliver clarity of emotion from each character.

Zhou Zi Shu and Wen Ke Xing acquired their happiness in the end and I’m grateful for it. Soulmates increase one’s hope to live longer and to be able to feel the warmth of affection from the other person for a long period. May we all hopefully lead to this kind of gratifying part of life in the future. Believe in the power of bliss that honors our whole existence in life, along with that one word, love.

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A reality

A calm yet tremendously heartbreaking movie that talks about escaping the world full of homophobic individuals to finding a certain place that someone will welcome you despite your gender identity. A small family that showcases that love and acceptance can make one person's life happy. Very realistic approach to tackle a life of a gay man who suffers from the harsh feedbacks of those people who's only good on commenting about other people's life. This drama is an impact; from the tragedy of the nanny, the breakup of the couple, to Seol being lost, and the ongoing life of the rest of them from the farm are such a ride.

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A DECADE WITH EXO

Happy 10’th Anniversary to my home, EXO!

A decade full of love and comfort. Thank you for being my ultimate source of joy. You’ll always be there for me, keep inspiring me, motivating me, encouraging me to keep pursuing my dreams, and most importantly you’ll always be the group who sends me the warmth and affection that’s been a big part of my life now.

EXO’s Travel the World in a Ladder in Namhae is a precious gift for us. A show that brings too much joy in our hearts despite the incomplete number of members presented. It just shows that EXO is EXO no matter who the members presented. They’re always the cutest, happiest, and funniest idols when they are one-sitted in the same room. The whole 12 episodes are short yet enough to satisfy us.

A roller coaster of emotions for the past 10 years. I knew EXO since their debut but became an avid fan way back in 2017. It was that day when I heard Growl once again after years of its release. I felt nostalgic until I found myself indulging not only in the group’s song but also the members themselves. It’s been five years now since joining the fandom, the family called EXO-L. I met several people both online and in real life, all because EXO created the bridge for us to become friends.

KPOP is not a phase when it comes to EXO -the group that introduced me to KPOP and the only reason why I am still into KPOP. To Xiumin, Suho, D.O, Kai, and Sehun, thank you for the efforts to give us content every now and then. To Chen, Baekhyun, and Chanyeol, we only wish for your safe and healthy returns. To Lay, who bid farewell only to SM but not to EXO, I am so happy that you’re finally free from the company. You’ll always be in our hearts and no one knows more than EXO-Ls how much you treasure EXO in your life. JIU is a precious song to us, the song dedicated to Lay’s one big happy family, the solid brotherhood formed by EXO. Forever grateful for these nine incredible people.

Looking forward to more group and solo activities from them. So proud to spend my youth stanning EXO. Congratulations, we made it so far and more years to come. WE ARE ONE! EXO SARANGHAJA!

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Brutal survival game that represents how hungry the society for money

For a super trending series, I tend to lose interest watching it (just my personal thing) but a lot of my friends keep recommending this one for me so I ended up watching the show too late that I've been exposed to a lot of spoilers from social media, that somehow affects my enjoyment from watching. I've seen a lot of the same kind of genre and Squid Game is a "just fine" drama, not that great but also not that bad.

Money, the root cause of why the players gathered in one place. The show explicit fairness and honestly in the game rule, which is something new for a survival-of-the-fittest environment. Except for the first game, it was a big surprise to the players that elimination brings death to them. It was unfair for those who died in the first game because they had no idea that they will end up killing from participating in the game. Unlike those who chose to comeback even after witnessing too many people that has been killed in front of their eyes. This shows how such people will be unethical in times of needs. They're afraid of being killed but they're also afraid of living life with too much debt. Personally speaking, if I'm one of those lucky player who survived the first game, I don't want to return obviously but I have a different life situation than with those characters who chooses to return. Good thing that they highlight the reason of the main characters on being in the game.

The bad thing about the series is that they let players kill each other outside the game. It isn't just fair for those who lacks physical power to fight back, and also a will to kill a person. It is really hard for me to watch such brutality presented in it. I also read some of the feedback that they disappointed with the ending. I kind of agree with them because the show really started as an absolute shock but during the last few episode, the tense are keeping lower and lower.

Anyways, the show deserves the recognition from the viewers. My favorite yet most painful part of the story is during the marble game. I cried for the sacrifice, I cried for witnessing betrayal, and I cried for losing someone's precious life by playing a child's game.

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Feels okay yet a little bit disappointed for the way they execute the show

For someone who watch this right after finishing the anime version, I can't help but to compare the two. I feel cringe for some scenes from this. I'm also disappointed on how they delivered those important scenes from the story. There's also many scenes that weren't in here but I tried to understand that they need to fit the whole story in a 6 eps with a 24 min duration. if I didn't watch the anime version, I bet I'm gonna be confused while watching this live adaptation.

I really wish that they capture the characters' facial expression everytime a climax scene happened, in the anime version, I still remember everyone's facial images whenever something shocking or new to them occurred. The acting is either a little bit lacking or somehow overacted, there's only a thin line between the two.

Of course, the drama has a positive feedback too that needs to be congratulated for. First is the music, I like the music (the ending song of every eps) it was a very band material song. Then, same with the drama, I liked how they executed my favorite scene from the story, it is when Mafuyu told Uoneyama that he was once fallen in love with someone and doesn't know how to express his feelings, and then Uoneyama was just lying beside him, pretending to be asleep but in fact he's experiencing a ranging jealousy in his heart. This scene always got me!!

I am thankful that they did okay for a live adaptation. It was fun to see the story acted by real human but I just wished they provide us with better execution.

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Real comedy!

I hate myself for watching this late, 5 months after its official released. This is completely the world where BL lovers wish to live at. The table has turned, the usually hetero environment became unusual, and homo couples became the new norm.

“In this BL world, it’s so hard to remain straight.”

When I started to watch this, I was surprised and welcomed by that joyful intro song. The MOBU tune is so catchy and until now the image of five boys dancing in a disco bar still marked in my mind. As well as the refreshing Bubble Love by Da-iCE! Two great and remarkable OSTs.

Hilarious! Funny! Entertaining to the highest level.

Chaotic yet cheerful vibes. We were gifted by abundant bunch of handsome and cute boys, in which all of them likes a man hahaha kawaii

The main character is so extra, his facial expression and voice intonation really mixed up the spice of humor in the show. I am so glad that the ending gives him a partner cause yeah he deserves to have one. Also, the ending may give us a second season and I’m patiently hoping for it to happen.

Japanese film makers really know how to create iconic BL shows. I just wished that it has a longer duration time cause the viewers indeed want to see more.

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Well-written story with a stunning setting, costumes, and acting; absolutely beautiful

This is my first time watching a Chinese traditional drama and I enjoyed it so much. I thought that the 50 episodes is too long but after binge-watching the whole show, I really want to see more. The first few episodes were a little bit confusing to understand the concept and flow of the story but after watching few more episode, I was already captivated with their cultivation world. I admit that there are few episodes that made me feel bored but honestly it didn’t affect my overall impression to the show.

The character design and location of the scenes are fascinating. It was convincing and realistic setting, obviously the crew did a great job filming it. Also, I was amazed with the editing skills and animation quality, it was pretty good and well suited for the concept. I loved how they presented the different skills and abilities of most of the popular cultivators and how they presented the intense fighting scenes of the clashing of clans, it was so intense.

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan are worthy to be the main lead. The two of them are killing me with their chemistry thanks to Sean Xiao and Wang Yibo. Although it was only a bromance compare to the BL story from the novel, it was still lovely. Both of them really brings joy and excitement every time they shared a scene together. Wei Wu Xian being the energetic one and Lan Wang Ji being the serious one were a perfect match. One of the reason why I watched this is also because I really like Wang Yibo and lead me to this drama. The drunk Lan Zhan is my favorite scene of them hahaha it so cute. The last few episodes made me realize how strong the love of them for each other, I was deeply touched that Lan Zhang are always on Wei Ying’s side despite the hate he received from the world. No doubt, it was love.

The acting from the rest of the cast were all very good. They were perfectly in character and delivers the role and emotion needed in each scenes very well. I was super annoyed with the antagonist, cried every time someone close to Wei Ying died, and feel the stress from the plot of the show. Clearly, it was a job well done acting from each of the cast. Then for the music, it was all good and perfectly sync to the scenes. Whenever I hear a sound of a flute, The Untamed will always be the first thing that come to my mind.

After watching the show, I’m going to read the novel specially because I want to know the original story of it showing the BL part of it which were really the thing I want to see in the drama. I hope someday a season 2 will happen and that they no need to change the cast because I am well satisfied from each one of them.

The Untamed made its way to enter my top list of favorite drama of all time and the only thing that I regretted is that I am too late from watching it. I really love how beautiful the story is and how it was exceptionally different from what I typically watch. This kind of storyline is new for me and I found it as a good thing because I do enjoy it so much. The love story of Lan Zhan and Wei Ying will be the pioneer of BL historical-fantasy drama in my heart.

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"Even the deceased can speak."

The trailer itself was so good that I immediately added this to my list.

At first I thought that the drama is all about those people who died alone and isolating themselves from the rest of the world, just like what I saw on some Japanese documentaries. But the drama isn’t all about this, it tells more than what I imagined it to be. Trauma cleaners is indeed not an easy job and I deeply respect them for their work.

The calming cinematography fits the heartwarming story of the drama. But what I liked the most here is the amazing portrayal of each role of the cast with such an overwhelming delivery of emotion. Lee Je Hoon really captivates me. He’s really good on acting plus he’s so hot and handsome. I do also love Geu Ru’s super dad, a warm and kind hearted man that surely been a blessing to the people who knows him. The rest of the cast was really good on their roles specially to those cast who features every move to heaven story. Han Geu Ru and Na Mu were both a charming and loveable character that made the show livelier and more emotional.

I almost cried every episode but the scene that made me cry a lot was the brotherly love of Sang Gu and Jung Woo. The story behind the Nike shoes was so sad. Sang Gu is really a kind person and his character development was good.

Well-deserved high rating. It was not just an ordinary drama but it tells the real life story of those people who left the world with their final goodbyes to the things that connects into them. Such a heartwarming drama that I will never forget.

“Death tells a story and the things they left behind tells the story.”

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The Best Korean BL I've ever seen hailing Shin Woo as the most loveable man on Earth right now

There’s too many words I’m thinking right now. I want to fully express all of my love from this drama and how deeply I became attached to it. No doubt that it’s probably one of the best show I’ve ever watched. It all started when I saw the d*ldo scene on Facebook, it made laugh that also lead me to started watching the show. The 16 episodes with 30 minutes’ duration is such a gift for us, knowing that previous Korean BL shows has shorter airing time than this one.

Super strong love triangle. I’ll never get tired of love triangle specially if the chemistry is super-duper great, this is really my cup of tea. I don’t even know who’s the main character anymore. A drama who really make it hard for the viewers to believed who will be the end game couple, it’s so confusing, there are times that I thought Da On will win and then Shin Woo step up to try to wins Taekyung heart.

Falling in love with Noh Shin Woo over and over again. Since episode 1, I already fallen to him. All throughout the whole show, I am too scared for Shin Woo, knowing that Taekyung and Daon have mutual feelings, but gratefully my boy still wins his heart at the end. The love and hate beginning of relationship always got me, as well as every single jealousy moment, both of them are so cute. I received too much butterflies for Shin Woo and Tae Kyung interactions.

Just like a biscuit soaked in milk, I am melting everytime I saw Shin Woo smiling. A must protect baby at all cost! The first time he smiled so dearly was during the “I love you game” and it was so beautiful to witness how he shines during that fluffy scene. Beside from being handsome and cute, Shin Woo is definitely the kind of man you wish to be with too. Obviously he’s my favorite character.

The flashbacks from episode 10 in which we witness the “love-at-first-sight effect” of Tae Kyung to Shin Woo is too much for my normal heart to handle. Omygosh! Those small yet memorable interactions that Shin Woo created just to get Tae Kyung’s attention is so damn cute. I kind of relate to him too, sometimes just being on the side of your crush is enough to make yourself happy. It is not easy to be courageous and straightforward honest as Tae Kyung, expressing your love to someone specially for the same sex as yours is very risky and scary. It takes too much bravery for someone to be ready for it.

Another Shin Woo trait that made him the best is that he is such a fair and kind-hearted man. He doesn’t take advantage of Tae Kyung and Da On cold war after the rumor behind a single photo began circulating at school. Perhaps, he comforted Shin Woo and be on his side during those gloomy days of his love. I am beyond proud that Shin Woo didn’t bad-mouthed Da On in front of Tae Kyung and he also pushes Da On to be real with Tae Kyung. He did all of these despite the fact that it is possible for Tae Kyung and Da On to reconcile and level up their relationship. When I said that Shin Woo is the best, he is indeed the best boy!

EP13 turns my whole body to act like worm, make me so happy that Shin Woo indirectly confesses to Tae Kyung. That karaoke is enough to make me fly high on heaven but then the ending was such a precious moment. During those sad times of Tae Kyung, Shin Woo never fails to show his concern for him by sending Tae Kyung a lot of short yet heartwarming messages. The confession scene is so fresh; I’ve never seen any dramas confesses like that. The text messages are really romantic, very romantic.

“Yesterday, today, and probably tomorrow. I will continue thinking about you.” Yes, I do memorize this and during this scene I literally scream so hard. He’s so handsome saying these lines, and his eyes shows how he really cares a lot for Tae Kyung. Mygosh, I want a Shin Woo too in my life!

They give us a Noh Shin Woo who can’t lie to his beloved Tae Kyung, who prepared so much efforts for their first unofficial date, who also apologizes for being late because he overslept for picking what to wear, who acts so innocent and cute, and someone who’s real happiness revolves around being on Tae Kyung side.

ROMANCE 1000000/10

Special mention for Nam Gung for being the best friend within the circle that defended his friends to those people who speaks so harsh to them, and a friend who supported you without a moment of hesitation. Superman Nam Gung brings comedy to the show too, he’s such a cutie. Da On is also a loveable character, I am so happy that he finally beginning to find his true self. Then So Hee proves that not all girl in a BL series is so bad. Even though she did something bad out of jealousy, she already pays for her price and the good thing is that she didn’t defend herself for the bad thing she did, thanks to Nam Gung advised.

Such a beautiful ending, and that kiss!!! Oh My SHIN WOO. I never knew your good on kissing hahahaha I love that part. Thank you so much LIGHT ON ME for bringing a huge amount of happiness in my life. I will never forget such an amazing and detailed story with an overwhelming amount of talented cast. Also, they give us the best execution of cliff-hanger ending, I always loudly say that “I CAN’T WAIT FOR ANOTHER EPISODE” and now that it already ends, "SECOND SEASON IS WARMLY WELCOME, PLEASE!"

“Unskilled feelings grow uncontrollably.” Favorite quote from my favorite Korean BL.

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