More Than a Romance

At first, you may think this is just one more old cliche about two brothers who fall in love. But it's much more than that. It's a beautiful coming of age that digs into feelings of being alone, finding out who you are, love and handling hurt. It goes deep into the youth and not just the easy parts. If you are waiting for a usual boys' love story, think again because this one stays with you. It might even make you bawl your eyes out and leave you wanting more when it ends.

Let's start with Jiang Tian, he is such a deep character, he has many sides and holds a lot of sad feelings. He keeps his emotions hid as if they are dark secrets he does not want to disclose to the world because he is afraid. His past and the marks he has, both in and out, have made him into someone who wants to be near others but is also scared of it. That's when Sheng Wang steps in. What I like is that he doesn’t hit Tian’s life hard like a wrecking ball but rather gently nudges him to drop his guard down.

The two main leads are thrown together because of their parents and suddenly they’re supposed to act like brothers. But they definitely don’t feel like siblings at all. Right from the beginning, there’s this tension - it's not bad, but its definitely not the typical sibling vibe. They are trying to understand each other and coexist but you can feel something brewing underneath even if neither of them is ready to admit it yet.

And yes, it’s a slow burn (a thing that many people did not like) but that’s the beauty of it for me. It pulls you in with all the little moments - quick touches, secret glances and the way they look at each other when they think no one is watching. These tiny details make your heart race. The way their hands accidentally brush together (or maybe not so accidentally) and the gentle, lingering looks they share are all done so subtly - it’s just beautiful.

And it's not only about love, it's also about healing. Wang is gently aiding Tian in facing the pain he has held for ages, just by staying by his side and showing him it's fine to open up and let someone in. And Tian is showing Wang that love can be tough. At times, the ones you hold dear are the toughest to reach, but they are worth the hard work.

And the actors are just amazing. It's not often you see roles played with so much truth. You can sense their sadness, their silent wants and the love they share. Each look and each touch is full of meaning. They act with a rawness that makes it all seem real and nothing feels hurried. This makes their bond really stand out. You are not just seeing love, you are watching it grow, bit by bit.

NOTE ABOUT THE ENDING

I thought the ending was okay but it left some things unresolved. There were moments that felt a bit unsatisfying but since they seem to be hinting at a second season (even without official confirmation) it makes sense. They didn’t rush the plot and allowed the story to develop slowly and thoughtfully. If we’re lucky enough to get a season 2 then we’ll likely see their relationship fully blossom which feels like the natural next step after all this gradual buildup.

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A Step Forward in Danmei

The story sticks pretty close to the novel which a lot of fans will totally vibe with. But one big issue is how they handled the non-consensual scenes. Instead of taking those moments seriously - they were kind of romanticized which is definitely misleading. In my opinion they could have been way more thoughtful about this to show a more responsible perspective of those heavy themes but I do not fully blame them because they did follow the book after all.

On the flip side - the actors really killed it! Their chemistry brought a lot of authenticity to the adaptation, I really loved how they looked at eachother and the kisses were pretty decent too. And even with a limited budget, the creative team made it look pretty impressive.

So overall I think this adaptation is a promising step for the genre. It features Chinese actors and culturally relevant elements and it sets a new standard for future projects. Its awesome to see a production that respects the source material in the DANMEI world. Sure, there are some areas that need a bit more care and improvement but this is a meaningful move towards more nuanced and culturally accurate representations of danmei literature.

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Absence of Acceptance 대도시의 사랑법

From the very first scene, you know this show isn't here to play it safe. It hits hard and it tackles the kind of deep topics a lot of people avoid. Go Yeong's story feels painfully real, he is drowning under the expectations of his family, dealing with the constant judgment from society and on top of that struggling with the kind of love that consumes you but might never be enough. And there is also his mom's denial of his sexuality which isn't just a personal issue it's also showing what so many families go through. They love their kids but can't reconcile that love with the traditions they have been brought up to believe. The show doesn't sugarcoat this and it's not here to hand out easy answers. It is messy and uncomfortable, the way it is when you are queer in a world where acceptance is still trying to catch up.

And unlike with other shows, Go Yeong's growth isn't that epiphany that comes out of the blue and then suddenly everything just falls in place. It is slow and it is frustrating at times. The pressure of fitting into the mold wanted by society and family does not just disappear and the show keeps the tension alive. It's his story but at the same time it says something many people are feeling right now....the struggle of trying to figure out where you fit when the world is constantly shifting and when who you are is in direct conflict with who everyone expects you to be. And the beauty of it all is in the balance which is great because the show manages to be introspective and deep without tipping into melodrama and there are still these little moments of humor that remind you that even in the darkest times there is still room for joy.

Mi Ae is another key piece of this puzzle. She is proof of how important chosen family is especially in LGBTQ+ narratives. In a country like Korea where traditional family values are so embedded in the culture, acceptance doesn't always come from your biological family. Mi Ae and Go Yeong's relationship is showing that the people who really have your back aren't always the ones you share DNA with, they are the ones who choose to walk alongside you through the mess and the beauty of it all.

I think this show is a gutpunch in the best way possible. Messy love, identity and family are all told so delicately. I also really like how real these characters are: the struggles are real and it doesn't shy away from hard truths with respect to what being queer entails. Heartbreaking at times, hopeful at others and yet another reminder that love in all forms leaves its mark on you, even when the happy ending isn't there. I am STILL not over it!

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Three men, one love.

Kim Nam-gyu : He represents the kind of love that Go Yeong wasn not prepared to face, it was intense, genuine and emotionally demanding. He is everything Go Yeong might have needed but wasn’t ready to reciprocate. Nam-gyu is the "what if" love, the one who could have been a transformative presence in Go Yeong’s life but circumstances, timing and Go Yeong's own hesitations held them back from ever fully realizing that potential. He is the person who stood on the edge of becoming something more, someone who could have brought stability but it never quite happened.

Youngso: He is the love that Go Yeong was finally ready for but the other one wasn’t prepared to meet him at the same place. Unlike the other relationships of his past, with Young-so, Go Yeong had reached a point of emotional maturity where he was willing to invest, to open up and to fully commit. He saw in Young-so the potential for something lasting, something real. But did not get the love he needed in return.

Gyu-ho: His true first love ♡ the one who he genuinely loved and who wholeheartedly loved him in return. There was no pretense in this, Gyu-ho was the love that Go Yeong needed, someone who truly saw him, accepted him and loved him for who he was. I think Yeong found a security that had been missing in his other relationships. It was a love built on understanding and care. He is the one who made him feel safe, seen, and wanted in a way no one else had. He was the anchor Go Yeong needed, the one who grounded him in a world that often felt unstable.

Gyu-ho was that person, the one who embodied everything Go Yeong had been searching for and at last found.

His only Wish.

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On that note, can we just take a moment to appreciate the incredible talent of the actors in this show? they are absolute STARS and they completely brought these characters to life in a way that left me SHOOK! Go Yeong is portrayed so sensible and I am just in awe of how the actor brought all those emotions out. You can literally see the struggles in his eyes, he perfectly shows us the heartache and longing that makes you root for him.

One last thing: as someone who has read the novel, I can confidently say they absolutely nailed it with this adaptation! they managed to keep the essence of the story intact while adding just the right amount of creativity to the characters and their struggles. You can tell the creators really understood the source material and respected the things that make it so impactful.

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OhmLeng Deserved Better

I was genuinely hyped for this show. With Ohm in the lead, there is always a promise of natural chemistry, especially with a new face like Leng. The trailer painted a picture of darker themes in my head, I mean, a kidnapping subplot? Intriguing, right? It seemed like this could be one of GMMTV’s more serious or emotionally grounded series, maybe even a hidden gem but I was wrong.

➬ Plot and Execution

To put it as nicely as I can, it's a dumpster fire. It feels like they pulled random ideas out of a hat and slapped them together without any thought lmao. I think they cater to a 12-year-old audience while simultaneously throwing in themes that should never be anywhere near a show for kids. A kidnapping subplot? Really? How do you take that and mix it with juvenile humor? It’s embarrassing and that's not to say a show can't be dark and funny at the same time but it has to be well done which isn't the case here. The storyline is not only predictable but it’s also shallow as fuck, there is no substance whatsoever.

➬Tone and Pacing

This is where things went completely off the rails. The tone oscillates wildly from (attempted) intense drama to cringeworthy + over-the-top humor which makes it nearly impossible to get emotionally invested. One moment, I was watching a serious “kidnap” scenario that should be thrilling or tense and the next it’s as if the characters are filming a skit lmao. This back and forth annoyed me a lot. I’m not sure what they were aiming for but whatever it was, they didn’t reach it and the pacing is equally disjointed which makes the show feel like a mishmash of scenes rather than a cohesive story. Important moments are rushed while trivial scenes drag on smh.

➬ Character and Performance Analysis

Ohm → is as talented as ever but even he struggles to shine under this weak script. I can see he is trying his best but with stilted dialogue and poor plot development, there is only so much he can do. It’s disappointing to see an actor with his range stuck in a story that doesn’t even let him showcase half his potential.

Leng → For a first-time lead, Leng isn’t doing a bad job but he does need improvement. He has potential, his charm comes through and he has an innate sweetness that works well for his character but again the plot leaves him stranded. Even with great chemistry with Ohm, the weakass dialogue makes it difficult for him to deliver anything memorable.

➬ Chemistry and Romance

Ohm and Leng have a good on-screen chemistry which is honestly the only reason to keep watching. But even that suffers due to the poor writing. Romantic scenes that should feel sincere instead feel forced and hollow and this is mainly because of the misplaced humor. With a better script, these two could have delivered a very good romance.

➬ Overall Production Quality

While the show looks pretty decent, the direction is inconsistent with no clear vision guiding it and don't even get me started on those damn cakes they keep shoving on my screen, I know sponsorship isn't new to GMMTV and this is something that has always pissed me off because there are show's that make the Ads very subtle and then there are other's who shove it in my face, like this one.

➬ Final Thoughts

Watching this has been frustrating because GMMTV has access to talented actors but instead of capitalizing on that talent and creating good stories, they are more focused on quantity over quality. This series feels like a product made for the sake of staying in the game, rather than any real effort to push BL forward.

Why I am watching? → Out of respect for Ohm and Leng because they deserve so much better. I hope GMMTV takes note of the show’s shortcomings and reconsiders their approach in the future but I have no hopes lmao.

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Hearts and Heists

Let's start with the characters and my very most favorite one is JOKER-the master of disguise with a heart of pure gold. He is this super charming guy who could talk his way out of everything but beneath the bravado, he struggles-he drowns in a sea of expectations from parents who only set love for him when he attains such standards. It's honestly so sad. The only thing he feels good at is the robbing of wealthy oppressors, and instead of just stealing for his own needs, he targets those rich people, giving away to other's in need-sort of like a modern-day Robin Hood, lmao. It's so thrilling to watch him pull off those elaborate heists, you can't help but root for him, he is trying to find a way to get out from pressure by his family and also make a difference to the world. I think it's that moral gray area that makes him so interesting.

Meanwhile Jack starts off as this shy, sweet kid who has big dreams - like wanting to become a pro taekwondo fighter or starting his own school but then life hits him hard and everything he worked for gets taken away in an instant. It’s super tough to watch because you can feel his pain. Suddenly, he is forced to toughen up as he becomes a debt collector and now people are scared of him but it’s not who he really is. Tbh seeing him struggle to balance that tough exterior with the softness inside will probably give you some tear stains.

Of course the best part of this show has to be Jack and Joker together tho. Their relationship goes through so many stages and I love it. They start off as strangers then become friends who turn into enemies then go back to friends and eventually end up as lovers. It’s wild how many twists and turns their feelings take. I have always wanted to see this type of dynamic in a BL show.

Also their relationship isn’t rushed at all. It feels super natural like you are watching something real unfold right in front of you. I got to see them work through their issues, and every step of the way I was just glued to the screen, cheering them on. It’s honestly so beautiful to watch their bond grow. Plus, the chemistry between YinWar is insane! These two have always been amazing in all their projects together but in this show, they really take it to another level. You can just tell that they completely understand and trust each other and its obvious in every scene.

An other thing that I loved is the honest look at how poverty and desperation can push people into making reckless choices that might hurt the people they care about the most. One character (Tattoo) makes some really bad decisions but his actions show a bigger truth about just trying to survive in a world that seems to keep knocking you down. He is stuck in a cycle of poverty and when you are in a tough spot like that, its hard to tell what’s right and wrong. And speaking of Tattoo, I really loved his development throughout the show.

And the visuals are seriously impressive which is rare for BL shows. The cinematography shows the contrast between the lavish lives of the wealthy and the harsh realities faced by those in poverty - from the glitz of high-end parties to the gritty streets . I love the attention to that detail.

To sum it up, this show has it all: action, drama, romance, and a provoking plot. The characters are super lovable -well except for Arun's dad who I'm definitely side-eyeing right now LMAO. But on a serious note, this series stands out from most BLs because it brings something fresh and new to the table. YinWar absolutely crushes it and the entire cast are pretty good as well. The quality is amazing and the story is engaging. GO AND WATCH IT.

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A BL You Can’t Miss

This is everything a BL fan can only dream of: just the right mix of a good plot, super-high-intense chemistry and cinematography that is seriously mind-blowing. From the first episode, you can already feel the magic brewing between Great and Tyme. Their acting is so good, they are one of those pairings that just make you hold your breath in anticipation every time they share a scene.

What makes it even more special is seeing Bible take on this role in a unique way. His performance as a character who is flustered and caught off guard by Tyme’s presence is both cute and surprisingly meaningful. Watching him struggle with his emotions is very endearing and makes their interactions even more heartwarming. It’s nice to see this kind of vulnerability, especially in a BL series where those tender moments can feel very real.

The way their story develops requires your full attention because, although it may seem quick on the surface, when you really get into it, you'll see how intricate and deep their relationship is. Each look, each conversation, carries a lot of meaning. It's like uncovering layers to find their emotions, and trust me, it's worth the time to fully understand.

Visually? Oh. My. Gosh. Every frame looks like it was crafted with so much care and the cinematography just takes your breath away. The use of color and lighting doesn’t just make things look pretty (though it does), it adds meanings to the story. The way certain hues are used to highlight emotions or underline the tension between characters is just… chef’s kiss. It’s the kind of show where every detail counts and those tiny touches in the visual storytelling make the whole experience richer.

And this cast, wow, they really hit the mark. Every actor adds something special, making their characters feel so real that you almost forget you're watching a TV show. The connection between the main characters is fantastic, and it's not just the romantic parts that work well - it's all the emotions they show. They've created characters that feel complex and easy to relate to, which is what really draws you into their story.


Episode 8 EXTRA REVIEW

The ending wasn’t perfect but I'm not mad at it. Could the main leads have had more time to bloom and more space to grow? Absolutely. Yet in the end, what I got was closure and sometimes that’s all the heart craves.

Spoilers unfold from here, so tread carefully.

Great and Tyme -- oh my greatness, what an odyssey they traveled. Their love wasn’t confined to just one world or one life but stretched across time itself. Three lives, three timelines and in each one, they found each other. They fell for each other, not once but three times over, each time a little deeper, a little more profound. And the miracle? They remember. Every glance, every touch, every fall from every world, they carry it all.

Can you imagine? The same soul, found again and again in different universes, until your heart can barely contain it?

And the way they change each other… it’s more than growth, it’s transformation. Tyme breathes life into Great’s fractured soul. He makes him better, stronger, softer. He leads him to his truth, until Great is standing at the crossroads of his life and chooses redemption. He turns himself in and takes responsibility for his past. And it’s Tyme who gave him that strength to face the fire.

But Great - he pulls Tyme from the abyss. He’s Tyme’s peace, the reason he lets go of his vengeance. Tyme who was drowning in darkness, in rage, he could’ve taken his revenge, ended his enemy, but he chose a different path. A softer one. He chose Great. He chose love. The healing between them is sacred like they are stitching the pieces of themselves together, thread by fragile thread, each one held by the other.

And in the end, they choose the real world - the messy, bruised, beautiful reality where their love can thrive, no matter how many scars it bears.

But then there’s Tonkla and Korn - and oh, how different their story is. I’m sorry to the Win and Tonkla shippers, but there was always something… unsettling in that dynamic. Win’s connection to Tonkla was surface-level at best, a shallow crush built on fleeting moments. But Korn? His love for Tonkla was deep, forged in years of devotion, even if it was twisted and tangled in darkness. Some might say Korn didn’t truly love Tonkla but I disagree. He started that whole dangerous business because he wanted a future, one where they could be together, where they didn’t have to hide. But power consumed him. He lost himself in the journey.

And in the last episode, when Korn lost everything, his power, his control, it didn’t matter. Because in his mind, he still had Tonkla. That was all that kept him going. But then he lost his baby, his one last tether to hope. And in that moment, the weight of the world crushed him. He couldn’t bear the thought of living without Tonkla. So, with a heart already shattered, he chose to escape. A bullet, a split-second decision and he surrendered to the dream. A world where reality couldn’t touch them, where they could be together forever in an untouchable fantasy. In that dream, they are safe, preserved in a perfect, tragic eternity.

And this is where the contrast shines. Great and Tyme chose the bitter reality, the world that hurts and heals, the world where love has to fight to survive but where it’s real, where it’s alive. Meanwhile, Tonkla and Korn, they chose the dream, the fantasy where nothing could break them, but nothing could grow either. They chose a love that was frozen in time, safe from the world but suffocated by it too.

Great and Tyme, chose the sun, the warmth of something real, the promise of a future where they can grow and change and live. It’s painful, it’s imperfect but it’s theirs. Tonkla and Korn, they chose the moon, a cold, distant dream, beautiful in its stillness but untouched by the life that burns outside it.

And that’s the beauty of it all. Love doesn’t just live in happy endings; it lives in the choices we make. It lives in the worlds we choose to build or abandon. ✨ And for Great and Tyme, their love is something that can stand in the light, scarred but whole. Meanwhile, for Tonkla and Korn, their love is a shadow, beautiful, but fleeting, forever lost in a world that never truly existed.

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Revenge Never Looked So Good

The title of the drama 春花厌 {Chūn Huā Yàn} means "The Withering Spring Blossom." I feel this is important because it holds the key to the surface of the story but also to the tragedy that the characters are going through. In Chinese, 春花 {chūn huā} means "Spring Blossom": something vibrant and full of life. On the other hand 厌 (yàn) shows feelings of disgust or waiting for things to go awry, like Mei Lin's spirit who was once colorful but now it wears down and withers. ╥﹏╥

The story begins with Prince Murong Jing He - the proud commander of the Weibei Army who successfully reclaims Qingzhou {a lost territory of the Great Yan Dynasty} It’s supposed to be his crowning achievement and a chance to be known as a hero. But things turn dark because a massive fire breaks out soon after he takes back the city and it burns everything in its path and leaving only ruins sorrow behind. Rumors spread everywhere and soon people are branding Murong Jing He as the "Butcher General" They accuse him of ordering the city’s destruction as punishment for Qingzhou’s "betrayal" of Great Yan. His victory turns into something dark and now he is painted as a cold-hearted killer rather than a savior.

Then we meet Mei Lin who is a young girl who loses everything in the flames of Qingzhou. Her entire family is gone and her bright future is reduced to ashes. She now hates Murong Jing He, who she believes is responsible for her pain. She is devastated and alone so she swears to make him pay. Mei Lin joins a secret organization known as the Shadow Works, where she undergoes years of punishing training and physical suffering, she is even made to consume a deadly poison to prove that she can survive.

After years of training, Mei Lin is finally assigned to kill her target aka Prince Murong Jing He. She is then disguised as one of a hundred Xiyan beauties sent to Great Yan in a political marriage alliance and infiltrates his world. She hides her true identity and becomes one of many beautiful faces in the court while she plans to fulfill her vow of vengeance.

But here is the kicker, hehe (ˊ˘ˋ*): Mei Lin doesn't know that Murong Jing He is in fact the mastermind of her life right now and the one behind the Shadow organization she joined. He manipulated the events behind the scenes to ensure she turned into his assassin. In a very twisted way, she has been working her way through a path he had always planned before her because she was blinded by her hate and was willing to follow anyone who could lead her to be successful in her revenge.

But while she is trying to kill him, the sparks between Mei Lin and Murong Jing He are so intense that half the time, I was just thinking "Wait, do they want to kill each other or kiss?" Spoiler: it’s definitely both and it’s absolute fire lmao. I felt like watching the most dangerous love game ever where survival is on the line and the weapons are swords, poisoned tea and those looks they keep giving each other. I think it was part a deadly chess match, part flirtation and I was just screaming at the screen like “JUST KISS ALREADY!” But also “Wait, don’t trust him GIRL!” my emotion's were all over the place ngl because one second they were swinging swords at each other and the next they were exchanging horny stares across the room. It was too much for my brain.

Leaving that aside, even more than the amazing hate-to-love plot, another thing I liked about this show is the psychological part. I mean, you see cool martial arts (and they are great and very badass), but from the start, it felt like the true fight was in Mei Lin's thoughts. She wants revenge but also fights with herself about if the prince is the beast she has been told. You get caught up in her inner fight. Do you cheer for her to beat him, or do you hope they join up and set the world on fire together? (I picked the second one from episode 1, to be honest)

Regarding the male lead, I really loved him because he isn’t just some villainous warlord, the show does a good job giving him mystery and charisma so that you are constantly guessing his true intentions. I love him - he is definitely one of my top “red flags turned green.” As the episodes went on and I started seeing the way he cares about Mei Lin, my heart went weak at him all the damn time. He goes from “dangerous enemy” to “obsessed protector” and I am a sucker for that trope.

The female lead is amazing as well. She is not your typical soft and naive character we are used to in cdramas - she is fierce and has this tough exterior that instantly sets her apart. And I love that beneath all that strength, she is still soft and deeply caring especially when it comes to the main lead. Once their love kicks off, she shows this warmth and loyalty that just melts your heart. She is both a fighter and a lover.

And visually, this show pops. I mean the ethereal landscapes and the detailed costumes look like they belong in a museum, everything is so beautiful, most scenes were a FEAST for my eyes ffs, everything looked so dreamlike especially when the energy between the two leads takes over. It’s like the entire world shrinks down to just the two of them, fighting, plotting, and yearning. Wu Jin Yan and Liu Xue Yi are pure fire on screen, their chemistry legit radiates more heat than that flame which killed 100k people.


Why 8.0?

SPOILER AHEAD – DON’T READ UNLESS YOU FINISHED THE SHOW

I think the last episode was just completely unnecessary. The novel this show is based on actually gives the characters a happy ending, so for the show to go the sad route just doesn’t make any sense to me. After all the build-up, all the intense character development and the way their love grows through betrayal, danger, and everything in between, the tragic ending feels like a slap in the face. They had so much potential as a couple and both Mei Lin and Murong Jing He deserved a real chance at happiness after everything they went through.

If the original source material had a tragic ending, maybe it would have felt fitting or necessary to stay true to that tone. But in this case, it’s not even how the novel ends. Choosing a heartbreaking finish here feels like a forced twist that adds unnecessary sadness to an already intense story. In the end I think its a letdown to deviate so far from the source material, especially when a happy ending would have felt so satisfying and earned after all they went through. I genuinely think this choice was more about shock value than good storytelling and it’s disappointing when you consider how well they handled the rest of the show. Instead of leaving me with a sense of closure, it leaves me asking, “Why did it have to end like this?”

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First Impression 1/12

First Kanaphan and Khaotung Thanawat, what the fuck can I even say? Seeing them together again felt like a homecoming. The moment they appeared on my screen I couldn’t help but scream. They have this unparalleled chemistry that no one else in the industry quite achieves. I missed them so much and they absolutely delivered. Watching them reunite reminded me of why they have become icons in the BL world. My kings are back hehe.

First really balances his rough, edgy exterior with just the right amount of vulnerability and Khao as Bison is HOLY HELL, he nails it. His portrayal is soft but with a charm that makes you understand why Kant couldn’t resist him the first moment he laid eyes on him lmao. Bison gives me mystery and innocence vibes and it’s all because Khaotung knows how to work the smallest expressions, the subtlest body language, to make him (and us) obsessed with him.

PLUS their chemistry is beyond words, I deadass think they have this almost telepathic way of syncing with each other and it’s a joy to watch. Also GMMTV is known for keeping things fairly tame but Jojo decided to break that mold (as he should) because the sex scenes are unapologetically steamy and while it’s bold, it’s not gratuitous, it feels organic and I love it tbh.

But I won’t lie, I went in expecting something darker, more brooding with a heavy focus on crime but the series leans much more on the lighter side. However I don’t even mind. The romance is well done and that is enough to keep me intrigued but I do hope they explore more of the crime angle as the episodes go on, but for now, I’m happy to sit back and watch First trying to woooo Khao lmao.

On the side, I will say I'm not very familar with JoongDunk but their storyline definitely has potential. There is something interesting about their dynamic and I’ll hold off on fully forming an opinion until I see how it plays out in the later episodes.

Note : 1/12 THIS REVIEW WILL CHANGE AS THE SHOW PROGRESSES

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Heartbreaking.

Bible has once again pulled out all the stops to reveal what a great actor he is! His performance was so moving, so beautifully enacted, so deliriously loaded with emotions, it really hit you right in the feels. Heartbreaking, yet so powerful; he just nailed it. Jes, whom I am less familiar with brought his A-game as well. You could see his experience and talent oozing out of every scene, and he was fantastic too. They could tell a super powerful love story, truly affecting, within 20 minutes of screen time for both.

To me, the story is all about the love between two people - one who loved too much and one who loved too little. It was a love for which Garn was ready to give everything; he poured his heart and soul into that love until his last breath. On the other hand, Tul chose to go by the expectations of society and so he went for a wife and child. He did not repent his choice, but somewhere in his heart, he felt sorry that his love for Garn was not strong enough to match Garn's feelings.

Seriously, they both did amazing! ꨄ

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VEGAS APOLOGIST

VEGAS PETE

Everything about their relationship flies in the face of all that I know is LOVE. This couple breaks into your vulnerability and turns you weak for them. They’re deeply, violently kinky, and that just does it for me, and no amount of moral's can make me doubt that what they have is real. Pete and Vegas are both people who protect their hearts, they have chains locked around their emotions so it's hard for them to define any of this. They are closed off to the world and maybe they will be each other's freedom but it starts as an understanding. Vegas is seeking validation so he doesn't want to hurt Pete because he is the only one who can provide it. He unlocks something new and exciting far from reality and beyond heaven but not hell. It's again something right but at the same time wrong. Their relationship simply can't be described in black and white. The last close-up in ep 12 is very important with Pete is smiling like he feels fulfilled about unlocking this side of him, he finally allowed his dark side to come to the surface and it's clear he feels liberated.

The dynamic between these two characters is too complex to decipher. Both of them wear professional crafted masks. Vegas is a psycho seemingly without empathy. Pete, on the other hand, is a ray of sunshine with a layer of darkness underneath. Pete's desires are covered and Vegas is bringing them to the surface, we can already see that in episode 11-- he physically reacts when Vegas licks his face, his eyes close, he is shivering under vegas's tongue. Pete feels connected to Vegas because of his own childhood, they are bonding over their trauma and Vegas is reticent to connect with Pete but the chains are already tied between them both and there is no escape any more. Both Vegas and Pete will cave in irrevocably. And we can see the last drop of their self control when the hedgehog dies. Pete chooses to console him and Vegas willingly let's him. When Vegas hurts himself, Pete is finally discovering the unseen hatred he has towards himself and he tries to reason with him without success until Vegas brings his layered, cold behavior out again. He tries to lure Pete in a new game thinking he won't play along but Pete surprises him and takes the lead, easily winning. Vegas uses his body as a catalyst and it's electrifying. Their body language lays everything they feel bare for the audience to see. They are tiying the chains around them tighter, they strengthen their connection through physical attachment. An other thing I want to point out is Vegas's blood type. AB means universal receiver, he will take any love he can get because he's that starved for it and Pete's blood type is O which means universal donar, he has the capacity of loving anyone and this is a clear metaphor for the receiving dynamics and I admire the details in the show.

In the end Vegas is the one who is trapped. The same man who likes to be ahead of everyone, who is calculated enough to over do everyone, simply doesn't know what to do anymore. He is scared. He is actually afraid of the consequences because it'll all be like a chain reaction. He is the vulnerable one despite being free, he may not have physical restraints but I assure you his head is in a cage.

Now compared to the novel, their story seems to go faster than the speedlight, it's extremely rushed and I don't think that what they have is anything rational to begin with. To me it seems like they developed an emotional support that they gradually got addicted to. Vegas is layered with so much affection but there is an unabashed violence to this because of his trauma as for Pete, he seems to free himself into chains, he was masked with this fake appearance his entire life and now Vegas undressed him, leaving his dark side exposed and Pete can finally be himself. Vegas is the other way around, he can be evil when he pleases but his sensitivity must be hidden from the world, with Pete he is able to let it out. They are literally like Yin and Yang. They need each other for balance. Pete needs Vegas to be dark and Vegas needs Pete to be light. It's not love, it's balance.

The scene where Pete was "eating" the ramyeon and breaks down crying reminded me that he is alone, no one really knows him beside Vegas.

Vegas and Pete can't kill each other because if one of them dies, the other will crumble. If one of them is hurt the other one will shatter in pain. That's why Pete couldn't pull the trigger.

They honestly broke my heart, together & individually.

Also can we talk about the tenderness with which vegas treats Pete in the moments where he lets himself be vulnerable? He looks at Pete like he's the most precious thing he's ever laid his eyes on, he touches him as if he was a fragile treasure that was too frail to break. Especially when he comes down from his anger and suddenly turns into a little puppy, you see his eyes change and you realize he is guided by his feelings for Pete.

Honestly, even though their story is going faster than expected it surprises me how a few episodes managed to get me this invested, the writers are following through with all the angst and twisted devotion between them and it's truly gratifying to watch. I think the development was carefully done and rightfully so because it's a very complex story and I’m so happy both characters have been given adequate time to process their individual trauma and desires.

KINNPORSCHE

Porsche and Chay display their affection through physical service act of service, their care is established properly and visibly. And for kinn is the exact opposite, within his family It's always the small details that covey their feelings. They are used to different environments and I think it's important, kinn's perspective on what " caring " means is very different in contrast to what it means for Porsche, they are different but somehow the same and I loved to see their journey together, they balance each other out so well. They ended the season trusting each other, going through various extreme situations together, fighting together, keeping their mutual attraction. They had time to built their relationship, they were cared by the creators and it shows, nothing was rushed and it was all perfectly executed.

KIMCHAY

The power imbalance between them is more celebrity/fan. For most of their relationship, Chay has seen Kim through rose-colored glasses. Because Chay was obsessed with the celebrity, there’s still a lot to be discovered with their relationship and their feelings together. But there is definitely a change in control now compared to how it started, and I’m interested to see how it will evolve in season 2.

ACTING

I'll give a special row of lines to Build. Those screams are just so raw and extremely convincing. He truly made me believe his pain is real. Bible was so great with Vegas as well, I was shocked to find out how introverted and shy he is in real life, I have deep respect for them. Bible sells it at every moment, he is magnificent in his role. For every one of Pete’s panicked, despaired looks, Vegas returns an equally unsettling one, their dynamic on set is actually mindblowing. Vegas is such a convincing manipulator, he is a master minded psychopath and it’s hard to distinguish him. We see Vegas's eyes seizing Pete, analyzing him with each stare and there’s a degree of arrogance there as if he's trying to be superior when in reality he's inferior. The way they both observe with the details of their eyes is immaculate. They are delivering.

Mile and apo's friendship is so authentic and real compared to so, so many actors and musicians and other entertainers who work together and claim to be close, but these two seem incredibly bonded and their connection is brought onto the screen which makes their acting even more phenomenal, their chemistry feels natural and it's easy to watch them without cringing one bit.

Jeff and barcode managed to steal my breath for each 5 minutes of the little screen time they had, with such a short amount of time they succeed to convey so many emotions and draw the audience so deep within their story.

OVERALL

I can only describe this show as vulnerable -- It was done so tastefully and grounded in humanity. It was sexy yes, but it was fragile. It was immaculate accompanied by the perfect scenery and an outstanding cinematography, watching their love bloom was so heart wrenching but evenly so beautiful.

ON A SIDE NOTE

The fantasy is aimed at the people who are mature enough to see it for what it is, and to distinguish between the morality and ethics of real life and those of a immoral fictional universe, if anyone is questioning the series based on the representation of a healthy relationship then you shouldn't watch it.

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Did not like it

All the scenes felt so jumbled up most of the time, I was very confused. It's like trying to put together a missing-piece puzzle lmao. I admit there was good chemistry between the actors in some moments! Their touching interactions brought sparks that made it just a little more bearable during all that chaos.

But I think this is just really not my vibe; at one point, I started scrolling through my phone instead of watching. That being said, though, I did very much appreciate the cultural exchange and artistic collaboration behind it. Even though the execution of it all was not done well in my opinion but it's cool to see different styles and perspectives coming together.

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A Lighthearted Watch

This is definitely on the lighter side which is pretty much what you would expect from the trailer. It’s not super deep or dramatic, it leans hard into comedy and doesn’t take itself too seriously but it does make me laugh at times. Its fun to watch when you just want something easygoing

There’s a bunch of different couples and pairings, which I think is a smart move because it gives everyone a chance to find a dynamic they like. Even if one pairing doesn’t stand out to you, chances are there’s another one that will, which makes the show kind of flexible. I’m personally looking forward to seeing PerthSanta, I have seen them alot on my feed lately and their chemistry looks very good from the way they act around eachother in real life, it seems they have gotten closer so I have high hopes for them.

I think the first eight episodes will focus mostly on ForceBook. I have only seen them in Only Friends, they were pretty decent in it but they were not my favorite so I didn’t know what to expect but they actually work really well here. The acting is definitely exaggerated, and sometimes it feels over-the-top but that’s clearly intentional. It’s part of the comedy style and they actually pull it off. Force in particular has these silly expressions that make the scenes funnier lmao and Book is hella cute, his style is very expressive and even though it’s goofy, it doesn’t feel forced, it’s kind of charming, in a way hehe.

From my first impression, it’s not a show I would rave about yet but it’s enjoyable in its own way. You can tell it’s not aiming to be super intense or emotional and that’s fine. It’s like a light watch that you don’t have to think too hard about and it delivers on what it promises: humor and fun.

Note: 1/34. I’ll keep updating this review as it progresses, so the rating might shift depending on how the story and character dynamics evolve.

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A Woman’s Fight for Freedom

This show flips the script on the typical historical drama, it gives off a fierce and unapologetic dive into themes of feminism, ethics and female solidarity, all against the backdrop of a rigid, tradition-driven society. This is a story about breaking chains ➳ both literal and metaphorical. It reclaims power in a world built to stifle individuality especially for women.

The protagonist is everything you'd want in an icon trapped in ancient times. She doesn’t survive injustice, she dismantles it brick by brick and shows us that resilience isn’t just enduring pain but pushing back against it until the system cracks. Her journey, from a pearl diver trapped in servitude to an independent women in the jewelry trade was so fascinating to watch and I loved every moment of it.

I also like how brutally honest this is about the gray areas of ambition and the price of freedom. It gets real about the sacrifices women make, the alliances they forge and the inner strength it takes to stand tall in a world that constantly underestimates them. Duanwu is going through a treacherous path while staying fiercely committed to her core values and I admire her for that ♡ she is the antithesis of submission and her resistance isn’t loud or overt but calculated, deliberate and devastatingly effective. For example, she doesn’t endure Yan’s rules, she internalizes them and masters his game until she can bend it to her will. This FL dismantles the illusion of dominance by proving that true strength lies in resilience and adaptability. She thrives but not by opposing the world head-on but by reimagining how to exist within it, turning tools of oppression into instruments of liberation.

The visuals in this show are also really great. I felt like they reflected the duality of Duanwu’s reality aka her entrapment within a patriarchal world and the strength that fuels her rebellion. OH and I have to talk about Yan Zijing’s ship its so damn pretty, it's cloaked in shadow and suffused with such a oppressive atmosphere. AND against this bleak visual palette, Duanwu’s creation of pearl hairpins were really so pretty. I mean pearls hold deep significance in Chinese culture, they usually symbolize wisdom, purity, and beauty, I honestly think that it attributes how Duanwu turns decay into magic and by that I mean the transformation of undervalued pearls into intricate hairpins, she literally takes what is dismissed, what is seen as unimportant and turns it into something luminous and invaluable.

I think overall the show doesn’t shy away from exploring what other Cdramas might be afraid to. The female lead is constantly faced with difficult decisions that challenge her sense of right and wrong and these decisions often blur the lines between virtue and survival. This kinda reminded me of the proverb 道高一尺，魔高一丈 ("as virtue rises one foot, vice rises ten"), which is basically the idea that overcoming evil is not a straightforward victory but a constant battle that requires adaptation. I think it did a great job at showing us that survival isn’t always about choosing the morally pure path, sometimes, it’s about balancing personal values with the harsh realities of the world around you.

Okay I know I talked a lot about the FL but you can't blame me okay. Yan Zijing is also very loveable. Although he is a very complex character but his development throughout the series complements the FL's story. Initially, he appears to be a pragmatic businessman who prioritizes profit over emotion but as the story progresses, his interactions with Duan Wu reveal a more compassionate and grounded side. He is a self-made individual, he rose through the ranks of the jewelry trade with his ambition and I really applaud him for that hehe. His calculated personality really serves as a counterbalance to Duan Wu's fiery persona. He initially approaches their relationship with skepticism but gradually develops a deep respect and affection for her and the process of it is really interesting to watch because it's done very well in terms of writhing.

The chemistry between the main leads is also amazing in this show. I feel like they share a dynamic relationship and their personalities really spark between the push-and-pull of their nature so it creates a strong foundation between them as the episodes go on.

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Certified Immortality Clowns

Gather around, weary fans of The Husky and His White Cat Shizun, for the tale of a drama that was promised… and then promptly vanished into the void. Yes, I’m talking about Immortality, the show so mysterious that waiting for it has become an official fandom kink. At this point, it’s like that toxic crush who keeps sending you mixed signals: "Soon, babe. I’ll be there soon." Next thing you know, you’re on year three, checking the internet like a hopeless simp, holding out for a release date that’s probably gaslighting us all.

In the beginning, we had hope. The cast was and is EVERYTHING. Luo Yunxi as the elegant, stone-faced Shizun? Perfect. Chen Feiyu as his chaotic disaster disciple? Chef’s kiss. They even gave us promo photos and character shots, enough to fuel entire Pinterest boards and fan edits. For a while, we were convinced that Immortality would air any day now. Any day. Soon-ish. Probably next month. Maybe next year?

Then came… well, the wait. And we are talking waiting longer than a text back from your ex. Every few months, we would get a teaser, a leaked photo, maybe a random Weibo post and we would get excited again, thinking, “This is it! It’s really happening!” But nope. By now, I think the Immortality team might just be gaslighting us into thinking this drama actually exists. I mean, do we even know if it was filmed at this point? Or is it just an elaborate prank to drive us all a little bit insane?

But don't worry we have got our coping tactics down. Every day, fans are out here on Twitter and Weibo posting cursed memes, sassy comments and conspiracy theories about when or if this show will ever actually air. We are basically in the five stages of grief over this damn thing. We have gone from hopeful and cute to existential crisis level insane. Some fans are out here writing 100k-word fanfics to get through the pain (no judgment, I’m right there with you),while others have turned to making dark humor memes about how we are all just waiting for a drama that may never come. “Still waiting for Immortality,” one meme says, with a picture of a wrinkled old person on their deathbed. That’s us now. Old. Sad hags. Still thirsting.

If Immortality ever does air, it may just crash the internet from sheer collective disbelief. Until then, it remains the Schrödinger’s Cat of dramas: both alive and not, both real and just a cruelly pixelated illusion.

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Sweet and Simple

Well, I found this story super heartwarming, and the storyline was so beautiful without much extra theatrics. Usually, it is a type of show that I would not really watch, but I really found myself enjoying it a lot more than I ever thought I would.

I think it was a good binge-watch, I was intrested to see what would happen and it was really well-paced so I was able to get into it pretty easily and kept watching but I really do not think that I would go back for a rewatch. It is like one of those things where, you know, it was nice but best as a one-time thing.

Overall, it's just a sweet and simple romance. It didn't try too hard to impress and sometimes that's exactly what you need, just one of those feel-good stories that wraps you up in it.

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