Abolutely forgettable

Money Heist has been dominating Netflix's top 10 in my country since the first season. Thousands are introduced to it almost every day, thousands rewatch it and it has been dissected, reviewed, and analyzed over and over. A lot of people get put off by mainstream shows but how do they get to the mainstream in the first place? They offer thrilling plots, impeccable production, and admirable acting with the perfect cast and script. Money Heist: Korea JEA has unfortunately fallen short on several of these.

The Korean film industry comes out with movies and dramas that become hits almost immediately. The choice to remake one of Netflix's top series not even a year after season 4 came out was a bold move. Put a little spin on it (SK and NK unification) and add SKs trademark high production quality, acting, and swoon-worthy cast, I was SURE I would be watching a series like no other. I was disappointed. VERY Disappointed.

"Remakes are sometimes created by taking 'inspiration' from or 'adapting' the original film."

The Korean version is an adaptation. HEAVILY inspired by the original series. The way I see it, they took the story spun a convenient unification to introduce "interesting" characters, brought in their actors, and churned it out. I was flabbergasted, to say the least. I kept on expecting something thrilling to happen but I was sorely let down. I feel BETRAYED.

Acting
I have no qualms with the cast. I have no qualms with the acting. Look at the cast. These are all actors that have made a deep impression on me. Rachel Jun in The Call, Park Hae Soo in Prison Playbook and Squid game, Yoo Ji Tae...I could not be happier with their roles. HOWEVER, hear me out, in the original series I remember the life that the actress brought to the character Tokyo. If Tokyo is like ghost pepper in the OG series, Tokyo is like watered-down tabasco sauce in the remake. I will withhold further judgment since the second part has not come out yet (I know I'm not doing a good job of it so far). I also noticed how the actor who plays Denver (from the remake), used a VERY similar laugh to the OG Denver. Another trait that I'm sure was *Inspired*. I don't care but Denver's laugh should have its own copyrights. You have to own the character that you play. Denver's laugh cannot be remade. Period. I will accept versions of it however by even adopting the same laugh I feel like the remake loses whatever originality it has (Which is almost a joke by the end of part 1).

Finally, can we talk about how STUPID this splitting the series into two parts is? I understand the strategy behind this. Similar to a season finale however the time period between the two parts are shorter. This works in favor of shows that already have a solid fanbase (Stranger things). Shows that have proved from the first few seasons that they are able to produce quality content. But for JEA, it seems unnecessary. I am already disappointed by the content of the show, have no expectations, and am now disappointed that I can't even finish it so I can be done with it once and for all. The show BARELY had any time to gain some traction. Was this really the best decision?

A lot can change in a few episodes. I have gone from hating a show to absolutely loving it and vice versa. I hope this drama will end up in the former category. But for now, I would not recommend watching it. Watch the whole thing after part 2 comes out. Hopefully, it'll have something worth talking about.

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Hit my expectations out of the park

Again another gold series that does not get enough love.
When I saw the trailer I was excited. the roles that Jung Hae In take up are interesting, to say the least. Every performance of his has always left me with a lasting impression. I entered having high hopes and I was not disappointed.

The story itself is so risky. The plotline is not something you can pull off easily. As I sat watching this series I was surprised by how many issues they tackled. Honestly, I never thought much about the military system in SK but after this series it got me questioning it seriously. And not SK in particular but the military system as a whole.

There are people that willingly sign up for this but what about the ones who do not want to? What about the ones that cannot afford to? What about the ones who get away because of their connections? Just the absurd unfairness of it all is revolting.

I was aghast at the heights of cruelty humans can reach when given a little power. How humans can push each other to the brink until they break and still have no conscience about it.

This is an absolutely revelating and relevant series. Something that will knock the breath out of you, will make you want to shut your eyes yet you can't help but look on.

And the acting. OH MY GOD, THE CAST IS JUST RIGHT. I am not even kidding they absolutely nailed their roles. Ko Kyo Hwan was refreshing and comically adorable. Shin Seung Ho managed to bring out so much from his role. I won't even bother praising Jung Hae In because please boi we all know he was 101% freaking mad amazing.

I mad adored the cast of this series. I have no doubt that you will too.

I do not care much for the OSTs..were there any?? hehe...if there were, I didn't notice because I was enraptured with the scenes.

I would absolutely rewatch it. Maybe give it a few months but I will definitely revisit some scenes just to fully appreciate the gravity and intensity of it all.

CANNOT WAIT FOR S2.

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Home run

I'm someone who picked up the drama and dropped it around the first episode, picked it up a few months later, dropped it around episode 5, and then picked it up two days ago, and now can't stop thinking about it. I'm the type that binges a drama. Yet while watching this, I had to pause because I kept on getting chills. After each episode, I had to take a break to appreciate how unique each episode was. While describing a series, I use interesting, thrilling, funny, etc.; however, I think the closest word that comes to mind when I think of this drama is "memorable."

I'm not into baseball. I couldn't care less about it. However, this drama overcomes the sport. More than the sport. The drama centers around the people who work in the industry. It chose to focus on the athletes, the teams supporting the industry, and the bonds formed and broken. Most importantly, it delivered valuable messages. In each episode, I learned something new, my perspectives changed, and the drama did all this while showing heart-wrenching, exciting and intriguing stories.

I'm not going to talk about the acting—the music, or what I disliked. I mean, I'm three years too late. There are more than 50 reviews that have done it. The drama has won baeksangs which shows how much this drama is liked. I think I'm just writing this so I can come back years later and read it to remind myself how much I love this drama. (MDL has become a precious diary that holds my thoughts, haha)

I loved everything, from the slow start to the actors, to the onscreen chemistry, to the plot to the ending. I loved the antagonist (as much as I hated him), the male and female lead, the secondary characters, the athletes, and the banter. I loved the small deadpan comedy moments, and I loved the connections that they portrayed. The script was a masterpiece, and the actors delivered a fantastic performance. The pace was perfect, and it wonderfully wrapped up towards the end.

It's a show for people who love baseball, for people who don't know a thing about it, for people looking for a satisfying and exciting sports drama, for people who want a slice-of-life drama, and for people who are looking for motivation. It's a show that will leave you feeling like you made the right choice. It's a show that you can trust to dedicate your time to.

"While trying to protect the things precious to you, do not stop others from trying to protect you. It's okay to stop and relax if it's too tiring, but if you cannot realize your worth, no one will either."

I will remember this drama fondly for as long as I can, and I hope more people will discover this gem when they need it the most.

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Not one to miss out on

I personally did not expect a lot from this drama and to be honest I was hesitant to watch this drama considering the fog of controversies this drama was surrounded by. I totally understand the sensitivities of the South Korean citizens and can see how problematic and insensitive this drama might come off for those that lived through this period of time however for what it's worth when it is viewed from an unbiased point this drama is absolutely edge-of-the-seat riveting.

I cannot even imagine the amount of thought and effort that the whole team would have put into creating this drama. We're in the 8th episode and I still have no idea where the story is going. The way the drama is unfolding is a perfect example of clever storytelling. I think we're still too early to pass on whether the plot is a success or not but it has got me thinking about it more than I want to.

In terms of acting, Jung Hae-in stole my heart since he had side character roles and he is the king of melodramas so to see him take up challenging roles like in D.P. and Snowdrop fills me with pride. I see this guy and think "he's one to look out for." He rose up my list so fast so it's fair to say that 90 percent of the reason I am watching this is for him lol.

Now, I read a lot of comments on the net saying Jisoo needs to improve her acting but I can assure y'all that Jisoo has done a stellar job so far so if you're afraid of being disappointed by her don't be because she has done amazing. This isn't to say that she's delivered a performance that is at a veteran level, don't get me wrong but for a rookie actor (literally her first drama) she's done absolutely amazing.
At times her expressions are a little stiff and in terms of micro-expressions and body language she could do better but I'm proud of her for taking up such a difficult role and giving her all.

All in all, the casting is perfect. Shoutout to Kim Hye-yoon and Kim Min-kyu for being so freaking good at portraying their characters.

The OSTs
The intro is so soothing (unlike the drama itself damnit). The track list so far is good. There isn't any I'm particularly obsessed with presently but the soundtrack is really good. Jehwi, one of my favourites, did absolutely amazing as always.

Re-watch value
I cant help but go back and re-watch clips of the drama but maybe that's because I have to compensate for waiting for each episode so for now, a 10.

Overall
Don't skip it. DO NOT. It's so good trust me.

Also R.I.P Kim Mi-soo. you will be remembered and I hope you are at peace now.

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Stream it.

I’m glad I listened to myself. This drama drew me in and I have no regrets in choosing to watch “My Liberation notes”.

The recurring theme of the drama is love. Simple love. The love that any person craves or has craved at one point in their life. I am no different and hence found myself relating to the characters of this drama in more ways than one. The drama is about a group of people from different walks of life trying to find love but most importantly trying to learn how to love their lives.

Liberation: to break free.

Although the theme remains simple, the story is complex and the characters carry depth and each and every relationship, be it family, lovers, friends, or colleagues, have very realistically set. To put it simply, after each episode I think each person will have a different view of the characters.

Even though the drama is very heavy, there is (IMO) the perfect balance of humor. I’m especially in love with Lee Min Ki and how he has managed to play his character so well without taking away any of his depth. The story also offers a certain amount of suspense into who Mr. Gu actually is and I can’t wait to see it play out.
Hearts will be broken but more will be healed. Of that, I am sure.

Watching this drama is like watching myself mirrored back to me. I used to constantly voice out to my friends that if the world ended right then and there, I would die with no regrets. Hearing these again warmed my heart a little. “Ah I’m not alone”, I thought. It made me feel a little less lonely.

The cast consists of seasoned actors that no doubt will deliver till the very end. I cannot find a single thing that has put me off in this drama.

I especially loved the end of episode 3 with the music, it gave me literal goosebumps.

Summer is coming, and I think this is the one you want to be watching during those sweaty afternoons when you want to be swept away into something that will comfort you.

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On the fence

Cafe Minamdang intrigued me for two reasons: 1. The plot and 2. Seo In Guk.

I've sat through some questionable dramas during my time simply because of an actor I liked. I always have a principle of watching at least three episodes before giving up on the drama.

Cafe minamdang started okay and progressively became an effort to watch. When a drama becomes something you watch just for the background noise, it's better to drop it. However, since this drama has recently started and has one of my favorite actors, I've put it on hold and will decide whether to pick it up or drop it entirely once it has finished airing.

That being said, the plot had a lot of potential, and I think most of the drawback lies in the female lead. Many viewers have dropped the drama because she has a very dislikable presence on the screen, which isn't suitable for any drama. Additionally, there is little to no chemistry between her and Seo in guk. I have watched his dramas, and he's always been able to convey sizzling scenes when it was needed. If the drama is to survive, something needs to be done about the female detective.

It doesn't help that it is airing around the same time as two trending dramas: AoS and Attorney Woo. For people who don't have enough time to catch up with airing dramas and have to choose, Cafe minamdang would not make the cut. It promises flair but falls short severely.

Nonetheless, I hope it succeeds through some miracle. I'd recommend waiting and observing how well it does on air and then deciding whether to watch it.

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a road to nowhere

**Updated**
I held out as long as I could I swear, but I just could not finish this series. Every time I finished one episode, I just was not looking forward to what would happen next.

As a viewer who had to wait a week for one episode, the episode has to be captivating, should incite curiosity and excitement, and leave us wanting more but all it left me with was a bitter taste.
When it was time for the next episode, I just didn't have the energy to fool myself that I was enjoying the series.
To make it short, the story was boring, the acting was awkward, the dialogues were cringe and lacked any emotions.

Every scene looked like it was improv and the chemistry just fizzled out. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for intense scenes or anything but even the kissing scenes were awkward and both the leads looked like they wish they were somewhere else but there. I don't understand?? their chemistry was so good in s1! I don't know what happened. maybe it was due to the lockdown or due to previous issues but I wish they took more time to think this out. I wish they attended more workshops and thought about their characters more.

The BL industry is growing by leaps and bounds. so many noteworthy BLs like tharntype, gameboys, gaya sa pelikula, cherry magic..the list could go on. they need to step up their game.
OVERALL: I would not recommend it. It's just not worth it.

**previous review**
I was excited about the second season. like legit hyped up. I was a TinCan shipper from s1 and the cliffhanger had me on the edge of my seat.
BUT THEN S2 HAPPENED.
My disappointment was immeasurable and my day was ruined.
Story: Warning: the timeline is different. So yeah, tin and can never meet, Can never knew Pete, Tin never got around to confessing his love and the shower scene never happened. We didn't get to see Can chase after Tin, also SPOILER ALERT: Pete and Ae ain't together anymore. This was necessary considering all those issues during the production of s2 but it's okay I guess since TinCan is the main couple this time.
I honestly think they should have stuck with the first timeline because the chemistry and interactions were so well acted in s1. Just continuing the story would have been so much better. They could have shown us how Tin deals with the rejection, maybe showed Can regretting his decision and there was so much avenue for character development. Instead, we are now stuck with the same storyline with tweaks here and there. The scenes are redundant and I can legit predict the next scene. It is tiring watching the same scenes but in a different lighting
Acting: Despite my dislike towards the story I was still eager to watch TinCan on the scene again. Their chemistry is no doubt there BUT the dialogues are awkward, cringy and delivery is just not what it was in s1. Maybe they want to slowly build up to the climax so I will reserve my judgment for now and hope it gets better as the episodes proceed.
Music: I like the music. BG music is the same as s1 and is fun albeit a little overused. The OSTs are really good.
Rewatch value: I mean it just started so I refrained from rating it too less or too much. I will come back to rate it after the season ends
Overall: if you haven't started it yet then maybe you should wait till it ends to see if it's worth it or not. The recently aired episodes don't give me much hope for the future so I would recommend putting it on hold, especially if you were expecting something of the same caliber as s1 then maybe you should wait.

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