I find myself never bored and happily chasing every episode. Yes there are "dog blood" cdrama tropes but with a male lead like that, I am happy to fantasize and be a little unrealistic. I find myself smiling ear to ear at times and heart wrenching other times, this is the reason why I watch dramas.
Positives)
1-great pacing, plot is compact
2-hair & costumes are refreshing (not often seen in cdramas)
3-a VERY manly, dominant and charismatic male lead
4-I LOVE the push pull build up to leads' romance
5-both lead characters are smart, strong and great looking (which is how it should be in idol dramas)
6-good fight scenes (not just posing/slow motion)
7-director can tell a story properly
8-bromance
9-not one tone, there's light + heart wrenching moments
10-no overkill filter
Negatives)
1-I prefer listening to actors' real voice but this is all dubbed except female lead. And can cdramas get rid of dubbing please already? It's 2025, an actor's voice is part of their acting and the only way to improve is keep using it!
2-CG needs improvement but gets better as you go on (but this is only an A+ budget drama)
3-some unnecessary close-ups (good thing cast are good looking)
4-wrong makeup or makeup too strong sometimes