A Heartfelt Exploration of Love and Loneliness

This drama beautifully represents many aspects of life, including loneliness, the desire to love and be loved, the mundanity of daily existence, and the struggle for independence.

I’ve noticed that viewers often have differing opinions on what love truly means. Some people question, “Why can’t these characters live without love? Will they die if they aren’t dating?” However, love isn’t solely about romance; it encompasses deep connections and affection between individuals—whether it’s a daughter and mother, a son and father, you and your best friend, or even you and your pet. You can fall in love with your job. It’s natural for us humans to seek love and companionship in our lives. If you’re not receiving enough love from your family, for instance, it’s only human to look for it elsewhere.

Throughout this drama, I found myself rooting for all the characters, wishing for each of them to find their own paths to happiness. Their journeys resonate deeply, reminding us of the importance of connection and the many forms love can take in our lives.

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GOOD intention, BAD execution!

First of all, the writer seems unsure about whether they want this story to lean toward comedy or serious plotlines. The scenes outside the village are filled with suspense and gravitas, but once we enter the village, the tone shifts, and the characters become comedic. Additionally, there are moments in this series that could be disturbing for some viewers and definitely warrant trigger warnings, particularly the mother’s attempt to take her own life.

And then we have the rushed ending, highlighted by the unrealistic and dramatic courtroom scene. It felt forced and lacked the depth the story desperately needed.

Throughout this series, the thing that bothered me the most was that there’s no guilt expressed for any of the wrongdoings. Instead, the narrative implies that people always forgive the abuser simply because they work hard, they bring food to the table and, surprise, they have a terminal illness. The mother was the son’s source of trauma, which is incredibly sad. She was abusive and selfish, showing kindness only after her son became successful. I understand that the mother only wanted the best for her son, but after how she treated him in the past, now she expects her son to willingly come to her and put on a happy face?

On a brighter note, there are some redeeming qualities in this series, particularly the relationship between Kangho and Mijoo, as well as the dynamic with the kids and Samsik. I initially thought Samsik was just there for comedic relief, but he ultimately proves to be the key to resolving much of the chaos, which was a pleasant surprise!

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a teaspoon of sugar and 10 bottles of cringiness

‘Boys Over Flowers’ is probably the start for many kdrama fans, and for me, it served as the “restart button” that reignited my passion for watching dramas back in middle school (I’m 27 now).

When I first watched this drama, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. However, after rewatching it now, I can’t help but curl my toes in embarrassment. The cringe factor in some scenes is almost unbearable, and the acting leaves much to be desired. I found myself laughing uncontrollably every time Gu Jun Pyo and Yoon Ji Hoo appeared out of nowhere to save Geum Jan Di—it’s like they had a magic portal or something! LMAO!

Despite its flaws, ‘Boys Over Flowers’ holds a special place in my heart as a nostalgic piece of my drama journey. It’s a reminder of how far the genre has come and how my taste has evolved since those middle school days.

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TWO HEROS & A BUNCH OF COWARDS!

Wow, I had no idea Park Ji Hoon could act this well! I was genuinely surprised by his performance.

The plot is engaging, and I absolutely love the friendship between Sieun and Suho. In a way, I find myself envying their bond; they are both incredibly loyal and genuinely care for one another. They’ve become my favorite characters in the drama.

Now, let’s talk about Oh Beomseok. Honestly, what can I say about him? If given the chance, I’d love to hit him with a broomstick (just kidding, sort of!). But seriously, my intense dislike for him speaks volumes about how well the actor portrayed the role. Well done! Thumbs up. While I still can’t condone his actions, I can appreciate how the story allows us to see things from his perspective, even if his reasons don’t justify what he did.

Enough of my rambling—just go watch the series! It’s definitely worth your time!

P.S. I really hate how bullies always gang up on their victims and how rich people often escape the consequences of their crimes. What cowards!

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It could have been something...

I went into this series blind, drawn solely by the presence of Han So Hee and Ahn Bo Hyun, with zero expectations. Unfortunately, I still found myself underwhelmed—it was just okay. I don’t have any strong feelings about it, neither positive nor negative.

One of the biggest disappointments for me was Ahn Bo Hyun’s character, who came across as incredibly bland. He seemed to lack any real presence, almost as if he existed solely to serve as the female lead’s love interest. Ugh, the unnecessary romance!

Surprisingly, at one point, I found myself more invested in Park Hee Soon’s character than in the female lead. His portrayal was intimidating and charismatic, and I found myself rooting for him! I’m sorry, but I couldn’t care less about the female lead’s plan for revenge against her father’s wrongdoings. All I wanted was for the bad guy to live and thrive.

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VERY GREAT CHEMISTRY, but storyline was meh

I have mixed feelings about this drama. On one hand, it was fun to watch, and the chemistry between the main leads was undeniable. However, the show would have been stronger if it focused on either the murder mystery or the love triangle. Personally, the ex-girlfriend storyline felt unnecessary and detracted from the main plot.

The episodes followed a pattern where our female lead, as a funeral director, dealt with various deaths. While it was heartwarming to see the deceased being sent off with respect, the repetition in every episode made it a bit predictable and, over time, a little dull.

I did cry at the end tho…

One thing I did enjoy very much was the comedy brought by the uncles. They were so unserious, which added a much-needed playful element to the series. Also, I loved how they shipped and adored our main couple.

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10+ plot holes and 0 character development

I’ve always been skeptical of Netflix original series, as they often tend to miss the mark. So, going into this show with absolutely no expectations, I was pleasantly surprised to find it intriguing.

From the start, it was implied that Seo Ari was supposed to be dead. Then, one day, she went live on Instagram, leaving us questioning whether she was truly alive. I found myself most curious about the circumstances surrounding her alleged death, how she managed to survive, and the true identity of BBBFamous. These questions kept me motivated to watch until the end.

While I found the drama entertaining overall, it was riddled with plot holes, particularly toward the conclusion—issues I couldn’t simply overlook. The early episodes featured awkwardly obvious product placements that felt forced, making for some cringe-worthy montages.

Moreover, character development was sorely lacking. Sure, our female lead experienced a tiny bit of growth, but the other characters seemed far too preoccupied with their own lives and follower counts to undergo any meaningful transformation.

One of the aspects I disliked most about this drama was the excessive screaming, yelling, and throwing things at every opportunity. It wasn’t a makjang drama, so I found their overreactions puzzling. Chaehee, in particular, contributed significantly to the chaos with her incessant screaming and whining, which became extremely annoying.

I was genuinely surprised when it was revealed that Ari’s best friend was one of her haters. But what shocked me even more was Ari’s acceptance of her friend’s flimsy excuse. Unless Ari was a saint, this response made no sense. If I were in her shoes, I would feel hurt far more by her betrayal than by any hate comments from netizens, especially since she had an exclusive hate account dedicated to Ari. What a snake!

As for the romance between Ari and Joonkyung, it had so much potential, but since the focus of the drama wasn’t on romance, I couldn’t ask for much more.

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I’m usually not a fan of korean crime and detective dramas, as they often feature characters making unrealistic and idiotic choices. However, ‘Flower of Evil’ really had me sitting on the edge of my seat.

The suspense escalated as Jiwon began to suspect her husband, Do Hyun Su. I loved watching the tension unfold as he lied to her, all while she was acutely aware of his true identity. The buildup to the moment when Do Hyun Su realized that Jiwon had uncovered his secret was incredibly satisfying, and that scene did not disappoint. The emotional depth showcased by Lee Jun Ki and Moon Chae Won was nothing short of remarkable, perfectly capturing the intensity of the moment.

However, I felt that the pacing slowed down significantly after the real Baek Hee Seong woke up. From that point on, the story dragged a bit, and I found myself skipping through many of Baek Hee Seong’s scenes, largely because I couldn’t stand his parents and their impact on the narrative. This shift in focus detracted from the overall tension that had been so engaging earlier in the series.

I doubt I would rewatch this drama, as the thrill of the experience relies heavily on the suspense surrounding Do Hyun Su’s secrets. For that reason, I would rate its rewatch value a mere two out of ten. Overall, it’s a captivating watch, but once you know the twists, the excitement diminishes.

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A Frustrating Love Triangle Overshadowed by One-Dimensional Characters

First and foremost, the villagers in this drama were extremely annoying. From the very beginning, the ahjummas barged into the male lead’s home uninvited. When he expressed his discomfort with their intrusion, they took offense, which felt entirely unjustified. It seems the writer aimed to portray the villagers as wholesome and family-oriented, but instead, they came across as rude and intrusive.

It was challenging to invest in the lead characters, including the second male lead, due to their one-dimensional portrayals. The acting didn’t help much either, as it often felt monotonous and lacking in emotional depth. You know how sometimes you find yourself rooting for the second male lead over the main guy, or vice versa? In this series, I didn’t feel that connection at all, which was disappointing, especially since the love triangle was supposed to be the main conflict.

Ultimately, I found myself indifferent to the romance. I was just watching for the dogs and puppies.

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A NOSTALGIC GEM!!!

I am and will always be biased toward ‘Goong’, as it was one of the first dramas I watched back in elementary school (I’m 27 now). Revisiting it brings back a flood of wonderful memories, and I remember every girl in school was obsessed with Lee Shin. And let’s not forget the unforgettable OSTs. I listened to them on repeat, jamming out with my walkman (I feel so ancient, lol).

While the acting leaves much to be desired and can often be quite cringeworthy, the story perfectly encapsulates every young girl’s dream at that time. The plot is delightfully light and whimsical, making ‘Goong’ my go-to drama whenever I want something easy to watch without diving into more serious or complicated narratives.

‘Goong’ is fun and simple—you don’t have to strain your brain to follow the story, which is a refreshing escape when you just want to unwind. It’s a nostalgic treat that reminds me of a simpler time, filled with youthful romance and fantasy.

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A ROMCOM DELIGHT, but 12 episodes are just too short!

It’s been so long since I’ve found myself giggling and squealing over a K-drama, but ‘No Gain No Love’ brought back all those emotions. While the story itself was pretty mid and followed familiar rom-com tropes, the drama still exceeded my expectations. And even though certain plot points didn’t always make sense, it remained entertaining throughout.

One of the standout elements of this drama is how much I rooted for both the main and secondary couples. Both pairings were incredibly charming, and their chemistry was off the charts. Visually and personality-wise, they matched perfectly.

Shin Min Ah was, as always, a delight. She truly doesn’t age! Her character in this drama was irresistibly adorable, and her acting felt effortless. As a woman, even I fell for her! Her expressions, energy, and overall presence added so much warmth to the show. Honestly, she carried a large part of the charm.

I was a bit skeptical about Kim Young Dae initially, as I haven’t been his biggest fan in the past. While there were moments when his acting felt a bit stiff, he still won me over. His chemistry with Shin Min Ah was undeniably sweet, and together, they really made my heart flutter. For me, this drama showcased a new side to him that I didn’t mind at all.

Lee Sang Yi and Han Ji Hyun brought some much-needed comedy to the series. They were pure entertainment, and Han Ji Hyun was absolutely adorable. I totally understand why Bok Gyu Hyeon (Lee Sang Yi’s character) fell for her—I would too! Their dynamic was so fun to watch, and I can’t wait for their spin-off! It would be a lot of fun!

While the show delivered on the romance and comedy fronts, it wasn’t without its flaws. The story started out strong but became disappointing midway through as the trajectory seemed to shift. A major example is how Ahn Woo Jae—who was a key figure in the first few episodes— just disappeared midway through the story. It felt like the storyline was dropped entirely.

With only 12 episodes, the drama simply didn’t have enough time to unpack all the storylines it introduced. The ending felt rushed and unfinished, and I wish they had given the plot more room to breathe. An extended episode count could have helped smooth out these issues and provided a more satisfying conclusion.

In the end, ‘No Gain No Love’ is an enjoyable watch that delivers on its rom-com promise. Despite its imperfections, the charming cast, delightful chemistry between both couples, and genuine moments of comedy kept me invested.

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was ok, but the original is still better!

what came to my mind while watching this drama was: although Kang Hoon’s character is more reserved than Ahn Hyo Seop’s character, i think appearance-wise and style-wise, they look very similar. i didn’t actually mind it, but i couldn’t help but noticed.

i liked Jeon Yeo Been in this drama. the emotions she tried to convey through her acting, i could feel it. she did well.

since i’m writing this review a year after finishing this series, i can’t recall things in detail but i do remember feeling that the time jumps were not as smooth as in the original Taiwanese series. and seriously, why did they style the future Ahn Hyo Seop like he hadn’t showered in a year? i mean, he could’ve suffered but still looks decent. what was the point of making him look like that…

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Action-packed, but watching once is enough.

Action mode: ON!
Romance: ZERO (which is a good thing).
Bromance & Friendship: 100%!

While the acting was outstanding and the friendship between Gunwoo and Woojin was heartwarming, a few things bothered me throughout the series.

1) They used a Mustang for stakeouts. I mean, come on—everyone knows that a Mustang draws too much attention, making their stakeout efforts practically pointless! It seems like Mustang is a sponsor for this series, but it really detracted from the realism.
2) Mr. Choi’s house was inexplicably unguarded, despite him being incredibly wealthy. He repeatedly emphasized that he wanted to protect his granddaughter, yet it seemed like he made little effort to ensure her safety or the security of his home.
3) Mr. Choi’s knifers met a pointless death. They were introduced as skilled fighters, yet their potential was never fully showcased before they were quickly dispatched. I was genuinely looking forward to seeing more action from them.

It’s unfortunate that Kim Sae Ron had to leave the show due to controversy. Her character played a crucial role, and her absence resulted in some awkward plot developments.

Another point of frustration was Kim Min Jae’s brief appearance. His character was introduced with an air of mystery that piqued my curiosity, yet ultimately, we were left with very little information about him. It felt as though his character was underutilized, despite being important to the storyline. I wanted to learn more about his background and role, but instead, he seemed to fade into the background without making any significant impact.

Overall, this series is decent for passing the time, but I likely won’t watch it again. Once was enough for me. I do have to give props to Woo Do Hwan and Lee Sang Yi for their dedication to building impressive boxer physiques, though!

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was good, but i still like the webtoon more <3

The story unfolds at a slow pace, likely due to the frequent flashbacks that, while necessary for character development, can sometimes feel drawn out. These flashbacks are essential for helping us understand the characters, particularly as we anticipate when the other characters will realize that Ban Ji Eum is actually Yoon Joo Won (her 18th life). However, I can’t help but feel that the narrative has been a bit flat thus far. In the first four episodes, not much has happened, and we often find ourselves revisiting the same flashback scenes repeatedly.

I also believe that Moon Seo Ha could benefit from seeking help from a psychologist or psychiatrist to address his trauma and mental struggles. His character’s depth could be greatly enhanced with a more nuanced exploration of these issues. Despite these concerns, I’m not ready to drop this drama just yet! If you do choose to stop watching, I highly recommend reading the webtoon instead, as it offers a much more enjoyable and heart-fluttering experience.

On a brighter note, Park So Yi, who plays the younger Ban Ji Eum, is a talented actress and incredibly cute—I can’t help but have heart eyes whenever she’s on screen! Additionally, I’m rooting for Cho Won; she and Ha Do Yoon have a lovely chemistry that I can’t wait to see develop further.

And here’s some good news: the story begins to pick up momentum in episode five! YES! I’m excited to see the sisters reunite, and I’m eager to continue this journey with them!

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HYUNOH, the walking RED FLAG

I liked Shin Hae Sun and Kang Hoon in this, but Lee Jin Wook? Couldn’t stand him.
The more I watched, the more I hated his character.

1) He had the same expression no matter the scene. Even in what should have been emotional moments, there was just… nothing. ZERO!
2) Hyunoh is toxic. By the last few episodes, it’s obvious he KNOWS how attached Eunho is to him and how “important” he is to her, and he abused that.

The doctor Eunho’s been seeing? Completely useless. She didn’t do a thing and honestly looked so unconvincing the whole time. And then there’s Jeon Jae Yong—what was even the point of his character? Totally absurd and added nothing to the plot.

There were also some really odd camera angles that were just distracting. Like when someone was talking, instead of showing their face, we were shown the back of their head..?? What kind of information and emotions should I get from the back of their head?

Overall, the storyline fell flat and was just boring. Safe to say, I wouldn’t recommend this one.

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