First off, I'm proud of Miyeon's acting debut, it's an okay start for her. I hope she receives more offer and take it as an opportunity to improve her acting. I'd love to see her in more dramas. For the plot, it was nothing special and I also did not expect anything grand because this isn't a full drama. It was just full of cute, cheesy, fluffy, and all these sweet stuffs you usually see in cliché dramas. It was quite bearable for me because it wasn't over the top but I also could not overlook how it fell short to me at times. Although the leads were cute individually, I felt like their chemistry was nowhere to be found most of the time, maybe because this is a first for Miyeon. As for the other casts, they played their role equally well. I didn't feel any SLS at all and I find Lee Jihoon's character boring at times. But overall, the gang was fun to watch. I just had minor issues with some characters and also the main's chemistry. For the OSTs, they were the most fun part of the drama. I really like them!

To wrap up, this drama is perfect to relax and not think of anything deep, also if you can bear even the slightest of cheesiness it offers. It was an okay watch for me. (PS: I started this drama because I am a fan of (G)I-dle, cheering for Cho Miyeon's acting career!)

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This drama had huge potential. Right from the start, it was an interesting watch that viewers would easily get hook by the mystery of the unknown world. However, I just can't seem to feel the main leads' chemistry, leading me to frustrations over their undying wish to save each other. Sometimes, I even wish to see the two of them die because their lovey dovey scenes didn't work to me. That part of the plot ruined the drama for me. For the thriller and action parts, it was interesting and for most part, I've enjoyed it. For the characters, I really liked Nam Ji Ah in the beginning but as the story unfolds, I grew to dislike her for being a nuisance for almost everyone. I also have to admit, my favorite part was when every time the Imoogi comes out of her, Jo Bo Ah nailed it. Everything else was okay, I can overlook minor issues along the way. However, here comes the ending. Lee Rang was already happy and contented but why did they choose to kill his character? I thought they would do something about it. It frustrates me just by thinking that when one main character dies, everyone would do anything but when a side character dies unnecessarily, it's okay for all. I mean for other cases, it would be okay for me too but that was sudden and felt unnecessary. I'd rather choose an ending where the leads got to reincarnate and meet again or a cliffhanger, because I've already prepared myself at the beginning. Anyways, I have mixed feelings with this drama. Maybe people who are only after the action, thrillers or legends, would enjoy this, but I will not recommend it openly to friends who would want to watch a drama of the same genre.

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It could've been done better, but they chose not to.

Started this drama because of SWDBS, which is one of my favourites of all time. However, this drama fell terribly short compared to SWDBS. At first, I thought it was unique because we started good with the story— how the villain was smarter and the whole premise of hunting down the root of this whole drug chain. I have to admit, the story here was more interesting than SWDBS because it has more depth. However, why did they chose to give us crap the whole duration of the drama?

First, the female lead. I get how she was clueless when she arrived for the first time in South Korea. But she didn't change at all. She was immature and child like all along, her character didn't develop one bit.

Second, the romance. It gets me frustrated how we got to see A LOT MORE cute fluffy scenes between the FL and the villain but almost none was given between her and the ML. Why are we shipping the villain with the FL more than the ML? Besides, there is no chemistry at all between the FL and ML. It's like we were forced to think the two love each other even though we were not given much scenes to feed that fantasy. And it's annoying how the FL just went around flirting with the villain then going back to the ML like she loves him all her life.

Third, the villain being the most pitiful yet given the worst treatment and ending ever. I believe his past was enough to give justice for his actions, but how come they had to use the FL to make another heartbreak for him? Are we supposed to hate or empathize? There's so much going on with him, almost making him the main character rather than the other main leads.

Fourth, Namsoon's neglectful mother. She'd rather save the world than give a f*k about her children. She's been thought as a mother who cares about her children, but in reality, she was really neglectful of them— she doesn't even know what's going on with her son and to think she's so willing to give Namsoon a difficult job that could endanger her life, like she could easily die even with that immense strength. I liked the father more. He was more parent material to his children.

Fifth, the unnecessary love line between Namsoon's grandmother and a barista. I swear, they got more lovey-dovey screen time than the main couple. I know it was for comedic purposes, but who the hell cares we don't need them and they were so cringey all the way.

I'm really mad I have to force finish this drama in hopes of watching a better ending or development, but to my dismay. I should've dropped this earlier. Giving this a 5 for the supposed to be good storyline plus good start. But everything fell off so this also fells off as the worst kdrama I watched this 2023.

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My type of drama

I really love this drama. It's heartwarming and fun to watch. I don't know but I really have a thing with seeing two characters with a past and suddenly meeting again and sparkling their feelings which never really ended. I loved each and every character here. Gook Yeon Su was a character I can relate to in some way. She's seen as a strong, nonchalant, person but she's actually in pain and has a lot of sadness inside. Choi Ung on the other hand, was nice to see as he looks clueless, slow-witted, but definitely warm to people around him. I love how their love for each other bloomed after letting out their thoughts and emotions which were once untold. It makes me think that this kind of situation, actually happens in real life where a relationship falls apart because of misunderstanding and not being open to one another. I love how they lowkey care for each other even when they already broke up. I think they were the cutest! Can't get enough of them. The side characters were also fun to watch. Kim Ji Ung was not your toxic second lead who forces his way to the FL's heart. Rather, it was more realistic of them to focus his attention to his current situation; his loneliness and emptiness. I think it was a bit frustrating to watch that almost everyone has a sad story with them, but also, quite interesting and not over done. I think everyone was well written, with depth, interesting, and worth your time. I cried a couple of times and was feeling all emotional because this drama was well done. The reason why I'm not giving it a full rating because I admit, sometimes, I also felt like it was too sad for me as almost every character feels lonely and sad in the drama. But that's it! Setting that aside, I love everything about this drama. The cinematography, OSTs (try not to cry while they play challenge), plot, script, and the characters. It was an overall great watch to me. Might need to rewatch this in the future. Highly recommended.

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Despite reading a lot of negative reviews and criticisms about this drama, I chose to be true with my thoughts about it. Start-Up has the right amount of feel good moments, unrealistic, dreamy, but that's exactly what I wanted as of the time I started this. Honestly, I've never really had high expectations for this drama that's why I enjoyed watching it. That alone can make me overlook loopholes because I was just after the cute interactions of the characters. I didn't have second lead syndrome, which is new to me. Although Han Ji Pyeong was an okay partner for Seo Dal Mi, I was rooting for Nam Do San for her since the beginning because I think they're really cute. Overall, I didn't have major problem nor did I hate this drama with all my heart, though there were really those moments when I felt frustrated. If you're up for some light hearted drama, confident about not getting SLS, and overall just after the characters' moments, then this drama could be for you. Plus, there are some lessons about business too, which could be very useful for someone who would take that route.

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I really don't have much to say about the story aside from it's kinda cliché but not entirely. There's not much to it, thus may look bland and boring for other viewers. However, the casting did great. They literally brought life and light to the story. I shouldn't be too biased with just the visuals but I am. I really like Ha Ram's red eyes here ?? That being said, the thing I really liked about this was the actors who played their roles. Although I find it hard to like some characters like the Prince who had a crush on Chun Gi, I didn't feel SLS or anything. Also, at times, I can't just overlook how overly protective the main leads' are with each other and how $tuPid their decisions might become because of their unconditional love. But it wasn't a major issue for me though. Overall, it was an okay drama to watch. Perfect for viewers who doesn't want too much drama, more on romance, and of course, who enjoys historical ones. Just be reminded that this isn't something that has more depth in it, just some drama you can love or hate depending on your mood/taste.

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I started this drama because I was looking for a good comedy kdrama and was not disappointed. There were a lot of quirky moments, heartwarming relationships, cute bonds, action scenes, as the list goes on, this is not just comedy centered but to a more precise plot and path. Although I liked most part, the acting, visuals, even the plot, two things primarily bothered me. First, some characters who had suddenly changed their attitude. There's not even a build up, just a complete 180-degree of change in personality– though in a good note but still, I find it quite fast. Second is the number of episodes. At some point while watching, I kinda felt bored and felt like everything has become repetitive? The introductory part of the story, which is the starting point of all, just vanished into thin air until the last 2-3 episodes. Idk, it would've been better if they congested it in 16 episodes? Aside from the two mentioned, everything else was good. Starting off with our very charismatic male lead; Kim Nam Gil slayed his role well. I think no one else could've done better. Ha Nee also was impressive and the character she played was really comedic,, and loud lmao. Overall, this was such a good watch. All characters were entertaining and just the perfect drama to detoxify you from makjangs (for example Penthouse ㅋㅋ)

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I just couldn't get to sit another four hours for this drama.

It started off really good and interesting. It's quite refreshing. The plot was kinda unique as we were introduced to a girl who survived 15 years in a deserted island and how she continued to pursue her dream. OSTs too were really great, and I'm surprised Park Eunbin herself sang to some (or all?) of the songs performed in the drama. I also do love the whole moral of the drama — if you want something, it will come to you in one way or another.

However, I lost interest midway, torturing myself to finish the 7th and 8th episode until I decided to drop this. To be honest, I find it cringe; mainly because of the FL and the whole ass love triangle. She was rather more mature when she was 16 than when she turned 31. Also, how quick she had a change of heart. One time she's all willing to be a singer, and the next thing we knew, she's all out supporting her idol like someone who doesn't have a dream for herself. It's like she didn't have that solid character. Another thing is the love line *sigh* I'm sorry for those who loved the romance but it's a no for me. There's no chemistry whatsoever with the ML and FL, their younger selves played it better. And the fact that the other brother literally did more things for the FL than ML himself? But in the end we're forcing that sweet highschool buddies to be together? I'd rather love to see them highlight FL's journey to getting the spotlight rather than unnecessary romance in between.

Thanks for the good songs from this drama though. I'll still listen to them, they're really good.

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WE NEED SEASON 4

First off, I just would like to commend the build up of the story line from the Season 1 up to Season 3. I honestly did not like it that much at first because it was kinda confusing to me, and also because I was not familiar with a tv show mixed with drama elements like how it is heavily scripted compared to usual tv shows. But then again, I've learned to like this show as I keep on watching. In Season 2, I was impressed by how they leveled up the missions and the mysteries that need to be solved. Same is true with Season 3, actually more refined and connected that's why I like it the most. I also love the little laughs in between because honestly, I started this show for Jaesuk and Kwangsoo and I'm not disappointed because they made me laugh lol. Likewise with the other members, they were super fun to watch too that's why I learned to love them. With that mentioned, I also would like to commend how the casting was made. It was perfect! There were actors, comedians, and idols, this diversity of characters brought more interest in the show. The teamwork also is awesome and how they emit chemistry despite being different from each other. The only thing I didn't like probably were those confusing moments and questions left unanswered. Overall, this show was a great watch. I recommend checking all seasons and also hope to have Season 4!!

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Perfect to binge watch

If you're looking for a thriller, gore, or action filled drama, then this one might be for you. As someone who didn't read the webtoon, it didn't affect my judgement nor I've expected anything from this, because I have zero knowledge on how things went in the webtoon. In my personal point of view based only on what I've watched, I think this is a good drama. Not a big fan of gore, thriller, horror nor action but I actually liked this. The pace of the story was just perfect, from how they cut each episode to have the audience wanting to watch the next episode immediately, to how impactful each episode was. It has this aspect that keeps me on my seat and totally focused on the things that are happening. For the characters, the actors truly played them well, from the main roles to the supporting roles. (Song Kang was really cute btw). I was hooked because of how well they put into life each of their characters. For the effects and monsters, they were also well done– disgustingly good. Actually I've seen the four actors (Lee Do Hyun, Lee Jin Wook, Song Kang, and Lee Si Young) in Running Man when they appeared to promote the drama and because of that, I got a glimpse of the story. Basically humans become monsters when they give in to their desires. That I think is a good life lesson, that we should not let our desires take over and eat us. This drama is basically telling us that we humans are the ones who are making us transform into something else and that's because of our unstoppable greed over something we wanted so bad. I also really like the heartwarming interactions between characters and how they slowly grew to each other, within that 10 episodes. The only reason why I'm giving this a 9 and not a perfect 10 is because I was looking for something else (or Idk if it is more on personal preference) and also because we got that cliffhanger ending. Wishing for a next season because I want to see more of this. Overall, I really like this drama and it is one of those which is perfect to binge watch when you're up for a genre of this type.

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Intelligently made

I enjoyed watching this drama. It is rare to see dramas put the spotlight to an evil character and this drama pulled it off too well. The murders of the serial killer was well thought of, intelligent, and mind blowing. He has really no ounce of empathy left in his heart. I also love how they didn't make him seem like he turned evil because of his past but actually evil because he chose to surrender to his thoughts. Although I was quite disappointed when the serial killer got amnesia and forgot his indentity, and I was complaining the whole time on why an innocent character like Sung Yo Han has to die being labelled as the serial murderer. Anyways, I give all the applause to Lee Seung Gi for delivering his character so well. The characters were amazing too, specially Go Mu Chi. However, it gets a little confusing to me when the story keeps on getting tangled to more details that could either answer an existing question or bring another puzzle to make sense. Overall, this was a great watch. I enjoyed the murders (I may look like someone who enjoys killing but that's not it), I think they were really detailed and well written. I could have enjoyed this more if it weren't for spoilers I saw on TikTok (that's why I knew beforehand it was Jang Ba Reum who is actually the serial murderer).

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Probably the first Japanese series I've finished (or I just can't remember others). Anyway, I'm a huge KDrama fan and was just curious to this one as this was just recommended by someone. Honestly, I really enjoyed this. Every game was well thought. The writer/s were intellectual in choosing their games. It was crazy and blood thirsty (as far as I can describe). I was not a fan of gore and brutal killing in my years of watching dramas but this one made me want to watch more. Amidst the chaos this series has, I also enjoyed some emotional moments between and among the characters. I think the male and female lead did a good job in playing their roles. I also commend how strong they were, not just physically but mentally and intellectually, because it was justifiable that they were able to survive a lot of games. If one of them was just a bit negative or is rather weak in handling the situation, it would not be realistic for him/her to survive. Overall a good watch to me. Looking forward to some amazing, crazy, and mind blowing season 2 and I hope it would be better than this.

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Refreshing

This drama has the charms I was looking for. It was light, fresh, new, chill, and definitely teaches you some things about life. I really like slice of life dramas and it was to my taste. The couple were so cute. Hong Du Sik's character was new to me as I've never seen any male lead of such traits and characteristics. He and Yoon Hye Jin really is a match made in heaven. All the other side characters too were likeable. Each one of them was given spotlight and it was heartwarming to see them gather and talk like a whole big family. This drama gave me a Reply Series vibe and I'm not complaining. Definitely loved watching it and would rewatch if given the time.

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Predictable

Right off the bat, when I saw one of the characters' name, I had high suspicions that he's the ultimate killer. In Hangul, a criminal is translated as 범인 (beom-in) which sounds so alike with Beom Jin. It was just my instinct at first but I just couldn't brush the thought off. So I just observed the character until he went really strange and suspicious. With that, the thrill and guessing games just flew off the windows. All that is left to me was some cliché power greedy, chaebol dominating the world story. Also the school violence and bullying (which nowadays wasn't a match for me). There were some satisfying moments when the leads won over something. Also, the OST (Idk the title) was great. It lived up to the vibe of the drama. I think a lot of characters were rather annoying or frustrating than I imagined so it's also a negative side to me. I'm giving points to the OST and some moments I liked but overall, this drama didn't leave me good impressions.

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First off, hands down to Lee Ha Nee for bringing so much life to her character. Her character Cho Yeon Joo was very similar to that of her character in Fiery Priest: both prosecutors, similar traits, and even the way they speak. But I don't have a problem with it, in fact, it was nice seeing Father(from Fiery Priest)'s cameo in one of the eps. What I like about this drama was Cho Yeon Joo's strong character. She's literally the reason why I managed to finish this one. If you're looking for a makjang-ish drama but with a feisty and crazy female lead, then this one might be for you. As for the story, I wouldn't say it was fresh or new because it isn't. Amensia, chaebol, evil mother-in law, all you ever hated in a makjang is here. The difference really layed on the female lead, which saved the drama for me. If you want a good laugh and a satisfying watch, then this one might be for you.

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