꧁ Shows I’ve Watched in 2024 ꧂

Completed

‘Mother’ is deeply touching & resonant—told in a poignant narrative. Brilliantly acted by Lee Bo Young (Kang Soo Jin) &  Heo Yool (Hye Na/Yoon Book), their portrayal is nothing short of phenomenal, breathing life into their characters in a truly enthralling way—so much so that I can't imagine anyone else playing their roles any better. This is the first time that I think I’ve become a fan of a child actress; she’s definitely going places in the future.

For years, I have been eyeing this show due to its impressive 9.0 rating, but I lacked the motivation to dive into it due to its synopsis suggesting a heavy narrative that didn’t immediately pique my interest, or should I say, it does not exactly align with the top viewing preferences of most people, including me. Nonetheless, I'm glad I finally gave it a chance. Though the first few episodes weren't as engaging as I had hoped and didn’t really compel me to watch the next, I continued watching (with breaks), and finally in the second half, the story fantastically unfolded in a gripping and poignant manner, compelling me enough to binge-watch it in one sitting. I can promise you that the second half payoff will be absolutely worth it.

Among the Top 50 Rated dramas on MDL, many delve into the theme of motherhood/parenting. And as someone who has watched them all (this being the last), I can confidently attest that this one particularly executed it the best. It was such an intense emotional experience that profoundly moved me in the right way, and I can only deem it a masterpiece within the motherhood/parenting umbrella.

The catharsis it brings out for me, serves as a powerful emotional release, offering some sense of relief, so I hope it does for you too.

The tears were worth it, as was my time.
Highly recommended.

10/10.

Completed

✵ Full Review ✵

◆Most genuine and natural romance with sizzling chemistry.

◆They give me butterflies just by them being in the same airspace.

◆An absolute treat that cures depression, yet causes diabetes.

10/10.

BTS | Interviews | Others | Etc

Episodes: 30
Runtime: 23 Hours

Completed

Heartfelt & healing, I wouldn't mind if this series continued forever.

10/10.

Completed

9/10.

Completed

Entertaining dynamics among the main trio, accompanied by consistently sharp, witty, and funny comedy. The show also succeeds in presenting intriguing and emotionally impactful cases, each with its own compelling storyline that is well-executed. I particularly love how the show effortlessly transitions between moments of laughter and heartfelt emotion, truly a great blend of humor and heart.

While it took me until around Episode 3 to fully get into the show, it ultimately proves to be worth watching.

9/10.

Completed

One of the best found family-themed dramas, with Li Haichao as the best dad the dramaworld has ever offered, hands down.

The drama spans across 3 stages of their lives—as children, teenagers, and adults.
It starts in 1999 in Ep 1, progresses to 2009 by the end of Ep 2, and finally reaches 2019 by Ep 12.
I’ll admit that it took me a week to finish the first 9 eps due to its rather slow pacing, which is necessary as it takes time to build the backstory of the characters. While it has its moments, it didn’t exactly drive me to watch the next episode. This was also partly due to the older setting and duller colors used to depict the past. However, Ep 10 was when it got truly good for me, and when I got interested & invested in the show, subsequently binging the remaining episodes when I had time.

There are plenty of well-written reviews, so I’ll just comment on the minor gripes I had with the show.

I felt that the romantic angle was a bit off. It could have benefited from a more gradual development, either by depicting LJJ having a crush on LX from the onset—even tho there were subtle hints during her teens, although not strong enough imo—or by illustrating LJJ’s gradual realization that her affection for LX extended beyond platonic sibling love. The show missed the opportunity to convey and delve deeper into her real feelings, and kinda jumped the gun of them being together, resulting in a somewhat forced or not as natural progression of their relationship.
Additionally, I believe that the plot involving Chen Ting (LX’s mum) could have been more tightly written. Fyi, she is the most annoying character in the series, even tho I empathized with her to some extent.

Despite all that, the found family bond & the trio girls’ friendship bond >>, making it worth a watch.

Standout Episodes: 10, 17, 25, 28, 29, 30, 33, 35.

9/10.

Completed

“It’s strange, isn’t it? We get married because we’re in love. So why does that love disappear?”

I think what impressed me the most were the intense exchanges between the couple and their exceptional acting. Kim Soo-hyun, in particular, was simply phenomenal. His ability to convey emotions through his microexpressions and the way he pulled off crying scenes were nothing short of an absolute masterclass. I’m really glad that I got to experience those emotions I felt during those moments because it sure was cathartic for me. I also love the OSTs.

It has its flaws for sure, but I'm not going to nitpick on them, since I'm overall satisfied and entertained with the show.

8.5/10.

Episodes Comments

Episode 7: Last scene broke me ㅠㅠ she swears the last thing she would forget is his betrayal, but the first thing she actually forgets is their fight, she only remembers how much she loves him and Hyun-woo giving her the umbrella years ago ㅠㅠ

Episode 8:  A very much-needed epilogue ♡ for such a politics-heavy episode. Hyun-woo really lived up to his promise to be by Hae-in’s side and take care of her even if she is poor, jobless, or in debt.
And I hope Hae-in’s desperation to live will turn out well ㅠㅠ  Hyun-woo really thought that provoking Hae-in would motivate her to live but he failed to realize that a simple statement expressing his desire to stay by her side would ignite her will to keep on living ㅠㅠ

Episode 9: Hae-in: “Do you think being together in this situation will make us happier?”
Hyun-woo: “We’ll be less miserable.”
Ooph, line hits hard. (っ˘ڡ˘ς)

Interviews | BTS | OST | Others

Completed

Some adjustments to the viewing lens first: 
FL might be a bit annoying at the start, but it will get better (by Ep 3) as she slowly opens up to the ML. Cases are rather straightforward, so don't expect any criminal mastermind or complex cases, and I'd suggest not taking the cases too seriously (especially the Office Psychiatrist Case, imo).

The relationship and dynamics progressively improve throughout the episodes, and it's a delight to see. The show is fun and entertaining mainly because of the charming personalities of the characters.

Ep 12 best episode. Absolute cinema.

A very easy watch for the most part. Cast carried—Isoo & Ganghyun chemistry is too good!

Episode 1: Catching a Murderer on the Run Case.
Episode 2–3: Yacht Model Murder Case.
Episode 4–5: Painter Murder Case.
Episode 5–6: Elderly Case.
Episode 7–8: Office Psychiatrist Case.
Episode 9–10: Hotel Set Murder Case.
Episode 11–12: Oryun Community Case.
Episode 13–14: Dead Body at Jin Myungchul’s House Case.
Episode 15–16: Jin Myungchul Case.

8.5/10.

Interviews | BTS | OST | Others

Completed

I initially found it challenging to fully immerse myself in this show due to its slow pacing, but by Episode 7, I was thoroughly drawn in. The plot proved to be intriguing, and I particularly enjoyed the smart, witty, and humorous main character (modern outlook), as well as the intelligence displayed by the majority of the cast as they continuously attempted to outsmart each other. The series maintains a consistently promising tone throughout, making it a compelling historical drama that I would want to watch the sequel of.

8.5/10.

Completed

“We are all youths.
Not despairing in defeat, nor modest in victory.
With sword in hand, righteousness in heart.
The vastness of the sea gives birth to our heroic qualities.
The blooming blossoms make us show the world our joy.
The path ahead is perilous, but we shall not falter.
The company of friends calls for a toast to heaven.
Laugh when you feel like it.
Berate when you’re upset.
Wisdom of the world fills countless volumes, yet we only seek to follow one’s heart, and stay true to oneself.”

“ 我们都是少年。
输时不悲，赢时不谦。
手中握剑，心中有义。
见海辽远就心生豪迈。
见花盛开，也不掩心中喜悦。
前路有险，却不知所畏。
有友在旁就想醉酒高歌。
想笑了就大声笑。
想骂了就破口骂。
人间道理万卷书，只求随心，随性行。”

This show serves as a good example of a wuxia drama done right. 

Do watch the 5-min extra episode as well, it’s like the epilogue, but it’s a must watch.

8.5/10.

Completed

8.5/10.

Completed

Rewatched.

8.5/10.

Completed

8/10.

Completed

Personally not a fan of bullying/delinquents theme, but I must admit that the execution here was just brilliant and riveting. The tone throughout was very immersive and for the content it adapted from, this live-adaptation stood out due to the remarkable acting of the cast, resulting in a more poignant and emotionally charged narrative.

I believe my rating would have been higher had I not already completed the webtoon and possessed prior knowledge/familiarity of what was to come.

7.5/10.

Completed

Earlier episodes weren't as good, and it takes time to eventually like the two new doctors since they will need to go through character development. I wasn't motivated to watch the next until Episode 7. Episodes 7, 8, & 10 were really good and executed well, and most of my marks go to these compelling episodes. The last four episodes seem to build or open for a potential Season 4.

7.5/10.

Completed

7.5/10.

Completed

Entertaining and engaging enough, thanks to the exceptional acting of both Park Seo Joon and Han So Hee. I would say they contributed significantly to the show’s appeal for me.

7.5/10.

Completed

7.5/10.

Completed

The Good Bad Mother, such a fitting title.

“A mother can replace anything in this world. But nothing can replace a mother.”

Peaked on Episode 11–12, and I’m giving +0.5 points to that.

7.5/10.

Completed

7/10.

Completed

I completed the webtoon a few years back and enjoyed both the original story and the changes made in this K-drama adaptation, appreciating its life-affirming message. However, this time around, perhaps due to having more time to process the story in a live-adaptation format, I thought that the ending was bad.

[SPOILERS]
I understand that ending on a more hopeful and happy note could be better for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, as it suggests they still have the opportunity for a "second life"—not in the literal sense, but in the sense that it's not too late, and they can still make better choices. However, while the intention is good, it invalidates everything that the ML has experienced and undermines the core message of the show. We follow the ML throughout his journey of coming to fully regret his suicide, emphasizing and driving home the importance of cherishing one's ONLY ONE life. But by granting the ML a literal second chance at life, the ending contradicts this message entirely and dilutes the impact of his journey. The show should've maintained the theme that "suicide is never the answer" without providing a literal second life for the ML, as it could send a wrong, twisted, counter-message across, imo. I personally think that a more somber ending, although desolate, would have conveyed a stronger message about cherishing one's life and being more thematically consistent with the rest of the narrative.
[END OF SPOILERS]

The plot twists didn't have as much impact on me because I already knew about some of them from reading the webtoon. But that’s just for me, it would probably have a much greater impact on others who are encountering them for the first time.

7/10.

Completed

Not to my taste, but it’s nice to see the perspective of a wise queen diligently striving to protect her children at all costs while adhering to her moral principles, and demonstrating compassion towards others, such as the consorts and their children who deserve it. I particularly liked how the show adeptly captures the nature of a mother's love for her children.

However, I find the motivation of the Queen Dowager, the main antagonist, somewhat weak as it appears to be solely driven by greed for power and position. While this aspect serves to propel the plot forward, the motivation lacks depth and complexity. Nevertheless, I understand that this isn’t the primary focus of the show, but it is still worth noting since it does affect my overall enjoyment after all.

Favorite characters: The Queen, Seongnam, Cheong-Ha.

7/10.

Completed

Despite the cleanly orchestrated and executed plan that gradually choked Park Yeon Jin socially and psychologically, I failed to experience the cathartic release and satisfaction from the revenge, especially given the degree of brutality inflicted upon Moon Dong Eun previously. The retribution administered to Park Yeon Jin felt too light, particularly considering that she emerged relatively unharmed physically, apart from the social ostracization by everyone she knows and her serving jail time, where she faced only slight further mistreatment. Nevertheless, I couldn’t help but be impressed by Im Ji Yeon's acting as Park Yeon Jin; she truly stole the show even as a villain, and I do look forward to her future projects. As for the romance, it failed to engage me at all.

Expected a better payoff but was kinda let down.

7/10.

Completed

Slow-burn revenge. Part 1's storyline continues to build tension and lay the groundwork for forthcoming plans, yet the actual revenge has not yet come to fruition. For now, I'll focus on commending the good acting performances, particularly those of young Moon Dong Eun, both young and adult Park Ji Yeon, and adult Son Myeong Oh. Others also played their respective roles well. I don't believe the romance was necessary, though it's just peripheral at this point to the main plot, so I'll just look past it.

Part 2 will ultimately determine whether the payoff is worth the anticipation built up in Part 1.

6.5/10.

Completed

I decided to give this series a chance because it’s by the same writer who originally wrote Amidst a Snowstorm of Love, a work that I absolutely loved and enjoyed. However, I found myself disappointed mostly.

The writer really did the FL dirty, rendering her as passive, bland, and devoid of any real personality. Apart from her talent in composition and singing, she lacked depth beyond the typical shy and beautiful archetype. Her interactions with the ML felt one-sided, with her merely receiving his advances plainly rather than engaging in any witty conversations or playful teasing. It's clear that the writer aimed to create a love story tailored to younger girls, epitomized by what she perceived as a swoon-worthy all-rounder ML—a doctor who is also somehow a professional dubbing voice actor, an exceptional cook, and an outstanding singer. While I don’t mind escapism and idealistic romance, this goes way too far for me, coming across as superficial and contrived. It’s a portrayal of a perfect dream guy trope, who is utterly besotted with the FL and does everything for her, and the FL is just a blank slate that receives everything and does nothing else. It feels shallow and lacks the depth I crave in a romance. Perhaps there is some surface-level fluff that some people can enjoy, but this doesn’t scratch enough for me now.

While the initial episodes held promise, my enthusiasm for the main couple waned within just 9 episodes, but somehow the fluff magically got back from Ep 28 onwards which truly saved the show. The music performances (Ep 5 & 17 my fav) helped as well, and also the good portrayal of friendship. This series definitely could have been shorter.

TL;DR: I’m quite indifferent to the main couple dynamics, due to the poor character writing of the FL (script issue, actress acted well).

6/10.

Completed

Love Like the Galaxy truly peaked between Ep 47 and 49. Ep 47 lays the groundwork for an epic climax, which unfolds with breathtaking brilliance in Ep 48 & 49. Wu Lei's portrayal during these pivotal episodes transcends excellence, showcasing a depth of emotion and nuanced that defies expectations, especially considering his character's typically cold & composed demeanor. While I had always known he was a great actor from his other works, I was genuinely impressed by the range and subtlety he brought to his performance in this climax. The direction, cinematography, atmosphere, music, emotions, and overall execution of these episodes are executed flawlessly, earning them my utmost admiration and praise. All my marks are given here.

However, the subsequent five-year separation time-skip and certain questionable plot choices, left me perplexed. Specifically, I struggled to understand CSS's choice to remain with the empress and remain estranged from her family for such a prolonged period. While this gap did aid in repairing her familial relationships, I couldn't help but question its necessity. Similarly, Buyi's extended period of reflection and repentance over five years seemed excessive—was it truly warranted? These lingering doubts and frustrations ultimately diminished my investment in their eventual reunion, and I could no longer feel the sparks by the end.

I also found myself grappling with the series' pacing issues and I strongly believe that the series could do without the unnecessary drama caused by 1-dimensional noble characters (as previously criticized in my Part 1 comments). CSS’s character is a little inconsistent as well; while she has moments of strength and depth, there are times when her actions are frustrating to watch, especially when it seems she has regressed rather than matured as a character.

I struggled to get through most episodes.

6/10.

Completed

Peaked during Episode 8–9, where the interactions and communications were good, and Park Shin-hye acted really well then.

However, I lost interest on around Episode 10–11 and it was truly a slog to get through the remaining of the episodes. I felt that the psychological takes on issues like depression or PTSD were explored rather poorly—at least it did not seem to be in good depth.

Overall, a forgettable show that failed to leave any impact on me.

5.5/10.

Completed

While I understand that the premise centers around middle-school romance, I found it to be too puppy love and slightly excessive in its cheesiness for my liking. The main couple's dynamic felt too simplistic, featuring a stereotypical stoic male lead and a bubbly female lead. Their portrayal felt too shallow, making it difficult for me to invest in their relationship. I’m actually more drawn to the secondary couple's relationship, finding it to be more engaging and enjoyable.

I generally have a preference for more nuanced, mature, and authentic portrayals of romance. But given the established premise of middle-school romance, I hope my critique is valid enough of a point.

5.5/10.

Completed

Also known as The Founder of Diabolism and Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation.

I'd like to preface by stating that I have a dislike for BL content. Even though The Untamed is under censorship, and one could technically interpret or pretend it all as 'bromance,' the romantic undertones are too obvious to ignore, which greatly diminishes the enjoyment I had.

While there's undoubtedly more to the story, given its heavy focus on their interactions and relationship dynamics, which I have zero interest in, this series is a miss for me.

5.5/10.

Completed

I thought I had a higher tolerance for noble idiocy and miscommunication, but the constant cat-and-mouse between the leads throughout the show left me exhausted for a large part, and not in a positive way.

This show is relentlessly brutal, filled with suffering and angst, suffering and even more suffering. Yet, there are too few relieving moments to offset the gloomy tone (except last 2 episodes). Sure, it’s expected in a war-themed show with historical commentary, but the imbalance just leaned too much for my liking, making me struggle to finish the show.

As for whether Gil Chae was raped/abused — I understood what the writer & directors intended. Whether she was raped or not truly did not matter in the end. The abuse she underwent did not need a name. The way the husband and even her sister harped on it drove home the point poignantly. Somehow her return is completely overshadowed by was she-was she not. To Jang Hyun it did not matter. And to Gil Chae, it never was the point. This was highlighted by the strongest dialogue in the entire series spoken, and executed brilliantly by Jang Hyun (Namgoong Min’s acting >>) on Ep 17 (Ep 7 of Part 2). FYI, I did not think she was raped — the cultural and social context of that time period was drastically different from now, as seen in one scene of Eun Ae’s reaction to being touched by a foreign invader on her wrist, where she initally deemed herself as ‘tainted & has lost her chastity’, as her husband too, so the fact that Gil Chae said that she was ‘abused’ did not imply that she got raped imo. Still, props to the production for skillfully selling the idea that it matters not.

5.5/10.

Completed

Jeez, this has a depressing tone throughout, and the FL is real annoying when it comes to communicating with the ML. I felt so much angst for the ML, and he’s just way too underappreciated in the show.

I hope Part 2 will have more moments to compensate or at least balance off the angst so far.

5/10.

Completed

Brutally slow-paced, one of the slowest slow-burn romances ever.

This first part irks me. 3 potential love interests—LBY, Lou Yao, & Yuan Shen—for CSS were bearable until the decision to pull a marriage arc between CSS & Lou Yao that lasted from Ep 14 - 21, a terrible move imo. Lou Yao‘s character is plain asf; he’s your nice, kind, obedient, yet uninteresting guy, and we all know he’s not the endgame. It feels pointless, providing character development for CSS by subjecting her to a toxic family dynamic. Surely there’s a better way? It’s frustrating that LBY has to watch from the sidelines, appearing indifferent yet silently jealous as CSS & Lou Yao progress. I felt that the series is heavily geared towards the female audience; second-lead syndrome, multiple suitors vying for CSS,  powerful & handsome LBY putting in all the work but totally one-sided (entire Part 1), etc.

I dislike overly complicated love relationships that tangle with multiple parties, but if all this sounds fine, you might like the ‘growth’ of the smart, strong & independent, yet immature & stubborn CSS in the process.

Oh, there’s also a bunch of bitchy, spiteful spoiled nobles who serve nothing more as a foil for CSS to leave them speechless with words or for LBY to swoop in and ‘save the day’. It might be satisfying to see them being ‘face-slapped’ by the guy they like, and for him to do so for CSS whom they despise and belittle. For me, while they drove the progress of CSS & LBY relationship forward in Ep 24 which is good, their shallow presence is still more annoying than rewarding overall. I’d prefer more complex & nuanced characters that appears to be smarter writing, if you know where I’m coming from.

CSS finally realizes that LBY is good to her in Ep 27.
I’ll probably enjoy Part 2 more.

5/10.

Completed

“Five minute extra episode of the group's return to Snow Mountain Villa after years of being away and an unexpected guest arrives to join them. A reunion of Xiao Se and Wu Xin is also inevitable.”

I won’t be rating extra or special episodes.

Completed

Special Episode 1 — BTS stories from the filming set revealed by Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won, Park Sung-hoon, Kwak Dong-yeon, and Lee Joo-bin. Q&A, NGs, vivid behind-the-scenes and highlights of the famous scenes. Unfortunately, the main cast couldn’t gather together and they have to do the interview separately.

Special Episode 2 — Reveals the making of <Queen of Tears>, which captivated viewers. From the stunning visuals of the German locations to the cutting-edge virtual studio, and the four seasons captured by <Queen of Tears>, a 390-day journey is depicted vividly. The power of CGI.
It also shines a light on the extraordinary cameos by Oh Jung-se, Song Joong-ki, Kim Shin-rok, Hong Jin-kyung, Jo Se-ho, Nam Chang-hee, and others, which have never been seen before, as well as the memorable scenes that moved viewers’ hearts. In particular, it adds to the curiosity by showing the real-time reactions of fans that stirred up the community with each episode.
Furthermore, the stories of fans still yearning for <Queen of Tears> even after the drama has ended will be revealed. As <Queen of Tears> gained immense popularity worldwide, viewers from all over the globe are sending warm regards regardless of borders, adding even more warmth to their final farewell.

I won’t be rating special episodes.

Completed

TV Show instead of Drama/Movie so I’m separating it from the rest.

• Season 1 games were more fun and creative (mythology-themed >> underground-themed). Here, some of the games were reused, and I still dislike the 1 vs. 1 Ball-Snatching game. Season 2 games, however, felt more physically demanding overall in some sense than Season 1, and really, there should be a female version of Physical 100 because it’s literally impossible for females to win under this format, and this season just proved it more.
• Most deserving finalists, in the sense that both are extremely well-rounded in all aspects, but the final game could have been fairer if they had fixed the height of the pole so that it wouldn’t move vertically. There was already a weight difference (which is fine since it can be overcome with strength), but a game-changing element like the pole tilting heavily favors the heavier party gravitationally and shouldn’t have existed. Still, a rather deserved winner, although I’d prefer the other guy winning due to his better story and attitude.

Well, I’m still entertained, though not greatly.

Season 3 will likely be more international with its allegedly Asia format.

6.5/10.