Honest BL Ranking
A place where I (Nico) rank and write my honest thoughts about the BL shows I obsessively watch.
Sorted by personal preference, with extensive commentary about the plot, the acting, the (supposedly) intimacy between characters and everything I find relevant.
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1. A Tale of a Thousand Stars
Thai Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
- PERFECT
- you will need emotional and financial compensation at the end
- the main characters are amazing, the actors work so well together, the relationship made my eyes tear up (from love, and from sadness) several times
- the last 4 episodes are a pain fest, very angsty (as per usual in BL dramas), but I promise it's all worth it in the end
- even tho i usually hate slowburns (and this one really puts the "slow" in it) i still loved it more than words can express
- if the question is: should you watch this? YES. yes, you really should, you will fall in love with Tian and Chief Phupha and all the kids
- the kids and the villagers really set the tone of the show, it makes everything really nostalgic and warm and homey... the kids were a definite highlight for me
- thank you Mix for being such a good actor, every time you cried i was right behind you, tears in my eyes
- and thank you Earth for being the best eye candy ever (and also an amazing actor, the portrayal of emotions in a emotionally repressed person can't be easy but you did an awesome job)
- there's minimal intimacy, but it makes sense for the development, and it didn't bother me one bit (which it usually does)
- also, the OST slaps!
- a 10/10, i hope there's a second season, but i don't know if my heart could handle the rewatch
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2. HIStory3: Trapped
Taiwanese Special - 2019, 20 episodes
- so, so, SO GOOD.
- first of all: shows where the plot is more than the get-together, and that go beyond the romance aspect, really hit different
- the main couple? amazing, their chemistry is breathtaking, the actors are just-- so good, the whole plot was so beautifully written
- mob boss and goody-two-shows cop fall in love, what more do i need to say?
- the crime solving aspect of it was actually pretty gripping, and kept me guessing almost until the end
- the way they fall in love is so sweet and... i want to say organic, but there are some things that were maybe forced upon them (one of them usually has the fault tho)
- the side couple? nearly perfect, so sweet, so entertaining, i can't put in words how much i love them
- all around, every character was really well written and had a lot of depth, much more than they let on at first
- i really liked how it was filmed and how they really played with opposites in the composition, and the music added so much to the scenes
- it was so good that i didn't even care for any jealousy or miscommunication that might have happened, because it was so well handled and it was never dragged out for the sake of creating plot
- i honestly understand why this is one of the "must watch" bl shows, it's one of those that really raises the standards for other dramas
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3. Lovely Writer
Thai Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
- absolutely mind blowing
- firstly: the chemistry between the main characters/actors? 15/10
- it does an AMAZING job tackling the problems in the bl industry. first of all, it talks a lot about the fans and their perceived ownership of the actors (and their relationships) - the expectation that, to star in bl shows, the lead actors have to be dating or even romantically involved
- it also touches on the editing industry, and how authors are often forced to write things they don't feel comfortable with just to appease the publisher
- i don't know how to explain it but... the story just flows so well! it all feels so thought out and beautifully put together
- the arc about families, coming out and how parents feel like they need to mourn their children because their sexual orientation? and then realizing it's none of their business? chef's kiss
- tum and tiffy's story is so well written, i love them, and the critic of gender stereotypes is incredible
- hin is a baby, i love him to pieces. his growth and how he was always there for gene, true friendship
- AND, controversial, i adore aoey. not only does the actor do an amazing job at portraying this character, and his many (conflicting) emotions, but i love that he has redeemable qualities - clearly struggled a lot through life and is trying to be better - but just that is not enough to gain forgiveness, not without making amends for your mistakes. it's heart breaking
- still: justice for aoey!
- gene and nubsib's relationship is so healthy, and that's what matters the most. even tho gene sometimes falls in the tsundere-trope, they still communicate and overcome problems by listening to each other
- ONE OF THE BEST BLS OF ALL TIME!
- is the ending a little weird? yes. is the whole show (especially the last thirty minutes) so meta that it's a bit creepy? yes. but i would still die to defend this beautiful mess
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4. We Best Love: Forever the First
Taiwanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
- short but AMAZING
- 100% worth the watch
- classic enemies-to-lovers trope (more like rivals-to-lovers tbh), with some unrequited love and gay awakening added to the mix
- the actors are beautiful, and are actually great actors
- i mean it: there's real tears, the shy and awkward moments never feel forced, and their smiles killed me every single time
- the story is cute, the pacing is just right (and doesn't allow for out of place conflict), and the main character's relationship is nothing short of perfect
- great (but few) kisses and affection displays!
- if you like it as much as me, a word of advice: don't watch the scene after episode 6's ending credits not the special episode unless you want to immediately binge the whole second season
- 10/10, will rewatch for sure
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5. HIStory4: Close to You
Taiwanese Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
- AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, EVERYTHING WE COULD'VE ASKED FOR
- I still need to binge-rewatch this to have a better review
- Mu Ren and Li Cheng? perfect couple, amazing chemistry, all that's good in the world
- the side couple: cute, but there's some... consent issues (the only reason I don't give this a 10/10)
- Meifang is the best, I love her, no female-character bashing on my watch
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6. Manner of Death
Thai Drama - 2020, 14 episodes
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7. Like in the Movies
Filipino Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
- the only reason this show isn't a 10/10 is because it lacked something: one more episode
- the pacing, their relationship, their struggles, it all felt so organic and genuine
- the chemistry between the main characters? chef's kiss, the best out there
- the side characters? funny, meaningful, made me love this drama even more, were key points to the main characters development and not just comedy outlets, not cringy to the point i couldn't enjoy watching it (thank the gods)
- FINALLY a bl show that doesn't shy away from homosexuality and uses the trope of only-gay-for-you (which is cute, but tires easily)
- it tackles the ingrained homophobia so realistically, the self-hate, the denial, the fear, and the coming to terms with who you really are, but at your own pace
- honestly - even tho i really wish there was at least another episode so it could have a nice conclusion, and maybe some moments domestic bliss and them being absolutely in love with each other - this series did an amazing job at portraying well-rounded characters, the hardships people (no matter the sexuality) encounter at the begging at relationships and, especially, the blossom and development of feelings for another person
- the movie-loving aspect was such a nice detail, and if you pay attention it makes all of the interactions feel so much more meaningful and beautiful
- also, the cinematography? amazing. the soundtrack? perfect.
- the dialogues, the way the actors interact with each other? FLAWLESS.
- might have several of my favorite quotes ever!
- the "you can just say gay, it's not a dirty word" and "if it's okay, why does it look like i just accused you of a crime?" moments absolutely destroyed me
- "I refuse to be a plot device that triggers somebody else's identity crisis"
- 100% will rewatch in the future!
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8. Love by Chance
Thai Drama - 2018, 14 episodes
- originally rated it a 8.5, but the more I thought about it (and watched the cursed 2nd season), the more I've come to the conclusion that this deserves AT LEAST a 9
- the only reason it's not higher is because I'm not a huge fan of Saint's acting (probably an unpopular opinion, maybe it's more about the characters he's given)
- has the best "top" main character I've seen so far! I have become a member of Ae's protection squad
- but really, great lead, healthy relationship and proper communication
- has absolutely 0 (zero) flaws
- (every time someone said Ae (Perth) is not handsome my heart broke a little, and I do not like men)
- at least 8 out of the 9 stars belong to Ae (and Perth, the actor), for such an amazing portrayl
- cute storyline, both the main and side couples; strangers to lovers and enemies to lovers (thankfully no slowburn)
- healthy relationships with parents, GREAT FRIENDSHIPS
- I'm once again asking for Justice for Tar and Tum, they really deserve it. At least give Tar a happy ending, I am begging!
- Kengla, if you were real you'd be super creepy, but we try not to mind
- Tin is part of the "guys we hate to love" gang, and we really do love him
- CANTALOUPE!
(a very biased and chaotic "review", I am very sorry)
Thai, 2018 -
9. You Make Me Dance
Korean Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
- SHORT but sweet
- honestly a balm to the soul, i just wanna wrap my arms around this show and never let go
- the main actors are so good! especially won hyung hoon who plays a character so unlike himself (i might have a soft spot for him, i'll admit)
- it's cute, it's so f*cking cute
- the main characters are a shark loan and a indebted student that get thrown together because of life's weird turns and twists, but also because they are meant to be
- there's dance, dreamy boys, find your passion again after giving up, and a lot of love (also a sprinkle of angst, but it was bearable)
- RED THREAD LEGEND
- i'm so glad i watched it
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10. Where Your Eyes Linger
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
- short, like all korean bls
- i don't even know what to say, it was so cute, i just ate it all up
- there's a bit of angst, unrequited love that's not really unrequited, violence (one of the main characters is a bodyguard, that's why)
- their relationship? amazing. the side characters? great. the father? absolute trash.
- i really, really liked it!
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11. Mr.Heart
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
- checks all the boxes: cute, funny, angsty, all around heart-warming
- about a guy who runs marathons because he loves them, and a guy who started running because he likes the first guy. there, that's the plot.
- there's some minor angst involving debt and loan-sharks, which means it has the typical violence and anxiety associated with those situations
- one of the main characters is the most adorable bean ever, i love him so much
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12. Colore Rush
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
- most interesting trope i've ever seen in a bl, but it needed more time for the story to develop properly
- a twisted approach to the a soulmate!au where people only see color after they see their other half; in color rush there are some people (monos) that only see in black and white, except when they're looking directly at the face of their "chosen one" (probes)
- in this world of people who are deprived of seeing color, monos have a tendency to become obsessed (and violent) to their probes
- of course, the main characters are a pair of mono+probe
- the relationship is super interesting because the mono tries his best to not become obsessed, because he doesn't want to become a criminal
- the probe guy is super pushy, but i still love him. he just wants attention, and be close to the only person he can recognize, and he plays dirty to get what he wants
- there's a subplot of mystery/kidnapping, but nothing gets actually revealed in the first season
- i really liked it, but because it's so short it felt kinda incomplete and rushed (i'm hoping for a second season now!)
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13. We Best Love: The Runner-Up Strikes Back
Taiwanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
(continuation of "We Best Love: No.1 For You", you HAVE to watch that first!)
- i... suffered, a lot
- if you intend to watch it because you loved the pacing, plot or environment of the first season: take a deep breath and go to sleep before you start this
- angst fest! everyone is sad, everyone is hurt, everyone is mean to each other
- of course there's a big misunderstanding no one has the initiative to clear up
- bad parenting; i don't care for the under-the-rug-sweeping of shitty decisions
- the first half of the season was like they stabbed me multiple times in the heart and then slowly took their time twisting the knife around
- the second half it's cute (at least for the main characters), but it still didn't make up for my pain
- bonus points: exploration of Shi De's cousin story!
- it still deserves an 8.5 because if the actors weren't so damn good i wouldn't have suffered so much, the deliverance is perfect, and the pacing still makes way too much sense
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14. 2gether: The Series
Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
- main characters chemistry - 10/10
- one of the side couples is kinda problematic
- (but the other is perfect)
- has minimal kissing/touching :(
- story flows well and is really cute
- sometimes it's the same drama over and over again
- (expected nothing else from a BL drama)
edited review:
- originally 9.5 but i had to rank it down a bit
- only stays this high because I still maintain that the story is overall cute, the actors have great chemistry with each other, and the first 10 episodes are amazing
- the truth is the characters actually lose... closeness(?) as the story progresses, going as far at not looking comfortable kissing in private even tho they are clearly intimate with each other
- there's a lot of awkwardness I can't get over, and the use of a female character for the sole purpose of moving the story forward, which I'm not a fan of
- Sarawat still has my whole heart tho
Thai, 2020
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15. Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
- very cute
- i don't think it's too remarkable (and tbh i can't remember most of the plot) but the relationship? 10/10.
- great pacing, so sweet, slow-burn with a splash of magic
- it's an 8 because it works amazingly as a comfort show, watching it feels like a warm hug after a hard day. i really appreciate that
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16. Theory of Love
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
- i have many feelings about his
- almost as frustrating as itsay
- EVERYTHING COULD HAVE BEEN SOLVED WITH A 2 MINUTE CONVERSATION
- i'm not a fan of miscommunication as a plot device, especially when that miscommunication happens to be in 90% of the show
- there was a review that said "Be warned, you will find yourself wanting to go through the tv or computer screen and shake all of the characters and yell "snap out of it!"" and honestly? that perfectly sums it up
- lots of tears, one of the main actors is great at crying on demand
- i love the chance in pov that happens in the middle of the show, when it goes from third's struggles to khai's attempt to change
- I also love off jumpol
- these are the two (2) redeeming qualities
- the friendship? amazing. but everyone has good intentions and horrible advice as a side dish
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17. Why R U?
Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
- has a weird beginning, you have to power through the 1st episode to understand the story
- one of the main couples is very cute but awkward - 7/10
- the other one is PERFECT - 11/10
- the story is super cute at times and super dramatic at others
- many couples, all of them lovely
- kissing and other types of contact are amazing - 9/10
edited review:
- originally a 9, but the more i think about it and add better dramas the more i think it's unfair
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18. I Told Sunset About You
Thai Drama - 2020, 5 episodes
- the most painful show i've ever watched
- i wanted to give it a lower rating, but i feel like that's really unfair (also, everyone loves it and i feel bad)
- ANGST FEST
- really, the characters spend maybe 3 out of the 5 episodes just crying, in pain, and miserable
- the main characters, their relationship and the way they know one another like they're each other's favorite book are absolutely mesmerizing. and really, really cute
- the plot is pretty weird, but easy to follow
- it really does justice to the enemies to lovers trope! it's more like friends to enemies to friends to lovers, but still, it does it flawlessly
- their love language is so unique, and super enjoyable to watch
- the relationship is pretty rocky, there are a lot of misunderstandings and miscommunication, so i found it very frustrating to watch at times
- even tho most things could get solved with a simple two-minute conversations, it's endearing how they just... get each other.
- Teh officially holds 1st spot in my "can't-handle-his-own-feelings-so-he-brings-unnecessary-drama-and-pain-to-himself-and-others" list. he is unable to communicate and that made me (and every single character in this show) cry
- the ending... really left me unsatisfied. i understand why everyone is desperate for the second season
- Tarn deserves the world.
- very serious PSA: I had a pretty bad panic attack while watching this, so if you have high anxiety levels please tread carefully. especially if you get anxious about school/exams and complicated relationships. take care of yourselves!
- i took me a worrying amount of time to recover after watching this, itsay absolutely broke me and my heart.
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19. Fish Upon the Sky
Thai Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
- it's very hard to rate because, at it's core, it's just a comedy
- BUT i loved it so much i can't give it less stars
- i loved all of the actors, and the main couple had an unexpectedly deep relationship
- the conflict was good, made sense, and opened doors for a really interesting conversation about sel-esteem and how relationships are affected by the gaze/opinion of others
- the first episodes had me cringing the whole time, and in general this show is prime cringe material
- the last episode kinda made it all feel rushed, which suckes (and spoiler: especially because they turned the feminine side-character into the villain, and i don't really apreciate these easy ways out)
- meen is best baby! and duen is actually a sweetheart, i love them so much!
- pond naravit owns my soul.
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20. TharnType
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
- the main characters have great chemistry - 9/10
- the kissing and smut are very hot - 10/10, the best I've encountered so far
- VERY PROBLEMATIC
- TW: homophobia, violence, unhealthy relationship at time, rape (not graphic, and not between main characters), trauma responses
- I was quite sceptic at the start but actually truly enjoyed it
- If you don't want to watch the heavy parts maybe stop at episode 10
- (Justice for Puifai. Justice for Mei. Justice for Tar and P'Tum. I'll die on this hill!)
Thai. 2019
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21. Sotus: The Series
Thai Drama - 2016, 15 episodes
originally an 8, but honestly it doesn't really deserve it, it has some pretty toxic aspects.
- slow burn, but i surprisingly really enjoyed it
- the pacing makes a lot of sense, and the relationship develops slowly not because of nonsense misunderstandings but actual good reasons
- the main plot revolves around hazing (one of the MC is the head hazer and the other is a freshman), so if you're sensitive to the shouting and "humiliating"... maybe skip some parts
- very cute relationship, adorable main characters, mutual pining, just very cute all around
- P'Arthit is the OG tsundere but we love him for it
- for real, he's very emotionally constipated
- the soundtrack is 10/10 and the music is perfectly placed
- all of the side characters are great, shoutout to P'Knot for being amazing and to all the girls for being great characters
- the acting is actually really good, specially in conveying the shyness and awkwardness of developing relationships
- gets an 8 even tho it's good, because I am one of those traumatized-by-hazing kind of person (and there's a lot of toxicity at the beginning of their relationship)
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22. To My Star
Korean Drama - 2021, 9 episodes
- it seems like everyone loved this show except me (so this is just my opinion, the internet strongly disagrees)
- points in favor: cute story, good actors and really nice OST
- it's very short, very fast paced, there's no time to create any emotional attachment to the characters
- most of the scenes felt really awkward and i found the storyline very confusing
- the actors don't have good chemistry, or maybe it's just the characters' personalities
- i really couldn't empathize with the main character
- what happened to HyungKi in the end?
- all around not memorable (for me, at least)
- i was gonna give it a 5, but the story is actually kinda cute (when you're able to follow it) so i figured it didn't deserve such a low score
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23. Niti Man Society and Lover
Thai Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
- average, and confusing
- i actually like a lot of the actors, and that was mostly why i stuck until the end, but the characters are so weirdly written
- the pacing is all over the place, so are the dialogues, and most of the relationships don't make any sense
- the base plot is: main character jin breaks up with girlfriend aim, and then discovers her cousin bbomb actually likes him
- JEALOUSY. they do not communicate, most of the plot points are about one or the other (or both) being irrationally jealous and not talking about it, creating misunderstandings and making everyone sad
- there are A LOT of side characters, but they aren't really developed, you kinda get to know what's supposed to happen to them next in the last episode but nothing really evolves
- there's like-- one kiss. their physical touches are so awkward, idk if they had a problem with eo or the directors were just shit at coordinating but it feels off
- i really disliked the conclusion
- there were some good moments tho! boundaries were respected (between main couple) and they are pretty cute when they're not being jealous for no reason
- the friends and their behaviour were super toxic! pushy! invasive! i didn't like that one bit, they were way too nosy about the main couple's relationship and were the source of many unnecessary drama
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24. My Engineer
Thai Drama - 2020, 14 episodes
- 6/10 is a very generous rating
- RamKing: 10/10
- MekBoss and TharaFrong are... not horrible
- the main couple is awful. there aren't enough words to describe how much i want to throw a chair at both of their faces
- BohnDuen: -3/10
- irrational jealousy, lack of communication, the amount of toxic tropes made all of it so annoying
- Bohn is a forceful asshole, spends the whole show taking advantage of how naive Duen is and convincing him that he's the one at fault, be it because he "owes him because of the punch", bc he thinks he has the right to make Duen sleep over at his house, or he's jealous of every single person that looks at Duen (because he's guilty of that, of course)
- Duen is so annoying. this is probably more of a personal opinion, because I really dislike this "shy and bashful at the weirdest times" type of characters, but this one certainly got on my nerves. he kept stringing Bohn along even when he knew he was interested in him, and was so weird in all of his interactions
- there are some consent problems in certain parts, especially because Bohn just feels like he has... the right? to something.
- there was a really uncomfortable part about who was the "wife" that just felt borderline homophobic to me, it was what really put me off
- 90% of their problems could have been solved with a max of 7 words
- KING IS THE BEST. i loved him, i related to him on all levels. and his relationship with Ram was so funny and heartwarming, they basically made this show worth watching
- Mek and Boss had a very interesting (and honestly, well written) plot line, and i really appreciated it
- Frong's plot was super rushed, and felt kinda incomplete, but i guess it is supposed to be a second season (but idk if i really want to watch it tbh)
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25. 2 Moons 2
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
- it's nice of me give this 4 stars ngl
- there's two redeeming qualities: ming and forth. that's it.
- none of the relationships are healthy, especially the main one
- the side relationships are cute, but there's so many wrong things with them as well
- boundaries are to be respected. if someone is clearly uncomfortable with your advances (or with a specific thing you say), just stop
- JEALOUSY IS NOT CUTE. it's used as the main plot device for one of the relationships, and it gets tiring and toxic really fast.
- tw: drugs, sexual assault (not between main characters)
- the premisse could be cute, but it just fell flat for me. and honestly annoying at some points
- actors: 6/10. soundtrack: 6/10. plot: 5/10. relationships: 2/10.
- i really didn't enjoy it, sorry
- the ending is left open because it was supposed to be a second season! leaves of at a moment when i was honestly sick to my stomach.
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26. Love by Chance 2
Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
- thanks, i hate it
- honestly tho, if you liked the 1st season: do NOT watch the 2nd!
- you need to catch up before starting to watch this: Pete is gone (Saint had a problem with Perth's management), Ae is sad, we go back to when Tin and Can first met each other
- the first 7 episodes are a weird retelling of Tin x Can story, but I liked it (even if it got repetitive at times), it was much less power play, as in you-can't-deny-me-because-you-owe-me, and much more organic
- I hated Ae's arc, maybe because I've become very attached to the character and hate seeing him sad
- fuck Tul's redemption arc, I don't care if he suffered, nothing excuses what he's done to Tin in the past
- but Gonhin is amazing, he deserved much better
- Tin has feelings, and needs to be protected
- Lay is the true hero of this season
- Pond and Mai are the best bestfriends someone could ask for!
- the kissing is all around subpar
- the romanization of Techno and Kangkla's "relationship" and it's beginning feels very weird, but they're cute, i guess (Techno also deserved better)
- long story short: everyone deserved better. I like Can and Tin, I love Ae's friends, but it all just fell short from what I hoped.
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27. Florida Banjeom
Korean Drama - 2021, 8 episodes