Re-defeined the Body Swap trope

The plot wasn't anything unheard of and I didn't have many expectations and was shocked by how much I ended up enjoying it. It wasn't just great, it was sweet, funny and wonderful. The main leads really portrayed their characters for the body switch so well, it felt real. And the writers really went the extra mile with the trope and since I don't want to put any spoilers, it doesn't follow the generic formula if you wait and see.

I will admit, the first episode isn't so great. I found the writing and dialogue a bit off but stayed to see the switch and it was definitely worth it. The story, dialogue and everything progressed greatly— the comedy especially. The only thing this drama falls short of is the sound timing. Some of the sound affects are a bit unnecessary or overdone but easily forgettable once you get into it. Much like the last five or ten minutes of the drama I'll pretend didn't happen

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Greatest Judge Of All Time

I'll be honest and say I tried this drama out because the premise seemed decent but also majory, I was keen to see the main lead actor Yoon Shi Yoon in another production after his performance blew me away in Psychopath Diary. I'm happy to say, he did not disappoint me at all. I'm a fun of law and drama, the writers stuck to the material and crafted wonderful stories, characters, arcs and downright the coolest judge ever. I used to find lawyers to most captivating figure in the courtroom until this. There's some romance but thankfully, the chemistry was great so I enjoyed watching it blossom.

Bad parts; As all Kdramas with romances are culprits of, they unnecessarily drag things out. I'll also confess I didn't care for the restaurant owner side story. Although it's near the end it drags so less of a problem.

I did wish for maybe an entire half episode of just mushy cuteness and family bonding but it was better than nothing.

If I ever were to rewatch this, it would be for every scene Kang Ho annihilated people in and out of the court and being the best goofy boss/boyfriend ever.

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Better than I expected

With how the first two to three episodes played out, I wasn't sure if this drama was going to be anything memorable as it was only decent and I wasn't so fond of the main girl seeming to just be dragged along and being helpless for being ignorant but then I realised it was just a set up for her adjusting to a new environment and controversial workplace. They did a great job in showing the darker side of the host industry, even the clientele aspect too and other industries linked with it. Many of the host characters grew really likeable, a lot of humourous moments too. I'd say the biggest downside was the short span of episode. I think it played a part in making the romance aspect far too underdeveloped so when it happened, I couldn't feel it. That, and one other character confessing didn't feel that reasonable, either but thankfully, it hardly hindered the conflict in the stories so I could brush it over. And I really wanted longer bonding scenes with Kumi and the hosts and other staff like Nassy. The little moments really had me wishing for more.
Would probably rewatch with a friend or for my favourite characters, Gaku, Nassy and King New XD

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Friendship rules!

Honestly, at the first part with visiting the friend in hospital already set it up to be a sad movie, which I wanted to avoid because I came for comedy and friendship which the reviews were boasting about. The first roughly thirty minutes weren't that funny but I was still interesting to watch for the story unfolding and once it progresses to seeing how the girl's dynamics are with each other, the fights, the swearing and the dancing— it's all just really good and fun and heartwarming. They added a bit of romance which of course, this is Korean after all but it didn't take away any focus from the girls and I did end up feeling quite envious of their friendship near the end. There were many scenes I like to rewatch but to rewatch it entirely would be too hard with how sad the end was😭

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Saved by the plot

I'd only ever heard of the KDrama remake and it was a first for me to see such a vast difference in ratings and views for a remake over the original. I thought of just going for the Korean one as it was more popular but I was just so curious to see why the Japanese didn't stand as high in regard.

The answer? The first episode.

MY. God.

Some could argue it was the acting, pace or characters and filming but none of that really bothered me so much compared to the quite messy starter. I only chose not to drop it because of the one thing it did triumphant in; plot.

The premise was far too interesting to drop it on the go just because of a bad start and an unappealing lead, I needed to see what would occur after the Repeat and this looming mystery of some sudden changes happening that didn't seem to make sense.

I will say what made watching it easier is that all it's flaws grew less and less. The acting improved, the characters got great substance and moments that made me root and feel for them then the overall grand reveal was satisfying and added up to everything lastly. A lot of people call the ending a cliffhanger but it's more of an open ending. Final word of advice; do not watch this if you expect a fairytale ending. It is very far from that but I wouldn't quite call it a tragedy either

Also, if you like a story getting to the point and giving you answers sooner than dragging out, a Japanese adaption is always the way to go. I am thinking of watching the Korean version next to see what they can bring to the table.

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Wasn't What I Expected— It was Better!

I don't watch historical dramas— like, ever. I only watched sungwukan scandal or whatever it's name was because of my sister. The theme never appealed to me but I wanted to try something different. If you know the anime like I did, it works better to view the dramas as seperate. Sabura's personality is vastly different and it disappointed me at first, I even planned to drop it but when I finished the first episode I was so immersed, I was curious to watch where they would take it. Although Sabura is a coward here, he goes through beautifully crafted character development which I love. I came to find I liked Kikichou, another character who's personality really changed but gosh, it really worked. Their chemistry was great and she became one of my favorites. The soundtrack was great too.

The best thing about this drama is the ability to just draw you on. I was thrown off by them casting someone much older to play a teen but Oguri Shun made me believe in it. Then it being based on a manga, I was expecting it to be more goofy and over the top, but they handled everything so well and raw. The heartbreaking moments and comedy moments blended perfectly too with many memorable charaters.

I probably wouldn't rewatch this anytime soon for the sake of my heart

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Most sinister game girl around

What I believe Japan does best is their psychological thrillers. They don't need lots of bloodshed or maniacs cutting people apart to be chilling and dark. The idea of Video Girl Mai is brilliant and exactly the kind of thing I'd only find in an Asian drama. The premise is simple, there aren't many main characters but a lot is done with them with varying developments that really make the show so entertaining. Mai and Taketo also made a surprisingly twisted but somehow innocent (?) pair and the progression in the fatality of devoting yourself to one person was portrayed brilliant. I've never seen the predecessor series (not that you need to to watch this) but this was an exceptional sequel/ spin off

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Marriage makes the best job ever

This is one of the few dramas where I am in love with the Female Lead more than the Male Lead (not that the male lead was in any way bad, but Mikuri was really something else and just too cute for words to express) Anyway, this drama deserves all the praise that it receives as one of the best contract marriage dramas out there. It takes such a surreal plot and makes it so... real. The arrival at a de facto/fake marriage is reached with rational logic, isn't rushed and you can see how both leads find themselves leaning towards giving it a go. Their chemistry is great and the build up is so fluffy and endearing.
Not to mention, one of the things I love about a josei over a shoujo is how complex personalities can be. Instead of the flat cold hearted guy and ditzy, naive girl, Tzusaki-san is not actually cold but just acts distant due to shy and awkwardness while Mikuri is naive but not to an unrealistic degree for her age and although very free spirited and cheery she's not to be underestimated as she's very perceptive and goes for what she wants.
One flaw I will admit is getting a bit frustrated between episode 6 and 7, but I watched it through til the end and didn't regret the decision at all.

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Cuteness Overload

This was exactly the light-hearted, fluffy josei I was looking for! I'm not usually eager to watch these drama with the male being the main character but Maruya was just too cute and hysterical. The story isn't anything too complex and I'm glad they didn't bother wedging additional problems outside the main one and work related affairs, it made for a good blend and balance.
I was skeptical about the female lead in the first episode— not that her acting was bad but I wasn't confident their dynamic or chemistry would be entertaining. I was proven wrong.
When there onscreen together, it's a thrill and so sweet to watch as the relationship develops. She even has her own adorable flair too and I find Maruya even cuter when he's with her.

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Cheating on a whole other scale

I haven't watched the original movie but that's not necessary to watch this. I wouldn't say I had high expectations but this show didn't disappoint. Everything was delivered well, from the characters storylines, to the acting and their morals and the OST is addictively good and perfect for the series. It being based on a true story really drives the message more home and it's so much more than simply cheating on exams. The couple's are cute, funny and the friendships between them are equally as special. One fault I did find was sometimes the background music made scenes feel too dramatic as it was unnecessary but the suspense really gets bigger and bigger as the schemes escalate.

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