This drama makes me feel all the things and I have the emotional capacity of a teaspoon

This is my first review on MDL, but this drama is so good I was driven to write one. Melodramas are typically not my thing. I've been watching KDramas going on 8 years now, and I've always stuck to the RomCom side of things. But as I've gotten older, these dramas have started speaking to me more and more, and they really do have some superb acting.

I've only watched Lee Kyu Hyung in more comical roles, but I must say his performance in this drama is exemplary. I really hope to see more roles like this from him in the future. I've never watched on of Kim Tae Hee's dramas before, but now I'm inclined to, as her performance feels so real and relatable and supercharged. Every character is well cast and the side-stories do not feel disconnected or out of place.

Every episode of this drama has made me cry, but in a cathartic way. 10/10 would recommend this drama to anyone looking to get into melodramas, have a good laugh, and or have a good cry. The only reason I'm rating it low for rewatch is because I don't think I could handle going though the emotional rollercoaster all over again.

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ready to get stabbed

Story: After watching almost 200 dramas, this drama is quite refreshing. A mix of historical and medical, the acupuncture aspect is high key the best part of this drama. Also, it's humorous in a way that's similar to 1988, with goat like bleets and all. Just for this story it gets a high af rating.

Acting/Cast: I've never watched a drama with either of the leads before. I really liked the ML. The FL was just okay. Otherwise, they pulled it off great and they had good chemistry. The first kiss scene had me SCREAMING.

Music: nothing stood out to me, but it wasn't bad

Rewatch Value: High. The acupuncture scenes were low key ASMR for me

TLDR; I want to get acupuncture, the ML is great, the concept is refreshing.

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Okay it's been a hot second since I've written a review!

So I actually have some backstory when it comes to this drama. Bae Doo Na is actually my first KDrama girl crush, and I didn't even watch her in a Korean TV show. I love the roles she selects (badass queens, no weak female leads here), I love her acting style, just everything. So going into this, and knowing her, I have high expectations. And they were met, but maybe not surpassed.

Additionally, I used this drama to try to get my friend who is into KPop but not KDrama to watch this with me (social distance Netflix party!). She's not into romance focused shows, so I thought this could be a great start since it has so many raving reviews. Long story short, we never followed up after the first episode, but that was due to dragging internet and overall kind of a shitty streaming experience. I'm glad I gave it a second shot. Every episode pretty much ends on a cliffhanger, so if that's not your thing, beware.

In conclusion, I typically watch crime/thrillers with a romance angle, so this is probably the first drama for me where there really wasn't that aspect. For not having my favorite genre, I still really liked it, so that's really saying something for a RomCom fan. If I was more of a crime drama girl this drama would probably be a 10, but I'm not so I'm just going to rate it being true to how I felt about it based on my personal preferences (yes, people have those).

TLDR; Stan Bae Doo Na, everyone should at least give this drama a good ol' try.

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Hi, if you're looking for a crime drama with a time travel element, please just watch Signal or Life on Mars. The story isn't really anything special, the acting is kind of bad, and the music is whatever. This drama put me in a slump. Don't do it, it's not worth it. How this has almost a 9 on MDL is honestly past me, honestly. I'm usually generous with my ratings, but for some reason I just can't bring myself to do it with this drama. Save yourself please. If I could go back in time I would not watch this. I should have dropped it. Look where I am now, a quarter life crisis. I would rate rewatch a zero if I could.

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I watched the first episode and wasn't super into it and put it on hold. After hearing out some of my MDL friends, I decided to give it another go and was really glad I did. Since there is a large cast and a lot of different relationship dynamics, it takes a few episodes to get everything sorted. If you're not initially wowed by the first episode, give it a couple episodes to really get going. That being said, I'm starting to really enjoy Slice of Life way more than I expected. Usually I'm really into dramas for the RomCom moments to lighten my day, but the family relationships and friendships that these dramas showcase make me feel all warm and tingly.

Story: I really enjoyed the plot of this drama. Even though I'm too young for it to be nostalgic, I still got that sense of nostalgia for an older, pre-technology time if that makes any sense. The one thing I didn't love was the love triangle. I guess I've been watching fewer and fewer (serious) love triangles lately, so this hit a little different. Also, I guess I saw a bit of myself in Jung-Hwan, so maybe that's a good message for the future. Even though I love the ML and FL together, I also really liked the second male lead. Regardless, we can find a little bit of happiness that he also got a happy ending, seeing that the actors are actually dating irl. I wish we could have seen more of the ML and FL at the end. Like what about telling their family? How did that go?

Acting/Cast: 10/10 across the board. I've never really watched Park Bo Gum all the way through. Man, I've been missing out! His acting is fantastic. The way he can make his eyes tear up I mean damn boi. Also, Lee Hye Ri's expressions are EVERYTHING. That sort of comedic acting is hard to do well and I truly think she succeeded. Regardless, the rest of the cast did fantastic as well. All the old ajummas and ajusshis; like all of the real moms and dads of dramaland.

Music: How could you not bop/sing along?????

Rewatch value: High! Since a lot of the drama is episodic, it's not hard to jump back in.

TLDR; a great show, like so many I watched this year. I'm excited to watch more of Bo Gum's work and I got a little bit of second male lead angst this time around.

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The plot of this drama is something I've never seen before. For that alone, I think it's worth watching, simply because among asian dramas there are so many remakes and the reuse of story lines. For a CDrama I found it especially refreshing, because I usually get tired of the FL, but I didn't with Qianqian. It also helped that the drama was only 24 episodes. There was no time for the screenwriters to f**k around with any extraneous plot. I found it to be a great mix of comedy, drama, and sweet romance. I also like how the ending was tied up, which I wasn't expecting.

I think I can flat out say that Ryan Ding is my new favorite Chinese actor. I am a stan, I am committed, I am ready for more. To already have so many leading roles under his belt at such a young age, I'm excited to see what he takes on next! The chemistry between the leads is fantastic on and off set. All of the supporting characters are well rounded and have a place. I really hope this drama gets renewed for a second season so we can see ShouShouxQianQian in a modern setting.

TLDR; If you like romantic comedy, add this to you PTW for sure!

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The 2020 Drama we've been waiting for

I think this is maybe my favorite drama that aired in 2020 so far. It's rad because there actually are a bunch of great dramas this year. Typically I wouldn't even hesitate to say any drama with KSH is my fave, but just all around this drama really hit the marks for me.

Story: Okay, so the plot really isn't anything special. There are a lot of common KDrama tropes and I would be amiss to not acknowledge that. BUT I think the writing was really good. For me, story is broken down into two categories: plot and dialogue/character interactions. So in this regard, IOTNBO is pretty meh plot wise but has FANTASTIC dialogue (which really relies on how well the actors pull it off and they totally did so it works). The story for me really revolves around character interactions and character development. The one thing that makes the plot go from boring to meh for me is that everything seems to have a purpose. Also, I really loved the three main characters. While the romance is good, that's not what had me coming back every week. I came back to watch Sang Tae and Gang Tae and Mun Yeong grow and develop as a family. I don't think anyone was really 'cured', which a lot of people were concerned about. Mun Yeong was kind of a b***h before, and at the end she's still a b***h, just a happier b***h. Same goes for the other two; they're always going to be some level of f***ked up. They fight and argue like a real family too! Not some perfect 2012 drama ending here where everyone is all lovey dovey and dusted with morning dew.

Acting/Cast: Over the last few years, I honestly kind of forgot why KSH was my o.g. drama daddy. But lordy, lordy he's back and all those emotions I had are resurfacing. Tbh, it's not even because he's physically that attractive to me personally, but his acting skills just get me going. So much talent in one person should be illegal. Honestly the highlight of my weekend is when he ugly cries so that I can also ugly cry and release all the emotions I've pent up during quarantine. I've never finished a drama with SYJ as a lead (I dropped Moorim School) but now with getting introduced to Woo Do Hwan, I'm all hyped to watch Save Me. Also, my bisexual ass was in love with her this whole drama. Most of the time I fall for the male leads cause they do be a snacc, but honestly if I had to choose between KSH and SYJ in this drama you'd really be tearing at my heart strings. But hands down, Oh Jung Se was my unexpected star of the show. My mom has worked with kids on the spectrum my whole life. It is so fantastic to see a good representation of someone and e honestly did such a great job. I'm a really big pusher for LGBT actors playing LGBT character, or asian actors playing asian characters, etc. The same holds true I think for characters on the spectrum, BUT I'm really grateful for his fantastic portrayal. He it the glue in the story. Without Sang Tae Oppa, or Oh Jung Se really, I think I would rate this drama an 8.5.

Music: The OSTs fit the theme but none were really my taste in music.

Rewatch: I've already started rewatching T_T I'm not ready to say goodbye...

TLDR; I've stopped rating dramas quite as high the more I watch. The acting is great, the writing is great, it has great cinematography, the production value is great, it just hits in all of the right places. I know that romcoms or hyped dramas with big name actors are not for everyone. But this drama is honestly top tier for my personal preferences, which is why I'm rating it so high.

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I wasn't expecting to, but I actually really enjoyed this drama. I think the message that is being conveyed is good. Beauty standards are not often addressed in this way in Dramas. I've only seen Eun Woo in Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung, but I'm excited to see him in True Beauty. I've been reading that webcomic, and after seeing him in this role, I think it would be a good fit. His acting so far seems subtle, but I'm hoping he gets cast in more versatile roles in the future. I also enjoyed that the second ML in this drama wasn't whiny/mopey/pining after he got rejected. It made me like his character a lot more. The only downside to this drama I found was that the FL was so docile and it could be a bit annoying. I definitely did feel like the romance was sweet and cute, despite the age gap in the casting.

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Second Time's the Charm

I started watching this drama when it aired and ended up dropping it after 6 episodes. Not that the acting or the story wasn't good, but this story starts off slow and I couldn't get into it at the time. I just started watching The King: Eternal Monarch while it's airing, and I forgot how much I enjoyed Lee Min Ho's acting style since he'd been on break for a while due to military service. I decided to give LOTBS a go again, since you know, quarantine and all. And I really enjoyed it the second time around. Great drama, well cast, interesting plot. Some bits of everything: humor, romance, melodrama, suspense, etc. I enjoyed binging it and definitely recommend adding it to your plan to watch. Not what I would consider a classic, but still an all around solid drama.

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I haven't seen a Hyung Shik drama for a hot sec. Still another year of military enlistment, so unfortunately no reprieve in the near future.

Story: Honestly the writing in this drama is not my fave. I like the concept, but I've sort of personally figured out that in the crime/legal/investigative realm, lawyers are maybe the least interesting to me. Additionally, not the biggest fan of the romance element in this one. The drama really felt split in two. Last, the pacing of the episodes felt way off. Each felt like it was supposed to end in the middle and but also ended on a cliff hanger somehow? Also every episode had low key a ****-measuring contest to see which dude was more manly. Not really my style. Shining points were cinematography and the set. What a view! Wow.

Acting/Cast: The shining star of this drama is the cast and their performances. Hyung Shik is a babe, like always. I have bias against Go Sung Hee from her role in While You Were Sleeping. Chae Jung Ahn stole the show as the secretary. Also, Son Seok Koo = my son. The english? LMFAO. 10/10, I can't wait for more of his leading roles.

Music: Some bangers and some sleepers. My faves were Now by VROMANCE and the main theme which is instrumental.

Rewatch Value: Eh. I liked it and I'm glad I watched but once was good enough.

TLDR; Sukku is my son, please give him praise. Acting in this drama >>> writing.

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Slice of Life Drama of the Year!

So many good dramas about motherhood this year! This drama definitely makes the list of one of my all time favorites!

Plot: This drama is so refreshing! Not only does it tackle some taboo topics (at least in regards to Korean culture) but it does it so maturely. This drama is comedic, romantic, and self-actualizing. It deals with grief and realistic relationships in a way that doesn't make you feel too bogged down. One of my favorite parts of this drama is that it doesn't take the Rom-Com aspect so seriously. It realizes that some of the stuff is cheesy and uses it to add to the shows comedic value.

Acting/Cast: 10/10 across the board. Leads have chemistry, supporting roles are all strong. Jung Gun Joo is really taking on some great roles. I hope that he gets more leading roles in the future. He deserves it! I had never seen a drama with either of the leads before but now I'm inclined to watch more of Jang Na Ra and Go Joon's works. Just really well done. Perfect casting and great performances.

Music: The intro song is so catchy!!!

Rewatch Value: Definitely will rewatch for some feel good vibes. Their romance is so cute!!!

TLDR: One of the best dramas of the year, imo. If you like rom-coms, slice of life, or mature romances, add this to you PTW immediately.

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Don't mind me, I'm just adding Lee Je Hoon to my list of favorite actors, heehee.

Story: Kept me on my freaking toes, that's for sure. It would be a 10/10 for me if it didn't end on a cliffhanger (with no season 2 in sight, sigh). Otherwise, I don't want to say too much, as to not give it away. This drama is rated highly for a reason! If you like Crime/Investigation this should be at the top of your PTW. There were definitely some plot holes, but overall, for entertainment purposes, this drama hit the ball out of the park.

Acting/Cast: 10/10 hands down. Y'all had me crying and literally jumping out of my skin. It was fun to see some familiar actors in guest roles, such as Seo Ji Hoon and Lee Sang Yeob. This was my first Lee Je Hoon drama, but I've already added When Stars Land and Tomorrow With You to my PTW. He's also been indoctrinated into my massively accumulating cult of children from KDramaland. I will protecc with my life.

Music: So good! ahhhhh. My favorite OSTs were 나는 너를 (literally, I ... you) by Jeong Cha Sik, The Road by Kim Yuna and The One Who Will Leave by Inkey. The instrumentals were also great. Check out the album here: https://open.spotify.com/album/3XWPudsfSroRADDvNdWFei?si=JyyDCZN-QaK6ZKNx9D3lLw

Rewatch Value: Medium? Having just finished, I'm not in the mood to rewatch, but I can see myself rewatching in the future.

TLDR; bangers all around, found some new fave actors, if you like crime then add this to your PTW right now!

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I liked this drama overall (I haven't watched any of the other adaptions) simply because the plot was new to me. I also really enjoyed Xing Zhao Lin and Liang Jie's performances. They're both good actors and they have good chemistry. I don't feel like writing a super in-depth review, so here's my hot take. The angst it too spread out. This drama would have flowed much better if there were 20 episodes or less. While it was well cast and the performances were exemplary, the ending was way to abrupt for how long (in drama time and episodes) they spent pining over each other. That's more of an issue with the writing though. All it all it was okay. I'm glad I watched it, but I probably won't rewatch over watching something else.

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Okay, so I have to give this drama some big props. I watched the first few episodes while it was airing got bored and put it on hold. But, of boy, when I got back to it, I couldn't stop watching. I'm so glad I didn't drop it!

Story: This drama just had so many twists and turns. I loved the fantastical aspect and it had all of the right bits of romance, comedy, and angst. I will say that I really liked that there wasn't a "love triangle" aspect to the story, which most dramas have. Instead, there are two separate romances which are both special in their own way. The story does take a while to get going, so stay with it for a while if you don't instinctively like it in the beginning like I didn't.

Acting/Cast: I've been wanting to see more of Yook Sung Jae since Goblin and he really shone in this role. I can't wait to see more roles form him in the future. To be brutally honest, I haven't loved Hwang Jun Eum in any role before, but I'm not sure that's entirely her fault. I feel like she usually gets type cast into characters who are very loud and boisterous which I'm not the biggest fan of. However, this is the first drama where I truly loved her performance. I'm going to give To All the Guys Who Loved Me a chance just because of this drama. It doesn't seem like Choi Won Young has done a lot of romance dramas, but I loved him as well!

Music: No OSTs really stood out to me

Rewatch: High! I really liked it!

TLDR; A personal unexpected favorite for 2020, add it to you PTW ASAP!!!

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This drama has been on my PTW and recommendations list for a while. And for good reason! It was wonderful and completely different from other dramas I've seen before.

Story: FAN-FLIPPING-TASTIC!!! It showcased original, sweet-cute, sweet-sad, not-so-sweet-but-realistic views on romance. There were real life problems, like mental health, toxic relationships, work-life balance issues, and the list goes on and on. I've really started liking this "Slice of Life" dramas. They keep getting better and better. I hope another drama from the same screen writers comes out soon!

Cast: 10/10. Perfectly cast, the acting was superb across the board, all of the relationships had chemistry, I mean come on! Like they're setting the standards so high.

Music: What can I say. Not only a whole OST, but a whole episode about farts thats not cheesy or crude. HOW???

Rewatch: Definitely binge-able, and not so bogged down with drama that it will be too much of an emotional experience to go through again.

Also, Sukku! is in this drama! OMG I was so excited when I saw him.

TLDR; It's rated high for a reason, regardless of the types of dramas you like to watch you can't deny this is well written, cast, and performed.

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