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Chang kong zhi wang (2023)

Top Gun Knock Off

This was an obvious attempt at replicating Top Gun, but without the chops. I dropped off three times, but finally made it through on the fourth attempt. I rented it for $2.99, that was a mistake.

The storyline is OK, at least now I know there are test pilots out there. Acting was also OK; not great, not horrible.

The part that was hard frustrating was the obvious Chinese propaganda and "us vs the world" antics. I watch movies to entertain myself, not to be brainwashed. It was rated 9.9 on Viki, the highest score I've ever seen on the app thus far. I am guessing the hero / martyr propaganda resonated with the Chinese audience.

Miseuteo Shunshain (2018)

Brilliantly acted and produced

I loved just about everything in this Series. The humour is subtle, the scripts is not too much not too little, the acting is just brilliant; not a single bad actor amongst the cast.

I don't care about it departing from factual events, I just love the guy wrenching storyline. Although there is the main couple, the other layered love stories were as interesting.

Now what could have been better... We all know how things turned out for the Joseon so we can't reinvent history, but killing ALL the main protagonists, not cool. Also, while the palpable desire jumped out of the screen on every episode (not just for the main couple), the complete absence of kiss left me baffled. In what world can a couple keep it to writing, longing and hugging?!? That's a bit too BS for me.

Welkeomtu Samdal-ri (2023)

Cute story, good acting

I really enjoyed this show. The storyline is very cute, and the scenery different from other dramas filmed in the city. It can get a little slow at times, but it's overall entertaining and refreshing. Coming from the countryside myself, I found the story relatable. The actors did a great job, no overacting, it all felt natural.

What I didn't like was the constant drinking. Maybe because several of my family members are alcoholic, I was shocked by the characters getting blackout drunk every time they were sad or upset. It's not uncommon to see that in Korean dramas, but this one goes wayyy overboard in my opinion.

Lang Man Shu Gei Ni (2020)

Funny, great chemistry

I wasn't sure after watching the first episode, but it's definitely worth watching once it picks up some steam. I found the series hilarious, refreshing and I really enjoyed the sarcasm around the romantic dramas. The beginning is particularly funny, but there are some heavy episodes as well.

The actors have amazing chemistry, Marcus Chang is always a treat for eyes, and the kissing / bed scenes are outstanding. For once, it feels like the actors are actually enjoying themselves.

The plot is a little different (still has a domineering CEO) and although not realistic, I felt entertained through and through.

Coffee And Vanilla (2019)

Can hardly get worse

It is so unbelievably bad, I hated myself for watching it. It's like that sordid curiosity that keeps you going while hoping it takes a turn for the better. Nope, it only gets worse. The lead actor is very, very hot, and that's probably I kept watching... just turn the sound and subtitles off maybe??

With that said, this series is twisted in all the bad ways. As a woman, it was flat out infuriating. I realize that some cultures want the women to be subservient and docile, but this was perverted and insulting. It tries to be "steamy" without coming close to pulling it off. It ends up being vulgar, unrealistic and cringey.

Mai Demon (2023)

Solid but maybe not all the hype by Netflix

It's a solid K Drama, I really liked the acting. I thought Song Kang's performance in Nevertheless was average at best, but he is great in My Demon and Navillera. Who doesn't like the story of the girl falling for the (ultimate) bad guy.

As for the cons:

• One of plots is virtually identical to Destined To You. I was expecting a more original twist there.

• I measure the quality of a series partly by my urge of fast forwarding the slow and insignificant parts. There was quite a bit of that here (maybe 20 to 25%), but nothing outrageous like in Meteor Garden to just name one.

Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol (2020)

Good overall, but.... The ending!!!

I really this series, until the last 3 episodes. It was well acted and produced, the storyline is more original than some of the other big K Dramas, brownie points for the super cute dog, but the ending was absolutely horrid. I mean, I have questions about the mom...

I am a sucker for piano, so this was a greatly entertaining series for me. Both actors play their part well, although the kisses felt dead to me.

I enjoyed the scenery, it's a nice changed of pace from the series filmed in Seoul. It has a little bit of the "under the sun of Tuscany" feel.

Overall well done, but the end was gloss over, and some of the scenes with secondary characters dragged on a little too much.

Yeonmo (2021)

Grotesque storyline

Maybe because I watched The King's Affection just after Alchemy of Souls, but it was painful to watch. The storyline is grotesque and I kept wondering how more absurd things could possibly get throughout. The palace dynamics are too complicated to really follow along, and the never ending plots in place of real story were boring and didn't compensate for the lack of everything else.

The script is poorly written and the visuals don't help compensate for everything else lacking. If Rowoon wasn't the lead actor, and it wasn't a Netflix show, I don't think this series would have received much traction.

Hit the Spot (2022)

Artfully made

It's not easy to make a movie that explores the taboo of sex, orgasm, and uncommitted relationships. I felt this series was very relatable and artfully made to avoid vulgarity. It feels like a very real story, with no nonsense twisted plot and unrealistic characters. The acting is stellar, and 8 episodes was the perfect format. It made me regret not being as bold as the characters and not introspecting more myself.

This isn't your traditional vanilla k drama, but it's definitely one I'd recommend watching if you're looking for something a little more intense and yet realistic. Every bit reminded me of my own stories, that's rare.

Gumihodyeon (2020)

Great series

I am not normally fond of the supernatural movies/series, but this one captivated me. It's more gore than regular K Dramas, there is even a bit of animal cruelty that I didn't like. The "bed" scene is more than usual as well, I it felt real. The last episode is very emotional so grab your Kleenex, and it's a mixed outcome.

The chemistry between actors was great, and I felt the characters had been casted very well. It's also good acting, no one stands out for all the wrong reasons. I am not sure I understand the relative low rating in comparison to absurd storyline and overacted like The King The Eternal Monarch.

I am definitely watching season 2!

The King: Youngwonui Gunjoo (2020)

Meh, utterly boring

I don't know where to start with this one. Writing a few equations on a wall and mentioning Albert Einstein's quantum theories is not enough to offset the grotesque storyline. It drags on and on with copious replays of "memories", I fast forwarded more and more as the episodes went on. That's the kind of plot better left to Marvel or DC.

Acting isn't great, the storyline is an insult to one's intelligence, the imagery is OK. The King's captain was the most interesting character for me. I didn't feel any chemistry between the actors, just loooonnngggg pauses as they glare at each other. Bleh, wast of time.

Eoneu Nal Uri Jib Hyeongwaeuro Myeolmangyi Deuleowassda (2021)

A solid show

I really liked this series. Light and heartbreaking at times, the plot was interesting and different from other K Dramas. The lead actress does a great job as always, but I have to say that I would have probably rated it higher with a different male lead. He is cute, but he has very limited range of emotions. While other actors convey so much through their eyes, he just doesn't.

The secondary love story was great, which is also rare. I feel like it could have been a series of its own if developed more.

What usually irritates me with k dramas are the dead fish kisses, that's not the case here. While it lacks intensity and chemistry between the actors, the kissing scenes weren't bad at all.

Yi Yeonaeneun Bulgahangryeok (2023)

Rowoon is the series

How to make up for a mediocre script and unrealistic storyline? Rowoon. Let me respell, ROWOON. Was it cringey at times, yes. Was it dragged on, absolutely (especially the historical portion). Can I remember the other actors, no.

It's entertaining, and if you have spare time, you should watch it. It's also funny, light, and gives us mortal the illusion that the beauty and the beast can be a true story. I can't really remember much to be honest, and it's only been 24 hours since I finished. It's that unmemorable.

Some reviews were up and arms about promoting cheating. They've missed the entire point of the series, and also... well, it's life and that happens. I am glad they highlighted the imperfect human truth.

Half of a half (2020)

Absolutely fantastic

Absolutely brilliant series, well worth watching. It's moving, it makes your heart ache, and then flutter. Jung Hae In is the kind of actor who doesn't need words to convey feelings and depth of emotions... you can just look into his eyes and everything is said.

I am guessing the ratings are lower than other top dramas because there is only one kiss, and because it is a melancholic storyline, but wow, it's a masterpiece. Unlike other K Dramas, they are no sexual tension, just deep feelings evolving through the aches of life.

It was so good that I've rewatched most episodes twice before moving on to the next one. I usually fast forward some of the other k dramas, but there isn't one minute that isn't meaningful in A Piece Of Your Mind.

Gwaenchanhah, Sarangiya (2014)

Way heavier than anticipated

I wouldn't recommend It'S OK, That's Love to everyone. I am glad series begin exploring mental disorders, but this was way heavier than what I was looking for. They throw the whole gimmick, schizophrenia, OCD, domestic violence, child abuse, rape, that's a little much for a series classified under romance. I watched it until the end because I was still curious, but this was depressing and at times disturbing if you e experienced some of those yourself.

The production was very good either with transitions being abrupt, music not well aligned, etc.

I think this series should come with a few warnings as it can be triggering for some.

Hilleo (2014)

One of the KDramas holy grails

Healer is absolutely worth watching. In fact, that's probably one of the top 5 KDrama I would recommend. The plot is great, and well spread across all 20 episodes. The acting is great, from leads to supporting actors. I am a sucker for martial arts action, so that was fulfilling.

It might not be the drama if you like kissing scenes with a splash of passion. That aspect could be more developed, but hey, I didn't know that hand touching could twist my tummy. There really isn't much physical intensity going on, but it's still a cute story.

I would highly recommend watching, it's well written, played and produced.

Nal Nokyeojuo (2019)

Worth watching

I liked the storyline, it was different from the traditional rich, handsome, and domineering make figure. It didn't dragged on, and the plots felt realistic without being boring.

I doubt anyone watches Kdramas for the quality of the script, so let's get to what matters... the slow build up and kissing scenes! Ji Chang-wook is a master of romance, and this one was no exception. Episode 10 is EVERYTHING. They packed in one episode everything you want from an Asian drama. That kissing scene at the end of it got my tummy twisted up and down, and that rarely happens.

Now for the bad... the last episode was a let down and I am guessing that's why the ratings aren't higher. After building so much sexual frustration and abstaining for so many years, they could have made the ending panted up with sexual tension. They didn't. It felt rushed and as if the actors had told the script writers they were tired of the kissing scenes.

Other than the ending, it was great. And again, episode 10!!!!!

Liangchen meijing hao shíguang (2021)

Worth hanging in there

The beginning is a little slow, and the production probably not as polished as some of the other K and C dramas, but you it's great once you get past the first 5-ish episodes.

For the K and C drama lovers who are usually disappointed by the dead fish kissing scenes, rest assured that this one doesn't disappoint. The kissing scenes are well done, not rushed. Episodes 25 will get your flusters going for sure.

The "suspense" scene in the last episode was a little awkward to me, didn't go with the story line, but overall, the ending is satisfying.

I highly recommend if the butterflies are your goal.

Bai ri meng wo (2023)

Poorly recycled story line

If you have watched When I Fly Towards You, you'll feel you're watching it again, but not as good. They even used two of the same actors. I really like Zhou Yiran, but I find Zhang Miao Yi annoying and bland.

The inconsistencies are too blatant, making the entire series feel unrealistic... it just doesn't come together for me. Let's talk about the title too; one kiss in 30 episodes... ONE. I get that C and K dramas are kings of dead fish kidding scenes, but this one doesn't even try.

Now about the ending. Well, there isn't isn't one. You're left with major question marks, but not in a good way where your imagination fills in the blanks. The worst C and K drama I've seen thus far.

Ni wei xiao shi hen mei (2021)

My favorite drama so far

It's the first drama that never felt dragged on. Other K and C series had too many twists and turns, they felt both predictable and too long. Falling into your smile is my favorite so far, and could have been even more episodes while still entertaining.

I loved the gaming scenes (although I am not a gamer), the visuals were very cool. The guy is still smart, rich and handsome like most series, but the gaming scene was a very nice change of pace.

The kissing scenes are not completely dead fish either, which can ruin an entire series. I am not holding my breathe for season 2, but I sure would love it!

Nai He BOSS Yao Qu Wo (2019)

Entertaining

I am guessing the same writers developed Time to Fall in Love. The storyline is very similar, but the make actor in well intended love is a lot hotter. Apparently, it's common for rich Asians to pretend being married to appease parents (Love contract, tine to fall in love, etc). But of course they end up falling in love. He is also a pretty good actor, and his "loving eyes" are very believable.

The main actress is horrible though, and although I was happy to see a lot of kissing and sex innuendo, le kissing scenes are painful to watch. There is dead fish kissing, and there ridiculously dead fish kissing. You can see the actors clinching their lips, it's ridiculous. There are still moments where you get the butterflies, but they all come from his good acting and his hot eyes.

Nai He BOSS Yao Qu Wo (2019)

Entertaining

I am guessing the same writers developed Time to Fall in Love. The storyline is very similar, but the make actor in well intended love is a lot hotter. Apparently, it's common for rich Asians to pretend being married to appease parents (Love contract, tine to fall in love, etc). But of course they end up falling in love. He is also a pretty good actor, and his "loving eyes" are very believable.

The main actress is horrible though, and although I was happy to see a lot of kissing and sex innuendo, le kissing scenes are painful to watch. There is dead fish kissing, and there ridiculously dead fish kissing. You can see the actors clinching their lips, it's ridiculous. There are still moments where you get the butterflies, but they all come from his good acting and his hot eyes.

Nalssiga joeumyeon chajagagesseoyo (2020)

A more relatable K Romance

I love K romance series, but the recycled plots and storylines can be very repetitive. When the weather is fine is a more realistic, yet incredibly sweet story which makes more relatable. Only in series and movies you'll find two incredibly attractive people, of the same age, who just do happen to be single... but everything else is believable.

It can be slow at times, but never boring. You just enjoy the motions of life. Park Min-young is s very talented actress and Seo Kang-joon impersonate the character beautifully. The funny thing is that the first kiss really got me, again because it's so much more relatable than other series. There is no playing around with the... they'll kiss, nnooo, they're interrupted BS that you usually see.

Avoid if you want action-packed, but watch if you're open to the sweetest love story.

Seolganghwa (2021)

Good, then less good, then good again

I really liked the first 3-5 épisodes, and I had high hopes. The mix of strength, coldness and empathy melts your heart. But it becomes repetitive, the never-ending plot twists become both predictable and annoying.

What I liked in the beginning was also the acting quality but as you go, some characters become too much, too overacted. I don't know why some of those characters become so caricatural, it takes away the depth of the story line.

Of course I was hoping for a happy ending, but, I can't get Jung Hae-in's eyes out of mind. He triggers emotions just through his eyes, he is amazing in this series.