Master of My Own (2022)

NOT THE TYPICAL C-DRAMA FEMALE LEAD

This drama really flips the script on the typical toxic relationship dynamic. Yes, the male lead is pretty unbearable at times, but some of his insults are so over the top that they're almost comical. And after all, this kind of dysfunctional dynamic is par for the course in c-dramas.

But what's different here is the female lead. She's not having any of it. She's strong, vocal, and independent, and she doesn't let the male lead walk all over her. It's like the writers made him the perfect foil to show off her strength and determination.

That's what hooked me on this drama—the female lead's journey to success and autonomy. It's refreshing to see a female character who doesn't just take the abuse but stands up for herself. I’d say "Master of My Own" is definitely worth a watch if you're tired of the same old passive female leads.

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This drama is worth watching for the main character Ning Meng, a smart and quick-witted woman who dreams of becoming an investment director but has been stuck working as Lu Ji Ming's assistant. She finally puts her foot down and pursues her dream, and luckily finds a fantastic mentor in Shi Ying. I loved seeing the ups and down of her pursuit of her dream. She's a relatable and likable character, and Tang Song Yun does a great job. (Plus her outfits were awesome! Fashionable but realistic.)

As for Lu Ji Ming, his character is so overly rude and unpleasant in the beginning that it's took some time to root for the blossoming feelings between him and Ning Meng. Thankfully, this drama is not centered around a romance between them, and he experiences a lot of growth as well. His friend Ceng Yu Hang brings a lot of humor to the drama and made me laugh out loud several times. I'm also so glad they didn't make Xu Si Tian one of those annoying second leads who won't give up on the male lead. Very pleasantly surprised by her character!

Not quite sure I'd rewatch this but I enjoyed it.

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Perfect

Everything of the drama was just perfect the only thing which was disappointing me they had no episodes of their togetherness . I really wanted to see their chemistry . First time very different story of boss and his assistance .I understood that the story was about how to chase our dreams ,never give up type attitude ,firm determination .But I think every story is incomplete without love story that's why the drama end with their love story . Main male lead character was tough but hesitate at the time of confessing his feelings , so after accept of his proposal, so how he will takes his love story futher . This I wanted to see but drama was end after his confession of love accepted with the sweet kiss.
I really wants this drama has second season ." After marriage still master of our own "...

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Chemistry (loyalty) speaks louder ?

Best c-drama of 2022.
Lin Gengxin and 7 Tan brings out a very natural portrayal of a boss and a secy. Their acting were phenomenal in this drama. They had got a very lovable chemistry even though they express less towards each other. All the other supporting cast were outstanding in their given roles. Ending ost was really soft and melancholic in tune, i really loved it so much?
Acting; 10/10
Romance: 10/10 (you don't see much but you feel it)
Story: 10/10
Rating must be above 8.5 atleast, this seems underrated.
Conclusion : A must watch drama for all drama lovers. Very motivating and lovely. I have no interest in investment or anything like that but this drama really is a gem and it sparkles.

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satisfy screenplay writer

I was very much surprised!!! without any romantic scene or intimacy, the story able to tie us , keep following everyday till the last episode.. Each episode well composed . The cast was good enough to make us stick on it.. Showing a strong Female lead inspires. Well done to the screenplay writer. The writing makes us involved which each character .. since FL and ML is my favorite , i knew they will nailed the character., especially Kenny... OMG. he look handsome . Seven Tan , keep on moulding her acting skill in each of her serial. Anyhow, overall in was a good show. Thanks Mr. Director , to gave such a warm drama... Really love it.

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Amazing Story of Self Actualisation and Character progression

This drama had my favourite features...a strong FL who believes in herself and is undaunted by adverse circumstances, a ML who is cold and arrogant but changes to total mush later on, supportive parents, sismance in workplace ( not easy to find it) and an ending which makes me happy and well assured that things do turn out for the best. Of course, Kenny Lin and Seven Tan were the stars of the show but the side characters had quite a bit of contribution in increasing the appeal of the drama. i never had even one boring moment with this drama and enjoyed it thoroughly

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Female Lead Saves The CEO

I wanted to watch this drama because both of the leads are in my top 10 actors that I admire. When it first started, I quickly started to love the FL because Tan Song Yun was strong, smart and great charisma. I like how she stay calm when her boss would try to insult her. But I could not understand that her boss is the character that she would end up with. As a women I would never feel love for someone who insult me or belittle me and disrespected me. I can see him giving her orders at work and being tough but not the way he treated her and disrespected her. Maybe I demand more of my boss. Lin Geng Xin, he was spoil and arrogant and just because he was good at his job and was talented, to me he just like belittling people underneath him. The story was good and it even got better as she starts dating and becomes a great investor. Her boyfriend did leave me with suspicion, especially when he became angry. The FL had to save the CEO and his family. That is so good to say. But then came the ending and it left me with a sad look. I already had lost a bet because I said they would kiss by episode 30. The first touch of lips did not count that was not a kiss. I figure that the writer would give them 2 episode to really show romance between them and falling in love but no. 2 cold ducks that kiss and END. No sorry, that was not good for me. The actor performance was great and I like the story line except the end.

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You go in expecting a rom-com but leave the show inspired by the female lead in the end.

I only started watching this drama thinking it was a rom-com, but it never turned out to be that.
Although I was a bit disappointed in the beginning since most of the men in show are just a**holes, however each woman in this show was impressive. Their strength to fight for their own right, ability to stand up for fellow women and following their dreams, instead of just following men was what makes this drama a good watch. I have seen the female lead in 'Go Ahead' and I really liked her then, but I completely fell in love with her in this drama wand was rooting for her during the whole whole show.
I will definitely look out for all her dramas in future.

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Could have been a great Drama.

There is a lot to like about Master of my Own, great production values, strong female lead and a story of female empowerment.....but the whole drama is destroyed by the Toxic ML character who is abusive, controlling, treats the FL like his chattel, then when she finally had enough of his constant promises of promotion to the Job she was interviewed for eventually walks out to a competing company so he makes his mission to destroy her career to force her back.

No abuser like that deserves the redemption he achieved at the end, he should have ended up in prison!

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"Lemon, what happened in your childhood to make you believe people are good?”

Starting my review with a quote from another drama with a Lemon character. Lizz lemon- 30 Rock ;)

Beyond 30 Rock:
Similar to 30 Rock, we have a bright eyed newbie in a corporate world having to deal with a boss who starts off as cynical, conservative, un creative, racist, arrogant, but this is where the parallels end. In 30 Rock Liz was used to humanise Jack who was not at all a nice person. This is not the case with Lu Ji Meng. He is ambitious but also conscious of the responsibilities of the investment field. He is an excellent mentor to Ning Meng and I'm glad that the romantic relationship wasn't based on her total dependence on him. His character growth was impressive- from arrogant to pitiful to humbled.

Working in the Corporate world:
This drama showed me a different side to capital markets and investment- which it goes in details with - without making it seem too wolf of wall street types- atleast that's the stereotype I have of this industry. Even though I am not in the field, I have worked in corporate and Ning Meng's experience was extremely relatable.
I liked the way they show subtle difference in work spaces that are dominated by men and workspaces that have more female workers but who are also supportive of each other. The drama is aware of these social dynamics and is able to convey it without being preachy and obvious.

On Nostalgia:
Interesting how the romantic interests of the respective leads tried to manipulate them with nostalgia. The FL was most pragmatic, she got over her childhood crush but was still easily influenced. Nostalgia is never a critical place, it's purely emotional. Goes to show how easy it can be to control someone using sentiment of the past.

Overall thoughts:
I would have preferred it to be entirely about Ning Meng's journey from secretary to director without the romance element. But I also liked her dynamic with Lu Ji Meng- felt similar to the chemistry of Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye- they're very comfortable being friends and are almost destined to end up together irrespective of the paths they choose.
I was lost in the middle when Yi Meng was introduced, felt her character was under developed compared to the rest.
Liu Chang's character was also quite two dimensional. Besides dining out and the predictable trope of a spurned lover, he didn't really add anything else.
I lived for the scenes with Shi Ying and Ning Meng, they were each others' fan girls and the chemistry was incredible. Yang Xiao as the secretary was too cute- her banter with Lu Ji Meng was pure comedy.
I haven't enjoyed a similar workplace drama since Rememberance of Things Past which also had a perfect fusion of almost documentary like detail of corporate work life along with drama and romance.
I might do a Tan Song Yun retrospective and re-watch this along with The Sword And The Brocade where she was also phenomenal

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Slow and long for some seconds of closure...

Just some thoughts just after watching the show...

STORY - interesting story about a merciless boss that we, as the show progresses, discover the feelings and sweetness towards FL. Interesting stories, projects and a taste of investment in new ideas.
Great and powerful women also! Chasing the dreams is a wonderful way of living...
Some things didn't make sense to me like Su Wei choosing to go to the police, the extremely radical change in Lu Ji Min.

CHARACTERS / ACTING - wonderful acting for most.

MUSIC - didn't pay much attention to the music.

REWATCH - I think I will never rewatch this again, especially due to the abrupt ending.

OVERALL - I enjoyed watching this. For me, what downgraded the drama for me was the ending. After more than 30 episodes, a kiss is not enough for me.
I don't agree with lots of opinions saying this isn't romance. For me it is, all the movements and decisions of Lu Ji Min were for love, even if he didn't knew that.

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