Love Song in Winter (2024)

Nice mix of romance and mystery

I really enjoyed this drama, even though this drama has some angst, I think the romance was really well done, and the mix of mystery added an extra layer that kept me engaged. Watch out for some spoilers.

Romance: It's not a really angsty romance, even though there was a breakup or technically a break as they weren't official yet midway though, thus there was some angst, you always knew they would eventually make up. You know from the beginning no one else has a chance. And once they are together from 20 onwards, they are as solid as a rock. Some might say their romance is boring, but I enjoy romances that are peaceful and supportive, and that's exactly what they had. I really enjoyed their romance and think it was maturely done, with lots of support and cute/hot moments when they became official. Some say the FL has communication problems at the beginning, and yes I do agree, but I also understand why it was hard for her. Her experiences were definitely traumatic and hard for her to communicate with the ML. But once they were together, there communicated well and never kept secrets. If you enjoy supportive and mature romance I think this is the one for you, just wait till they are together, its a great relationship.

Mystery: The mystery added an extra element that keeps you guessing almost the whole way through. I think this balanced the peaceful romance from ep 20 onwards, as the focuses shifted more to the mystery. Some reviews said they did not see a lot of police work done at the beginning. That is true, but it takes maybe around 8-10 episodes for the mystery to really begin and that's when the police work starts coming into focus. In the end the "bad guy" was a predictable but the many layers of the mystery did keep it engaging. Finding out who's involved, what really happened and the motives, is what keeps this mystery engaging. But it does take time to really kick in so give it some time.

Overall, I really liked this drama and think it was a good blend of romance and mystery. It may not be for everyone and the start can be a bit slow, but if you stick with it I think it's quite engaging and the romance is endearing. It's not action packed or hot and sexy (although there are some hot scenes, one in particular) but if you're looking for a nice mix of romance and mystery, this is an enjoyable watch.

Read More

Love Song In Winter Indeed..

"If you want rainbow.. You have to deal with the rain.."
- Augustus

This quote came to mind as I finished the drama.. The ML and FL are each other's rainbow.. And Wen Peng is undoubtedly the rain they must endure.. The first 10 episodes were top notch.. We even got the first kiss in ep 2.. Unlike many dramas this one avoided the usual angst and misunderstandings we often have to endure in the first half.. And the ML?? He crushed the SML every chance he got.. Firmly put him in his place with such nonchalance that it made it even more satisfying.. Little did I know though that this was nothing compared to what was about to unfold.. Compared to the first 10 episodes the next 10 were just good and nothing great.. Once the killings and investigations kicked in the plot began to lag.. The investigation plot initially was poorly crafted.. And the cops they were made to look completely ineffective.. They were literally overpowered by a girl half their size and not just once..

We got a proper villain in LSIW.. WTC was truly outstanding in his role.. I dont know if the villain was overpowered and too smart or if the others were just naive.. He outsmarted them at every turn.. He was a psychopath, A maniac, A madman, Callous and Machiavellian.. I liked how they revealed that the SML could be the villain.. He was initially portrayed as this perfect guy with a troubled childhood but slowly his dangerous side was revealed.. By the end of episode 21 it was clear he was the antagonist.. There were hints from the beginning like the butterfly and other subtle hints..

The FL treated the ML coldly after her friend's death?? Well.. Yes she did.. I felt sorry for him but I dont blame her.. Her behavior might seem immature but it was as mature as it could be.. Both in the past and in the present.. Even the ML realizes this and tells her "Now I understand why you had to do that 8 years ago".. And I honestly think the FLs from both Cdramas and Kdramas could learn a lot from the FL here on how to draw a clear line with the SML.. There are very few characters like her..
That devil of an SML made the FLs life miserable.. He killed two of her friends.. She had to break up with her love.. He tried to kill her mother and soon her boyfriend also almost got killed.. Even amidst all that she stood strong.. Her mental resilience is truly commendable..

Wen Pang’s mother’s identity was a real surprise.. I wasnt expecting that.. Or did I miss the hints?? I liked the mother's character in the first half but by the end she became someone I really disliked..

There is a scene in ep 32 where the ML breaks down.. It felt like a genuine emotional breakdown.. Natural not overdramatic and it fit perfectly within the sequence of events..

" Jiang Chengyi.. Don't get hurt again.. I can't live without you.. "

Everything about the couple felt special..

Read a few comments asking why the villain didnt propose to her in those 8 years.. I think the answer is simple.. He knew she would never love anyone else and that she was waiting for the ML to come back because she believed he would.. Or perhaps because she never truly let him go.. So he had to make her come to him on her own..

The last 6 episodes were good but they were way too slow... Though I didnt mind.. By the end Wen Peng had completely lost touch with reality.. Consumed by his own delusions and obsessions.. He literally killed and hurt everyone close to her and still had the audacity to say "No one will ever love you the way I do"

The interaction between the ML and the antagonist in the last episode didnt make sense.. Was that really necessary after everything he did?? He is being treated as a human being?? And then the ML asks him to meet their mother?? How could he even think about letting her see a psychotic psychopath who manipulates and gaslights people so easily?? As for the mother’s character.. I dont even know what to say.. It felt completely illogical.. Yes she loved her son.. But her psychopath son tried to kill her stepson and Kidnapped his girlfriend.. Killed two of their friends, murdered several others.. And tried to kill at least three cops.. And she keeps saying its her fault?? While her love for her son is clear her willingness to overlook his crimes makes her actions seem more baffling than emotional.. This choice by the writers underplays the cruelties of the SML.. I really wish they hadnt included that scene.. It felt totally unnecessary and probably hurt the show’s ratings..

While the final episode had some unnecessary scenes, it was really good overall.. I mean an entire episode of them being happy after overcoming all their problems?? Kdrama writers, take notes..

Overall.. Despite some slow moments and unnecessary lengthy scenes the drama really pulled me in.. The performances were solid and the chemistry between the leads was undeniable.. The FL was such a standout character and the villain?? He was terrifying.. The ending had its flaws.. Sure but it still gave them the happy ending they deserved.. Is the drama perfect?? No.. Flaws?? Plenty.. But its definitely worth the time and its one i will not easily forget.. Be sure to watch the bts scenes as well.. They were fun..

P.S.. The subtitles are never getting better are they??

Read More