Ranking of 2023 dramas I've watched- updating
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1. Till the End of the Moon
Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes
Will Bai Lu ever get a happy ending in a historical drama?? Damn them. I couldn’t breath properly because of all the crying.
After Ashes of Love, I vowed not to watch again a drama of the ML, and so even if I’m an avid Bai Lu fan, I didn’t watch their previous collaboration. Yet something drew me to this drama and I don’t regret watching it for one bit.
Firstly, the actor who plays the ML totally redeemed himself in my eyes. He was splendid. Even when he was evil, he was so pitiful that you couldn’t not care for him.
Secondly, we won’t act like this drama doesn’t hold way too many similarities with Love Between Fairy and Devil which I also liked. But it is much better for sure. When I finished LBFnD I hoped to see another drama where ML is a powerful evil character, here we’ve seen it too but there was way too many back and forth and inconsistencies in his character (bad vs good) that maybe it was better to stick with one line of story.
Their chemistry was bomb and I truly wished to hear at least one “I love you” from both of them. -
2. Moving
Korean Drama - 2023, 20 episodes
My first perfect grade of the year. I was really thinking hard whether it deserves 10/10 but the last two eps were the ones that gave the final call (even if the beginning was quite slow). What an epic battle scene and oh my how much I love and cried with Lee Sung Kyun. I did previously cry with Ryu Seung Ryong but this one was just different and touched on different heart strings. I'm happy his son was finally proud of him. Also, I didn't think Hyo Joo will work well the mom role but she was great and her having her kid to count on made me tear too and reminded me a bit the beautiful ending of Under the Queen's Umbrella.
Unlike my friend who was much immersed with the kids stories, I like the older ones more. Also although the young one (and obv Tae Hyun appa and Kim Hee Won) were great, the older ones are on different scale. and who thought to cast YDG as the bad guy? He made me hate him and I LOVE him! He's one of the coolest guys, so why? lol
p.s Did anyone understand the ending?
p.s2 Can Ryu Seung Ryong even die? How? Only from old age?
p.s3 I hope that Hee Soo and Bong Seok won't have a kid together cause s/he we'll be so powerful that he totally will be used by the government.
p.s4 They don't look like high-schoolers. That zoom in on Youn Jung-ie's face just proved she's just as others are in her (and mine) age. Our skin isn't as beautiful as it was when we were 18. That's what it is. -
3. Doona!
Korean Drama - 2023, 9 episodes
I’ve been waiting for this drama for so long and I’m not in a bit disappointed. Yes, I might be not so objective, I usually give 10 to Suzy’s dramas and this one ain’t different. Logically I know it wasn’t a perfect drama but it was what I needed and it didn’t have the bad ending of the webtoon which I’m glad but it wasn’t so great either. If I wasn’t crying for the past two weeks from real life problems, I probably would’ve cried with Suzy too but there aren’t left tears to cry in my body for fictional stuff.
Loved her chemistry with Yang Se Jong, wasn't fan of them making him younger because he’s a great actor and he could’ve acted the same insecure man even if he was same age/older.
Can’t believe Sun Young told Suzy she gained weight. I think I’ve never seen her thinner.
The OST sounds extremely similar to Ailee's one from Goblin..
P.s Did everyone notice that at the beginning of the drama she had no sheets on her bed? How could she sleep like that? lol -
4. Call It Love
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
The models drama lol 3 of the main leads are models (though in over a decade of experience in acting each) and so we've seen one of the highest set I've seen. Interestingly, I almost didn't watch the drama. I was so burned by Lee Sung Kyung last Shi**y drama (literally and figuratively) and I've said I finished giving her chances but people in the comments told me she was acting just great here and that I should give it a shot. I've started it and the colors and the gloomy aura reminded me Just Between Lovers that I disliked a lot. but I continued and I'm pleased I did, cause I really felt for the main leads . Every one acted really good, ML too who isn't my cup of tea because of his real-life character but he made me believe him. Another who acted a very different role from her eccentric character is Exid's Hani who I've seen for the first time acting. This girl went through so much since her viral video of Up&Down soured and I'm happy she's still relevant and following her dreams. Though it was a bit difficult to recognize her, a bit too much PS.
p.s It felt to me they took a lot of inspiration from the amazing drama My Liberation Notes, the three brothers and the feelings conveyed by all the characters. but in comparison to them, it's a bit lacking. Especially since FL's went through a big change after the so-called revenge ended and it's problematic if they said it's her character since birth. -
5. Hidden Love
Chinese Drama - 2023, 25 episodes
Oh my Lusi. Finally doing an out of the box role for her and everyone can see what a good actress she is. I cried and laughed with her. ML also doesn't lack a bit. First time seeing him and he's such a good actor (though all the handsome comments throughout the drama are a bit too much IMO). You could see truly the transition in the type of love and caring he had for her and this is what you call superb acting.
Loved loved the big bro-lil sis relationship which reminded me a lot of my own. Happy he's getting a sequel centered around him.
p.s Happy she finally had a good mother relationship. The same mom made her go through hell in Love Like the Galaxy.
p.s2: Every Cdrama I've watched this year was awful to say the least. I'm happy I put my hand on at least one that was so splendid.
p.s3: I'll probably will read the novel when the sessions will be over. Hope it will be at least good as this drama was.*I've wrote most of my thoughts about this drama in it's review so I'll just mention again how much I loved it and how happy I'm that Lusi took on a different role than her usual ones (and I don't mean only the modern setting). I was sick of seeing her again and again play a sassy, stupid but wise character. She finally had a delicate role and we've seen transition from an immature girl to one that others can lean on. It was a wonderful experience. Also the OST is perfect.
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6. True to Love
Korean Drama - 2023, 14 episodes
What an intelligent drama. I usually stay away from ML's productions since his cheating scandal but for In Na unni I made the effort, and his character was quite likeable so at times I even forgot how awful is he as a human being.
I loved seeing a normal grown up relationship of Sojin and her husband, and got upset for Joo Sang Wook being ML only by name, and having Chansung oppa (my 2PM bias) yet again as the bad boy.
And I know his character was supposed to be this awkward but I think iKon's Junhoe definitely needs to step up his game and get some better acting skills if he wants to continue with an acting career.
It was a great drama and I'm a bit sad I wasn't fully immersed because of my current psychological state. Maybe one day I'll rewatch it. But I think for the time being I'll try to stay away from new dramas so that my critique will be more "objective".
Also, the ending song of each ep is nice but sounds way too similar to many other dramas OSTs. -
7. Our Blooming Youth
Korean Drama - 2023, 20 episodes
I really really liked this drama. I saw people complain about the lack of romance but I don't see it as a main part of the show, and I wouldn't mind if the FL would've ended up with the 2ML either. because the story is about comradeship and trust between friends.
Speaking of, it's the first time I see both the FL and the 2ML so it's surprising they got main roles so fast (while Pyo Ye Jin and Lee Tae Sun have been working for years now). Nevertheless they did a fine job.
IMO Jung Woong In had one bad role too many and his charm as the villain has vanished. He no longer is as terrifying as he was. and till the middle of the drama I was sure that I'll write in my review that we finally see in a drama a functional royal family but how could Hong Soo Hyun play a good role? probably impossible.
Upset for Lee Jong Hyuk though. While I was in my teens he always played the ML and now he plays the ML's father (even though age wise speaking he can't possibly be Hyungshik's father). I guess his prime has ended. -
8. Love to Hate You
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
I feel quite split. I mostly liked very much the drama (gave it another shot after watching the first ep at the beginning of the month and not liking, but than watched the second ep few days ago and the karaoke scene with Chan Whee's Tears, 2NE1's I'm the Best and Orange Caramel's song [that just a day before I heard with other After School's songs while in a nostalgic mood] made me stay for good) but the last ep was just frustrating and annoying. Never in the Korean showbiz there is a possibility to make a press call and say stuff like this, and even more to propose marriage. and after she declined? I would've sent her to hell. He doesn't have a backbone and it's just not crediable that in few months he became this attached to her.
p.s 2FL ain't tired of playing stewardess? I've just seen her in the same role in King the Land, but she definitely had a more meaningful role here.
p.s2 Now I understand why my friend was shocked at seeing Yeo Teo in Past Lives. He looks so good in this drama, but there he's at top average. And why if he has such a good English accent they cast him in the movie where he shouldn't have had one, and sounded so awkward? -
9. Celebrity
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
A bit apologetic for starting each review with talking about the asynchronization between the actors ages and their characters ages but it's stronger than me. as much as I like Lee Chung Ah (who looked like she's about to cry throughout the whole show which made you pity her), she doesn't look the same age as Minhyuk. They did correctly the couples (age wise) but talked as if they're all same age which is wrong. The bad guy role fits Lee Dong Gun like a glove lol
I loved the main couple yet it's a bit odd that a player like him fell in love with the FL at first sight (or word?).
Pleasantly surprised by the performance of all of our idols (though Hyosung has to stop with the PC. It can't be that in each drama she looks different).
Loved the way each ep began with the monologue. And I applaud them for the fact that each of the revelations in the last eps were unpredictable. Last ep though IMO wasn't necessary. We really didn't care enough for BBBfamous to center around her.
The show was super interesting and eye-opening about the world of the Instagram influencers, and I will see each post now in different light. -
10. Revenant
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
I really really liked it. It was super interesting and the acting was just superb. Kim Tae Ri was fantastic (though her tone of voice was a bit disturbing IMO) and if I thought that Kim Hae Sook outdid herself in Under the Queen's Umbrella, here her acting was just on another level. So I take back my request of her acting nice roles, cause it seems she flourishes in the bad ones much more.
First time seeing 2ML and I still haven't formed my opinion about him, let's see what his next project will be like.
Unlike others, the drama didn't lose my interest even in the last ep, and I was curious till the last bit of it how will the story unfold. -
11. Doctor Cha
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
I’m so pleasantly surprised with Hyeyeon. I didn’t know she took on acting (nor that she changed her name) but she was great. Jellyfish definitely trained well their artists. A pity Gugudan didn’t take off with so many talented girls.
In topic, the drama was great and I enjoyed it a lot since it wasn’t your typical medical drama.
Before watching my friend said that it bothered her that unrealistically everything FL did ended up well. But as I really like Uhm Jung Hwa I was in favor of it lol though the motorbike scene in the 15 ep wasn’t believable to me as well.
I didn’t feel that there was a lot in common with the younger version of the ML and the older one which fitted like a glove with the actors image of previous productions. The younger looked too nice to do the actions the older did. I wouldn’t hate if they got back together but it was noticeable that he cared for her and depended on her, but didn’t love her, and probably this is not the best equation for marriage. -
12. My Demon
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
It had so much potential and it was so good, until it wasn't. but still I overall have fondness towards the drama. Yes, I don't think they should've incorporated their old lives part, and I truly believed till the end that Sang Yi will turn out evil (and TBH IMO it could've been a much better turning point). Visually speaking, I didn't really like the extreme height difference but as Yoojung is an exceptional actress, she made it work.
I loved the office setting and all the comical moments it brought, and also all the people (family!) that was around Song Kang. -
13. My Perfect Stranger
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Can't say any of the drama revelations weren't obvious, nevertheless it was enough thrilling that you didn't care even if you knew deep down exactly how each ep will end.
Jin Ki Joo got a bit better at acting since the previous drama I've seen her in, yet she still has a long way. It's interesting she takes on challenging roles with her skills, but maybe thanks to that she'll become better.
It irritated me that for the second drama in a row (for me), ML somehow starts loving FL without any progress. and it's not like love at first sight, he just wakes up one day and he loves her suddenly. and it transcends the screen that he doesn't care for her in that way. Don't know if it's the actor fault though, I want to say the script but two times are more than one. Maybe he should've portrayed that it's a process, but I haven't seen it that way.
I really wanted to give it a lower grade, but they made me cry so much in all those family interaction that I'm torn.
p.s Doesn't FL's father younger version looks a lot like BTS's V while the mother looks a lot like Seunggi's Wife Lee Da In (or whatever she changed her name to now)? -
14. Bloodhounds
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
I liked Sang Yi since watching him few years ago singing on How Do You Play? but this year's No Gain No Love made me like him even more, and so I resolved to catch on other productions with him.
To my surprise, many actors whom I like take part in this drama, unfortunately not all in good roles lol At least Heo Joon Ho was as sweet as he could be (I saw him play evil in the past and it's better not to cross paths with him ;)
I thought this drama was about boxing because of the poster but I was totally mistaken and pleasantly surprised since I've kind of liked it. The story flowed well, tho I was upset Park Sung Woong was always one step ahead of them.. but I love the message behind it about helping needed people when you have extra cash, and not just use it to become even richer. Even Siwon got a sense at the end haha -
15. Behind Your Touch
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Unexpectedly, I really liked it. and I didn't even knew who the villain is even if many wrote it to me towards the ending week. I guess I just didn't want to believe it lol He was way too funny.
I remember back in the days when Exo only debuted, Suho talked about wanting to act but it's interesting he got a ML role so fast. Though it's ML only by name, cause there were supporting actors who had much more screen time than him. Also, he has to do something with his skin- what's with the tons of makeup layers?
Even if I overall liked the drama, I feel like Minki didn't shine in it. He really has the good drama-bad drama sequence. He was so astonishing in My Liberation Notes that I probably had way bigger hopes than I should've, but that's more a script problem than his. He should be applauded for acting as sick as he was through much of the middle part. -
16. Moon in the Day
Korean Drama - 2023, 14 episodes
Pleasantly surprised by Kim Young Dae. I've seen him in few dramas and I was quite disappointed by his last ML role (Sh*tting Stars) but here he was great and performed well the differences between the two characters he had.
Like so many others, I too preferred the historical plot more. Not sure why they left main leads at the same body but made Jung Woong In take on (yet again!!!) the villain.
My friend who read the webtoon was questioning my affection for the couple and told me it's obvious they won't have happy ending since he's dead and I learned to live with it since her explanation was logical lol .Yet, they somehow wanted it to be different but IMO the last 10 minutes were unnecessary. -
17. The Story of Park's Marriage Contract
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
I liked it overall but as it's another Saguk with Lee Se Young it's hard not to compare the feels with the masterpiece she previously did, which is The Red Sleeve, and not to be a bit disappointed because of the lack of them.
Bae In Hyuk was really great at portraying the two characters. TBH, I liked his ancient times version more. Like many others I thought FL's (and especially her friend's) fast adaptation to civilization was a bit unrealistic but they were adorable so I forgive them.
IMO Jo Bok Rae can land better roles that a plain secretary but I'm happy he had a few fighting scenes at the beginning so all the skills he acquired while working on Moving didn't go to waste.
p.s Was it always supposed to be only 12 eps? I was surprised immensely when it ended so fast lol -
18. Crash Course in Romance
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
I really didn't think I'll like it as much as I did at the first half, since it's about a couple who's much older than me, and unlike others I don't think she looks that much older than him.
But I really hate that Kdramas are so predictable and obviously a guy who usually plays main roles and gets so much screen time won't be only an appearance. and that story really ruined for me almost all 6 last eps and that's why my rating went down from 9.
I loved the high school setting and the kids relationships. The problematic moms were a nice addition and so was Sang Yi's silly cameo as the Youtuber.
Bottom line, I'm happy I've watched it, for quite some time (it's first weeks of airing), it was the only show that brought smiles to my face and I'm grateful for it. First and only 2023 drama I've watched :)
p.s: I bet Jang Kyung Ho felt a total deja vu with not being able to get married because of FL's set backs just like he gets from Sooyoung lol -
19. My Journey to You
Chinese Drama - 2023, 24 episodes
A very complex and intriguing drama yet I wasn't really fond of the main couple (though I was pleasantly surprised by Esther as I didn't like her in the previous production I've seen with her -LBFnD) and so I couldn't care less about the open ending.
I think they had way too many filler scenes with ML's sister and not enough of the much more beautiful and interesting second main leads couple. The last ep gave closures to so many characters, yet specifically them didn't get it so it's a pity IMO.
A really big thumbs up for the scriptwriters for keeping the tension even with so many plot lines and characters. -
20. Welcome to Samdal-ri
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Very high quality and emotional drama (you know when Taeyeon starts singing, it's time for you to start crying lol) though it takes some (much!) time for it to grow on you. Obviously great acting from everyone involved but for most of the drama I felt Ji Chang Wook is there for only his pretty face. He always gave his *hottie* smile even when it wasn't appropriate and so it quite angered me at certain point.
TBH I didn't feel a lot of satisfaction from the ending of that b*tch and I know it's mostly a family drama but I wanted them to take more time and give her the hell she deserves.
p.s Loved seeing Tae Hee unni's cameo in the last ep, made me realize just how much I've missed her in the dramaland scene.
p.s2: I had recently a discussion with a friend about the fact that Sejeong gets main roles while Mina doesn't even though she's as talented (acting wise). and I think the fact that only at ep 6 I realized it's her kind of makes the point that she has less stage presence. A pity.. -
21. My Dearest
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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22. See You in My 19th Life
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
When this drama started, I thought that I will be one of those who'll rate it 9-10. But the last 3 eps were just a waste of time, and it's one thing if it was a 16 ep drama, but in a 12 ep one- it's a quarter.
Yes the acting of everyone was great and the cinematography too. And I was truly curious about her 1st life memories- but it just not worth it.
and STOP it. I was born in 96, and they're telling us that Shin Hye Sun was born after 97? She doesn't look like it no matter how youthful she is. She looks similar to Ahn Bo Hyun in age and it wouldn't kill them if they said the truth. -
23. Castaway Diva
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
Can't say the name of the drama without doing the hand movements and chanting After School's "Diva Diva Di-Di-Di-Diva" ;)
Jokes aside, I think the drama really picked up towards the final episodes. It was quite boring mostly but somehow they still managed to end each ep with a cliffhanger which is also an accomplishment.
I was happy seeing again after many years Kim Hyo Jin but I wasn't that fond of her role. I'm also happy that we finally saw how pretty Park Eun Bin is but she as well didn't have a very challenging role like we're used to from her. And yeah, I understand it's not that easy to always talk in saturi but that's not how it's measured (Also, is it really possible to forego the accent specifically while your singing? I don't think so lol. Was it even really her singing?)
Have to say I was quite upset that just after 2 eps the mystery was uncovered, cause I wished it would take longer but they definitely had a great chemistry and she for sure was the more assertive one in the relationship.
Like many others, I also think it's too weird that after so many years alone she adapted to civilization that quickly, but that's fiction, so be it. -
24. The Good Bad Mother
Korean Drama - 2023, 14 episodes
Stop aging Lee Do Hyun. He's my age. We don't look like we're 35!! Knock it of T_T and his female leads (first Song Hye Kyo and now Min Ha [sorry can't get out of my head her Hospital Playlist character]) look older than him, and appropriate to their own age. I'm okay with noona romance but call it by it's name.
Now that we got this out of the system, I want to applaud all the actors in this project, and especially him and Ra Mi Ran. They had such challenging roles. Yet they executed them exceptionally.
But, the charm of the show got lost at the last 4-5 eps. Me, who cried through many of their mutual scenes, didn't even shed a tear at the ending. It was upsetting for me that I no longer felt for them.. maybe if Do Hyun was singing Yanghwa Bridge (by Zion.T) instead it would've helped ;)
and Jung Woong In? I thought I told not that long ago in my review of Our Blooming Youth that after so many dramas, I don't buy anymore your villain façade. Yes you're so bad that you don't care about your children, but I couldn't care less. Start playing good roles, like in Prison Playbook, the time has come.
Unlike him, Mr. Choi (aka Park Bo Gum's father in Reply), really terrified and surprised me with his (character's) actions. This what happens when you play out of the box roles (note to JWI) -
25. Destined with You
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
I'm so very disappointed with how things unfolded in this drama. For a few good weeks at its' beginning, I thought I'll give it a 10, but then mistakes were made, from my side as well. On my part, I came across promotion video on YouTube where I saw that lack of chemistry between the leads which really ruined their relationship for me. On their part, they started to insert story lines (like the kidnapping one) which made this already confusing drama with past lives, supernatural and what not, even more confusing.
I was upset by Jo Boa's character stupidity and naivety -which I thought after seeing Han Ji Min in Behind Your Touch can't be worse but yes it was. I saw her in other dramas and I know she can kick ass and so I protected her at first when everyone bashed her but her "damsel in distress" tone of voice started to get on my nerves as well.
Don't know why Rowon had to change 3 times his haircut (in the modern times). Did they even noticed it? Also, I'm not quite sure Lee Pil Mo is old enough to be his father, while as far as I know Jung Hye Young's kids are younger than us. I wasn't in for their divorce so happy they didn't go there. which made Minho's role quite irrelevant.
and I have to mention that I'm quite proud of Yura. I remember when she just started acting she laughed along when variety shows called her for having "feet acting", but now that's really not the case. She really managed to piss me off as her character so she made a good job. but I grew on you girl, and Rowon is my age exactly. not every extremely tall guy is an "oppa" ;) -
26. Not Others
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
Fresh and easygoing drama that had a a very promising start but lost its momentum as it progressed. Actually with the (provocative) topics they covered, I would’ve expected much riskier scenes, but maybe Sooyoung is way too conservative for it (I still remember how they used other woman’s *covered* breast on The Spring Day of My Life instead of hers lol). Also, I’m not really a fan of the dads character, and I don’t think it added to the evolution of the other characters.
p.s What happened with Park Sung Hoon? I’ve seen him in few dramas as well as recently in The Glory and his face never looked so bloated.. -
27. The Killing Vote
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
It wasn't that bad but the premise was very impactful and so I've waited for something bigger and better than that. Even though they're police officers, they really cut a lot of corners and did a lot of actions that raised eyebrows, but maybe it's understandable since they've dealt with extremely evil and villainous people. And the ending just proved that on an apple tree oranges don't grow.
Loved most the high-schoolers story and dynamics. and happy that at least at the end Lim Ji Yeon arranged her hair and stopped looking like a wet poppy. -
28. The Worst of Evil
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
So who is the worst of evil? I would say the wife. I know it's a bit double standard but I feel her messing with Wi Ha Joon (because of their history) is much more problematic than Ji Chang Wook's relationship (and presumably grown feelings) towards Bibi (*side note: can't say her name without humming IU's BBIBBI).
I've tried it first when it started airing but the quantity of fighting scenes were too much and I dropped it. Happy I got back though cause it got better in the second half (not your typical 'cop infiltrating a gang' story) and it's been a few good years since I've seen a JCW production. Unlike others, I don't think the ending was bad, and I didn't grow to like noun of the gangsters.
Interesting that all the men's pants were quite tight though in those times it wasn't fashionable, but I get it, they wanted to show us their good looks so who an I to complain? lol -
29. Lost You Forever
Chinese Drama - 2023, 39 episodes
3(4)ML and only 1 FL? you really don't know who to ship (one is her cousin!) and till a very advanced stage in the way I really had no ship. Out of them all, they decided to pair her with the most vanilla one and that was upsetting.
I got to understand how will the story end eventually, and I can't say I'm extremely looking forward to the next season but I'll probably be watching. Yang Zi was great and yes, I ship her with the bad guy, not that it's surprising lol -
30. D.P. Season 2
Korean Drama - 2023, 6 episodes
Did Son Suk Ku had such a main role in the previous season or was it me who didn't care about him before watching My Liberation Notes? lol
Anyways, I really didn't recall much from the previous season and so a lot of the characters appearing in the last ep made me confused. (I always said Go Kyung Pyo does much better bad guy roles).
Nevertheless, 3 eps that center around the events of last season are a bit too much, don't you think? It started getting interesting from ep 4 only.
Though I must say that there isn't a chance that a former soldier (when did she even got discharged? I probably missed it. I was extremely baffled when I saw her as a lawyer) is taking a role of a prosecutor against the army, and that her ex-husband (how convenient) is giving a testimony in her favor. Very very fishy.
Final verdict: Just like in my own country- the army is always at fault!
Also, great ending song. -
31. The Uncanny Counter Season 2: Counter Punch
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
Some dramas shouldn’t be given a second season. As much as I loved the first one, the second one was so so boring. The only good thing that came with it was seeing one of the actors who usually plays nice roles kills it as the villain.
Also it was funny to see the reunion of the uncle and the nephew from Alchemy. In Soo even finally looked tall when he’s not around those giants but with the shorties here lol -
32. Oasis
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Jin Yi Han and Do Sang Woo, where are the days you acted as main leads? Life is really sad.
This drama shows that all the bullsh*t about blood being thicker than water isn't true after all and the winner in the Nature Vs Nurture is the later one. 2ML's mom was definitely the most horrendous character in the drama even without physically hurting people, unlike others.
Seol In Ah had better love story and more chemistry with her partner as a second lead in A Business Proposal than in this drama.
and I'll never understand those who cast actors who're thin and small to play gangster roles. First with Joong Ki in Vincenzo and now here with Jang Dong Yoon, it's super uncreditable. Not only that, it sounded like someone was dubbing him. The accent was so unauthentic. Do they lack actors who're originally from the region?
p.s: one of the songs reminded me a lot of Russian old songs my parents used to listen to when I was younger, so it does complete the feeling of that era.
p.s2: Did anyone understand the ending? Is everyone alive? How?
p.s3: Though I was pleasantly surprised to see Seunghee here, what was her purpose except singing in between scenes? -
33. The Glory Part 2
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
Did I like it? no. But was it an acting spectacle? no doubt!
I have to first address what they said in the first part - Lee Do Hyun's character was born in 1989? bullshit. He's almost the same age as the actress who played Song Hye Kyo's younger version (and thank god they didn't say SHK's was also born on 1989 cause it's even more hard to believe than about LDH). Actually, I don't even understand why his characters was necessary from the first place to the story. Did they need someone with a great background to be on her side and he filled that spot? or did they want a romance even though this drama didn't went for that? and when will he stop playing the role of a doctor? If I'm counting correct it's the third time already.
After this drama, I totally see in a different light Lim Ji Yeon and Park Sung Hoon. They were so so great and so were many of the other cast members.
This drama just shows how important is to address bullying allegations in SK and I'm so happy for the wave that was a couple of years ago that exposed bully idols and actors, cause as the drama showed- a bully stays a bully, and their fans should stop saying that it all happened when they were young and immature. Emotional (and physical) scars never go away!! -
34. The Escape of the Seven: War for Survival
Korean Drama - 2023, 17 episodes
Can't believe it's from the same creators as Penthouse (only the best 2020 drama!). What a joke. I personally think the drama was made to show us the dangers of the technology and AI but it should have been better. Much better!
The start was extremely disgusting and disturbing to watch and the rest was just illogical. At times they treated some of the bad guys as good ones, but the ending just showed that they are all still bad. How can you even redeem yourself from murder?
My biggest shock was from Hwang Jung Eum. She was so evil, can't think of a single person she didn't hit in the drama. Jo Yoon Hee too. At first I thought she can't act but as the drama proceeded I understood it's exactly how she should act with this confused bad look.
and lastly Uhm Ki Joon. The guy who shamelessly told on Running Man he's part of the good guys. He truly gets better and shows us another side in each production.
My favorite part in this drama was Kim So Yeon's cameo. Make your own conclusions about how interesting the drama is from that ;) -
35. King the Land
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
She’s in love, I’m telling you!! At first, I too didn’t want to believe the rumors. This is a fan service drama and I thought that the purpose of these rumors was to bring more buzz to it, but as it’s my fifth drama with Yoona I can tell you I never seen her giving in to a kiss by a ML before like this. Also, she’s totally glowing and that something that is being said about women who’re in love. Overall I don’t know if it’s because of that or because she is really improving (something I already noticed in Big Mouth), but the role fit her like a glove and she was great in it.
On the other hand, I’m really upset for Junho. He was so remarkable in The Red Sleeve that I was so looking forward for his next challenge and the fact he opted for this lighthearted drama is disappointing, mainly for him to not showcasing his skills.
This drama used every single cliche that was popular in the drama world over a decade ago, and so it wasn’t a really interesting watch. Though I have to admit that the comic interactions of the supporting cast were always on point.
P.s why do we get to see his Bi-like smile only in the last ep of each of his dramas lol -
36. Faceless Love
Thai Drama - 2023, 14 episodes
I remember very fondly (and quite frankly- very differently) the original Jdrama. but here, the feelings weren't just there.
First of all, everything in the drama moved in the speed of light. Also, the ML in the Jdrama was older and here, not only that his actions were childish but he is practically a child. The F4 guy is a good actor but his whole character is weird. With his way of acting, quite weird he got the CEO position and not Luke (was his character even in the Jdrama?). And supassara? I love her, and I watched this drama also because of her, but she really needs to learn how to kiss. It's not possible to look so frightened each time. and BTW I liked so much more her hairstyle at the first ep, it was very fresh and I was sad they switched it back to her regular attire.
Overall I think it will be a much better watching experience to those who haven't seen the original and won't expect certain things. and you might also learn how to make a yummy chocolate ;)
p.s ML's mom really looked like the older version of Shin Hyun Bin. I just couldn't help but think of her each time I've seen the mom. -
37. Romance of a Twin Flower
Chinese Drama - 2023, 38 episodes
I think it's been a bit over half a year when I've mentioned this drama in a Chinese drama challenge with hopes of completing it and finally I did. The story is quite interesting don't get me wrong, but they somehow make it hard to stay concentrated with all the confusion and different plots that converge into one. Since the beginning I understood it's not a typical romcom, and I wasn't that attached to the couple either, but the other plots were at times just way too filler like.
I might've given it a higher rating if I didn't drop it so close to the ending and got back to it after such a long time. A good drama needs to leave you waiting at your toes and not that you press the 'next ep' button in hopes for maybe having something interesting there and especially just want it to end already.
*how much more Peng's drama I'm going to see and be disappointed? I like her a lot but I think it's the end of the road for us.. -
38. My Dearest Part 2
Korean Drama - 2023, 11 episodes
I thought I'll give one rating for the two parts just like I did with The Glory and others, but 4 eps into this part I knew I need to separate them or the first will wrongfully get this low of the rating (gave it 8.5).
I had my fair share of saguks that involve around palace intrigues but here it was just complicated, with too many characters and way too much plot stories. I just couldn't keep up and that's why this part was boring for me.
Both Ahn Eun Jin and Namgoong Min are great actors but I really couldn't feel the chemistry between them or understand how they grew to love each other so much. With her it was even less credible.
The only one I felt for was Lee Chung Ha and yet I think her addition to the drama was totally unnecessary.
*I've finished it few weeks ago so I might've forget other things I wanted to comment on. Maybe I'll edit it later -
39. Divorce Attorney Shin
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
I'm even shocked by myself for giving this kind of a score for a Jo Seung Woo drama, but it was SO boring!! I tried everything to be engaged in this project but for such a low ep count, I have dropped it twice (and got back to it obv). That sure means something, doesn't it?
Yes I'm not a fan of law dramas but I had my share of those which I liked. This one doesn't stand at the bottom (I give it to Hyena which I watched at a time I was a bit "kinder" while ranking dramas) but it's definitely not close to the middle even.
and Han Hye Jin? What was her purpose in all of it? Can't a Kdrama live without a FL? though she sure has a nice voice. If she's staying for good in Korea I recommend giving her a radio program.
p.s I usually like Trot music but somehow many of the songs that they chose to play were just irritating to listen to. -
40. Forever Love
Chinese Drama - 2023, 30 episodes
I definitely missed his kisses but this time around the story was so much more full of clichés that it wasn't interesting for one bit. and that girl, she really needs to step up with her acting skills! She was so awkward playing a blind one it was unbearable to watch. She should thank her ML who brings traffic to this drama. Without him, nobody would've watched her.
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41. Gyeongseong Creature
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
Wow I can’t believe I’m saying this but it was worse at times than Killer Paradox.
Felt like Park Seo Joon’s attachment and caring for Han Seo Hee came way too sudden and made too artificially ( a bit like in Itaewon Class but worse).
Also, did anyone understand the whole story between Claudia and HSH’s mom or we’ll get into it on S2? -
42. Heartbeat
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
I knew from the very first ep it would be an awful drama, but for Taecyeon I stuck with it. Somewhere around the middle part, it became a bit better, but towards the end it became bad again. Even the comical parts stopped way too fast, and then there was really nothing else left in the drama..
Wasn't invested at all with their love story, and so I didn't care how it ended. and TBH I think he looks much better with So Hee. -
43. My Lovely Liar
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Raise your hand if you didn't know who'll be the killer since day one? No one? Oh I'm shocked lol Though the reason was quite surprising (in the conservative South Korea).
2ML was a total eye candy, he would've been a better ML for sure. I've complained about Minhyun already in Alchemy but yet he was casted here and he messed up real hard and even watching Kim So Hyun wasn't great and made me doubt her acting skills as well.
Can't understand why Ahn Nae Sang took part in this drama where he only cut wood through most of it and just had a few words in the last ep. -
44. Song of the Bandits
Korean Drama - 2023, 9 episodes
It started getting a bit more interesting towards the end, but not enough. Overall just now worth your time. As most Netflix shows, it's a miss (and fingers crossed it won't happen with Suzy's drama).
After watching her in a movie, I thought Seohyun got better at acting but that's probably because it was a light and comical one, because here in a drama it was difficult to watch her. ofc I couldn't get into her relationship with Kim Nam Gil (and I don't think he himself did. All his attraction for her wasn't enough understandable).
Holly on the other hand was great! I'm so happy for her building a name for herself as an actress and taking on such versatile roles and exceeding with them. Her scenes with Kim Nam Gil were the best for me, and the fighting was amazing.
2ML as well was acting just phenomenally. I knew he'll be good after seeing him earlier this year with Kim Hee Sun.
Beautiful OST -
45. Road Home
Chinese Drama - 2023, 30 episodes
I abused myself watching this drama. I’ve dropped way too many Cdramas lately that I had to finish this one. Also each time I expressed my disappointment from this drama, some told me to hold on while others screamed at me that I don’t see how amazing this drama is. Yet it was so so bad that I even got tired eventually from Jing Bo Ran’s excessive good looks.
Two (out of many) bad points in the drama: the young him expressed such a maturity that’s not possible for high school students. Secondly, what kind of dad he is? Doesn’t care from the kid at all. Not credible.