main cast is SPOT-ON! off to a good start!

Hwang In Yeop totally nails the eldest sibling vibe—he’s responsible, serious, and caring, but he has this distant, mysterious vibe. Bae Hyun Sung, as the playful older brother, always has a smile on his face but you can tell he’s hiding some deeper, painful feelings. and Jung Chae Yeon is such a perfect fit for the youngest sibling! i’m really loving the trio and their dads.

i love the original Chinese drama, and since the original has 40 episodes, i’m excited to see how they’re going to pack everything into just 16 episodes. definitely looking forward to seeing how they adapt it!

btw, Bae Hyun Sung reminds me a bit of Park Bo Gum in ‘Reply 1988’ with that hairstyle and especially his eyes. is it just me? haha

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A ROMCOM DELIGHT, but 12 episodes are just too short!

It’s been so long since I’ve found myself giggling and squealing over a K-drama, but ‘No Gain No Love’ brought back all those emotions. While the story itself was pretty mid and followed familiar rom-com tropes, the drama still exceeded my expectations. And even though certain plot points didn’t always make sense, it remained entertaining throughout.

One of the standout elements of this drama is how much I rooted for both the main and secondary couples. Both pairings were incredibly charming, and their chemistry was off the charts. Visually and personality-wise, they matched perfectly.

Shin Min Ah was, as always, a delight. She truly doesn’t age! Her character in this drama was irresistibly adorable, and her acting felt effortless. As a woman, even I fell for her! Her expressions, energy, and overall presence added so much warmth to the show. Honestly, she carried a large part of the charm.

I was a bit skeptical about Kim Young Dae initially, as I haven’t been his biggest fan in the past. While there were moments when his acting felt a bit stiff, he still won me over. His chemistry with Shin Min Ah was undeniably sweet, and together, they really made my heart flutter. For me, this drama showcased a new side to him that I didn’t mind at all.

Lee Sang Yi and Han Ji Hyun brought some much-needed comedy to the series. They were pure entertainment, and Han Ji Hyun was absolutely adorable. I totally understand why Bok Gyu Hyeon (Lee Sang Yi’s character) fell for her—I would too! Their dynamic was so fun to watch, and I can’t wait for their spin-off! It would be a lot of fun!

While the show delivered on the romance and comedy fronts, it wasn’t without its flaws. The story started out strong but became disappointing midway through as the trajectory seemed to shift. A major example is how Ahn Woo Jae—who was a key figure in the first few episodes— just disappeared midway through the story. It felt like the storyline was dropped entirely.

With only 12 episodes, the drama simply didn’t have enough time to unpack all the storylines it introduced. The ending felt rushed and unfinished, and I wish they had given the plot more room to breathe. An extended episode count could have helped smooth out these issues and provided a more satisfying conclusion.

In the end, ‘No Gain No Love’ is an enjoyable watch that delivers on its rom-com promise. Despite its imperfections, the charming cast, delightful chemistry between both couples, and genuine moments of comedy kept me invested.

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MY HEART IS FULL

This drama truly warmed my heart. I loved the sense of community among the villagers—it felt like one big family. I especially appreciated how they gradually accepted Yeoreum, the newcomer, into their lives. The character development throughout the drama was well done, making the relationships feel authentic and meaningful.

I really enjoyed the story. It tackled everyday life problems and family drama, yet it never became boring. The acting was also natural.

One detail I particularly liked was how Yeoreum repeated outfits a few times. It was a small touch, but it made her feel more realistic and relatable as a character.

❎What I disliked:
Bom’s father was an alcoholic, selfish, and abusive, yet the people around him seemed so quick to forgive, especially after what he did to Bom. The grandmother, while generally kind, was selfish in this situation. She was only thinking about herself, completely ignoring the fact that her grandchildren were suffering because of their father. His existence was more of a burden, and it was heartbreaking to see how it affected Bom and her sibling.

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SO ANGSTY, JUST WHAT I NEED!

if you ever wanted to cry and feel pain, Saguek dramas always delivers. they are filled with miscommunications, secrets, plotting, and yearning–ah, the perfect formula for tears.

i was desperately in need of something angsty because i just wanted to feel pain. i wanted my heart to be ripped apart, thrown under the bus, and stomped on. and YES! this drama gave me exactly that! why does someone’s love story have to be filled with so many hurdles??? while watching this series, i couldn’t help but wonder: what would i do if i were in Chaekyung’s shoes? would i choose love over family? and if i were Prince Yeok, would i choose love over friends and my people?

i have to say, the most confusing character for me was the king. his decisions were often contradictory, and he was so toxic, but i could understand why he became the way he was.

overall, i enjoyed this drama more than i expected, and i loved the character development of each individual. i also have to mention that the casting for the younger Chaekyung and Prince Yeok was spot on! they resembled the older actors perfectly and gave off a similar vibe.

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was ok, but the original is still better!

what came to my mind while watching this drama was: although Kang Hoon’s character is more reserved than Ahn Hyo Seop’s character, i think appearance-wise and style-wise, they look very similar. i didn’t actually mind it, but i couldn’t help but noticed.

i liked Jeon Yeo Been in this drama. the emotions she tried to convey through her acting, i could feel it. she did well.

since i’m writing this review a year after finishing this series, i can’t recall things in detail but i do remember feeling that the time jumps were not as smooth as in the original Taiwanese series. and seriously, why did they style the future Ahn Hyo Seop like he hadn’t showered in a year? i mean, he could’ve suffered but still looks decent. what was the point of making him look like that…

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Action-packed, but watching once is enough.

Action mode: ON!
Romance: ZERO (which is a good thing).
Bromance & Friendship: 100%!

While the acting was outstanding and the friendship between Gunwoo and Woojin was heartwarming, a few things bothered me throughout the series.

1) They used a Mustang for stakeouts. I mean, come on—everyone knows that a Mustang draws too much attention, making their stakeout efforts practically pointless! It seems like Mustang is a sponsor for this series, but it really detracted from the realism.
2) Mr. Choi’s house was inexplicably unguarded, despite him being incredibly wealthy. He repeatedly emphasized that he wanted to protect his granddaughter, yet it seemed like he made little effort to ensure her safety or the security of his home.
3) Mr. Choi’s knifers met a pointless death. They were introduced as skilled fighters, yet their potential was never fully showcased before they were quickly dispatched. I was genuinely looking forward to seeing more action from them.

It’s unfortunate that Kim Sae Ron had to leave the show due to controversy. Her character played a crucial role, and her absence resulted in some awkward plot developments.

Another point of frustration was Kim Min Jae’s brief appearance. His character was introduced with an air of mystery that piqued my curiosity, yet ultimately, we were left with very little information about him. It felt as though his character was underutilized, despite being important to the storyline. I wanted to learn more about his background and role, but instead, he seemed to fade into the background without making any significant impact.

Overall, this series is decent for passing the time, but I likely won’t watch it again. Once was enough for me. I do have to give props to Woo Do Hwan and Lee Sang Yi for their dedication to building impressive boxer physiques, though!

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was good, but i still like the webtoon more <3

The story unfolds at a slow pace, likely due to the frequent flashbacks that, while necessary for character development, can sometimes feel drawn out. These flashbacks are essential for helping us understand the characters, particularly as we anticipate when the other characters will realize that Ban Ji Eum is actually Yoon Joo Won (her 18th life). However, I can’t help but feel that the narrative has been a bit flat thus far. In the first four episodes, not much has happened, and we often find ourselves revisiting the same flashback scenes repeatedly.

I also believe that Moon Seo Ha could benefit from seeking help from a psychologist or psychiatrist to address his trauma and mental struggles. His character’s depth could be greatly enhanced with a more nuanced exploration of these issues. Despite these concerns, I’m not ready to drop this drama just yet! If you do choose to stop watching, I highly recommend reading the webtoon instead, as it offers a much more enjoyable and heart-fluttering experience.

On a brighter note, Park So Yi, who plays the younger Ban Ji Eum, is a talented actress and incredibly cute—I can’t help but have heart eyes whenever she’s on screen! Additionally, I’m rooting for Cho Won; she and Ha Do Yoon have a lovely chemistry that I can’t wait to see develop further.

And here’s some good news: the story begins to pick up momentum in episode five! YES! I’m excited to see the sisters reunite, and I’m eager to continue this journey with them!

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HYUNOH, the walking RED FLAG

I liked Shin Hae Sun and Kang Hoon in this, but Lee Jin Wook? Couldn’t stand him.
The more I watched, the more I hated his character.

1) He had the same expression no matter the scene. Even in what should have been emotional moments, there was just… nothing. ZERO!
2) Hyunoh is toxic. By the last few episodes, it’s obvious he KNOWS how attached Eunho is to him and how “important” he is to her, and he abused that.

The doctor Eunho’s been seeing? Completely useless. She didn’t do a thing and honestly looked so unconvincing the whole time. And then there’s Jeon Jae Yong—what was even the point of his character? Totally absurd and added nothing to the plot.

There were also some really odd camera angles that were just distracting. Like when someone was talking, instead of showing their face, we were shown the back of their head..?? What kind of information and emotions should I get from the back of their head?

Overall, the storyline fell flat and was just boring. Safe to say, I wouldn’t recommend this one.

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THIS IS THE ONE!

I like how the story is light and cliché yet straightforward — there’s no dragging and no complicated twist and turns. And it has only 12 episodes in total!

Its greatest strength is the chemistry between the characters. Kim Se Jeong and Seol In Ah have previously worked together, so I think it partly helps build up the chemistry with the other two leads. Plus, all actors are around the same age and have similar vibe.

Thanks to the great chemistry and light story, I am able to enjoy this drama a lot. It has been my source of happiness these past few weeks. Every Monday, I feel alive again and already looking forward to the next week.

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the tall ghost is CREEPY AF

I started watching this series completely blind. I didn’t know what the plot was about and assumed it was about helping souls cross over to heaven or hell (like the grim reaper in Goblin). Oh boy, the story turned out to be much more interesting than that!

I’d say the first four episodes serve as an introduction to the whole story, but it can feel a bit confusing since the narrative jumps from one character to another without warning. I kept wondering, “How are these characters connected to each other?” Thankfully, everything became clear by the end of episode 4. But I still have questions, and hopefully the next four episodes will provide some answers.

I’m very curious to see how the story unfolds next and can’t wait for the final four episodes!

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uhmm not for me

To be honest, the first episode of this drama was nearly unbearable to watch. It felt incredibly awkward, with attempts at humor that ultimately fell flat. The comedic scenes came off as forced, and I found myself cringing more than laughing. I mean, that awkward silence during Cheon Sa Rang’s interview? It lingered so long that I honestly thought my Wi-Fi was acting up!

The second episode was an improvement over the first, but I still didn’t develop any strong feelings about it. While the pacing picked up slightly, the issues persisted, especially with the forced comedy.

One of my biggest pet peeves is how the main leads always seemed to “accidentally” end up in the same place at the same time. For instance, in one scene, they stood just two meters apart in a hotel lobby, only to walk away simultaneously for the sake of a slow-motion effect. Then there was that moment in the park, where they were once again only a few meters apart, gazing at the same city skyline. Why that park? Is it supposed to hold some significance? There are plenty of other vantage points to enjoy the skyline! And let’s not forget the balcony scene where they were miraculously standing outside their hotel rooms at the same time.

This kind of plot device feels incredibly outdated. I could tolerate it if it happened occasionally, but not every episode.

As for the characters, I can’t offer much insight since I only watched three episodes. However, based on what I’ve seen so far, they haven’t left a lasting impression on me.

Sadly, this drama just doesn’t work for me. But if you find enjoyment in it, I’m genuinely happy for you!

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a good lullaby to help you sleep

I’ve tried, guys. I really have. I gave this series a fair chance, but I couldn’t get past the third episode—it was just boring as hell.

From the moment I saw the mother steal the envelope full of money in episode one, I knew this journey would not be easy. Honestly, it’s not a good idea to leave that much cash sitting on your bedroom table where anyone in the house can access it. It’s incredibly foolish, especially when you don’t trust your own family, like in this case with the mother. Face palm.

As for the characters, they didn’t fare any better. The first daughter comes across as far too naive, while the second daughter often acts rashly without thinking things through. The third daughter is just plain ungrateful, which made it hard for me to connect with any of them.

Unfortunately, I’m not strong enough to fight off the sleepiness that creeps in with each episode. So, sadly, my journey with this drama has to end here.

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When Crazy Turns Messy!

There are simply too many storylines packed into this drama: Lee Si Na’s quest for revenge, her battle with brain tumor, Noh Go Jin’s former secretaries seeking vengeance, a murder attempt on Noh Go Jin, his memory loss, the fake engagement between Lee Si Na and Noh Go Jin, the reappearance of Noh Go Jin’s first love, and the schemes of Noh Go Jin’s rival—this list goes on and on.

With so much happening, it was challenging to focus on the central plot, which seemed to oscillate between revenge and romance. Honestly, I’m still not sure what the main theme was supposed to be.

I went into this series with high expectations because I admire both Kim Jae Wook and Krystal. Having enjoyed their previous works, I anticipated strong performances from them. While the acting was solid, I felt a disconnection in their chemistry; they seemed more like siblings than romantic partners.

In summary, while the individual elements of the story had potential, the overcrowded plot left me feeling overwhelmed and unsatisfied.

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NO MORE DRAMA SLUMP

i was in a drama slump for months, where i just seemed to have no interest watching any dramas, BUT THIS DRAMA SAVED ME!! it was light, funny and wholesome. hopefully, it stays that way till the end.

Park Eun Bin is such a great actress, and Kang Tae Oh’s character is luv!! i know there’s gonna be a bit of comedy in this drama when i saw Kang Ki Young’s name on the cast line-up. i am curious tho whether or not there will be a love line between him and Woo Young Woo, because his name is on the poster alongside Park Eun Bin and Kang Tae Oh, so i assume his character will be somewhat important.

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