Wonderful drama until it all fell apart in the latest episodes

Story: It was all rainbows and unicorns (as a rom-com SHOULD be) until writer decided to go into MAKJANG territory and destroy all the hard work she put into creating this story (last minutes of ep.16 was just an ordeal to watch) The story has so much heart in the beginning, with endearing characters who despite not being blood-related helped/supported each other in difficult times, they were like the perfect family that everyone dreams of.
Chemistry between the leads was on point. They made a beautiful couple and even when Jun was revealed to be a high-schooler, I didn't mind at all (I know many people were bothered by this detail, I wasn't one of them), I stood by them and hoped for a beautiful resolution to their love story. I'm still angry at the writer for giving everyone the happy-ending they deserved except our main couple. Jun faking his own death for 5 years, him coming back into Rara's life and acting as nothing has happened was just appalling. I just can't with this one...who in their right mind thought it was a nice way to wrap up things?

Rara could have move on and been married, you know it's been 5 fuck*ng years and you expect her to welcome him open arms and to forgive him just like that *oh wait, it's exactly what happened* (she thought he was dead for God's sake!!!)
I would be furious as hell and dump him on the spot (even if the guy was the real Lee Jae Wook!)
Before leaving, he should have told her the truth. Period. Rara would have probably been devastated at first but she could have given him the emotional support he needed and they could have faced it together like real couples would do. In concealing the truth, he's showing he didn't trust her, he's treating her like a little girl.

DoDoSolSolLaLaSol's revelation was about the only good thing in the latest episodes. It was beautiful, I admit, it made my heart flutter. Knowing he fell in love at first sight and all the things he did to keep in touch with her was just so precious and romantic (he was indeed her star/guardian angel) but writer had to ruin that lovely concept with the nonsensical and outdated illness plot ughh

The best ending imho: Show started with a wedding that fell through and should have ended with our main leads wedding. Coming in full circle. Writer may have thought it was too cliché?!? Still I'd take this 'cliché' ending over the infuriating one she has given us.

Edit: Writer could have include the wedding in a last epilogue for example. Just a thought.
Finale Rating: 6.5/10 and I'm being generous (8.5 from first episode to 13)

Acting:
Top-notch acting from everyone. I was most wary of Go Ara but she pleasantly surprised me with her bubbly, fun and optimistic character.
They are the reason why I stuck with this drama till the end. They deserved better. Writer failed them big time! And she ruined LJW first leading role *angry* (writer is blacklisted from now on!!)
To think it's from the same team behind 'Shopping King Louie' which is one of my fav dramas ever *I just can't believe it*
Rating: 9.5/10

Music:
OST was nice and I quite liked it.
Rating: 8.5//10

Rewatch Value: No, I won't go through this one a second time. Drama ended when Jun crashed the fake wedding and they went to the beach.
Rating: 3.5/10

Overall: For those wondering why I'm so harsh with the writer and the drama in general...It's because it could have been a great drama, it had so much potential in the beginning and I trust the writer because I watched all her projects (there's only 2) and enjoyed them a lot. I just feel cheated in the end.
Finale Rating:7.5/10 (mainly for the actors fabulous performances)

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First half was all kind of awesome but it faltered a bit in the second half imo. As much as I love Danoh in the beginning, she started to grate on my nerves with her overly aegyo (it was cute at first but you get tired of it very quickly). Her world literally revolves around Haru and only Haru (that I almost felt sorry for her other loved ones) I loved her spunk and sass in the beginning but this girl totally disappeared in the second half to my dismay. I really liked Haru but I can't help but think that his characterization fell a little flat in the end. Did he have another meaning in life other than being Danoh's love interest? No. What a shame. Don't get me started with Baek Kyung...his only role was to be a cockblock to our lovebirds...he didn't stand a chance but was too stubborn to admit it *sigh* (they better thank Lee Jae Wook, his flawless portrayal made me care more than I should for an otherwise obnoxious character. Even though, his redemption arc came far too late, he still managed to move me and it brought me to tears when Dan Oh forgave him)
Do Hwa was another character I was really fond of but once again they didn't explore him much and has been relegated as a comic relief.

Self-aware Juda was badass but her decision was quite questionable. While I felt sorry for Nam Joo (and that's probably why she chose him in the end), Do Hwa was a better fit. But we have to remind ourselves that Nam Joo never gained his awareness and that's a bit unfair to solely judge him based on how he's written. Tbh, I wasn't even annoyed by his character, his characterization was so one dimensional that it made me laugh in the end (he was such a riot)
Sae Mi never gained hers or did she? She did bully Juda in the shadows or was it a mistake of the production? She was a lovely friend to Dan Oh but a bitch to Juda (pardon my french). I'm probably the only one that agreed with Baek Kyung's comment on her being a villain (I know that's the pot calling the kettle black but still it was so satisfying). She had to hear the truth somehow even if she forget it in the next scene.

They focused too much on the pointless love triangle that they lost sight of the main themes (and the most interesting ones imo): free will, changing your fate thus stopping the neverending cycle (I would have love for everyone to work together against the writer)
Resulting in underdeveloped characters, plot holes, no explanations whatsoever of crucial points and rushed ending. Still, I enjoyed that drama for the most part and will miss it nevertheless.

Acting-wise, everyone was brilliant.

Kim Hye Yoon was great and though her character lost its momentum in the second half, she managed to give Danoh enough gravitas to keep me invested in her character.

Rowoon/Kim Seok Woo surprised me the most, he nailed the emotional parts and held his own quite well. Kudos to him! Haru is not an easy character to play since his blandness and lack of development could bore the hell out of anyone but he shines and makes you care and root for his happiness (shame they didn't explore more his bad boy side, prefer his look when he returned and lost his memories *shallow me*) . As an idol turned actor, he has the potential to be in the top-tier imo (with Im Siwan, Lee Junho, Do Kyungsoo or even Park Hyung Sik).

Lee Jae Wook ah Lee Jae Wook, my main reason on why I watched this drama and stayed...he was just perfect as usual (give that guy the awards he deserves, he's the rookie of the year, hands down) despite a terrible and disadvantageous characterization. He managed to elevate the character and made it his own. You hate his character (or rather you want) but you can't ignore him and in the end you even pity him. Baek Kyung could have easily become one-dimensional character with no redeemable features but Lee Jae Wook's amazing acting saved his character's poor characterization (conveying loneliness, vulnerability, anger and plenty other emotions as if it was a piece of cake...I swear it seems effortless to him. To think he had to juggle between two complete opposite characters (BK and Seol Ji Hwan) during 1 month makes me respect him so much more. He's a keeper.

OST was beautiful, catchy and fitting.

Does it deserve a rewatch? I'm not one to rewatch series even my most favorite ones so no I won't rewatch it...some scenes, yes (mostly Baek Kyung?! Because...Lee Jae Wook<3)

Final rating: 7.5/10.

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'The palace is such a dazzling prison' - Queen Dowager in Episode 17 played by Jang Hee Jin.

The story:

Set in the 18th century, the story revolves around the journey of Crown Prince Yi San (future King Jeongjo) and his beloved court maid Sung Deok Im (Royal Noble Consort Uibin). The drama is of course mostly about their love story but also include politics, palace maids lives and struggles , Jeongjo’s achievements, the harsh reality of living in the Palace etc....

Deok Im is a free-spirited woman who despite being loyal and harboring feelings for the King stand by
her belief that giving her 'everything' to him would mean losing herself and the last bit of freedom she
kind of enjoy as a court maid (being with her friends, going out of the Palace...) That's why we
witnessed her countlessly rejecting his advances. She loved him but as the King of the nation, she knew
he would never be hers alone and the fact he could abandon her at any moment made her wary in
expressing her true feelings.

Yi San is the Crown Prince and future King of Joseon (Jeongjo-22nd King of Joseon). Marred by his family's
tragedy (his father, Prince Sado had been put to death by his own grandfather King Yeongjo) that greatly
affected his life and put a dent on his legitimacy as the future monarch. He dedicated his whole life in trying to clear his father’s name and to prove he’s the rightful heir of the Jeonju Yi Clan.

Being a King is a lonely position as well...he has no choice but to follow the strict rules/decorum of the palace,
listen to his ministers who most of the time were complotting to remove him from his position, most of
the decisions weren't his, discarding people (even relatives) that may threaten his throne, cannot show
his emotions/weaknesses etc...meeting Deok Im was really his salvation and for the first time in his life, he was able to make a choice by himself, he chose her as his person. After losing her (she was literally his light), he became the shadow of himself, throwing himself into work to forget her (or more like pretending to do so) and compelled himself to go on with his life and duty as Joseon's king.

Their love story is portrayed so beautifully, poetically aesthetic and in an enthralling way.
Showdowns between King Yeongjo and Yi San were also a highlight of this drama. Outstanding performance.

Acting:

Standing ovation for the whole cast. Everyone, from the main leads to the supporting cast is amazing and
fit their characters to a T. Chemistry is off the charts rewarding us with an enticing and intense production.

Junho is regal as the 22nd ruler of Joseon. His commanding voice, expressive eyes, body language,
vulnerability, intense gaze ... he exudes so much charisma. Mesmerizing.
I’m so proud of him, he’s grown to be such a talented performer. Action, romantic, comedic, emotional
scenes... this man can do everything, he's terrific. Best role and performance to date.

Seyoung offer us a moving and relatable performance. Bold and brazen as a young court maid, loyal and
resolute as the Crown Prince Court maid and full of restraint and modesty as his concubine. Her chemistry with Junho is sizzling. The best I've seen in ages.

Lee Deok Hwa as King Yeongjo was just brilliant, I’m glad that such a revered and respectable actor was part of this wonderful production.

Kang Hoon as Hong Deok Ro is a complex character, full of layers (very compelling nonetheless)..he seems loyal and genuine when it comes to Yi San but he's also a too-faced person, he has his own agenda. His greedy and condescending nature led him to his downfall. Still, I don't doubt there were some genuineness in his actions(he did care about Yi San imo)

Jang Hee Jin was perfectly cast as the poised and perceptive Queen Dowager.

As I stated above, rest of the cast is fabulous as well (special mention to Jang Hye Jin as Court Lady Seo, loved her)

Cinematography is stunning and like taken straight out of a painting.

Music: Beautiful and very poetic OST. Background music being the best.

Rewatch Value: I would love to rewatch it tbh but probably later...I need to mend my heart first (and watch everything with Junho too lol)

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First of all, I'm not one to give more than 8.5 as rating for a rom-com but CLOY is one of a kind imo and will probably stay with me for a very long time. Some may think it's overhyped/overrated but same can be said about Goblin, DOTS or even Mr Sunshine. But unlike those dramas, CLOY has made me warm up to all its characters and care for them deeply. That's a winner in my eyes.

Story:
The premise hooked me up from the get- go. Yeh, it's cliché, cheesy and borderline ridiculous but believe me it's super addictive. It reminded me of those old school rom-coms and I loved it! A forbidden and implausible love story between a North Korean soldier and a South Korean heiress. There's fate involved, dangerous situations at every turn, lives at stake, heartwarming and hilarious moments, sadness, undying love, beautiful friendships..... Ending was fitting despite my initial disappointment (where are my wedding and twins, chaka-nim? And the fact they can only meet for two weeks a year is so very sad and bittersweet...I understand that it was probably the best ending they could come up with given the circumstances but still it has dampened my enthusiasm a bit:/ This and the anti-climatic death of Go Seung Jun are the biggest letdowns of this otherwise lovely show (Was that really necessary?!?)

Acting:
The top-notch casting is definitely this drama's strength. Hyun Bin beautifully portrayed this at first aloof yet warm and devoted North Korean and Son Ye Jin totally nailed her role as the badass heiress. Second leads were also a treat to watch (so glad to see Kim Jung Hyun back in action)
Main couple ooze chemistry in spades, they are a match made in heaven...the best I've seen in ages.
Ducklings squad is another highlight...their antics were gold and the strong bond they shared with our heroine was so precious and fun to watch (her constant bickering with Pyo Chi Su was one of my favorite things about this drama)

Music:
Beautiful OST. It suits the mood perfectly. I might listen to it from time to time. IU's ost being my favorite.

Rewatch Value:
I will probably rewatch some scenes...mostly to keep fangirling over Hyun Bin until his next project ...I'm so thankful to this drama, it rekindled my love for him...swoony Captain Ri is perfect boyfriend material. I've lost count of how many times I wish I was Yoon Seri lol
Did I already mention how dreamy Hyun Bin is?!?xD Ok I stop.

Final Rating: 9/10

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More than a romance, show is about ML's quest of self-love, confidence & finally his 'rebirth'

Firstly, I've been hooked from the very start. FL being sucked into a game, the need to complete missions to go back to the real world , the enemies turn lovers trope... that was a fun premise then came the Imperial Capital arc and my enjoyment suddenly took a nosedive...don't get me wrong, I still liked it very much but the lack of screentime of our leads and the way they stopped developping their romance put a damper on my excitement.

While I think the ending message is quite beautiful and meaningful, I still regret that the romance literally took a back seat in the second half of the drama making their relationship lose all spark after some time. Why branding it as romance as a main theme when you're not delivering on that promise? Not that my disappointment solely stems from it but it was such a bummer in the end. Chemistry has been so perfectly built in the beginning with all the banters, teasing, intense stares, tension , giving me all the feels/butterflies which is needed for a good romance and suddenly you decide to throw all that development away? Are you for real? Where is the pay-off here? I know kisses aren't always needed in dramas (I didn't mind it in Snowy Nights for example because drama main theme was 'missed opportunities', leads never got to confess to each other or even kiss because they were bound by guilt, duties and grief) but here I feel it could have added a beautiful touch to their reunion after the angst part for instance. Oh well. it is what is. First part was all kind of awesome and really addictive then show totally faltered in second half wasting time on uninteresting subplots (reducing the main leads screentime)
That comment above was my primary/raw impression (yeah I was pretty pissed)

Then after calming down a bit, I've come to the conclusion we've been fooled into thinking it was a romance when in fact it wasn't. Plot is merely about a long 'letter' written by our hero/ML expressing his gratitude/love for his long time crush/muse for being the light that brighten up his darkest days.It was thanks to her he could move forward and also find the courage to undergo surgery. She is his savior, his sun, his world. He just wants to let her know how much she means to him.

Thing is that his self-acceptance and courage come from the admiration he had for the FL while in middle school. They were classmates but never interacted with each other at that time, I dare say she probably didn't even notice him. He was just silently observing her from afar, lacking the confidence to approach her and missing the chance to convey his inner feelings (due to the bullying incident+school transfer)

It was his one-sided crush all along and maybe the reason why we didn't get a kiss in the end? ...they're basically strangers in real world, he never confessed to her hence it would be weird for them to smooch in the game I guess?? Does it make sense? haha (or is it an excuse to make me feel better? Maybe lol)
And even though Miao Miao is one of his biggest fan, she only admires his work (at least for now), she never met him after all or at least she's not aware he's her secret admirer from middle school.
I have so much to say about the parallels between the two worlds and on how she ended up stuck in the game but it would be so longgggggggggggggggggg

In a nutshell, her transmigration into the game might be due to the strong desire of the ML to convey his hidden feelings, he wanted her to understand in which state of mind he was when he wrote that first novel and see his true self. Her feedbacks definitely encouraged him to change the story into a happy ending. That first novel is like the reflection of the start of their story that ended badly and with regrets...it's like he's giving himself and her a chance to make things right this time around, an opportunity to get to know each other and create together that HE he's been yearning for.
The revision of that first novel will serve as a catalyst to the final acceptance of himself and his rebirth putting all his past grievances/hardships behind and finally be able to be with the girl he likes (properly confessing to her in real world too)
Oh well,I will stop here because imagination is running way too wild, I don't think I make sense anymore (sorry for rambling)

IMHO that's an open ending leaning on a future HE (this is just the beginning, the rest is up to our imagination or you can also watch 'Moonlight' which can pretty serve as a sequel lol, plenty of parallels in this one. Highly recommended!! )

I know many people were disappointed/angry after watching the final scene but all I could think of while watching it is that it reminded me of the song 'Once upon a Dream', it funnily fits the scene lmfao
'I know you I walked with you once upon a dream
I know you that look in your eyes is so familiar a gleam
And I know it's true that visions are seldom what they seem
But if I know you, I know what you'll do, you'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream' lalalalaa (ok I totally lost it here)

She woke up from a long dream not remembering the face of his beloved then BAM he appears before her, she's stunned (hinting than her memories have returned) then smile and the END. (why not showing his face ffs? *still mad*



Acting:
Almost flawless. Ding Yunxi is the real MVP here (once again), he nails every scenes he's in effortlessly. I knew after MOGA I wouldn't be able to take my eyes off of him...I swear, man has betwitched me body and soul! And the way he's styled in this series is just chef's kiss *someone deserves a raise* His face card is insane and his acting is really good! Give him more gritty works or better scripts because boy he deserves it!

Esther Yu is delightful as the bubbly and sassy Miao Miao (much like her rl persona), she excels in those kind of roles (the cutesy ones). She's unfairly receiving criticism for her voice to the point some are even skipping her works just for that reason alone...that's a shame imo...ok, I won't lie, the first time I watched her, it also turned me off but with time, I got used to it and now think it makes her rather unique+ Industry/Experts seem to disagree with the haters because she's one of the rare actresses who is allowed to dub herself..'My Journey to You' proved she can modulate her voice when the role demands it.

Yang Shi Ze's role being very limited, he didn't have much to do but he did well with what he was given...

Zhu Xu Dan is a nice addition to the quartet...she did a commendable job as well.

I really love our Bamboo squad and the chemistry between our leads was sizzling in the beginning, kinda fizzled out in second half unfortunately...I also really like Cui Cui's character, he was such a cutiepie... like Miao Miao,I wanted to pinch his cheeks so badly xD *so squishy* Kudos to Lu Yu Hao *claps*

OST was good. I'm glad Ding Yuxi got to sing one of the ost, totally in love with his voice.

Rewatching value- Need more time for that but why not? (there will probably come a time where I will have nothing to watch with Ding Yuxi xD)

Review is in progress.....

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