“If everyone decides to corroborate a lie, then it becomes the truth.”

After spending quite a few years watching k-dramas and coming to this website to read people’s reviews and opinions, I’ve never had the urge to write a review until now.
Revenge of Others is a classic, action-packed thriller with a mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. As you watch each episode, you’ll become immersed in the lives of these students and wary of all of them. I think that made me enjoy this show as much as I did, being unable to accurately point out what happened and why it happened in the beginning. By the halfway point, you’ll have your suspicions but the plot twist at the end was enjoyable and satisfied me. There's even the slightest bit of romance which was a nice addition, even if it's unspoken.

This series follows Ok Chanmi as she transfers to her twin brother’s school in order to uncover the truth about his death. The show's main point is revenge, but there’s so much more than that. The flaws within the legal system, the lack of protection for victims, and the seriousness of bullying are just a few examples. As you watch, you’ll feel the pain of the people who suffer while you embrace the ones who stand up for injustices. The display of unity among the students in the last episode truly gave me goosebumps and I’m sure it will do the same for everyone else that watches.

The actors and actresses did such an incredible job with the roles they were given. Chae Sangwoo’s character was a nuisance from start to finish, but he did an amazing job portraying the bad guy. Shin YeEun’s role as the main female lead, Ok Chanmi, suited her perfectly. I can’t wait to see what else she does in the future. As for Seo Jihoon, I liked his role on Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency. The role he plays in this show is almost the opposite, and I loved it even more.
The top star of this show, in my opinion, was Lomon. Lomon’s presence on screen is genuinely captivating. I knew how much potential he had when I saw him on All of Us Are Dead but Revenge of Others really brings out his talent. Whenever he cried, I cried. When he smiled, I smiled. There was never a moment where I was uninterested in his character, or what came next for him in the show. I really became an even bigger fan of his!

The music was nice too, nothing too memorable but definitely fit the mood of specific situations.
As for rewatching, I can totally see myself watching again after knowing the big mystery. It’ll be fun to see if I can pinpoint any clues that I may not have seen the first time around.

Overall, I do suggest you give this show a watch. Whether it be for the acting or the storyline, you won’t regret it. It’s definitely on my list of the best k-dramas in 2022.

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The Beauty of Found Family

Summer Strike is a heart-warming drama that beautifully portrays emotions and captures a realistic approach to how one might feel about life. This drama follows multiple characters on their journey of self-discovery and happiness, but we’re first introduced to the lovely female lead Lee Yeoreum (Kim Seolhyun). Unsatisfied with her life in the city, she seeks comfort in a small town. There, she finds peace within herself, makes friends, and finds love along the way.

Yeoreum’s character was enjoyable. Her gentleness and sincerity were felt in every episode, with every character she encountered, which was nice. The male lead is An Daebeom (Im Siwan), a shy introvert with unresolved childhood trauma. Daebeom and Yeoreum’s relationship was executed nicely, for the most part, because I enjoy slow-paced dramas. I was satisfied with their ending, although a part of me still feels like something was lacking. They have no kiss scenes or anything obviously romantic like a declaration of love, but even without this you can feel how much they care for each other, and that is why I watched until the end.

The side couple Kim Bom (Shin Eunsoo) and Heo Jaehoon (Bang Jaemin) made up for what the main couple lacked. Jaehoon was such a bright light in Bom’s life and exactly what she needed. I wasn’t always happy with the way she treated him but Bom suffered so much, I literally couldn’t stay mad at her. Jaehoon was so expressive with his feelings and cared for Bom despite her complexity. Even with his own issues and eventual growing jealousy, his focus was always on her.

I think this drama would’ve been even better with 14 or 16 episodes instead of 12. I would’ve loved to see more of the relationship between the main leads and less of characters I didn’t care about, like Jo Jiyoung. I would have also liked at least a few scenes from the perspective of Bom’s brother Kim Hanuel (Shin Ki-Joon). Hanuel went through the same family struggles as Bom so I think it would’ve been super interesting to see more of him, but that one might just be me! Also, whatever happened to Yeoreum’s brother? We never heard from him again, which didn’t really matter in regards to the main story, but I thought he would’ve popped up once more.

The found family trope isn’t necessarily a favorite of mine but I grew to love and appreciate it way more because of Summer Strike. It wasn’t perfect but the message it carries leaves a lasting impression, one I won’t forget. The music was pretty, and the actors and actresses did their job wonderfully. I can see myself rewatching again if I ever need comfort. I’ll miss it!

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