Just fluff with a side of drama

Damn this drama was easy to watch! It’s been so long since I’ve gotten to enjoy a fluffy romance!

Before watching this, I had no idea that face blindness was an actual thing so I wasn’t super keen on a make-believe illness. However, by being assured it is a real thing, I was more open-minded whilst watching knowing that Min-ik’s situation could actually happen to someone.

I really liked all of the main characters. Gal-hee - what wouldn’t she do for you!? She was so kind, caring and understanding, and the way she carried around that duffel bag 😭 BUT, I cannot excuse the whole lying to her boss thing. I mean, one time, okay that’s a joke, but to keep it going? That’s just so much effort and makes the let-down so much worse! Obviously this show had to have some ‘drama’ and that was going to be part of it, and the audience is made to question her morals. Thankfully it didn’t take too long for the dust to settle and for Min-ik to trust her again so we got to enjoy some good fluff towards the end.

Having understood the realistic situation of face-blindness, I really felt for Min-ik’s character in the moment when he realised what Gal-hee had done. In the beginning I wasn’t entirely sure if I liked how he treated Gal-hee/Veronica Park. I understand that one was in a working relationship and the other was personal, but something didn’t sit quite right, and it made me question how/why Gal-hee could become attracted to Min-ik knowing just how differently he could treat two women depending on his relationship with them.

Even if Min-ik wasn’t face blind, I could see how he might get confused. At first glance Gal-hee really does look different.

I quite liked Veronica Park’s character - normally I would get annoyed and irritated by a character like hers but she was just so ridiculously funny and also kind of cute in a way. I feel like her relationship with Dae-ju humbled her a bit, and definitely towards the end she did feel humbled exclaiming that she felt like Gal-hee’s minion 🤣

The driver - omg, in the last episode I felt so bad for him! 😭 The whole situation with Eul-wang and her secret organisation she created was so suss, but once brought to light made sense. It’s a controversial topic though - a bit like Robin Hood - stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.

The comedic relief in this drama was far more than I was expecting. There were so many funny moments that made me LOL e.g. when Min-ik was putting on/taking off the compression stockings 🤣

One of my favourite swoon moments was when Min-ik and Gal-hee were on the beach and he got the call that he wasn’t being dismissed and she hugged him, and then HE pulled her back in for a hug - first time I swooned!

There is so much more I could say about this drama!

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to switch off and enjoy some light-hearted fluffiness!

-E

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After episode 26 it was the biggest waste of my time!

Do I really want to waste any more time on this drama? No, but I want to be able to look back and remind myself why I didn’t enjoy it so much. Don’t get me wrong, the first half of this drama I actually did enjoy (except for the parts where Daoming Si was physically and emotionally awful toward Shancai), however once I made it past episode 26 it took me FOR EVER to watch it! I literally started this drama four months ago, and you may think, ‘why did you continue watching it?’ Well, simply put, I had already watched more than half and I am not a quitter so I couldn’t just drop it and not see where it went. But MY GOD, the second half of this show was literally a Chinese soap opera, which is not really what I signed up for. From episode 26 onwards (around that mark) it began focusing on all of these other side characters who I did not care for and they were really uninteresting. Honestly, the leads were uninteresting too, but at the time I started it I didn’t mind just watching a show that didn’t require much focus. I should have known that with 49 episodes would come something other than the main characters, but I just feel like the main characters were forgotten for a bit and then picked up again towards the end.

I can’t fathom the amount of times I watched Daoming Si and Shancai fight or break-up. It was the same thing over and over again. I don’t even know how their love bloomed when Daoming Si was physically abusive towards Shancai and even threw stuff at her face. How does one then follow through a relationship with that kind of person?

In the last two episodes I was confused - I honestly thought for a good minute that Shancai was dreaming all of that wedding stuff. It’s probably because I was so uninvested by that point that I had no clue what was real and what wasn’t.

The acting was questionable and at times didn’t seem believable and felt really fake and ‘put on.’ It almost felt like a stage production with some of the exaggerated looks that were given.

The soundtrack drived me up the wall! If someone is going to make a long ass show, then please put more than 5 of the same songs in! Ugh!

It’s safe to say that I will never be watching this again, and I cannot wait to start a new drama that isn’t as long! (Note to self: don’t ever watch a really long drama again!)

-E

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Fun & Playful

I really liked this show! It was very wholesome and fun to watch!

The chemistry between Bok-Joo and Jun-Hyung was so playful and cute. In the beginning I felt bad that he was calling her Chubs, but it became endearing.

I really liked both lead characters. The way they interacted with each other was cute and made it really easy to watch.

There were so many funny parts which is why I enjoyed it a lot. Those worth mentioning:
✷ How Jun-Hyung remembered who she was and decided to call her Chubs.
✷ When he wheeled her in a trolley because she was too heavy for him to carry.
✷ When she told him she was sick to avoid him from seeing her with a pimple on her nose - when he climbed over the balcony and saw her, his face was priceless.

Seeing Jun-Hyung develop feelings for Bok-Joo was the sweetest thing. I really liked how we got to see feelings develop from a guy's perspective, as usually it's the girl that a drama will focus on. The scene where he's on the couch in his dorm and messaging Bok-Joo is so pure; seeing Jun-Hyung roll around in excitement was just too much to handle. Cuteness overload. It reminded me of a similar scene in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.

I loved all of the side characters - Jun-Hyung's friend and both of Bok-Joo's. I also liked Jae-i and Dr Go - they were cute.

I was glad that Jun-Hyung found some closure after seeing his Mum, but that whole story was sad. I felt so bad for him when he discovered the postcards, and it was awkward when his Aunt, Uncle and Jae-i would discuss the situation thinking that he wasn't around to hear.

There wasn't an episode I didn't enjoy, and when I wasn't watching it, I found myself wanting to. It was like a really good book you just can't put down.

-E

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A sweet, soft and easy drama

Diving straight in...

When the story focused on Duk-mi's fangirling I was a bit scared. I was thinking how some people are actually obsessed with idols to this extent. It may have looked sweet and innocent, but a girl disguising herself in black clothes and carrying a ginormous camera to take pictures of a young boy is a bit whack.

Shi-an was your typical boyband sweetheart - it's no surprise that the actor is actually in the music industry.

I liked Duk-mi's character and I think Park Min-Yung did a good job of acting her out.

Ryan's character was always amusing. The little faces he would pull I found cute and sweet.

When he passed the test and got accepted into Duk-mi's elite group, that was funny. When he walked into the room for the first time and had the scarf over his head, was in heels and pulled the sunglasses down over his nose - it is going to be an image saved in my brain for life.

I don't feel like there was an age gap or that Ryan was too old for Duk-mi. I definitely shipped their relationship right from the get-go. All of the build-up was well planned out and Ryan had just the right amount of stand-offishness which I liked. Like always it was worth the wait. Ugh the swoon!

I loved Duk-mi's friend Seon-ju. She seemed really cool and free spirited which I liked. When Ryan thought that she and Duk-mi where lovers, oh my god! That was hilarious.

In the beginning I was suss on Sindy but as the show progressed I found her character to be quite amusing. I also really liked all of her outfits- so stylish! Her mother on the other hand... she made me feel nauseous. It was so creepy; and the way she would say 'ohmygod' - it irritated me so much.

Geonu is the cutest little thing I have ever seen, and when all the children are in their judo gear it's so adorable!

The only real bone to pick is that the story started to drag by the last three episodes. In saying that, episode 15 was so deep and went to dark places I was not expecting and even made me shed a tear at one point. I couldn't believe that Duk-mi's Mum had been the one to abandon Ryan at the orphanage. The scene where she shoved him off and left him at the steps was so upsetting. I'm kind of surprised how quickly we all just had to move past this fact and accept her wrongdoings though. It was a bit far fetched when we discovered Duk-mi supposedly had a brother. I think for a lot of people watching that would have confused them. All of episode 15 was just...A lot.

The music was okay. The opening song wasn't a bop and got on my nerves. There was a simple piano tune that played from time to time which sounded sweet.

Overall the story was good. I liked that there was a lot of fluff and build up for the first 10 episodes. All of the characters were great. It was very easy and enjoyable to watch.

-E

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Beautiful romance that is flawless - 10/10 recommend!

My God, I thought I’d seen the nicest man in the last drama I watched but now we have Jiaxu! He literally has no flaws!!

This drama is a 10/10 for me, and I don’t give 10/10 easily! There was nothing wrong with it in my eyes. It’s so rich in chemistry between the leads. Get yourself a man who treats you the way Jiaxu treats Sang Zhi 🥰

I literally couldn’t hold back from smiling the whole way through.

I loved how Jiaxu fell in love with her over time; and when he knew for sure that she liked him 🤗 Ughhh I could gush about it for days!

I will admit that although I knew they would end up together, I couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit weirded out in the beginning. Especially because they had a younger actress playing young Sang Zhi meanwhile it was still the same actor playing Jiaxu. Btw, the young Sang Zhi looked about 10, not 14.

The brother is so funny although it was a dog move to hit Jiaxu.

I loved how Sang Zhi stood up to the crazy girl about it not being Jiaxu’s fault that her dad died.

It was the smoothest sailing romance that progressed in the sweetest way possible. The ending was also perfect! 10/10 - a must watch!

-E

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Well-rounded, polished, A-grade drama

I have waited so long to rate another K-drama a 10, and this one is it! I just feel so satisfied with the overall production of this show. I loved the characters, the story was good, and it made me both happy and sad. There were also a lot of comical moments that made it fun and light-hearted when the story was serious.

I was super satisfied with the ending! Usually dramas end and I don’t really feel anything for them, but this one had me! As Dal-mi said to Do-san, ‘do I need a reason to like [something]?’

I really can’t fault it - my only criticism would be around the initial plot. I didn’t like how Dal-mi was being fooled by Ji-pyeong and Do-san, let alone by her grandma! It really sucked for Dal-mi, but then obviously she wouldn’t have had that moment of wavering and the complications that followed with Do-san.

Moments that made me sad:
This show had me cut up from the beginning - I swear I sobbed for a good half hour when Dal-mi’s Dad died on the bus. The scenes from when he went to the investor meeting, to calling Dal-mi, to bringing home the chicken on the bus for them, and then for the man to say he was drunk, it upset me so much. Maybe I watched this when I was feeling too emotional, but it was a very heartbreaking moment.

It made me so sad in the respective scenes where Do-san and Dal-mi found out that Dal-mi’s grandma was going blind. I loved the grandma - she was very cute and a kind soul.

I was SO distraught when the ‘Alex’ dude came in after Dal-mi and Do-san signed the contract, and he said that they wouldn’t all be going to America. This made me SO angry and sad for the characters.

It also tore me apart when Do-san said to Dal-mi that he didn’t want to see her ever again, and I was like, ‘Sir, this cannot be the case!’ XD

Moments that made me happy:
I thought it was so honourable how Do-san decided to work on the recognition app because of Dal-mi’s grandma’s vision loss.

I liked how Sandbox was named after Dal-mi’s idea of spreading the sand to keep her safe after falling off of the swings. This made me tear up more (happy tears XD).

The ending when the camera panned across the photos of everyone and then it’s like HELLO your girl and boy, Do-san and Dal-mi got married! I was hoping this was going to be the case at some point.

I loved the interaction between Sa-ha and Chul-san. They were perfect for each other and their kiss scene was GOLD. Chul-san was honestly so cute ngl.


I didn’t really care for Ji-pyeong at all until maybe halfway through the drama. I guess it was kind of sad because he wrote the letters to Dal-mi, but he did have three years without Do-san around where he could have made his move but didn’t, so… Also, Dal-mi didn’t show any interest in him so I don’t know why viewers ever thought he had a chance. No second male lead syndrome for me XD It was quite obvious Do-san was endgame from the beginning.

Can we get a mention for Red Velvet’s song ‘Future?’ It was the perfect tune and the perfect words!

There are just SO many good points to discuss, but if I did that, I would be here forever!

I will definitely be watching this one again! 10/10!!!

-E

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Quirky but grows into wholesomeness

I really didn't know what to expect going into this drama, but I came out pleasantly surprised.

All of the characters were interesting and my favourite would have to be Sang-tae. He is the sweetest man. I thought the actor did such a great job playing his part. I was very impressed. There were quite a few scenes with him where I cried or was close to crying.

I also liked Mun-yeong - she was obviously troubled by her past, but her character was like nothing I'd seen before so it was refreshing to watch.

Gang-tae - ugh, my baby! Like his brother, he is also very sweet, and very handsome too XD. I liked the relationship he shared with his brother and how he encouraged Mun-yeong to get along with Sang-tae and become his friend. Sang-tae and Mun-yeong's bond became so pure and wholesome.

The story was definitely interesting although it may have seemed a little slow in the beginning. To begin with I was like, "this girl is CrAZy!" But as the story progressed, we understood her unique and obscure nature. At the same, we also saw her grow as a person - becoming more warm as she and Gang-tae began to love each other, and also just how she was with Sang-tae.

I don't know if this was meant to be obvious/was obvious to everyone else, but I had a suspicion of the nurse who turned out to be Mun-yeong's mother. Especially when she was getting close to Sang-tae. Once it was revealed that she was Mun-yeong's mother, it all made sense with her father and the patient who went to Mun-yeong's house to wish her a happy birthday. Also, that actress just has a scary look about her. I don't know, I just got a vibe.

I still don't understand her reason for killing Gang-tae and Sang-tae's mother, like she is just an evil bitch! Their mother was only showing concern for Mun-yeong but that butterfly crazy lady did NOT like it, so she killed her!? I guess if you're a psychopath that's what you're going to do, but my God that is horrific.

The music was definitely interesting for this show, but I liked the quirky vibe - it went so well.

-E

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Very long, but a comfort to watch

This drama was good - but, why. do. the. episodes. have. to. be. so. long?

Okay, so it started out and I was like, “why does this man do literally everything in this town? It’s so unrealistic.” But then my sister reminded me that it is a drama and not made to be realistic, obviously. But still, when he revealed his whole wallet of cards for trades he was registered in I was like, “come on, really?”

Hye-jin - I really liked her character. I thought she was a strong female lead who knew her own mind and what she wanted in life. Very driven. Her little dentist surgery was so cute and the big tooth sign out the front just made it. I felt so bad for her when she was stating the blatantly obvious about Cheon-jae while the mic was on. Thinking about that man even now makes me chuckle.

The fact that Hye-jin and Chief Hong were so different made it hard for me to picture them together in the end, and even ship them throughout the show. I liked their characters individually, but together I just couldn’t really see it. Even when they confessed to each other and kissed I felt no sparks for them. During that scene, all I was really enjoying was the song. Seungmin has a beautiful voice!

I found myself liking all of the side characters and was actually interested in their storylines. These people definitely boosted the show's rating in my opinion:
* Hye-jin’s friend and Eun-chol are just the cutest - I think I shipped them more than the main characters.
* The children! Omg they were so cute! Yi-jun is such a respectable little man. God bless him. Bo-ra - her too! When she sang that song at the talent show it made me weep.
* Cheon-jae’s daughter was also cute and funny. Her enthusiasm about DOS is great.
* Yi-jun’s parents

Towards the end, of course, as with any drama, it was dragging but then it suddenly got really deep which I was not expecting. And then Gam-ri died and it was just sad.

The soundtrack was great - I even bought a couple of songs after completing it because they just gave me the feels.

I feel like maybe I’d watch this one again. It was definitely a comfort show and was well produced with a great cast etc.

-E

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Good until episode 14 then it just goes...

I was really enjoying this drama even though there really isn't much substance to it at all. Like many dramas, it started to drop off by the later episodes.

Seon-gyeol seemed so eccentric in the beginning and I was like, ‘this is way too over the top!’ But then it’s explained that he actually has a condition and has lost the ability to control his compulsiveness.

I really liked Oh-Sol’s character. She was so bright, fun and happy.

I liked the cleaning crew and thought they all gelled well together.

I was low-key confused why Seon-gyeol and Oh-Sol suddenly liked each other. Their romance literally bloomed from nowhere. They just kinda fumbled their way into it and she supposedly helped him not be so compulsive with his cleanliness? I couldn’t see the attractiveness from either sides because they are literally polar opposites.

I had second male lead syndrome for a while there. Towards the end of the show I was thinking that Oh-Sol may even end up with the second male lead. I’m not sure what I was thinking ‘cause in all dramas they end up with the main guy.

It annoyed me how she completely went cold turkey on Seon-gyeol just because his grandfather was involved in the accident resulting in her mother’s death. Being reasonable, I understand that it would have been a shock for her when she found out, but why did she leave it two years to finally start over with Seon-gyeol, and with her dad’s permission? Things must work differently in South Korea, but literally, as soon as her dad gave her the go ahead she ran.

Not gonna lie, I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get to see the outcome of Oh-Sol’s friend and her brother.

Besides the whole situation with Seon-gyeol’s grandfather and Oh-Sol’s mother, there really wasn’t anything deeper than that.

It was such a cliché how it ended with them being like, 'Oh, the name is Clean with passion for now.' And then they all just turn to the camera.

-E

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Don't force yourself to watch if you ain't a historical drama fan

I'm not quite sure how I'm supposed to feel after watching this drama. I can't criticise it too hard just because it's not my favourite genre, but there are definitely some sore points.

I should first say that you shouldn't waste your time watching just because you like any of the main guys' faces XD. We all know Park Hyung Sik is beautiful, but the story is quite dry so just be prepared if you do decide to watch.

To begin on a positive note, all of the acting seemed pretty decent with great actors cast for each character.

I liked how all of the characters interacted with one another, and those who shared a rocky beginning began to bond by the end of the show. In particular, Soo-ho and Ban-ryu, as they were so cold and mean towards each other in the very beginning; but as the show progressed, they came to like one another.

The same thing obviously happened with Ji-dwi (the King) and Sun-woo. That scene at the end where they're riding on horses and together - they just looked so happy.

I personally found Ah-ro to be quite strange. Her character was always pulling these weird faces and it just didn't sit right with me. It was great that she was following in her father's footsteps to become a physician; and when she was sent to the Hwarang house to look after all the injured men, that was funny. However, I have read some other reviews and I agree with those who say her role is kinda pointless. Like, yes she was sent to look after these men, but surely there were other 'physicians' like her Dad who could have cared for them. Not some young girl who's no more than a teenager. Side note: how old are they even meant to be?

The incest relationship between Ah-ro and Sun-woo probably disgusted some people, but Ah-ro couldn't remember her brother so she couldn't help it if she was attracted him Besides, it was all fake anyway so it's FINE. The couples' chemistry wasn't fantastic and I didn't actually swoon. Usually there will be some swooning but there was no real build up and for the male lead, his love came out of nowhere I feel. I think the plot should have gone something like...

'Ah-ro and Ji-dwi run away and live a happy life together and Sun-woo becomes the king.'

I just think this would have ben more enjoyable for the viewers.

There weren't really many twists or turns. To be honest I was quite bored watching it and was thankful for Netflix's quicker speed at which you can watch. If you want to save yourself some time I would highly recommend speeding up all of those long moments of staring or just boring scenes in general.

I was very hurt, upset and sobbing when BTS' V's character was killed. I sat crying at my laptop for a good 10 minutes. So sad.

The music in the show I felt was all good... but at the same time it was a bit all over the place. One minute it's modern and the next it's oriental. I think maybe they should have just stuck to the oriental all the way through as the modern music made the show less authentic.

Of course you are allowed to have jokes and comedic parts in a show to lighten the mood, but this did add to the lack of historical authenticity. Also, I'm not sure if it's inadequate subtitling or if they really did use language such as 'jerk' or 'idiot' in this time period.

I had to chuckle at the end when the king and queen were wearing their crowns, because damn, if the producers of the show could afford to make decent clothing to represent the time period, then why couldn't they afford a crown that isn't floppy!? Every time the king moved, his crown would wobble; and behind the queen's it looked like there was that fish net wire thing going on. Throughout the show I thought wardrobe had a done a great job, but this slip-up proved me wrong.

I'd say this show was pretty okay for the most part, and if you're into historical dramas then hey, this is a great one for you. But. This has to sit at the bottom of my drama list as I just couldn't get myself invested in the plot (did one really even exist or did I have to make one up in my head), and there wasn't enough romance. I wish there had have been a more interesting romance but it was just a basic love triangle that fizzled out into nothing. No fireworks.

I gave the rewatch value 1 as I know I definitely won't be rewatching any time soon.

-E

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A well produced fantasy series with an intense plot and great music!

Tale of the Nine Tailed is an interesting plot-driven drama with an incredible music score, well-developed characters, romance, and a dash of comedy.

From the opening of the first episode I was drawn in by the plot and encaptured by the characters that were being portrayed before me. The story of Ji-Ah and her parents was highly upsetting, but I never imagined that Lee Yeon would actually be able to find them for her. I wasn't sure whether to believe they were actually there when reunited with Ji-Ah but was glad of it ever the same.

There were a few creepy bits which unnerved me and I actually didn't want to watch the show at night to begin with. In particular, the episode where Ji-Ah was being followed by the two little ghost girls was creepy. Also, it was gruesome when the Imugi killed the woman who lost the finger nail and then used her corpse hand to knock on the door.

I also didn't like it when the scales appeared on Ji-Ah's face as it grossed me out.

Now for some positives...

I really liked how the the show not only focused on the leads, but also included the supporting characters development and own personal growth. In particular, I liked the relationship formed between Shin-Joo and Yu-Ri. I was so happy when they got married in the final episode and even looked after the little boy (who I assume they adopted and didn't just kidnap?).

I found the relationship between the older couple who tended to look after Lee Yeon quite comical but sweet, and it made me laugh a few times. When the man left, that was sad but I'm glad he returned in the end.

I never knew whether to like Lee Rang or hate him. I know it was awful what he had done in the past, but then I ended up feeling sorry for him because he was messed up and confused. It was funny when the fortune teller/blind man noted that the most important thing to him was his brother, Lee Yeon. Even though throughout the series you were kind of meant to not like Lee Rang, I couldn't help but be sad when he was gone. Despite what others may think, I actually did end up liking Lee Rang and it was sweet how he bonded with the cute little boy who he nicknamed 'Blacky' after his childhood pet.

The beginning of the final episode was so sad and distressing that it left me balling my eyes out. I'm so thankful that the episode turned around and ended on a high (for the most part). Watching Lee Yeon's body drift away into the abyss was quite cruel on the viewer's behalf.

On the flip side, it was really nice to wrap up the season (yes I am expecting another!) with the two leads being reunited and them getting married! I was also expecting them to have a child, but maybe the reason they didn't is because of the ending.

I am quite confused as to what was going on in those few final seconds but will expect that to be explained in a follow-up series. I feel like the show has been left on a definite cliffhanger and would hope that the producers wouldn't be so cruel as to leave us guessing forever. As soon as Lee Yeon picked up the umbrella off of the wall, I knew that part of the Gumiho was still in him.

One thing I found spectacular about this show was the score. There are certain pieces that every time I listen to, I get chills. The music definitely added a lot to the production of this show and has made it stand out. I don't think I can ever recall a show that I've watched to have music that makes you really feel something. It might just be me, but I usually only find it in films.

I didn't have a problem with any of the actors. However, in the beginning I was unsure of Yu-Ri, but as the characters developed I came around.

The reason I gave it a 5/10 rewatch is because I don't tend to rewatch any show so really this is just a neutral score.

Overall I gave it 8/10 as it was a quality show that kept me entertained, but it wouldn't be way up there at the top of my list. This might just be based on genre as I do prefer a good rom-com style rather than an intense fantasy plot, but I am glad that I watched.

I would recommend to anyone who enjoys watching a fantasy-style show or is just looking for a change in genre.

-E

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The Great Disappointment

Well. What a waste of my time this was! Rookie mistake - why didn't I read some reviews before watching this painfully slow-moving show!? I honestly don't even know where to begin. I don't think I want to waste any more time on this show than I already have.

Reading the reviews I'm glad I'm not the only one who felt like I was watching 'Gossip Girl' with the whole rich kids act. The whole plot I just didn't vibe with and therefore I really shouldn't have kept watching. Stick to what you know kids!

I don't know how many minutes I wasted watching the parents of these children that I did not give two cahoots about! Like who is this show even aimed at if they want to include so much screen time of the oldies?

The romance was zilch - I have no words.

I give the story a 4/10 stars as it did have one, just not one that I liked.

The acting was alright, and it took me about 3-4 episodes to realise the main girl was from Red Velvet.

-E

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Such a heartwarming and moving drama that may make you shed a tear

'Still 17' is such a heartwarming and moving drama - making me bawl my eyes out at one point!

In the very beginning I was so confused about this dude with long shaggy hair, a beard and unattractive clothes. I was like, 'this is not the guy pictured on the cover of the drama... so who is he?' One transformation later and I was like, 'okay, maybe he is...?' XD Needless to say, as the drama moved on I forgot all about his previous image.

Woo-jin was so cold and standoffish in the beginning - exactly what we want in a K-drama man am I right? It was so sweet to see how he became warm and opened up around everyone as he had Seo-ri on his mind.

Seo-ri was obviously the damsel in distress, but with her situation, who could blame her? She had just woken up out of a coma, had a bit of rehabilitation treatment, and left the hospital with nothing but the clothes she was wearing. That scene where the man pushed in line to get food and then Seo-ri missed out... I was pissed, but that just showed you her kind, gentle and sweet nature. I think the actress did a really great job of acting out Seo-ri's character because although she was 30, she really did seem like a teenager for the most part.

I loved Chan and his Chick Junior. So cute. And he was adorable every time he got off of the phone with his Mum and said 'bye Mummy.' XD

It was a bit heartbreaking for Chan when he found out about Seo-ri and his Uncle's relationship, but I'm glad he accepted it and moved on. None of the dickish behaviour we would normally see.

Chan's two friends were funny and I liked how they got along very well with his Uncle and Jennifer.

I loved Jennifer's character - she appears so wise, confident and firm. The episode where we discovered that her husband was killed in the accident was what made me bawl. All the flashback scenes in that episode including Seo-ri's friend Suh-mi made me cry a lot - it was very emotional.

The relationship that forms between Seo-ri and Woo-jin is so pure and sweet. The amount of episodes it took Mr Khong to express feelings towards Seo-ri felt like the perfect amount of time. Their whole backstory had me so intrigued and with each episode I was always waiting for when Woo-jin would realise/discover that Seo-ri was the girl on the bus that day all those years ago. When they were on the bridge and Seo-ri got to tell her side of the story, I was blown away, excited and happy because I was surprised at the fact that Seo-ri knew about him and liked him when they were young as well. So it wasn't a case of one-sided love after all.

I felt like this drama did a great job of intertwining the flashbacks with the 'current' story.

Paeng's appearance was always adorable and it was sweet how Woo-jin built the house for him, and also the chicken coop for Chick Junior. XD

I was so happy in the end where it showed their wedding picture and the panning shots of the wedding bands on each of their hands. Perfect way to end the show! Plot twist; it would have been cool if they had have had a baby that grew up to be a violinist like Seo-ri.

Overall this was a pretty decent drama and would 10/10 recommend to anyone wanting to watch a heartwarming show.

-E

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They built a giant training camp in the woods?

I cannot believe that out in the middle of the woods, some people just built a large building for a reality TV show to discover the next South Korean idol group. However, I thought it was really cool. I enjoyed watching every performance on stage and was always confused when during the training period, I thought the groups had done well but then the judges were like no. I feel like I learnt a lot about idols just by watching this. I never realised how much has to go into learning how to show expression whilst performing. There must be so many things they have to think about.

I was so amazed by how quick Ni-Ki always learnt the dances.

I think we can all agree that Sunoo is the cutest. His personality just overflows with happiness.

Jay was the funniest out of them all. Resentment. Anger. Shame. Need I say more? LOL When he called his mother and she thought he got eliminated that was epic. I loved the part where the members got scared of the dark - especially Jay. He sleeps with his eyes open?? Haha.

Sunghoon seems like he is the golden child out of them all. It was cool in the episode where you saw him ice skating.

I couldn't believe it when Jungwon didn't get the badge for the first time. I felt bad for him, but then he came first in the final. I was proud, and his little dimples! So cute!

I still cannot get over the fact that Jake made his way to South Korea ALONE from his home country of Australia to begin his journey of becoming an idol. He left to go there without his parents. To me that just seems so brave of him. I certainly could not at age what 16-17? I still get a little bit shook every time I hear his Aussie accent come out. The culture differences really come through I feel.

Let's not forget about Heeseung. When I first saw him I judged way too fast, but OMG. He is actually perfect at everything. What the actual heck?

I always thought K was good but then he did have his moments of getting frustrated with the rest of the trainees. It became a bit uncomfortable to watch at those points. It's still a bit surprising that he didn't make it into EHYPEN though. If it was a group of 8 I'm pretty sure he would have been in.

As for Daniel, I already knew before watching I-LAND that he wasn't part of ENHYPEN so I didn't really care for him that much to be honest. However, I did like his performance alongside Sunoo of BTS' 'Save Me.' I thought he did really well there. Sadly for me it was his only real memorable moment. I feel like he kind of got stuck in the back the rest of the time. Side note: how was he the youngest out of them all, yet the tallest?

I loved the episode where BTS came along. AHHH! They're just everything and more! In the final episode where V broke down, that was hilarious; and of course RM has to step in. Honestly, you can't take them anywhere.

I feel like I've just written a review on all of the members individually but when am I supposed to say?

I think my favourite song was I&credible, and the performance was very good. I like the Butterfly and Save Me performances. Also, the Fire performance was epic and Heeseung was just *chefs kiss* ;)

Overall I really enjoyed watching the show but wouldn't need to watch again. Thankfully all of the performances are on YouTube so you can easily access them there.

I am now excited for the girl's group that will take place there too! So exciting!

-E

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Would recommend to any new drama watchers

I was enjoying this one until we got past the main leads getting together. As expected, I got bored and had to fast forward my way to the end. It did wrap up nicely and cute though! We even got a child!

Taking it back to the beginning:

Hye-jin’s reason for lying about her identity is really shallow and she should have been honest. Sung-Joon had already experienced what it’s like to not have ‘the standard’ looks of a Korean man so he of all people should have understood how Hye-jin was feeling. Besides, a ’true’ friend would love and accept them no matter what.

I didn’t really like Sung-Joon in the beginning because of how rudely he treated Hye-jin. If a man is gonna be a good man, they should treat all women the same. I didn’t like they way he fired Hye-jin in haste - he was so aggressive!

Another thing that bugged me was why did Sung-Joon think that Hye-jin was going to be romantically available anyway? That is so presumptuous of him to think that after 15 YEARS he can waltz back into her life and expect something between them that is more than friendship.

I was honestly shipping Hye-jin with the second male lead and to be fair, they would have had a decent shot at being together so really I feel like this drama could have gone either way.

Hye-jin’s transformation really had her looking like a whole another actress!

I don’t understand how Sung-joon could be so upset with Ha-ri but fine with Hye-jin - ike Hye-jin was the root cause of the predicament anyway! I thought he would have been equally mad at the both of them, even more so Hye-jin.

Finally, as we recached the end of episode 14, I literally sighed relief that the second male lead shaved his beard. Damn that should have been done AGES ago!

Overall, this was a decent drama with an okay story. Certainly nothing to rave about. For anyone who is new to kdramas this is one I’d recommend.

-E

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