Reviews

Drama Review: D-Day

D-Day is an emotionally gripping medical disaster drama that captures the devastation of a massive earthquake in Seoul and the heroic efforts of medical professionals who risk everything to save lives. The 6.5-magnitude earthquake leaves the city in chaos, destroying infrastructure and leaving countless victims in dire need of help. Amid the destruction, three doctors Hae Sung, Ddol Mi, and Woo Jin come together to face unimaginable challenges, holding onto hope and humanity as they navigate life-and-death situations.

Plot and Themes

The story highlights the stark contrast between profit-driven medical institutions and the true essence of being a doctor. Hae Sung, portrayed as a skilled and compassionate surgeon, defies his hospital's policies to save lives, even at the cost of his career. His actions inspire Ddol Mi, a doctor who initially pursued wealth and fame, to rediscover her purpose. Woo Jin, despite his rising fame, secretly shares the same passion for saving lives. Together, the trio faces heart-pounding emergencies, embodying courage and selflessness in the face of adversity.

The drama explores themes of resilience, morality, and the human spirit in times of crisis. The intense situations and emotional depth keep viewers on the edge of their seats while delivering a powerful message about the importance of empathy and dedication in the medical field.

Cast and Performances

The casting for D-Day is nothing short of perfect, with stellar performances that bring the story to life. Kim Young Kwang shines as Hae Sung, delivering a nuanced and heartfelt portrayal of a surgeon torn between his duty and institutional constraints. Having previously seen him in Love Rain, I was thrilled to see him in a lead role, where he proves his versatility and exceptional acting skills.

Jung So Min, playing Ddol Mi, delivers an equally impressive performance. Her growth as an actress since her role in Playful Kiss is evident, as she embodies the character's transformation with authenticity and depth. The chemistry between Kim Young Kwang and Jung So Min is undeniable, adding an emotional layer to their partnership on screen.

The supporting cast also deserves applause. Familiar faces from other dramas add depth and familiarity to the story, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Each actor contributes to the drama's intensity, making the characters memorable even when their roles are less likable.

Final Thoughts

D-Day is a drama that captivates with its compelling storyline, remarkable performances, and emotional intensity. It is not just a disaster drama but a poignant exploration of humanity's strength and compassion in the face of tragedy. Kim Young Kwang and Jung So Min's exceptional performances, coupled with a strong supporting cast, make this a must-watch for fans of medical and disaster dramas.

If you're looking for a drama that combines thrilling action, heartfelt moments, and inspiring characters, D-Day is an excellent choice.

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Thoroughly engaging investigation mystery drama

My attention was completely caught by this drama as I started watching, it reminded me of Reset in that way how I just couldn't stop watching and wanted to know more about was was happening.

I loved each case in this show, every episode always featured a new way to showcase Shen Yi's skills as a portraitist, and although some of his skills seemed a bit far fetched to me, I didn't really care or focus on that and was just looking forward to see the cases be solved. Also really liked the relationships between the members of the Police team, they all worked well together.

Some plot points were closed a bit too quickly and abruptly for me, specifically Hong Ge's case but overall it's a well written and very engaging series. Till the end, my attention did not wane; from Eps 18-20 more so, I was even more hyped because of the change of pace as we were heading towards the climax, truly nail biting stuff towards the end that made me feel tense and kept me on my toes.

Great series, and I'm excited to check out S2!

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Best Kdrama of 2024

When the Phone Rings is a thrilling K-drama that masterfully combines suspense, romance, and political intrigue. The story follows Baek Sa Eon, the youngest presidential spokesman in Korea, who comes from a distinguished political lineage. Despite his stellar career as a war correspondent, hostage negotiator, and news anchor, his personal life tells a different story. His marriage to Hong Hui Ju, a mute sign language interpreter and the daughter of a prominent newspaper owner, is distant and based on convenience. However, their lives take a dramatic turn when Hui Ju is kidnapped, forcing them to reevaluate their relationship and confront their true feelings.

The series excels in character development, presenting Baek Sa Eon as a man torn between duty and personal growth, and Hui Ju as a symbol of silent strength and resilience. Their journey from estrangement to genuine connection is portrayed with emotional authenticity, making their transformation deeply moving.

The drama's suspenseful pacing and brilliant cinematography keep viewers hooked, while the intricate storyline ensures there’s never a dull moment. The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, enriching the plot without overshadowing the leads.

Why When the Phone Rings is the Best K-Drama of 2024

For me, When the Phone Rings is hands down the best K-drama of 2024. It strikes the perfect balance between emotional depth and edge-of-your-seat suspense. The show delves into profound themes of communication, vulnerability, and rediscovering love amidst adversity, making it both thought-provoking and heartwarming.

If you’re looking for a drama that keeps you captivated from start to finish while offering rich character arcs and meaningful storytelling, When the Phone Rings is an absolute must-watch. It’s more than entertainment it’s an unforgettable experience.

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Worth Watching!

What can I say? Usually, I don't write reviews but this drama is an exception. I suddenly had the urge to write this review so here it is.

The Pearl Girl, DuanWu has an amazing character development. And not just DuanWu, I would like to commend the resilience of every women in this drama. It was very inspiring.

The flow of the story is wonderfully crafted. Every arc is a real trigger for a roller coaster of emotions. However, I don't know what to feel when it ended. I felt like I could watch more of them. I still can't believe that I quickly finished watching it. Those 40 episodes didn't feel like the plot was draggy(if that's even a word haha).

Overall, it's a worth-watching drama with a beautiful OST, and perfect cast.

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A Must-Watch Costume Drama of the Year

Blossom (Jiu Chong Zi) exceeded all expectations. From its captivating storyline to breathtaking cinematography, this drama hooks you from the start. The soft color grading, elegant storytelling, creative camera angles, and perfect music make every scene mesmerizing.

Brilliant Leads
The female lead, Dou Zhou, is a standout—smart, strong, and capable of protecting herself and others. Li Yun Rui’s male lead is equally compelling, with expressions that make him both endearing and dependable. Their chemistry feels genuine, and their slow-burn romance is beautifully done.

Top-Tier Direction
The director’s first full-length project is a masterpiece. The plot intensifies with each episode, and every character’s development is handled thoughtfully. Even supporting roles shine, adding depth to the story.

Minor Flaws
The translated title feels off, and the male lead’s hairstyle could’ve been better. Some villains are clichéd, and early interactions between the leads felt limited. But these don’t overshadow the brilliance of the drama.

Final Thoughts
Easily the BEST COSTUME DRAMA OF 2024, this show delivers top-notch direction, storytelling, visuals, and performances. Li Yun Rui and Meng Zi Yi finally get the spotlight they deserve. I’ll rewatch this anytime I need a quality drama. Love it!

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A reflection on society today

First I rewatched S1, as it's been ages since that came out. Sailed through it and enjoyed the watch all over again, especially knowing I could go straight into S2.
Yoo Ah-in was a tough act to follow, but I have to say, Kim Sung-cheol, picking up the character Jung Jin-su, was excellent.
There was a flashback to a pivotal scene from S1, which obviously couldn't just be edited in, due to YAI's sad departure. His acting in that scene was excellent and I would have doubted it could be replicated.
However, KSC was so good, and must have watched it umpteen times, to recreate YAI's part so faithfully, as well as accurately.
The dark and somewhat depressing society that emerged from S1, is by no means any better in S2.
As humans do, the supernatural events that unfolded in S1 have been manipulated by groups, with leaders determined to make money and/or rule over others. (It is exactly what some do with religion now; use it as an excuse to murder, control and wreac havoc.)
Their 'laws' are contrived and as seen in S1, often an excuse to abuse power, bully and use violence against others.
It is sickening how those groups, including the government, spout 💩 about sins and damnation, when they themselves are the most guilty.
The drama's Director has said he's used the drama as a vehicle to send a message about the state of today's society (he's not wrong, either, with how in S Korea for example, K-nutz judge, slander and even drive some to take their own lives).
The shocking 'Decree' given towards the end of S1, together with Jung Jin-su's revelation, and the new twist of resurrection, changes everything.
Groups fight for power as they also have different stances on what to do about resurrection.
Many characters are present from S1, but the dynamics have altered considerably.
It's a bumpy, sometimes confusing, and violent, frustrating ride.
A gripping watch!

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A very well-written story combined with an outstanding acting = a drama with never-ending surprises.

If you read the synopsis here or on Netflix and think that “Ah, it’s just another police drama.” And if you haven’t got hooked with the first four episodes because you think that there’s nothing intriguing with the supernatural stuff in the story, my advice to you is PLEASE DO NOT GIVE UP YET, PLEASE GIVE IT A TRY TO A COUPLE MORE EPISODES. Because everything just CAME TO LIFE in the latter part of the story. It turns to be a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT DRAMA in a very positive way!

My experience of watching J-drama is shallow, but I’m sure this is the first time I’ve watched a drama with this kind of storytelling. They promoted it as an ordinary case-solving, police-buddy story before totally turned around the table in the middle of drama. It just got better and better every episode, showed you never-ending surprises, and concluded with AN EPIC FINALE. I totally didn’t expect that this is what “Zenketsu” drama would be about after watching the first episode.

I’ve watched some of the writer’s project before and I think he’s someone who are capable to create a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but unfortunately, I found that some of them had unsatisfactory endings, with missing connections in the mystery or unconvincing motives behind the main case. But I’m confident to say that it’s different with Zenketsu. He really delivered a very convincing script for such an insane story. The writer and research team of this drama really did an excellent job to build the concept and ideas, then connecting the dots to define the characters and drive the story.

Also, I think Zenketsu is a type of story that can easily feel unserious and cheap if the characters and the visuals aren’t well-executed. So above all, thanks to the actors’ incredible performances and the production team, they turned this out-of-this-world story into something truly believable. Fujiwara Tatsuya as the lead; Hirose Alice, Kohinata Fumiyo, Fukumoto Riko, Sakoda Takaya, Yusuke Santamaria, Narumi Riko, Komiya Rio, and Kakizawa Hayato who play the major characters; all the supporting and guest casts, even the extras too: ALL OF THEM ARE AMAZING. The production team also did their job really well considering the tight budget of a TV production.

Overall, what an amazing journey for me watching this drama from the beginning until the end. Zenketsu gave me a full of rollercoaster emotions. I laughed, shed tears, held my breath, bit my nails while watching the story unfold. It has everything from myths & folklores to modern social issues, all packed in a mysterious storyline that is both thrilling and endearing. Great world-building, a truly well-executed story and very well-acted characters. I really hope there’ll be sequels! Go watch this drama guys, it’s on Netflix with multiple subs. This show is too great to be missed out.

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Best of 2024

Y'all this one is for the romance girlies.
Can officially say with my whole chest that this was the best period drama of the 14 that I watched this year. Probably the best Cdrama of 2024, at least of the 23 that I watched.
From start to finish cinematography, lighting, direction, action, acting, musical score, story/writing were top tier. The added little extra bit of running comedy with the slaps will forever live rent free in my head. I promise you, if you are someone who enjoys period dramas and romance you wont regret starting this one. The only spoiler I will give in this is the answer to the most common question I get from binge watchers who wait until the end of show to start watching.
Sad Ending, Open Ending, Happy for Now, Happy Ending, or Happily Ever After?



Happily Ever After, Five year flashforward for Epilogue after satisfying conclusion to other storylines . Plus extra bonus scene at the end of the credits.

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Love crashed ! View was great , feels were zero!

I was genuinely excited for this adaptation, but unfortunately it fell short on so many levels. If I hadn't watched the Thai version, I would have found the story to be fragmented and sort of incomplete.

One of the main issues I had was with the casting. While the actors may be talented, they didn’t convince me as university students. There was a noticeable disconnect throughout making it hard for me to fully vibe with characters and care about them.

Starting with Ray and Arashi's story, I did like the focus that was given to their part, especially in the first two episodes. The pacing was fine early on, but as the series progressed, it just felt ordinary. The weak acting played a huge role in this. The chemistry and delivery just didn't land for me. Shoma was a sight to behold but he felt more like a pretty canvas visually stunning yet devoid of any real emotion, even in the most heartfelt and emotional moments.
Also the story itself was problematic for me but the acting didn't help it either. Felt lackluster without that right emotional depth.

As for Fuma and Kai’s story, it was clearly rushed compared to the original version. The pacing felt off especially considering how much attention was given to the first half of the show. Kai, in particular looked much older than his character, which took me out. While their acting wasn’t bad, it simply didn’t convince me enough to fully buy into their relationship.

Overall, this adaptation was a disappointment. As a fan of JBl, it’s tough for me to write this review and give it a low rating, but unfortunately It is what it is.

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Great and mature drama love it♥

I don't know how I got into this drama, and I don't regret it for a moment. What a great series (plot), perfect casting and perfect acting, a mature drama, (from a parent's perspective) witty, funny and intelligent dialogues, it has comedic situations (I laughed quite a bit), it has a great dynamic between a mother (a single parent) who is still a teenager herself (missed all of her adult years due to an early pregnancy) and a daughter who is approaching 30, great chemistry between them, the plot, the scenes, the tension, the emotions, and the sensitivity, the disagreements, the love, the sacrifice, the relationship, the friendships, the support, everything is so realistic, this is not a classic Korean drama, there is no love triangle here, there is no evil chaebol family, there is a journey of self-discovery here, (I'm not giving spoilers but the ending is the essence of the journey of the entire plot), the number of episodes is accurate and not spread out. Nice soundtrack that matches the scenes..I liked it and highly recommend it ♥♥

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Impressive and surprising. It keeps you hooked from the first episode to the last

"Mouse" tells the story of a psychopath serial killer and two cops who are working together to find him.
Ba Reum is a nice police officer, his life become entangled with Moo Chi, a criminal detective that has a past trauma, his entire family has killed by a serial killer and he lived his whole life thinking about revenge. There's also Hong Ju, a journalist who's covering the murders and Bong Yi, a nice girl who also has a sad past. Every single character is connected with each other, in the beginning you don't know that, but by watching the episodes, you get to see how everything fits.

I can't say I was shocked by the twist that Ba Reum is the serial killer, there are some moments that made me think that, specially after his "change" with the brain transplant... instead of becoming more cold and distant, Ba Reum became more bright.
The two special episodes after the episode 15 are really important to the story, because you get to see the real Ba Reum, not him faking like in the beginning or after the transplant, when he's really a different person, with Yo Han's sense of empathy. He's really evil, Ba Reum planned everything and was even using Bong Yi like his father did to his mother, only as a way to reproduce. It's amazing how Lee Seung Gi played this character, because it's like two different people, his eyes, the expressions...

The real culprit in all of this in my opinion is actually Ba Reum's mother. She basically ruined Ba Reum and Yo Han's life by switching the babies. She made Yo Han live his life as the son of a serial killer and even so, he became a good person, who sadly die and Ba Reum, who didn't have any fault for being born without empathy, live his life without any support and didn't know that what he was doing was wrong, he doesn't have a moral compass, so he needed someone to guide him, to help him in the right path. How he's supposed to be good, if he doesn't know what that is?
In the end, the brain transplant was a blessing, because made Ba Reum able to understand emotions for the first time and realize everything he has done and repent. His death is sad, but it's something that was meant to happen.

The drama is really big, besides having 20 episodes and 3 special, some episodes have more than 1 hour, but the amazing thing is that is not exhausting to watch, I didn't get tired in any moment, actually I wanted to keep watching!
It's one of the best crime/thriller dramas that I have ever watched.

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