Dramas 2021

A Gentleman and a Young Lady ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021/2022 | Episode: 52 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Ji Hyun Woo, Lee Se Hee & Park Ha Na
Plot: Lee Young Kook is a widower, father of 3 children. Struggling to juggle between his grief and his kids’ education, he decides to hire Park Dan Dan as a live-in tutor. While living together, they start developing feelings for each other.

Review: I don’t even know where to begin, as my disappointment grows bigger the more I think about this drama. At first, I was super excited by this 50+ episode long family drama. I loved the general setting of the romance, that is one older man and a younger woman at different stages of their lives trying to follow their heart and be together. But, everything went wrong from A to Z for two main reasons. First, the annoying characters, and God knows they are many. Between the evil secretary with a one-sided crush manipulating, lying and hurting everyone to the female lead’s selfish parents (mother and father included), that was already enough to get upset. Add to that, the female lead’s stepmother as much obsessed with money as the male lead’s own stepmother, the idiotic brothers and sisters, and the upsetting greedy mother of the secretary, and you have the perfect recipe for a heart attack. Now, let’s move to the plot which is no better than characters. The time spent on the male lead’s amnesia was outrageously long, which prevented the real action from happening. The plot ran in circles from episode 30 (if not before) to the end. The only reason why I kept watching was because I really liked the scenes with the children, and the romance between the second lead couple (Dan Dan’s cousin and her lover). Also, I hoped it would get better at some point, and yes it did: In episode 52. Despite all that, big thumbs up to Park Ha Na for playing the villain. I hated her character, but she definitely needs to be praised for her performance.

At a Distance Spring is Green ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Bae In Hyuk, Park Ji Hoon & Kang Min Ah
Plot: Yeo Jun, Kim So Bin and Nam Soo Hyun are students at the same university. Each of them experience friendship, love and various struggles, as they navigate through their youth. 

Review: Though the drama is quite different from the actual webtoon, At a Distance Spring is Green remains an excellent coming-of-age drama. I really loved its slow pace and the blossoming feelings between characters. It was a poetic ode to youth under all its forms, whether you experience it through pain or love. I am also really happy that the drama gave more space and importance to friendship rather than love interests, proving that people you have by your side during your journey are the ones that stick for long. Plus, the drama is only 12-episode long so don’t hesitate to check it out. 

Adult Trainee ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 7 | Channel: TVING

Cast: Ryu Ui Hyun, Mi Yeo, Jo Yoo Jung, Ryeo Un, Kwon Young Eun & Kim Min Ki
Plot: The drama tells the story of 6 high school students, as they explore life, love and their sexuality.

Review: I was not expecting a lot when I started watching Adult Trainee. I was just in search of a short drama that would entertain me, period. So, I was quite surprised to see how good this show actually is. First of all, it’s different from most teenage dramas, because for once they dare tackle a myriad of themes about sex: masturbation, first sexual intercourse, hormones and desires that radically turn you from a child to an actual teenager with needs. I thought it was really nice that they would finally introduce sex ed into a drama and would also have scenes that relate these changes. On top of that, the drama shows all of that with respect and a touch of humor. Plot-wise, Adult Trainee focuses on 3 independent stories that are all interesting. My favorite is the second one with Ryeo Un (so glad to see him here!), but all were good to watch. You get to see friendships, first loves, unrequited love, friendships, and all in all a lot about growing up which can bring back memories if you’re older like me. The cast and music were in perfect adequacy with the overall atmosphere of the drama: lighthearted, bold and cute. Honestly, I really recommend you watch it, you won’t be disappointed.

Bad and Crazy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021-22 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN, iQIYI

Cast: Lee Dong Wook, Wi Ha Joon, Han Ji Eun & Cha Hak Yeon
Plot: Ryu Soo Yeol is an ambitious detective, who’s willing to do anything to succeed, even using illegal methods. His life changes when a crazy young man, who goes by the name K, appears in his life. K is a righteous individual, who wants to make justice prevail at all costs.

Review: This is what I call a good action drama! I hadn’t stumbled upon such a crazy and energetic plot in a very long time, and gosh I missed it. Lee Dong Wook and Wi Ha Joon make a formidable duo of mad men who go well together against all odds. The episodes all follow an intense rhythm, so you won’t have time to catch your breath! The overall mystery regarding K’s presence in Soo Yeol’s life, his real identity, and Soo Yeol’s fragmented memories is also super interesting and well woven into the general storyline. If you want crazy action, then go for it (I mean, you just have to watch the opening to understand).

Beyond Evil ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Shin Ha Kyun & Yeo Jin Goo
Plot: Lee Dong Shik is a police officer in a small city called Munju. When he was young, he was accused of his sister’s murder, as well as several others that took place in the region. Though, he was released 21 years ago, he still hasn’t found the real murderer. One day, brilliant detective Han Ju Won comes to Munju. He wants to arrest Munju’s serial killer.

Review: This drama is literally a gem! It is dark, mysterious and full of suspense. Even though I feared that it would be too slow for me, it is so well-written that it managed to keep me hooked until the very last episode. There are so many twists and so many secrets, I even wondered if there was an actual end to the mystery. Moreover, I really think that it is Yeo Jin Goo’s best acting performance ever, and Shin Ha Kyun’s is not to be left aside either! If you like thrillers, I can only recommend you start this one asap!

Bossam: Steal the Fate ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 20 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Jung Il Woo, Kwon Yu Ri & Shin Hyun Soo
Plot: Ba Woo is a man who raises his son alone. To earn money, he steals, fights and even does bossam (remarriage of a widow who is kidnapped). One day, he mistakenly kidnaps the wrong woman, who turns out to be Princess Soo Kyung. Little by little they start developing a relationship.

Review: The first part of the drama really grabbed my attention. The plot was unraveling outside of the palace; there were no power struggles, no royals (although the female lead is a Princess), or anything that you generally find in dramas of the genre. The story was pretty straightforward, and the main couple had good chemistry (you can watch them again in the modern in Good Job). Despite my liking, the second part of the drama lost a bit of its charm. It became a bit more political and expected (due to what I would call palace intrigue). Still, Bossam: Steal the Fate is a well-written drama with good and attractive qualities. If you’re into historical stories that diverge from the usual path, then maybe this one’s for you.

Bulgasal: Immortal Souls ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021-22 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Lee Jin Wook, Kwon Na Ra, Lee Joon & Gong Seung Yeon
Plot: The drama tells the story of Dan Hwal, a 600-year-old immortal creature, and Min Sang Un who used to be immortal and has now reincarnated as a human. After a tragic incident, she changes her identity and hides, convinced she is being chased by a monster.

Review: I am a huge fan of fantasy dramas, so naturally I had to watch this drama. And I am quite satisfied with it honestly, especially with the mysteries surrounding Dan Hwal and Min Sang Un’s past, their connection and relationships with other characters, their story, etc… The fact that only fragments of the past were explained little by little created suspense and expectation. The chemistry of the main leads is also good, though I was mostly blown away by Lee Joon’s charisma and acting performance. I personally liked the story, though some scenes tended to be a bit slow and confusing at times. Still, if you are into this genre with historical moments and supernatural creatures, that’s a work you may appreciate.

Check Out the Event ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 4 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Bang Min Ah, Kwon Hwa Woon & An Woo Yeon
Plot: Ha Song Yi is a bright woman, but she suffers from her break-up with Park Do Gyeom. One day, both discover they have won a ticket for a couple trip event. They decide to participate and pretend they are still together. Whilst on the trip, Song Yi becomes entangled with the tour guide Seo Ji Kang.

Review: Check Out the Event is a short and nice mini-drama. The 4 episodes are sufficient to explain the break-up, Song Yi and Do Gyeom’s complicated relationship and their reunion while on the trip. The love triangle was interesting, as well as the secondary characters’ story. I spend a good moment, while hoping I would also go on a trip soon.

Chimera ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: OCN

Cast: Park Hae Soo, Claudia Kim, Lee Hee Jun & Cha Joo Hyung
Plot: 35 years ago, several people were killed in mysterious explosions. The murder case became known as “Chimera” and solved a few months later. In the present, new murders by explosion start happening, reminding the Chimera case. Detective Cha Jae Hwan and FBI agent Eugene Hathaway investigate.

Review: That’s an OCN drama really worth it! Chimera contains all the ingredients of the perfect thriller: twists, complex characters, an excellent storyline that connects past and present, and a mysterious, but brilliant killer on the loose. The 16 episodes are fast-paced and simply breathtaking. The main quartet of characters, and actors’ performance, are as good as the overall plot, so I highly recommend you take a look at that drama!

Dali and Cocky Prince ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Kim Min Jae & Park Gyu Young
Plot: Jin Moo Hak is the second son of a conglomerate family who owns a restaurant franchise. He’s not very educated, but he’s excellent at making money. Kim Da Ri is the only daughter of a wealthy family. One day, her father dies and her arts gallery is on the verge of being bankrupt. She meets Moo Hak. Interestingly, they had already met before.

Review: Nice and cute drama, if you don’t really know what to watch. I liked the focus on the arts world (especially paintings) and the clash of two worlds between those who were born into wealth, and the others who became rich through hard work. Although Da Ri is rather pure and innocent, while Moo Hak is hard to trick. So, I guess that’s why they make a fine pair. To be honest, my favorite scenes with these two lovebirds occurred at the beginning of the drama. After that, I had the impression that the stereotypical mean second lead, and the lead’s annoying and stupid family, were too much of a burden both characters were failing at getting rid of. In the end, I was a bit disappointed. Nice, but that’s it. However, the drama has the most beautiful character posters I have ever seen!

Dark Hole ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 | Channel: OCN, tvN

Cast: Kim Ok Bin & Lee Joon Hyuk
Plot: Lee Hwa Sun is a detective, who lost her husband to a serial killer. Grieving, she goes to Muji City. There, a dark smoke seems to be spreading and turning people into monsters. As the city is in utter chaos, Hwa Sun meets Yoo Tae Han. They try to find the root of the virus, while protecting a group of survivors.

Review: Dark Hole is definitely a hidden gem when it comes to horror dramas. Just like Happiness and All of Us are Dead, the show focuses on a virus spreading rapidly and turning people into… well, something not human. Though this time, the villain seems to be an evil force that controls the mind. The atmosphere is gloomy (exactly the way I like it!). Survivors are split into groups fending for themselves, either outside or stuck in a hospital. This 12-episode drama perfectly does the work, if you are up for a good scare. It’s original and atypical. Plus, female characters are quite badass.

Doom at Your Service ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Seo In Guk, Park Bo Young, Lee Soo Hyuk, Kang Tae Oh & Shin Do Hyun
Plot: Tak Dong Kyung is a young woman, who discovers one day that she has a brain tumor, and doesn’t have much to live. So, she makes a wish, and ends up meeting Myul Mang. He is a creature who brings doom to humans. They make a pact for a 100 days, during which they start falling for each other.

Review: Okay, so I have mixed feelings about this drama. I feel like it had so much potential, and could’ve been much better. But, it kind of left me with a bittersweet taste. First, I liked the cast, the impossible romance of the main lead, and the extremely nice romance of the second leads. For once, second leads were the ones involved in a love triangle, and not the main ones. On top of that, it had a lot of fantasy (I mean the main lead is supposed to be Doom itself!). But, I failed at understanding the intrigue at times, or at least it left me confused and unsure of what was going on. I had the impression I was missing parts of the story, when I was actually paying attention. Maybe, this one’s on me, but it made it difficult for me to appreciate the drama in its entirety. Hence my grading.

Dr. Brain ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 6 | Channel: Apple TV+

Cast: Lee Sun Kyun, Seo Ji Hye, Lee Yoo Young & Park Hee Soon
Plot: Ko Se Won is a genius child who has a very different brain structure from other kids of his age. After his mother dies in a car accident, he is adopted by a doctor and becomes a brain scientist. He works on a project that aims at connecting brains together. So, when his son mysteriously dies in a fire and his wife commits suicide shortly after, he decides to investigate the cases using his technology.

Review: Based on the successful webtoon of the same name, I was a bit worried that the drama wouldn’t live up to my expectations. The theme is rather complex (we are talking about science, experiments and memories) and the number of episodes short (only 6 episodes). However, I was satisfied with the drama. The short format was actually perfectly adapted to the length and pace of the narrative, the twists well explained and the overall atmosphere in perfect accord with the plot. Dr. Brain has a very original and interesting plot to say the least. At first, I was intrigued by Se Won’s genius, his past and the new device he’d created that seemed to cause him horrific hallucinations mixed with his own memories. The ambiance of the drama is gloomy and uncomfortable, in the sense that you feel something’s off from the get-go. My only criticism would be about characters. I didn’t manage to really connect with any of them, whether it’d be Se Won, his wife, the detective or the mysterious man. They lacked a certain human side for me. Still, it went with the overall vibe of the drama. If you like science, mystery, thriller and you only have a short amount of time to watch dramas, this Apple TV+ show will certainly please you.

Happiness ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN, TVING

Cast: Han Hyo Joo, Park Hyung Sik & Jo Woo Jin
Plot: Yoon Sae Bom is a member of a special police squad. She has just moved in her new apartment with her husband-to-be detective Jung Yi Hyun. Unfortunately for them, their building is sealed as soon as they settle because of an infectious disease that is spreading among the residents.

Review: I loved that drama! The romance in the midst of chaos, the action and the thrilling intrigue, the vast overview of human nature through a variety of characters and a perfectly executed performance by all the actors. Happiness has just everything it needs to rank among the top dramas of 2021. Highly recommended!

Hellbound ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 6 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Yoo Ah In, Kim Hyun Joo, Park Jung Min, Won Jin Ah & Yang Ik June
Plot: Jung Jin Soo is the charismatic head of a new religion called The New Truth. He talks about angels of death coming from Hell to take people with them, once they receive a degree. Bae Young Jae is a PD for a broadcasting station, who investigates The New Truth, while lawyer Min Hye Jin stands firmly against the new religion’s principles.

Review: Hellhound is a good drama with an original plot, an awesome cast and some great unexpected twists. But, it’s so slow in the first episodes that it’s hard to hang onto the plot. Moreover, the drama is split into 2 parts, each of them with its own narrative. This choice of story-telling ends up creating unnecessary confusion in my opinion, as the drama is already complicated enough. Finally, the end of season 1 left me with so many unanswered questions that I had the impression the last scene was actually the beginning, and that nothing had really happened before. This is the perfect definition of a bitter taste. Now, my only hope is that the second season will turn out to be better with answers that clear up the mysteries.

Hello, Me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Choi Kang Hee & Kim Young Kwang
Plot: Ban Ha Ni is a 37-year old single woman, who feels responsible for her father’s death 20 years ago. One day, she is transported to the hospital after an accident. When she wakes up, she is lying next to her 17-year old self, who is bright and full of life. They try to send young Ha Ni back to her timeline. 

Review: This drama was actually quite nice. I liked it because it is the kind of drama that you really can watch without caring too much, there are no extravagant plot twists and the story is quite basic. Yet, it remains a real feel-good drama, which emphasizes the importance of accepting and loving yourself. If you wish to spend a nice moment in front of a drama, Hello, Me! is definitely worth the shot! 

High Class ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Cho Yeo Jeong, Kim Ji Soo, Park Se Jin & Ha Joon
Plot: Song Yeo Wool decided to move to Jeju Island after the mysterious death of her husband. There, she enrolls her son into the prestigious HSC International School. Little by little, Yeo Wool starts uncovering many secrets.

Review: This drama came as a surprise. I was preparing myself to see yet another drama about mothers’ obsession for their kids’ education, but the plot went way beyond that. There was suspense, mystery, twists, lies, all of that set among the rich people living on Jeju Island. The beautiful, and isolated landscape perfectly matched the intrigue. Behind the nice surface (nature’s or people’s), darkness hides (within houses). The 3 main mothers were quite interesting and given equivalent screen time. This allowed us to dig deeper into each household’s complex history. Friendship, betrayal, jealousy, murder, affair are all the ingredients you will find in this good drama.

Hometown ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Yoo Jae Myung, Han Ye Ri & Uhm Tae Goo
Plot: Terror attacks took place in 1989, changing the lives of detective Choi Hyung In, who lost his wife in the tragedy; and Jo Jung Hyun, whose brother was responsible for the events. 10 years later, a murder occurs in a small town. Detective Choi suspects it has something to do with the terror attacks.

Review: When I read the synopsis, this drama got me super excited. The story seemed to be a mix between a thriller and a horror drama, two genres that I generally appreciate. On top of that, the cast was quite attractive with veteran actor Yoo Jae Myung and the talented Han Ye Ri. The first episode embarked me, but it all crumbled down rapidly. The back-and-forth between past and present incidents, the involvement of a cult (if that’s what it was) and the non-understandable villain Jo Kyung Ho (secretly puppeteering everyone from prison) got me really confused and frustrated. On top of that, the pace was quite slow. Too bad, because I really believed this drama could’ve been excellent.

Hometown Cha Cha Cha ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Shin Min Ah & Kim Seon Ho
Plot: Yoon Hye Jin works in Seoul as a dentist, but she quits her job after an argument with her boss. On her mother’s birthday, she goes to a small seaside village called Gongjin. There, she meets Hong Du Shik. Everyone in the village knows him and he seems to be constantly busy working. Hye Jin decides to open her own dental clinic in Gongjin.

Review: Hometown Cha Cha Cha is the perfect epitome of what a feel-good drama should be like. It depicts tough and serious events in characters’ lives, while introducing these moments with subtlety and resolving them with a heartwarming embrace. I really loved it! The love stories, the solid community and the peaceful and serene seaside village are all elements that made me feel completely immersed in the drama. I really wanted to be a part of this big family! If you’re looking for some romance (and the leads’ chemistry is no joke), laughter and warmth, this drama is surely a must-watch!

Hospital Playlist 1 & Hospital Playlist 2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 (season 1) + 12 (season 2) | Channel: tvN

Cast: Jo Jung Suk, Yoo Yeon Suk, Kim Dae Myung, Jang Kyung Ho & Jeon Mi Do
Plot: Hospital Playlist tells the story of 5 medical college friends, who are now doctors. The drama illustrates their lives, their relationships and the hospital staff’s lives.

Review: It is a must-see drama! When I discovered that the screenwriter of the very famous Reply series and its director were going to reunite for a new drama revolving around doctors’ lives, I couldn’t believe it! Everything is attractive, even when you haven’t even started to watch a single episode! The main cast is incredible! All of them are veteran actors, with a great career already behind them. And so is the crew! Therefore, I was already expecting a lot from this drama. Fortunately, it didn’t disappoint me one second throughout all episodes. The drama is like a series/TV show to me, and no matter how many episodes there are or how long they are, I would watch all of them anyway! There is a total of 12 episodes of roughly 1 hour 30 but they are all worth it and time will fly by, without you even realizing it! The universe created is really complex but also quite immersive and will make you feel as part of the hospital staff! Be ready to laugh, cry, feel the love and grief.

Idol: The Coup ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Hani, Kim Min Kyu & Kwak Si Yang
Plot: Cotton Candy is a failed idol group about to disband after 6 years of struggle. In order to leave with no regrets, its members decide to give their all to become successful. They are helped by the new CEO of the agency Chae Jae Hyuk and idol star Seo Ji Han.

Review: Although I thought the this was just another idol drama displaying young talents making it big into the entertainment world and following their dreams, I was actually surprised by the innovative narrative. Idol: The Coup is no success story, and you may feel bittersweet at the end; but the group’s struggles are surely relatable. For once, you see a band suffering, talents giving up/moving on, and the cruelty of the industry. Be prepared for a refreshing and entertaining scenario.

Imitation ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Lee Jun Young, Jung Ji So & Park Ji Yeon
Plot: Kwon Ryeok is a member of the popular idol group Shax. A few years ago, another member, Eun Jo, disappeared without a trace. At the same time, Lee Ma Ha joined the group Omega-3 but it disbanded after an accident involving a previous member Annie. Now, Ma Ha and her group Tea Party are rising to fame, while getting closer to Shax members. 

Review: Imitation is a rather unexpected surprise! I really didn’t know what to expect with this drama at first. Most of the time, dramas involving the idol world, celebrity and fame tend to turn into a cliché quite fast and stray away from reality. Yet, I didn’t feel like it was the case with this show. First, I was very happy to see members of Ateez, SF9 and U-KISS, and second I sincerely had the impression that it was relatable. The 12 episodes are easy to watch, I never got bored and I loved seeing these idols fulfill their dreams, while overcoming hardships. Not to mention the amazing 12th episode and its real-life concert. I truly had the feeling that I was at a real event! Everything has been polished from beginning to end: songs, music, dances and performances are seriously praiseworthy. All in all, I highly recommend it! 

Inspector Koo ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Lee Young Ae, Kim Hye Jun, Kim Hae Sook & Kwak Sun Young
Plot: Koo Kyung Yi is a former police office, who now works as an insurance investigator and private detective. She has good intuitions, but rather atypical methods. She chases after the serial killer named K.

Review: I was really disappointed with this drama. When I heard there would be a remake of the hit series ‘Killing Eve’, I was thrilled. Yet, the drama failed, miserably. The main reason for that is the character of Koo Kyung Yi. She is constantly preaching justice, but she’s in fact quite hypocritical. Her methods are often illegal and dangerous, sometimes no better than those of the serial killer. Due to that, I found myself rooting for K. I wanted her to win, escape or whatever, because her rationale made sense in a way (or maybe it was just because I hated the detective too much). Of course, I am not criticizing Lee Young Ae’s acting. On the contrary, she really came out of her comfort zone with this role, but the character in itself was annoying. The intrigue was also quit ‘flat’, if I may say. No real action, apart from the scenes displaying K’s ingenious tricks. Don’t waste your time on it, this would be my advice.

Jirisan ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Jun Ji Hyun & Ju Ji Hoon
Plot: Seo Yi Gang is a ranger at Jiri Mountain National Park. She is the best, knows every path and every single trail. Kang Hyun Jo is a rookie ranger, who is paired up with Yi Gang. He used to be an army captain and seems to hide a secret. Together, they try to protect the mountain and the hikers after discovering a series of supposedly accidental deaths. 

Review: Despite the many negative comments about the drama, I strongly believe Jirisan is worth the watch. The storyline is intriguing, the characters’ bond is heartwarming and the mystery about the mountain remains well hidden until the end. On top of that, there are some beautiful mountain scenes, each of them displaying with beauty, subtlety and sometimes poetry the various situations rangers are confronted with (snow, fire, rain,…). The chase after the killer is also quite thrilling, and the supernatural vibe only adds to the lot. If you want an original, cinematographic and interesting drama to watch with an A-list cast, this one may just do the trick!

Kieta Hatsukoi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2021 | Episode: 10 | Channel: TV Asahi

Cast: Michieda Shunsuke, Meguro Ren, Fukumoto Riko & Suzuki Jin
Plot: Aoki is a high school student with a bright personality. He secretly has a crush on his female classmate Hashimoto. One day, she lends him an eraser during an exam on which the name of another classmate, Ida, is written followed by a heart. When Aoki mistakenly drops the eraser and sees Ida picking it up, the misunderstanding starts with Ida believing that Aoki is in love with him.

Review: Kieta Hatsukoi, also known under the name My Love Mix-Up!, is a hilarious BL. I had such a good laugh. The story and the romance are based on one impossible-to-believe misunderstanding; but it certainly gives way to a cute, soft, innocent and pure love story. Aoki is clueless and clumsy, but so attaching; while Ida is nothing but dense, yet determined to be honest and true to his feelings. The side characters are also quite funny and interesting. All in all, this drama is very entertaining with only positive vibes. It’s easy to binge-watch it in a single day.

Law School ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Kim Myung Min, kim Bum, Ryu Hye Young & Lee Jung Eun
Plot: Yang Jong Hoon teaches law at a prestigious university. One day, he and his students, among which Han Joon Hwi and Kang Sol, get involved in an unprecedented case. They try to solve it together.

Review: One of the best legal dramas I have watched in my life! I decided to give a high grade to Law School not only because of its intriguing plot, but because of its atypical format. Indeed, most of the scenes occur in the courtroom during trials (whether it’d be to incriminate Professor Yang Jong Hoon or to defend a student who’s been assaulted). Characters get to experience life as prosecutors, lawyers, victims, witnesses, and put theory taught at the university in real-life practice. This immersion, coupled with mysteries and many twists made Law School really fast-paced and intense to watch, as well as super interesting.

Lost ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Jeon Do Yeon, Ryu Jun Yeol, Son Na Eun, Park Byung Eon, Kim Hyo Jin & Yoo Su Bin
Plot: Lee Bu Jung is a 40-year old woman who works as a ghost writer. She doesn’t go what to do with her life, and feels as if she hasn’t achieved anything. She meets 27-year old Lee Kang Jae. He’s afraid he may end up as a nobody.

Review: Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this drama. On the one side, I appreciated its realistic take on life and its focus on lonely individuals. Their struggles were relatable and accurate. The unconventional relationship between the 2 main leads (and what leads to their encounter) was interesting. Characters were complex, and 100% human. Plus, the cast was amazing with A-list actors like Jeon Do Yeon and Ryu Jun Yeol. But the pace was so, so slow. I’m not the type to complain when watching slow slice-of-life dramas (I loved My Liberation Notes and My Mister for example). But in that case, it was rather painful. Situations were kind of running in circles and there was no action. Only characters’ daily life. In its genre, the drama was good, but maybe not good enough to my taste.

Love (feat Marriage and Divorce) & Love (feat Marriage and Divorce) 2 & Love (feat Marriage and Divorce) 3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021-2022 | Episode: 16 (Season 1) + 16 (Season 2) + 16 (Season 3) | Channel: TV Chosun

Cast: Park Joo Mi, Sung Hoon, Lee Tae Gon, Lee Ga Ryeong, Jeon No Min & Jeon Soo Kyung
Plot: Lee Si Eun, Sa Pi Young and Boo Hye Ryung are 3 married women who are respectively in their 50s, 40s, and 30s. They all work together at a radio station. One day, they learn that their respective husband is having an affair.

Review: First of all, I am very glad that screenwriter Phoebe came back in Dramaland with such a strong masterpiece. I loved the topic (affair and its consequences) and the portrayal of the various reactions/behaviors people involved can have. The 3 main women have very distinct personalities which is an asset to depict the complexity of human relationships. However, there are some discrepancies between the 3 seasons quality-wise. I really liked the first 6 episodes of season 1. They embarked me in the story for good, but the remaining 6 episodes were long and a bit boring, as they focused more on the mistresses and their romance with the husbands. Still, I held on and signed up for season 2. And I’m glad I didn’t give up. The drama delivered its best performances and scenes in that season with interesting monologues and reflections on marriage in general. The third season was good, though it suffered from the departure of 3 very charismatic actors. Their substitutes failed at embodying these emblematic figures of the drama, so I was a bit bitter. I’m not sure there is going to be a fourth season, even if the ending is unclear on that point. Personally, I hope there will, as there is some unfinished business for all female leads, but the plot is becoming more and more unrealistic involving ghosts, grim reapers and even fate. Little by little the story became far-fetched, but with that same intense drama that Phoebe creates so well in her works. If you want drama, deep reflections on love, marriage and even life, as well as turbulent relationships, go for it. Just prepare yourself to get beyond the supernatural events. That would be my advice.

Love Scene Number ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 8 | Channel: MBC, Wavve

Cast: Kim Bo Ra, Shim Eun Woo, Ryu Hwa Young & Park Jin Hee
Plot: The drama tells the story of four women of different ages, as they reach a turning point in their lives.

Review: This is an interesting omnibus drama, depicting the lives of four women in independent episodes. For each age (23, 29, 35 & 42) the female leads experience struggles whether it’d be in their daily lives, or more importantly in their romantic lives. The drama subtly tackles themes like adultery, two-timings, marriage and how women are treated in general. A good short drama about relationships that is worth the watch in my opinion.

Lovers of the Red Sky ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Ahn Hyo Seop, Kim Yoo Jung, Gong Myung & Kwak Si Yang
Plot: Hong Cheon Ki is a genius female painter with excellent skills that get accepted at the Korean Royal Academy of Painting. One day, she meets Ha Ram who works for the office of astronomy. When he was a child, an accident made him blind. They start falling in love.

Review: I loved this drama, and I would even go further: It’s one of my favorites fantasy historical dramas. The romance and chemistry between the main leads is amazing, the OST (especially Baekhyun’s ‘Is It Me’) is perfect and the plot extremely well-written. There is not a single moment of boredom, no inconsistency in the plot. The story flows so naturally that I didn’t even realize I was already watching episode 16. It’s fantasy at its peak with a subtle combination of destiny, monsters and love. Highly recommended!

Lovestruck in the City ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 17 | Channel: KakaoTV, Netflix

Cast: Ji Chang Wook, Kim Ji Won, Han Ji Eun, Kim Min Suk, So Ju Yeon & Ryu Kyung Soo
Plot: A documentary/drama revolving about 3 love relationships, completely different involving Park Jae Won, Lee Eun Ho, Choi Kyung Jun, Seo Rin I, Oh Seon Yeong and Kang Geon. 

Review: Frankly, when I started the drama I was actually really glad that the format differed entirely from what we are used to see. The 17 episodes, each 30-minute long, are filmed like a documentary or reality show, which really brought some freshness to the story. That being said, I also quite appreciated the idea of following the love struggles of 3 very distinct couples, while trying to relay and empathize with each. However, my fondness of the drama rapidly started to fade around episode 10, if not a bit after. By the end, I was really left with the feeling that it could’ve been so much better and could’ve told so much more. Despite that bitter feeling, I would still recommend you take a look at it, it is quite short and the format is somehow quite novel. 

L.U.C.A.: The Beginning ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Kim Rae Won & Lee Da Hee
Plot: Ji Oh is on the run because of his special abilities. Each time he uses them, he loses his memory, so he doesn’t really know who he is, whom he is running away from and why. Ha Neul Ae Gu Reum is a police officer, desperately trying to solve her parents’ disappearance. She meets Ji Oh, while working on a case and realizes that he may be connected to her past.  

Review: When I first heard of this drama, I was actually pretty excited. I am a huge fan of both Kim Rae Won and Lee Da Hee and the story appeared to be quite incredible. Yet, I ended episode 12 with a bitter taste, as it didn’t really fulfill all of my expectations. Though the themes tackled were very interesting, the action constantly present and the actors on top of their game, I still can’t decide whether or not I am satisfied. Many other people who watch it will probably say that the ending was disappointing, though I don’t quite share this opinion. I think the drama remained true to itself and to its original goal, despite some irrational twists and turns. If you want to discover a drama that deals with science fiction, people with super powers and that is not too long, then I recommend you check it out. Be careful however not to expect too much of it, you might regret your choice.

Mad for Each Other ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 13 | Channel: KakaoTV

Cast: Jung Woo & Oh Yeon Seo
Plot: No Hwi Oh is a detective, who has been suspended because of his anger management problems. Lee Min Kyung is his neighbor and also deals with her own traumatic past. After an explosive first encounter, they start trusting and depending on each other. 

Review: This drama is actually a very good surprise. I have always been interested in stories tackling mental health, so obviously Mad for Each Other immediately grabbed my attention. Yet, after the first two episodes, I was a bit concerned because the female lead was really annoying. I felt that she was being unfair to poor Hwi Oh. Despite that, the drama rose above my expectations in the next episodes. The plot became even better and I could clearly see that characters were “mad(e)” for each other. In the end, I was so satisfied with the result! I highly recommend this drama if you have time for 13 short episodes of only 30/40 minutes. Don’t hesitate.

Melancholia ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Im Soo Jung & Lee Do Hyun
Plot: Ji Yoon Su is a maths teacher. She is enthusiastic and passionate, always pushing her students to solved hard problems. One day, she meets Baek Seung Yoo. He is a genius in mathematics, but was scarred in the past which caused him to stay away from his passion. Their love for maths connects them, and a beautiful story emerges.

Review: Melancholia is a bit of a surprise to me, and for several reasons. To begin with, it’s the first time I actually see a drama portraying mathematicians, or at least people in love with maths. I felt totally immersed in that unknown world, and genuinely touched by the passion and love these two souls shared for this field. Second, the connection between student and professor really melted my heart. I heard a lot of people criticize the drama because they thought the relationship was inappropriate. In my opinion, those who judged just failed at recognizing that the bond, until Lee Do Hyun’s character becomes adult, is not that of love. Because of their passion for maths, both characters end up on the same wavelength, understanding each other, despite the many differences between them (starting with the age). By the way, the drama shows extremely well this kind of reaction. Indeed, other students at school, professors and even Yoon Su’s partner don’t seem to see beyond a potential improper behavior between a teacher and a student. Even if nothing happens between them. If you are in for a slow-paced intelligent story, and the blooming connection between two souls, then I highly recommend this drama.

Mr. Queen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2020-2021 | Episode: 20 | Channel: tvN, Viki

Cast: Shin Hye Sun & Kim Jung Hyun
Plot: Jang Bong Hwan is a chef working at the President’s Blue House. After an accident, he finds himself transported to the Joseon era in the body of Queen Kim So Yong. She’s estranged with her husband King Cheoljong who doesn’t trust her. But little by little, the King starts to fall for the Queen’s new personality. Meanwhile, Bong Hwan tries to get back to his present.

Review: This is probably one of the most hilarious dramas I’ve seen in my life! Everything is perfect. Shin Hye Sun’s performance as a man in a woman’s body is absolutely fantastic. Comedy is everywhere in the show. Situations are comical and unexpected. The relationship between the King and the Queen is cold at first, but Bong Hwan’s fiery temper blows a wind of fresh air. The secondary characters are also super funny and dramatic. And yet, the drama manages to add a serious touch with the typical palace intrigue. The King’s power is diminished and fragile. Enemies are everywhere. Honestly, if you’ve not watched this drama, you have to! It’s one of the best out there and an iconic one!

Moebius: The Veil ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 2 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Namgoong Min, Park Ha Sun & Kim Ji Eun
Plot: Set 4 years before the events in the original drama The Veil, NIS agents Seo Soo Yeon, Chang Chun Woo and Do Jin Sook get involve in a mysterious case.

Review: Though there are only 2 episodes of this prequel, I believe it was an ingenious idea in order to better understand characters’ behavior in the original drama, especially Soo Yeon and Chun Woo. Main leads and timeline may differ, but I was glad to re-new with the tense atmosphere of The Veil. The important information was perfectly delivered in a short amount of episodes, giving more depth and complexity to each agent. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready to watch The Veil, then I would suggest you see these two episode of Moebius, as it will really give you a preview of what to expect in the other drama.

Monthly Magazine Home ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Jung So Min & Kim Ji Seok
Plot: Na Young Won is a bright young woman, who has housing issues, despite her efforts and hard work. After having been evicted from her house, she finds a job as an editor at Monthly Magazine, a company that belongs to the CEO responsible for her eviction. CEO Yoo Ja Sung is a real estate expert who only thinks about profit, unlike Young Won who considers a house to be a home as well. They start working together and eventually fall in love with each other.

Review: Monthly Magazine Home is, in my opinion, the perfect rom-com to watch, if you’re looking for a sweet and light-hearted story! The plot couldn’t be more cliché and let’s say that the romantic involvements are nothing new. Yet, I couldn’t help being irrevocably attracted to the story (the same feeling I had while watching So I Married an Anti-Fan). We know for sure how it is going to end and all the hurdles along the way, but we still love loving the drama. Despite that, Monthly Magazine Home is not just a romantic comedy. It also manages, with a lot of humor, to tackle one of South Korea’s main societal issues: Housing. To me, the theme was brilliantly dealt with, to the point that I sometimes had the impression I was watching a real estate TV show. All in all, I highly recommend that drama: You will swoon, laugh a lot and wander through the streets of Seoul!

Mouse ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 20 + 3 Special Episodes | Channel: tvN

Cast: Lee Seung Gi, Lee Hee Jun, Park Ju Hyun & Kyung Soo Jin
Plot: Jung Ba Reum is a kind and helpful police officer. After the murder of his best friend, he chases after the killer. They end up face-to-face and Ba Reum almost dies. He is barely saved but realizes afterwards that something is wrong with his head. This event changes his life.

Review: An excellent thriller that definitely deserves to be watched! I was really impressed by the scenario. The intricate plot, the suspense and mystery really added value to an-already amazing drama. I really loved how all characters had a role to play, though it was not explained from the beginning. And the truth behind the title is simple mind-blowing. If you like thrillers, you won’t be disappointed with this one! Trust me.

My Roommate is a Gumiho ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Jang Ki Yong, Lee Hyeri, Kang Han Na & Bae In Hyuk
Plot: Shin Woo Yeo is a nine-tailed fox who’s lived for 999 years. In order to remain human, he collects human energy in a bead. One day, he meets university student Lee Dam. She’s drunk and can’t walk straight. She bumps into Woo Yeo and ends up swallowing his bead. They start a rather uncommon relationship due to that accident.

Review: I generally appreciate fantasy dramas involving romance and mythical creatures like nine-tailed fox, so I was naturally drawn to this drama. The plot is nothing original to be honest, but you spend a good time laughing at Lee Dam’s eccentric personality, and Sin Woo Yeo trying to adapt to the world and his newly-found roommate. My favorite character was Yang Hye Sun, Woo Yeo’s gumiho friend, whose self-confidence (even when she’s wrong) was exquisite to see. Love lines are interesting, and the twist with red thread is probably the best part of them. All in all, My Roommate is a Gumiho is an agreeable drama, but if you’re looking for more action, then maybe Tale of the Nine-Tailed Fox is better for you.

Navillera ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Song Kang & Park In Hwan
Plot: Shim Deok Chul is a 70-year old man who wants to learn ballet. He meets Lee Chae Rok, a young dancer who becomes his teacher. They bond and help each other with their respective struggles.

Review: Loved it! Right from episode 1, I knew that I was going to like this drama. Though the themes depicted are quite serious, they are tackled with such warmth, poetry and tenderness that it is almost impossible not to feel connected to the story. The characters portrayed and the plot itself are relatable. They allow for an identification with certain situations characters have to go through, making it even more satisfactory to see them overcome it all. If you are looking for a feel-good drama, this one is definitely a must-watch! Plus, if you have enjoyed Song Kong’s previous performances in Sweet Home and Love Alarm, you won’t be disappointed at all with this drama. 

Nevertheless ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 10 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Song Kang, Han So Hee & Chae Jong Hyeop
Plot: Yoo Na Bi is a university student majoring in arts. She doesn’t want to get romantically involved anymore, after she discovers her ex-boyfriend is unfaithful. Nevertheless, she meets Park Jae Eon and becomes immediately attracted to him. Though, he doesn’t seem interested in having a relationship at first, he progressively changes and develops feelings for Na Bi.

Review: In overall, I would say that I appreciated Nevertheless. The realistic depictions of different types of relationships were really well led, which made the drama quite relatable. I personally preferred the second leads’ romantic involvements to the main leads’, as the story started to go in circles mid-drama. On top of that, the lack of communication and their respective inability to know what they want made the couple annoying at times. Despite these little glitches in the narrative, the drama remains good and enjoyable, especially the finale! Plus, it is only 10-episode long, so if you wish to watch realistic portrayals of love, go ahead. But be ready for a little bit of toxicity.

Not Yet Thirty ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 15 | Channel: KakaoTV

Cast: Jung In Sun, Kang Kin Hyuk, Hani, Song Jae Rim, Cha Min Ji & Baek Sung Chul
Plot: Seo Ji Won, Lee Ran Joo and Hong Ah Young are three friends about to turn thirty. The drama follows their love lives, as they encounter new people and/or men from their past.

Review: I honestly liked that drama a lot! It was fresh and the 3 love stories are cute and heart-warming. My favorite one is between Ran Joo and Joon Young, I was really looking forward to their scenes. The 3 women are very different, and get entangled in distinct types of relationships. So, it gives a broad overview of the situations one can go through in his romantic life (of course not all of them, but some). In a nutshell, Not Yet Thirty is a short and entertaining drama that I would clearly recommend.

Now We Are Breaking Up ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021-22 | Episode: 16 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Song Hye Kyo & Jang Ki Yong
Plot: Ha Young Eun is the leader of the design team for a fashion company. She is smart, beautiful, and realistic. One day, she meets Yoon Jae Guk. He is an intelligent and talented freelance photographer. They develop feelings for each other.

Review: Without the shadow of a doubt, this drama had a lot of potential. A great cast to begin with, followed by a movie-like encounter, and all the necessary glitter of the fashion/photography world. But it became such a disappointment over the course of the episodes. The storyline was boring, in the sense that everything that happened could’ve easily been told in less than 10 episodes (and I’m sure it actually would’ve more efficient). The background story of the (dead) brother was annoying as hell, just like Jae Guk’s mother and his brother’s former fiancée. Was it supposed to be a melodrama? The only part of the intrigue that actually made me want to watch was the love line between the second leads, and the friendship of the female trio. The rest was just torture. All of that served cold on a plate moving 1 millimeter per hour.

Oh! My Ladylord ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Nana & Lee Min Ki
Plot: Han Bi Soo is a successful thriller drama screenwriter. Oh Joo In is a famous actress, who has only played in romantic comedies. She wants to be the main lead in Bi Soo’s next drama but he refuses. An unexpected twist forces them to live together in the same house. 

Review: Oh! My Ladylord has definitely left me quite of confused and with mixed feelings. To be frank, I don’t know whether I liked it or not. Some parts of the drama were quite refreshing and interested, which reminded me Jo Jin Kuk’s original writing he demonstrated in Lonely Enough to Love. Still, the rest of the drama was very often relying on stereotypical characters, old-fashioned behavior I hadn’t seen since the 2010s and a feeling of running in circles. That’s why it is really hard for me to give my opinion. But, maybe it will convince you more than me.

One The Woman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Honey Lee & Lee Sang Yoon
Plot: Jo Yeon Joo is a corrupt prosecutor, who looks exactly like Kang Mi Na, the daughter-in-law of a chaebol family. After an accident, Yeon Joo loses her memory and comes backs as Mi Na. Meanwhile, Han Seung Wook has never forgotten his first love. He comes back to Korea and gets involved with Yeon Joo.

Review: First of all, this drama is hilarious! Honey Lee is really on top of her game here, she made me laugh so hard throughout the 16 episodes. On top of that, she and Lee Sang Yoon had great chemistry, so that’s always a plus. The plot was consistent and well-written with a good number of twists. Jo Yeon Joo is definitely a clever character, capable of lying with confidence and pretending to be someone else with so much ease. If you like comedy and romance with a touch of action, this drama is made for you!

Only One Person ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021-22 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Ahn Eun Jin, Kim Kyung Nam, Joy & Kang Ye Won
Plot: Pyo In Sook is a young woman, who has struggled her entire life and learns she doesn’t have much time left. So, she goes to a hospice where she meets a lonely housewife called Kang Se Yeon and a popular influencer named Sung Mi Do. One day, the three of them get involved in a murder case. While chased by the police, In Sook meets Min Woo Cheon, another suspect. 

Review: I loved this drama so much. Although the topic is sad (characters have terminal illnesses), the story focuses more on the bright side of life, love, friendship, but also preparing yourself (and others) to say goodbye. I also found it very clever to mix the melodramatic vibe with the investigation narrative, as it allowed for quite a number of good twists. But more importantly, it precipitated the main leads’ encounter (though I suspect them to be meant to be in the first place). They were so cute, really, both giving off such warmth. Their respective struggles enable them to bond and to relate to one another in the most beautiful way. If you’re not afraid of shedding some tears, then I highly recommend this feel-good drama.

Our Beloved Summer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021-22 | Episode: 16 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Choi Woo Sik, Kim Da Mi, Kim Sung Cheol & Roh Jeong Hui
Plot: Choi Ung and Kook Yeon Su used to go to the same high school. During that time, they participated in a documentary that became extremely popular. Years later, they are asked to take part in a new one to follow their lives as adults. They reunite 5 years after their break-up.

Review: So nice! The idea of filming a documentary, and having characters talking directly to the camera is definitely ingenious. It brings originality and freshness to the typical romance between 2 former classmates, who’ve broken up. The chemistry between Kim Da Mi and Choi Woo Sik is on top, and their characters’ personality more than compatible. From the get-go, I understood clearly that they were meant-to-be. On top of that, there’s a certain softness in the drama, whether it’d be in terms of music or of characters’ behaviors. Even the drawings made by Choi Ung are somehow soothing and full of depth. Every detail counts, and brings complexity to the turbulent relationship of the leads. Honestly, a very good drama to look at! Don’t hesitate.

Peng ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 10 | Channel: PLAYLIST, Watcha

Cast: Yoon So Hee, Kim Hyun Jin, Choi Won Myung, Joo Woo Jae & Lee Seung Il
Plot: Go Sa Ri is a 30-year old woman. Just as she’s about to leave her 20s behind, her life turns upside down with the arrival of 4 different men.

Review: This mini drama was okay, even if there were some clichés hidden here and there (especially regarding the male leads). Still, I liked the relationships Go Sa Ri developed little by little with some of these men. Not all, like her ex-husband who got on my nerves. Even if the ending was different as I imagined it to be, I was glad to see this Go Sa Ri becoming more self-confident and assertive. if you really want to watch it, go ahead (it’s not very long), otherwise spend your time on better dramas!

Police University ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Krytal, Jin Young and Cha Tae Hyun
Plot: Yoo Dong Man worked as a detective for 20 years, but is forced to teach at the Police University after an accident. There, he meets several students among which Kang Sun Ho and Oh Kang Hee. They both differ in personalities, but start getting close to each other.

Review: A good college drama written exactly the way I like it! The squad was super attaching with great friendship and chemistry, romance(s) were cute, and the intrigue was also interesting. I liked how they combined the fact that characters are studying to become police officers, and that they currently investigate a murder case. I mean that’s the best way to link theory with practice, right? There was a bit of seriousness, a big sad scene, but many more laughters, and a lot of hope. A perfect recipe for a coming-of-age (in the adult world) drama that transpires optimism in the future. If you like college dramas, then this one is a great pick!

Racket Boys ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Tang Joon Sang, Lee Jae In, Song Sang Yeon, Choi Hyun Wook, Kim Kang Hoon & Oh Na Ra
Plot: Yoon Hae Kang is a teenager who wants to play baseball, but used to be a badminton champion in his childhood. One day, he is forced to move to a small village because of his father’s debt. There, he ends up joining the badminton team. He gradually becomes friends with the other players and they enter competitions together.

Review: Loved it! There is no word to describe how much I loved this drama! First, it caught me totally by surprise, because it has nothing to do with all other dramas that we can see like the usual romances or melodramas. Second, it was a breath of fresh air that I was eager to inspire every Monday and Tuesday. Third, there is absolutely nothing to criticize: actors’ performance is amazing, the depiction of the badminton world reliable and the atmosphere is just 100% feel-good. If you’re looking for a drama to blow off some steam and enjoy one episode after the other, then Racket Boys is definitely for you!

Reflection of You ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Ko Hyun Jung, Shin Hyun Bin, Kim Jae Young & Choi Won Young
Plot: Jung Hui Ju grew up in a poor and ruthless environment, but she is now a successful painter, married to a wealthy man with whom she has two children. However, she feels that her life is meaningless. One day, she meets Gu Hae Won. She is poor and reminds Hui Ju of herself when she was younger. Yet, she shines brightly. Their lives become entangled, for the better and for the worse. 

Review: Interestingly, that drama captivated me as much as it upset me. Despite the negative feelings I had towards most of the characters, I was fascinated by the intrigue. I couldn’t help watching that psychological power struggle, highly anticipating each episode until the end. From the very beginning, it was clear that things were going to turn sour, but the plot is written in such a way that you just need to know how relationships are going to unravel and eventually end. If you wish to see a drama that is definitely up for debate, then I suggest you take a look at this one.

River where the Moon Rises ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 20 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Kim So Hyun, Na In Woo & Lee Ji Hoon
Plot: When she was still a child, Princess Pyeonggang of Goguryeo was abducted and lost her memories. She was raised by assassins and became one. One day, she meets a young man On Dal, who rescues her. As they fall in love, Pyeonggang recovers little by little her memory and discovers her fate his greater than she thought.

Review: Despite the ups and downs the drama went through because of Ji Soo’s controversy, I was delighted that they didn’t cancel the show. Frankly, it is an excellent Sageuk (historical drama), with many twists, a lot of emotions and an incredible realistic vibe! Though I was not sure Na In Woo would fit as On Dal, I was really surprised by his performance. He literally stole the spotlight and embodied the character perfectly. The narrative was really solid and made a lot of sense, compared sometimes to some other historical dramas. All in all, River Where the Moon Rises was excellent in all aspects and I clearly recommend it!

Run On ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2020-2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC, Netflix

Cast: Im Si Wan, Shin Se Kyung, Choi Sooyoung & Kang Tae Oh
Plot: Ki Seon Gyeom used to be a sprinter for the national team, but he quit. One day, he meets Oh Mi Joo. She writes subtitles for movies. They start falling in love.

Review: Run On is an original drama full of movie references that describe not one, but two sweet love stories. You get really attached to all the characters and their relationship. The leads’ romance is great, but the second leads’ is even better. I actually preferred it. Their bickering and constant flirt are so nice to witness. The drama has a refreshing vibe, making it quite atypical compared to other shows of the same genre. There are also a lot of positive messages related to dreams, life, sports and love. It’s definitely feel-good and entertaining!

School 2021 ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021-22 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Kim Yo Han, Cho Yi Hyun, Choo Yeong Woo & Hwang Boreum Byeol
Plot: The drama tells the stories of love and friendships of students who go to a vocational school.

Review: I am generally a big fan of the School series (2013, 2015, 2017), but unfortunately this last addition to the list is rather disappointing. It lacked the uniqueness of the other dramas which were really centered on specific themes such as friendship between 2 men in School 2013; twin sisters switching places in School 2015; or the mysterious Student X in School 2017. Here, the story is more ordinary, though it sheds light on vocational school, and the prejudice sometimes associated with this path instead of a more generic one. I actually appreciated the fact that students were dreaming of becoming carpenters for instance, as it’s a profession rarely represented in dramas, even less studied. But it stops there. Moreover, I have to admit that the actors failed at embodying the next generation of the School dramas in my opinion. Indeed, the series helped me discover incredible rookie actors, who then turned out to become very successful like Lee Jong Suk and Kim Woo Bin in School 2013, Kim So Hyun and Nam Joo Hyuk in 2015, Kim Se Jeong, Kim Jung Hyun and Jang Dong Yoon in 2017. I like Cho Yi Hyun, Kim Yo Han and Choo Yeong Woo, but I can’t pretend they are as good as the previous ones. All in all, School 2021 is a nice school drama, with a cute romance and good intentions, but I would rather recommend you watch the previous dramas of the series first.

Seasons of Blossom ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021-22 | Episode: 16 | Channel: Wavve

Cast: So Ju Yeon, Seo Ji Hoon, Kim Min Kyu, Kang Hye Won, Yoon Hyun Soo & Oh Yu Jin
Plot: In 2016, popular student Lee Ha Min and the shy Han So Mang strike an unexpected friendship. But a series of incidents lead to Ha Min’s death. In the present days, So Mang has become a trainee teacher. She goes back to her old school, where she meets Lee Jae Min, Ha Min’s younger brother. Past and present timelines get entangled.

Review: I really appreciated that web drama. Though it’s short, and sometimes sad, the story remains warm and positive. The fact that the two timelines (2016 and present days) are mixed in a very ingenious idea, as it helps bridge characters’ traumatic past with their transformation and healing process. I also really liked the focus on different couples, from the main one in the past to students in present days. The drama is full of love and good intentions, so you clearly spend a good time (even if you shed some tears).

Secret Royal Inspector & Joy ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Ok Taecyeon & Kim Hye Yoon
Plot: Ra Yi Eon is a nobleman, who wants to live an easy-going life. As he doesn’t want to get married, he choses to pass the state examination and thus becomes a secret royal inspector. He then meets Kim Jo Yi. She has a progressive mind and wishes to get a divorce. Both get entangled in a case.

Review: To be honest, Secret Royal Inspector & Joy really came as a surprise to me. I generally quite appreciate historical dramas, but I tend to rapidly be disappointed with the plot. Most events and characters look alike in all of them, so there is little room for innovative and fresh narratives. Yet, this drama proved me wrong. I really enjoyed watching it. The plot outside the palace and the sort of adventure made for an agreeable scenario. The only part that I less liked was when the story moved to the capital and the common palace intrigue. Otherwise, I really laughed a lot and the squad is just so amazing!

Sell Your Haunted House ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Jang Na Ra & Jung Yong Hwa
Plot: Hong Ji Ah is a real estate agent, who owns Daebak Real Estate. She is also an exorcist, who gets rid of ghosts in her clients’ properties before selling them. Oh In Bum is a scammer, who uses ghosts to make money. They start working together and investigate the death of Ji Ah’s mother 20 years ago.

Review: If you’re looking for a not-too-spooky drama about ghosts to watch, then this one will probably do the trick. The main reason why I watched it is naturally Jang Na Ra, who is an extraordinary, cool and charismatic exorcist in this show. Despite her cold appearance, she has a warm heart and wishes to help people. The concept of mixing ghosts, scams and real estate was also interesting, and allowed for a variety of situations. All in all, the story was good, though the plot fell short of my expectations romance-wise.

Shadow Beauty ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 13 | Channel: KakaoTV

Cast: Shim Dal Gi, Choi Bo Min, Lee Na Kyung, Hur Jung Hee, Yang Hong Seok & Baek Ji Hye
Plot: Goo Ae Shin is a high school student, who’s constantly being bullied by her classmates for her ‘disgraceful’ appearance. But, Ae Shin actually has a secret. On social media, she is none other than the popular and beautiful influencer named Genie. One day, Ae Shin’s secret is threatened when she receives an anonymous message from someone who knows she is the real Genie.

Review: This drama is an excellent surprise to be honest. I’m generally not a huge consumer of web dramas, but this one made my day. It’s dark, and a little violent (especially when it comes to bullying), but it surely tackles some real societal themes, and asks the right questions. The plot deals with subjects like beauty criteria, appearance, loving oneself, being bullied, the reality of social media (who’s the real you) and the discrepancy between your life online and offline, as well as friendship, real and fake. Surely, a short drama to take a look at.

Sisyphus: The Myth ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Cho Seung Woo & Park Shin Hye
Plot: Han Tae Sul is a genius, who is about to create a time machine. A month before finishing it, several people try to kill him. However, he is saved by a young woman, Kang Seo Hae, who claims she came from the future to protect him. Meanwhile, a mysterious institution called the Control Bureau chases after Han Tae Sul and Kang Seo Hae. 

Review: Excellent drama! First, I have to say that science fiction has always been an interesting theme in dramas. The plots are very often thrilling and the scenes full of action, though it can sometimes mess up with your brain. Despite all that, Sisyphus manages to create anticipation, mystery and romance all at the same time! A well-made drama that I highly recommend!

Snowdrop ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021-22 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC, Disney+

Cast: Jung Hae In, Jisoo Jang Seung Jo, Yoo In Na, Kim Hye Yoon & Yoon Se Ah
Plot: Set in 1987, North Korean Im Soo Ho is rescued and hidden by Eun Yeong Ro, after he mysteriously appeared covered in blood in the women’s dorm. While they get closer, the situation takes a dark turn.

Review: First, I have to say that I don’t understand why so many people criticized this drama. It’s a work of fiction that doesn’t pretend to be realistic, so it made total to me that some parts of the action in 1987 would be different from what really happened at that time. I also had a hard time understanding haters who were convinced the plot was siding with North Korea, or showing the dictatorship under a positive light. To me, this kind of comments just proves that they didn’t pay attention to the show (if they even watched it at all). That being said, I think the story was really well written. The tension of the hostage situation lasts around 14/15 episodes, which is enormous when you think about. Still, they manage to keep a certain rhythm and suspense, displaying amazing unexpected twists. On top of that, I think the drama did a great job at portraying moral dilemmas (such as what to choose between love and duty). Characters were complex, all had their own past and principles, which blurred their judgement and influenced their actions. No one was all black or white. I loved that, as it showcased the complexity of human relationships and behaviors when confronted with dangerous and touchy situations. Finally, I would like to applaud Jisoo’s performance. For a first drama, she really nailed the role! And her chemistry with Jung Hae In was really credible. My only negative comments would be the ending (of course), and the fact that some characters tended to be too stupid or making the same idiotic decisions. Oh, and I should mention the fact that there’s a subtle touch of humor in the drama, especially in the scenes involving politicians, which makes it a less intense to watch! All in all, I recommend it. 100%!

So I Married an Anti-Fan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: Naver TV, iQiyi, Viki

Cast: Choi Tae Joon, Choi Sooyoung, Chansung & Han Ji Han
Plot: Lee Geun Young works as a magazine reporter. One day, she gets involved in an incident with top star Who Joon. The next day, she loses her job. Convinced that the star is responsible for that, she becomes her number 1 anti-fan. Due to this new status, the crew of a reality TV show asks her to appear in a new program with the top star.

Review: I loved this drama, though it screams clichés at a 100km radius! The love-hate relationship between a top star and a poor non-celebrity should have made the story bland and really not original. Still, I don’t how what it was that kept me eagerly waiting for the next episode, but it sure did. An awesome romance that teaches more than you’d expect.

So Not Worth It ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Park Se Wan, Shin Hyun Seung, Carson Allen, Mini, Han Hyun Min & Yoa Kim
Plot: Park Se Wan, Jamie, Sam, Minnie, Hyun Min, Hans, Carson and Terris all share the same dormitory at the university. The drama focuses on their daily struggles, friendships and relationships.

Review: To be honest, the only great asset of the drama is its international cast. For once, a Korean sitcom included Western people, making the content a bit more fresh and original (for example by playing on cultural differences). But, that’s it. Characters were so stereotypical that it was sometimes difficult to endure. Although I’m generally a huge fan of sitcoms, this one failed at delivering a light-hearted plot, with funny characters and hilarious situations altogether. Instead, I laughed sometimes, appreciated one or two romantic scenes, but the rest was really rough on the edges. Too bad, because the drama had a lot of potential. Still, if you want to watch something that is definitely not going to make your brain explode with a tough intrigue, nor your heart with suspenseful action, then go ahead. Endure the pain.

Sunbae, Don’t Wear that Lipstick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Won Jin Ah & Rowoon
Plot: Yoon Song Ah and Chae Hyun Seung work together for a cosmetic brand. Hyun Seung is secretly in love with his sunbae but she doesn’t reciprocate his feelings. 

Review: I seriously liked this drama a lot! It is a sweet and nice romantic comedy that you can easily watch. The main couple has some good chemistry together and, though the plot development is expected, you still enjoy following the ups and downs of Song Ah and Hyun Seung’s relationship. If you want to watch an enjoyable drama without too many complications, I recommend this one! 

Taxi Driver Season 1 & Season 2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021/2023 | Episode: 16 (Season 1) + 16 (Season 2) | Channel: SBS

Cast: Lee Je Hoon, Esom, Kim Eui Sang & Pyo Ye Jin
Plot: Kim Do Ki is a deluxe taxi driver for a very special company called Rainbow Taxi. Accompanied by 4 of his colleagues, they secretly get revenge on criminals for their passengers.

Review: Amazing drama! Taxi Driver has the ability to denounce many societal issues, while remaining entertaining, full of action and thrilling! Though it is a very violent drama (Rated-19), it really shouldn’t stop you from watching it! The plot is incredibly well-written and actors very charismatic! If you like action dramas, full of revenge and self-made justice, you should definitely binge-watch that one!

The Devil Judge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Ji Sung, Kim Min Jung, Park Jin Young & Park Gyu Young
Plot: Set in a dystopian Korea, Kang Yo Han is a respected and prestigious judge, who punishes criminals. He leads a Live Court show, along two other judges, Kim Ga On and Oh Jin Joo. But under his upright mask, Yo Han hides a dark secret. On top of that, his methods are not always approved by his colleagues, especially Kim Ga On.

Review: This drama is a masterpiece! I can’t tell how much I loved it! I may be biased because I am very fond of dramas that enable viewers to question their environment, the society they live in or even themselves, but I have to say that The Devil Judge really blew me away. The depiction of this dystopian Korea, the numerous moral, societal, ethical and judicial questions as well as the amazing acting performance were enough to caught my attention in episode 1 and to keep me on edge until the finale. The “other Korea” and characters’ own beliefs were consistent throughout the entire drama. On top of that, I really loved the fact that I could ask myself the same questions as the leads, especially regarding the trials and sentences. Would I have made the same decision? Would I have voted with my Dike App to condemn harshly someone? Would I have turned into a monster, if my circumstances and upbringing had been unfavorable? Honestly, I don’t know, but thanks to that drama, I may have gotten closer than ever to an answer. For the record, I think that the drama is so well written and presented because the screenwriter is none other than a judge, Moon Yoo Seok, to whom we owe the excellent Ms. Hammurabi. If you liked his previous drama, you are going to love this one as well!

The Great Shaman Ga Doo Shim ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 | Channel: KakaoTV

Cast: Kim Sae Ron & Nam Da Reum
Plot: Ga Doo Shim is a high school student who’s also a shaman. She transfers to a new school and meets Na Woo Soo. He comes from a wealthy family, performs well academically, and leads an ordinary life. He decides to help Ga Doo Shim fight against the evil spirits present at their school.

Review: The Great Shaman Ga Doo Shim is a nice mini-drama that combines supernatural (demons) and school life altogether. The team-up between the beautiful shaman and the top student was a bit expected, but is still pleasant to watch. Though episodes are short (between 10 to 20 minutes) is largely sufficient to let the intrigue unfold properly without feeling it is rushed. The drama is good distraction if you like the themes.

The King’s Affection ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 20 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Park Eun Bin, Rowoon & Nam Yoon Su
Plot: When the Royal Consort gives birth to twins, it is considered an ominous sign. So, she pretends her daughter is dead and hides her away. Years later, young Dam I has to endorse the role of the Crown Prince after his death. She becomes the cold and mean Crown Prince Lee Hwi, constantly afraid that her identity would someday be revealed. One day, she meets Jung Ji Un, who becomes her teacher. They develop feelings for each other.

Review: A masterpiece! I don’t really think I need to go into a lot of details to explain how great this drama is. Park Eun Bin’s performance is top notch as a conflicted woman, trapped in the role of the Crown Prince. On the one side, there is duty and the throne. One the other side, there’s love. Though it may seem like typical dilemma in Dramaland, the fact that it is translated in the Joseon era, and that it involves cross-dressing (on top of that) makes the plot all the more interesting to watch. The main message is quite clear: Love knows no boundaries, whether they’d be of gender or status. Plus, the chemistry between Rowoon and Park Eun Bin is amazing, so go watch it now!

The Long Ballad ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: China | Year: 2021 | Episode: 49 | Channel: Tencent

Cast: Dilraba Dilmurat, Wu Lei, Zhao Lu Si, Liu Yu Ning & Fang Yi Lun
Plot: Li Changge is the Princess of Tang, when her entire family is murdered by her uncle, so he can take the throne. The only survivor of the bloodbath thus swears to take her revenge and leaves on a long journey. Along the way, she encounters Ashile Sun of the grasslands, experiences war, friendships, love and fulfills her destiny.

Review: One word: AMAZING! I hadn’t watched a Chinese drama in quite a long time, and I’m super glad I went back to C-Dramaland with this one! Honestly, there’s not much to criticize. On the contrary, all characters are well portrayed, they all have a great transformation throughout the drama, and have their own purpose. The romance, or should I say romanceS, were so cute, though sometimes shy. The plot is well-knitted from beginning to end. I was literally stuck to my screen for 49 episodes, and never once felt bored. The Long Ballad depicts the eventful journey of a badass and strong heroine, all of that mapped out on a historical background at the time of Turkish tribes, and wars between the people from the Central Plains and the Grasslands (aka China and Mongolia from my understanding). I can only recommend you watch it, you won’t be disappointed!

The Red Sleeve ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 17 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Lee Jun Ho & Lee Se Young
Plot: Set in the 18th century, the drama follows the romance between King Jeongjo and is royal Concubine Uibin Sung.

Review: Amazing! Just know that all the buzz surrounding the drama is worth it. 100%! The Red Sleeve is an excellent mix of romance and politics that you often found unbalanced in historical dramas. Indeed, it’s either too much melodrama, or too much palace scheming. But, in this case, it’s just perfect. The love story follows the ascension of the King, and his future wife. So, it’s an almost realistic view on life at that time with a little touch of fiction. The acting performance of the leads is top notch. Lee Se Young and Lee Jun Ho have incredible chemistry whether it’d be in the happy or tragic moments of these real-life lovers! Prepare yourselves to be blown away.

The Road: The Tragedy of One ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Ji Jin Hee, Yoon Se Ah and Kim Hye Eun
Plot: Baek Soo Hyun is a popular anchorman with very strong beliefs. He’s married to the daughter of a powerful politician named Seo Eun Soo. She cares about her family more than anything else. Cha Seo Young is an announcer at a broadcasting station. She is scarcely satisfied with what she has, though she seems to have it all. They all live at ‘Royal Hill’. The drama revolves around the desires and secrets of these wealthy residents.

Review: Huge disappointment. I even could’ve put a 1/5, but I guess the drama was saved by its cast. To be honest, I was super interested when I saw the synopsis. The drama had some SKY Castle vibes mixed with the mystery of Penthouse. As I had loved these two other shows, I was naturally drawn to The Road. On top of that, the main trio is made up of veteran actors (Ji Jin Hee, Yoon Se Ah and Kim Hye Eun). Unfortunately, the intrigue was a bit confusing at times. Each character was double-faced. This should’ve given them depth and complexity, but it got me lost and annoyed. But, the real problem of the drama resides in its pace. Episodes were way too long (more than 1H15), and the story unraveled so slowly. It brought about boredom and disinterest, making it even harder for me to focus on the plot. Too bad, because the drama had a lot of potential.

The Sweet Blood ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 15 | Channel: Naver TV, V Live, YouTube

Cast: Song Chae Yun, Kim Eo Jin & Kim Ji Woong
Plot: Son Yeon Seo is a 118-year old half-vampire. She was born from a human mother and a vampire father. As her greatest desire is to become human, she decides to go to high school and get her diploma. There, she meets Song Meo Ru, whose blood smells so good that it attracts vampires and werewolves. Yeon Seo wishes to protect him, while trying not to succumb to her impulses.

Review: This mini-drama was a nice one to watch. I had never watched anything on vampires before, and for a teenage drama it’s quite well done. Of course, there’s nothing original in the story, but characters are cute (the main couple particularly made me want to root for them), and the episodes are only 10-minute long. Just enough to let the intrigue develop properly. But, it stops there. Nothing more spectacular or enjoyable.

The Uncanny Counter Season 1 & 2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021/2023 | Episode: 16 (S1) + 12 (S2) | Channel: OCN, tvN

Cast: Jo Byung Gyu, Kim Se Jeong, Yu Jun Sung, Yeom Hye Rang, Ahn Suk Hwan & Yoo In Soo
Plot: So Mun is a high school student, whose parents died in a suspicious car accident when he was a child. Because of that he suffered from a leg limp. One day, a spirit enters his body. After that, he becomes a counter and joins the team in charge of eradicating evil spirits. All of them have special abilities.

Review: The Uncanny Counter is definitely a drama I would recommend. You have action, a badass squad with powers fighting evil spirits and a family vibe over the course of the episodes (and seasons) that is really appreciable. Season 1 was more focused on So Mun, his power and his role to play among the existing counters. We had some glimpses of other leads’s previous lives, but So Mun remains at the core of the plot. In season 2, the focus shifts towards family bond and the struggle against evil. But I think what really made me appreciate season 2 was the trio of villains which was impeccable. My only criticism is that So Mun’s power is not often displayed as it should. Too bad when they spent an entire first season showcasing his abilities. Other than that, the drama is a must.

The Veil ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Namgoong Min, Park Ha Sun & Kim Ji Eun
Plot: Han Ji Hyuk was the best NIS agent, but went missing after a mission. One year later, he comes back and tries to find the traitor who caused his demise.

Review: This is an excellent action drama. Namgoong Min is excellent (as usual) in his portrayal of taciturn Han Ji Hyuk. The agent fights against the system, other agents and even with his own memories, making the drama very intriguing to watch. The mysterious plot is well-written, which made me want to know even more who the actual traitor was (and you’ll see it’s hard to guess, everyone is suspicious). Female leads, Park Ha Sun and Kim Ji Eun, were good allies, though I was a bit sad to see so little of Park Ha Sun. All in all, The Veil is an incredible drama, full of fighting scenes, twists and turns, suspense and breath-taking scenes. I highly recommend you watch it.

The Witch’s Diner ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 8 | Channel: TVING

Cast: Song Ji Hyo, Nam Ji Hyun & Chae Jong Hyeop
Plot: Jung Jin is a 28-year-old woman who goes through difficult times. She loses her job, her boyfriend dumps her and she and her mother are scammed into buying a restaurant. Hitting rock bottom, Jin meets Jo Hae Ra. Hae Ra is a witch, who decides to take over Jin’s restaurant in order to grant her customers’ wishes through a good meal. Meanwhile, Lee Gil Yong meets Jung Jin and starts working part-time at the restaurant.

Review: Honestly, The Witch’s Diner was a pleasant surprise! I am always cautious with mini-dramas, because their format doesn’t generally allow for a proper narrative. Yet for this one, I thought that the story was well-knitted and the characters just as complex as they should be. The side-stories were also quite interesting and the main secret between characters correctly introduced and explained. On top of that, I have to say that I was bewitched by Song Ji Hyo’s performance and fashion, as well as Nam Ji Hyun’s transformation in the last episode. If you want to watch a good drama, that is not too long nor too short, with a magical vibe to it, this one would definitely be a good choice.

To My Star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 8 (Season 1) | Channel: Viki

Cast: Son Woo Hyun & Kim Kang Min
Plot: Kang Seo Joon is a popular actor who is going through a crisis in his career. One day, he ends up living with Han Ji Woo, a proud and cold chef. They start falling for each other.

Review: This drama is an excellent BL (Boys Love). The story is straightforward and flows naturally. I didn’t have the impression that events were rushed, despite the short length of the episodes. The main leads have good chemistry, and both characters are attaching. It was clear that they both cared for one another. I think the drama also featured the worst possible friend in the person of Ji Woo’s colleague at the restaurant. This man had no shame! If you like this genre, I definitely recommend.

True Beauty ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2020-2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN, Viki

Cast: Cha Eun Woo, Moon Ga Young & Hwang In Yeop
Plot: Im Ju Kyung is a high school student constantly bullied for her appearance. Sick of hearing people’s criticisms, she starts putting make-up on. Doing so, she turns into a pretty young girl, causing her to be involved with 2 men at school: Lee Soo Ho and Han Seo Joon.

Review: True Beauty is a real banger and one of the most famous school K-Dramas. It’s adapted from the webtoon of the same name, which is as good as the show. The female lead, Ju Kyung, is moving and touching. It’s clear that she has her insecurities regarding her physical appearance, yet she tries hard to overcome them. She’s resilient, but also super clumsy. This puts her in hilarious situations with the two male leads. I loved both of them, and I guess many suffered from the second lead syndrome while watching this drama. Though it’s aimed at being entertaining, the drama tackles serious subjects. It spreads beautiful messages on self-love and challenges the established beauty standards (especially those in South Korea). Laughter, some tears, self-confidence, and satisfaction are what you will get from this drama. An absolute gem!

Work Later, Drink Now Season 1 & Season 2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021-2022/23 | Episode: 12 (Season 1) + 12 (Season 2) | Channel: TVING

Cast: Lee Sun Bin, Han Sun Hwa, Jung Eun Ji & Choi Si Won
Plot: Ahn So Hee, Han Ji Yeon and Kang Ji Gu are best friends. They love meeting after work and drinking together. While they share these happy moments, they also talk about their lives, as they experience love, pain, and a whole lot of different situations.

Review: This drama literally came as a surprise! At first, I was drawn to it by the cast (the main quartet is pretty amazing) and the short format (12 episodes of about 45 minutes). But the more I watched it, the better it got. It was a clever mix of hilarious scenes, life-like experiences and lessons to take away! All in all, this is a real feel-good drama that will make you want to become one of the “Drinking Avengers”.

You’re My Spring ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Seo Hyun Jin, Kim Dong Wook, Nam Gyu Ri & Yoon Park
Plot: Kang Da Jeong is a hotel manager, who had a traumatic experience as a child. She lives in the same building as psychiatrist Ju Young Do. One day, a murder takes place in that same building. While the investigation is on-going, Young Do and Da Jeong get to know each other.

Review: In overall, I am rather satisfied with this drama. You’re My Spring has a lot of qualities such as the star line-up and their great performance, the subtle mix of genres and a definite chemistry between the main leads. Yet, it just lacked this little something that got me hooked and wanting to see more. Don’t get me wrong the drama is great, but I was just missing that spark that I sometimes find in dramas. Anyway, the drama was well-written, the plot, though dark and sometimes sad, remains well-knitted and the last episodes do a great job at explaining all the holes from the beginning! If you love Seo Hyun Jin, Kim Dong Wook and my personal favorite Yoon Park, this drama could be a nice finding!

You Make Me Dance ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 8 | Channel: Viki

Cast: Choo Young Woo & Won Tae Min
Plot: Song Shi On is a university student majoring in contemporary dance. He’s also deep in debt and owes money to loan sharks. One day, he starts sharing his apartment with his creditor Jin Hong Seok. The latter is kind and wants to help Shi On. They start falling in love.

Review: You Make Me Dance is a good BL drama, well-written and full of cute symbols that tie both leads to one another. The radio program they both listen to, the red thread, their fateful encounter in the bus… The flow of the drama is natural, it didn’t feel rushed or messy at all. Both characters are kind and definitely made for each other. Though it’s nothing new, the whole was still well executed. Made up of 8 episodes of about 20 minutes each, this show clearly does the job if you’re looking for a cute BL.

You Raise Me Up ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 8 | Channel: Wavve

Cast: Yoon Shi Yoon, Hani and Park Ki Woong
Plot: Do Young Shik has spent years preparing for the civil service exam, while not caring for himself. Thus, he becomes impotent. He goes to a urology clinic, where he meets his first love, Lee Ru Da, again. Ru Da is in a relationship with Do Ji Hyeok. She constantly brags about her first love Young Shik to him, until the former re-enters her life, completely changed.

Review: You Raise Me Up came as a rather good surprise to be honest. First, it’s the first time I watch a drama tackling erectile dysfunction. Second, Yoon Shi Yoon’s character Do Young Shik is probably the most touching I have seen recently. Third, the drama manages to tell a love story, while depicting serious and actual topics in a short amount of time (only 8 episodes of about 40-45 minutes). For all these reasons, the drama deserves praise. However, I had a hard time connecting with characters, other than the main one. The female lead was really annoying and blinded by prejudice, while the second male lead was simply despicable from beginning to end. Because of that the main trio was rather unbalanced, picturing Young Shik as the victim and Ru Da and Ji Hyeok as his bullies. Too bad for a drama that is supposed to be feel-good, enjoyable and full of hope for a better life. Still, if you’re interested in the topic, I recommend you watch the drama.

Youth of May ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2021 | Episode: 12 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Lee Do Hyun, Go Min Si, Geum Sae Rok & Lee Sang Yi
Plot: Hwang Hee Tae and Kim Myung Hee meet in May 1980 in Gwangju. They fall in love without realizing that the turbulent times and the upcoming chaos will forever change their fate. 

Review: I have mixed feelings regarding this drama. The romance and the melodramatic, if not tragic, atmosphere were sweet and poetic. Moreover the depiction of Gwangju Uprising was amazingly portrayed and showed. However, the episodes right in the middle related to the love triangle/square were annoying and quite predictable. So I was a bit disappointed on that part. Thankfully, the second part of the drama saved it. I was more into it, once they left aside the impossible love story between leads. Despite that, if you are looking for a drama perfectly combining real-life events and star-crossed lovers, you should go for it!