Dramas 2022

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A Business Proposal ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 12 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Kim Se Jeong, Ahn Hyo Seop, Kim Min Gyu & Seol In Ah
Plot: Shin Ha Ri, an ordinary woman, who agrees to impersonate her best friend, Jin Young Seo, for a blind date she doesn’t want to go to. (Un)fortunately for her, Ha Ri ends up face-to-face with her own boss, Kang Tae Moo. Annoyed by his grandfather’s constant pressure to get married, he has decided to marry the next woman he meets. 

Review: This romantic comedy is a savory mix of cheesiness, cuteness and heart-fluttering moments. I spent a great time watching this drama, though too short in my opinion. The main and second leads are definitely attaching. Of course, it’s your typical ‘rich guy-poor girl’ trope with a lot of clichéd scenes, and expected situations. Still, this doesn’t take away the pleasant atmosphere of watching 2 couples form on screen and go through the ups and downs of relationship. I highly recommend it!

Adamas ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Ji Sung, Seo Ji Hye & Lee Soo Kyung
Plot: Ha Woo Shin and Song Su Hyun are twin brothers. They investigate the murder of their step-father 22 years ago.

Review: This is an interesting drama with a good plot and a great acting performance. But I found some scenes confusing and hard to follow. Also, the story requires 100% of your attention, otherwise you may miss an important part of the puzzle.

Again My Life ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Lee Joon Ki, Kim Ji Eun & Lee Kyung Young
Plot: Kim Hee Woo works as a prosecutor, currently assigned to a case that involves the powerful politician Jo Tae Seob. As he is about to discover too much about him, he gets killed by an unidentified man. When he wakes up, Kim Hee Woo’s life has been reset. He gets a second chance to take his enemy down.

Review: Without the shadow of a doubt, I would highly recommend this drama. The main character Kim Hee Woo is badass, clever and bold; but he’s also kind and fair. Lee Joon Ki perfectly embodied all these personality traits, so there’s was no way I couldn’t like him. The plot is also quite ingenious, playing on the double timeline and the reset of Kim Hee Woo’s life. There’s definitely everything you would expect to have in a good action drama: rhythm, twists, amazing OSTs, excellent fight scenes and many alliances that are created or dissolved.

Alchemy of Souls Season 1 & Season 2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 20 (Season 1) + 10 (Season 2) | Channel: tvN

Cast: Lee Jae Wook, Jung So Min, Go Yoon Jung, Minhyun, Yoo In Soo & Arin
Plot: In the country of Daeho, Jang Uk comes from a noble family, but there is a secret behind his birth. One day, he meets Mu Deok, who’s an elite assassin trapped into someone else’s body. She becomes Jang Uk’s maid and teaches him how to fight.

Review: An amazing fantasy drama perfectly mixing supernatural events and romance in a fictitious world. This is another masterpiece from the Hong Sisters that I enjoyed watching so much. And don’t get me started on the cast, and the chemistry of the main leads (no matter the season). It is excellent! Also big thumbs up to Go Yoon Jung who replaced Jung So Min in season 2 and did an excellent job!

All of Us are Dead ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 12 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Park Ji Hu, Yoon Chan Young, Lomon, Cho Yi Hyun & Lee Yoo Mi
Plot: Nam On Jo, Lee Cheong San, Lee Su Hyeok, Choi Nam Ra and others end up trapped in their school during a virus outbreak. While some students turn into bloodthirsty zombies, the group of teenagers desperately tries to survive and escape Hyosan High School.

Review: One word: Awesome! And I’m not saying this because of all the buzz and hype around that drama. On the contrary, I tend to be pretty wary when series are overly appreciated. But, I was not disappointed with this zombie-themed drama. The story is original with an intrigue developing essentially behind closed doors (those of the school). Students are lost, confused and unarmed, forced to cleverly walk their way out of their zombie prison. Just like Kingdom, the plot offers another perspective on the virus outbreak. Indeed, it chooses to show infected people who remain human (or at least aware/conscious of their state). Moreover, the acting performance of the young cast is really praiseworthy, they all did a good job at portraying the different types of behaviors people would have, if confronted with this situation. Finally, I think I was really drawn to the plot because, all in all, these teenagers are well-intended, and stand together instead of jumping at each other’s throat.

An Incurable Case of Love ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2022 | Episode: 10 | Channel: TBC

Cast: Mone Kamishiraishi & Takeru Sato
Plot: Nanase Sakura is a rookie nurse, who pursued this career after her encounter with doctor Kairi Tendo, during which she fell in love at first sight. Known as the Devil at work, Sakura struggles to get the man, and succeed in her career.

Review: Cute as Hell! There’s no other way I can describe this drama. If you like romance, you will definitely get plenty of it here. The ‘shy girl, cold man’ trope may be cliché, but it’s so well portrayed here that I really didn’t care at all. The characters are a perfect match, their romance is attaching and heart-fluttering. Just like the rest of the hospital, I found myself rooting for Sakura, hoping she will melt Tendo’s heart. Excellent chemistry, laughter, cheesiness and more await you in that drama!

Behind Every Star ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Lee Seo Jin, Kwak Sun Young, Seo Hyun Woo & Joo Hyun Young
Plot: Ma Tae Oh, Chun Jane, Kim Jung Don and rookie So Hyun Joo all work as star agents at Method Entertainment. The drama revolves around their struggles in their working and personal lives.

Review: Behind Every Star is the remake of the French series called ‘Dix pour Cent‘. As I loved the original story, I was thrilled to see the Korean version. Unfortunately, it kind of failed short to my expectations. I am probably biased, not because I’m French, but because the stories told in the drama were exactly the same as those displayed in the French series. It was a pure copy-paste, so it was difficult for me to get into it (especially because I already knew how everything was going to unfold). Beside that, I still believe that the original idea of celebrities playing their own self is fresh and interesting. It allows viewers to see the entertainment industry in a more realistic way, showing actors’ and managers’ struggles altogether. Moreover, the K-artists who appeared were amazing and I was really pleased to see so many in just 12 episodes. A good drama, but not as good as I expected it to be.

Big Mouth ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Lee Jong Suk & Im YoonA
Plot: Park Chang Ho is a third-rate lawyer. One day, he gets involved in a murder case and is framed as the genius criminal Big Mouse. His wife Ko Mi Ho tries to clear his name.

Review: If you liked action dramas like Memorist or Mouse, Big Mouth will clearly wow you. I really loved the many twists and turns, giving the intrigue such a high-speed pace. Not to mention the complex and intricate relationships, that will leave you speechless. This drama is a MUST-SEE!

Blind ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Ok Taecyeon, Jung Eun Ji & Ha Seok Jin
Plot: Judge Ryu Sung Hoon, detective Ryu Sung Joon and social worker Jo Eun Ki become involved in a serial murder case, where the main victims are jurors at a trial. Together, they try to uncover the truth and stop the killer.

Review: Blind is exactly the kind of thrillers I’m desperately looking for. There’s not a single misstep in the plot. The past, displaying tortured young boys, and the mystery surrounding their identity is perfectly woven into the current timeline. By doing so, the drama creates a tension, while exploring the impact our previous experiences can have on our lives, even years later. The main trio is brilliant, as well as the killer’s performance. Honestly, I can’t find a single reason why you shouldn’t watch this drama.

Bloody Heart ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Lee Joon, Kang Han Na & Jang Hyuk
Plot: Lee Tae’s father became King after he deposed the previous one with the help of the powerful Vice-Minister Park Gye Won. Now King, Lee Tae struggles to rule and assert his authority over Park Gye Won. Meanwhile, Yoo Jung is the daughter of a noble family. She gets involved in a power struggle in the royal court court.

Review: I loved it! This historical drama is so unique. Its plot really differs from the usual narrative that you have involving a weak King and a powerful enemy. In this drama, enemies turn into allies, the King is good then bad, his lover with and against him. Characters are really complex, but true to their principles, whether they’d be bad or good. Watching this drama is like witnessing an incredible chess game! I highly recommend it!

Blue Birthday ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Yeri, Yang Hong Seok & Lee Sang Jun
Plot: Oh Ha Rin is given the opportunity to travel back to her high school days thanks to a series of photographs. By revisiting her past, she tries to understand why her first love died.

Review: I’m actually so sad to give such a bad rating to that mini drama, but it was a fail for me. The cast is great, the time-travel idea through photographs is also quite clever, but the characters, especially Oh Ha Rin, were not written that well. The end of the drama was a torture for me, as I couldn’t really understand how Ha Rin managed to get tricked by the villain. Some situations could’ve easily been avoided, but her lack of thinking turned everything into a mess. Also, I found the plot a bit slow. Still, there was a good mystery. I guess that’s what saved the drama (and myself).

Cheer Up ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Han Ji Hyun, Bae In Hyuk, Kim Hyun Jin, Jang Gyu Ri & Lee Eun Saem
Plot: Do Hae Yi is a college student, who works several jobs to support her family. One day, she decides to join the cheering squad called ‘Theia’. There, she experiences friendship, love and hard work; as well as a new kind of campus life.

Review: Cheer Up is a good college drama that focuses on a rather new theme: Cheerleading. At first, I was a bit taken aback by what Korean call cheerleading, as I had the American definition in mind (with pyramids, gymnastics…). Still, my surprise didn’t last for long and I found myself really rooting for that ‘cursed’ squad. Though the drama left me with a good impression, there were several elements that annoyed me greatly. First, the second male lead. I understand very well that you have a crush on someone, and that you feel the need to confess your feelings. However, when this love is not reciprocated, and that same person finds happiness in a relationship with someone else, you need to be respectful and stop bothering her. That’s exactly what Sun Ho was not/did not do. He was ‘pushy’ to the point that Jung Woo was almost the extra one in the triangle (when he’s the male lead). At some point, it became ridiculous, pathetic, and infuriating. I was also quite mad at Hae Yi for not drawing a clear line. Despite that, Hae Yi and Jung Woo were very cute together, just like the numerous couples that formed at the end. Though they took their time to become an item. Second, the dark vibe and the mystery were not necessary I think, or at least not to that extreme (having people stabbed for example). Maybe they just should’ve stopped with the prophecy/curse and not introduce any stalker/killer/crazy man going rogue on campus. On top of that, Hae Yi’s mother getting sick came out of the blue and as fast as the problem disappeared. Irrelevant.

Cheery Blossom After Winter ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 8 | Channel: Viki

Cast: Ok Jin Uk & Kang Hui
Plot: Seo Hae Bom was adopted by his deceased mother’s best friend when he was a kid. He grew up with Jo Tae Sung who’s always been popular, appreciated and handsome contrary to him; but one day, Tae Sung starts protecting Hae Bom from his bullies and caring about him. They start spending more time together and develop feelings.

Review: I have to admit that I have mixed feelings about that drama. The romance was OK (with a good amount of kisses for once), the character of the mother was nice, and I appreciated the fact that the drama tackled (even briefly) the consequences the main leads would have to face if they decided to stay together (like criticism, prejudice, rejection…). The message was positive emphasizing the idea that you are allowed to love whomever you want. However, there were some issues as well. First, characters and their development. After years of living together, Tae Sung suddenly wants to confess his feelings to Hae Bom for whatever unexplained reason. Then Hae Bom suddenly realizes that he may also have a crush, and the mother has a change of heart quite rapidly too at the end. Second, the drama was very slow in the first half with almost nothing really happening. Thankfully the second part was a bit better. Third, the flow of the scenes was just utter nonsense. I felt like some bits and pieces were just put together without a real red thread to link them. This disconnected me totally from the story. Fourth, some side stories (bully, love rival, Tae Sung’s father) were present only to be abandoned 10 minutes later. There was absolutely no explanation Fifth, running scenes and slow motion. Why did they feel the need to have several of them, all weirdly timed in the plot? Sometimes, it just turned the action into a ridiculous moment. Luckily, the opening and the OSTs saved the drama, otherwise I may not even have finished it.

Crazy Love ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Kim Jae Wook, Krystal & Ha Joon
Plot: No Go Jin is a popular math teacher and the CEO of GOTOP Education. He is an arrogant genius, who mistreats people around him. One day, he starts receiving death threats. Lee Shin Ah has been working as Go Jin’s secretary for a year. Though she struggles with her boss, she holds on. One day, she discovers she hasn’t much time left to live.

Review: This drama was unexpectedly funny and pleasant to watch. Of course, when I read the synopsis, I signed right away. ‘A cold boss and a revengeful secretary who fall in love’, I don’t need more to be interested. On that part, the story naturally ticked all the boxes. But, it went beyond my expectations by adding some interesting reflections on relationships and giving more depth to each character, making them far from being stereotypical and cliché. A genuine love story, with a lot of laughter and misunderstandings. Be ready for some twists and turns.

Curtain Call ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Ha Ji Won, Kang Ha Neul & Ko Du Shim
Plot: Yoo Jae Heon is a kind, optimistic and bright man. He works as an actor for a theater company, but struggles a little to make ends meet. One day, he is hired to play the grandson of Ja Geum Soon. She is the rich CEO of a prestigious hotel, who lost her North Korean family after the war. To fulfill her dying wish, Jae Heon accepts to become her lost grandson.

Review: This show is a beautiful and somewhat poetic melodrama that perfectly portrays family ties. Characters are all complex and profoundly humane. I really appreciated the fact that there was no real villain. They are all well-intended, and have everyone’s happiness at heart. The connection between past and present is as heart-wrenching as moving, as it displays the grandmother’s love and longing for her family. But, it also shows that major historical events like the Korean War can still have consequences today for the people who lived it. Finally, the idea of a play within a play was excellent. It allowed for an even better storyline woven in the threads of time. If you are into family dramas, I highly recommend Curtain Call.

Doctor Lawyer ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: MBC

Cast: So Ji Sub, Im Soo Hyang & Shin Sung Rok
Plot: Han Yi Han used to be an elite surgeon specialized in cardiothoracic surgery. One day, his patient dies. His life brutally changes and he loses his medical license. 5 years later, he has become a lawyer specialized in medical malpractice. While solving cases, he investigates on the death of his former patient.

Review: A very good action drama, though I feared I wouldn’t like it after the first 2/3 episodes. The narrative about the malpractice and the good doctor being framed annoyed me a bit, but I am super glad I held on after that. The moment Yi Han becomes a lawyer is really great and the plot flows naturally. But the real show stealer is Shin Sung Rok’s complex and kind of dark character. He really is the best puppeteer. My last (negative) remark would be Lee Kyung Young’s never-ending presence as the villain. I really can’t stand seeing him in 3 dramas at a time anymore, especially when it’s to play the exact same role.

Eve ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Seo Ye Ji, Park Byung Eun, Yoo Sun & Lee Sang Yeob
Plot: When she was a kid, Lee Ra El’s entire family was destroyed. 13 years later, she intends on getting her revenge on everyone who wronged her. To do so, she changes her identity and decides to seduce LY Group’s CEO Kang Yoon Kyum. He is married to Han So Ra.

Review: Revenge dramas are generally all quite similar, yet this one impressed me. I was hooked from the first episode. The tension and the seduction between the main leads is fascinating; and their chemistry is undeniable. I also loved how they focused on eyes and gestures (even dance) to show the growing tension. A clever move! As for the plot, I couldn’t help but see in the drama a strong religious background with Eve, Lilith and Adam as the main protagonists. All in all, Eve is good drama worth the watch, despite the numerous criticisms surrounding Seo Ye Ji (and her acting skills).

Extraordinary Attorney Woo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: ENA

Cast: Park Eun Bin, Kang Tae Ho, Kang Ki Young, Ha Yoon Kyung & Joo Jong Hyuk
Plot: Woo Young Woo is a smart woman who has autism spectrum disorder. Still, she becomes an attorney and solves cases. Meanwhile, she learns how to interact with people, falls in love and grows as a person.

Review: The drama could’ve been a real failure, had it been performed as a caricature – or at least an exaggerated depiction of people on the spectrum. Fortunately, the story is nothing as such. The cases this atypical attorney works on are pretty reliable, and Yeong Woo’s journey through life and love is simple heartwarming. A real success!

Forecasting Love and Weather ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Park Min Young, Song Kang, Yoon Park & Yura
Plot: Jin Ha Kyung and Lee Shi Woo both work at the Korean Meteorological Administration. Around the same time, they experience hardships in their respective relationship, which draws them to each other.

Review: In spite of the fact that the cast is appealing, the drama fails to deliver. I also have mitigated feelings here. One the one side, I was quite happy to be discovering the work of a weather forecaster. I have never seen a drama focused on that topic before, so of course it grabbed my attention. But on the other side, there is a clear lack of depth in characters’ personality and behavior. They are generally self-centered, too forgiving or too stupid to make the right decisions, even the female leads’ mother annoyed me by her need to control her daughter’s life and have her married in the instant. I was also a bit disappointed in the chemistry of the leads. Something was clearly off. Finally, the plot in general didn’t make much sense. I know it’s a romance and it’s unrealistic, so I’m not expected too much usually. Still, in this drama, nothing was credible.

Gaus Electronics ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 12 | Channel: ENA, Olleh TV, Seezn

Cast: Kwak Dong Yeon, Go Sung Hee, Kang Min Ah & Bae Hyun Sung
Plot: Lee Sang Sik, Cha Na Rae, Baek Ma Tan and Gun Gang Mi all work in the Marketing Division 3 at Gaus Electronics. They have very different and unique personalities. The drama follows their everyday lives as office workers.

Review: Gaus Electronics is one of the most hilarious comedies I’ve ever seen in Dramaland! It’s as funny as Laughter in Waikiki which is a huge compliment coming from me. I laughed so hard, my abs started to hurt. Characters are so eccentric and different. Each of them, starting with their names, has his/her own personality traits. But the best part is to see how they interact with each other at work. Lee Sang Sik and Cha Na Rae’s relationship is a roller coaster of emotions going from hatred to love and reverse. Moreover, this team always ends up in the most uncommon, unexpected and/or embarrassing situations to our greatest pleasure. Of course, there are some more serious moments in the drama, but humor is never far to liven up the vibe. I highly recommend you take a look at this show. If you need a good laugh and a bit of romance, it’s clearly a must-watch!

Ghost Doctor ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Rain, Kim Bum, Uee, Son Na Eun & Sung Dong Il
Plot: Cha Young Min is a genius doctor, but he’s arrogant. One day, he gets involved in a case, resulting in a car accident. After that, he becomes a ghost able to possess the body of another doctor: Go Seung Tak. Young Min helps him become a better doctor, while investigating his accident.

Review: Although the drama is quite dichotomous with the villains on the one side, and the good guys on the other; I spent a really good time watching it. The main duo, made up of two opposite doctors, has an awesome synergy. Many scenes were hilarious, especially those involving Kim Bum’s reluctance to admit he sees ghosts. Nevertheless, there was seriousness in the drama too like the way doctors treat patients, the heavy charge (mental, emotional and/or financial) for families who deal with comatose relatives, saying goodbye and accepting death, the traumatic events a doctor can go through, etc… The friendship between the main leads, and their two respective love line were also quite heartwarming. And don’t get me started on Kim Bum and his adorable face!

Green Mother’s Club ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Lee Yeo Won, Joo Cha Hyun, Kim Gyu Ri, Jang Hye Jin & Joo Min Kyung
Plot: The drama revolves around the lives, friendships and hardships of 5 different mothers, who reside in the same neighborhood: Lee Eun Pyo, Byun Cheon Hui, Seo Jin Ha, Kim Yeong Mi and Park Yun Ju. 

Review: If you are looking for a light-hearted drama about mothers, their friendships and relationships, then don’t watch this drama. Tackling some tough themes like mental health, education or even the pressure inflicting on little kids to stay on top, Green Mother’s Club really took me by surprise. Some parts of the plot are dark, but the storyline is very well-knitted and full of sense. Although I don’t believe the drama aims at being entirely realistic, scenes are pretty relatable.

Grid ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 10 | Channel: Disney+

Cast: Seo Kang Joon, Kim Ah Joong, Kim Moo Yeol, Kim Sung Kyun & Lee Si Young
Plot: In 1997, a mysterious ghost appeared and saved humanity by creating a grid to protect the world from a solar explosion. 24 years later, that same ghost reappears, and helps a serial killer escape. Kim Sae Ha, Jung Sae Byuk and Song Eo Jin try to uncover the truth behind the ghost’s presence and her behavior.

Review: Grid is such a disappointment. And yet, all the ingredients were reunited to make this drama a perfect SF story. Time travel, a worldwide natural catastrophe and a series of murders. Unfortunately, the drama fails to deliver even the most basic understanding of the plot. Some parts are clearly confusing, but the real problem resides in the pace of the drama. It is desperately slow. I spend most episodes waiting for the action that only happened at the end. A shame because the drama was promising and quite original.

Good Job ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 12 | Channel: ENA

Cast: Jung Il Woo, Kwon Yu Ri, Eum Moon Suk & Song Sang Eun
Plot: Eun Seon Woo is the CEO of Eunkang Group, but also works as a detective on the side. He tries to solve the murder of his mother 20 years ago. One day, he meets Don Se Ra. She has a special ability called hyperacuity. They start working together.

Review: I wouldn’t be able to explain why I loved this drama so much, but it’s a fact. I really liked it. There are a lot of clichéd scenes, the plot doesn’t make any sense at times and the twists are more than predictable; still I spent a good time watching the attaching squad solving cases. Moreover, Jung Il Woo and Kwon Yu Ri don’t disappoint as a duo, but that we already knew after Bossam: Steal the Fate. I recommend that drama if you want to enjoy a relaxing time, following a story that will inevitably end well!

Hit the Spot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022-2023 | Episode: 8 | Channel: Coupang Play

Cast: Hani, Bae Woo Hee, Park Sun Ho & Roy
Plot: Hee Jae and Mi Na have been friends since college and work in the same company. One day, they are asked to host a podcast that deals with women’s sexuality and body. While giving advice to others, they also go through the ups and downs of their own relationships.

Review: Hit the Spot is probably one of the most, if not THE most, adult mature drama I’ve ever seen – and I have watched over 600 dramas! First of all, let me start with a short warning. There are a lot of hot and steamy (naked) scenes in the drama, so if you’re not ready for that, I would advise against watching it. Now that you’re aware, let me tell you why this drama is a gem that you should watch immediately. Starting with the concept. I loved the fact that the show is at the crossroad between romance and sexual education. Through their podcasts, the female leads give advice, confort, reinsurance and confidence to women who have issues with their sex lives or are asking themselves basic questions about their bodies. But on top of that, our heroines are also going through their own romance to the point that themes from the podcast episodes are translated in their real lives. Talking about relationships, there’s nothing more to expect than what’s been showcased here. With only 4 characters, Hit the Spot delivers amazing chemistry, shows very different types of relationships, and these 2 couples gave me so many butterflies, it was too much for me to handle. Finally, I think the drama wouldn’t have been so good, had the female leads been more bland and naive. These 2 women are inspirations, independent, bold, daring, but also vulnerable, not always confident, and full of hope that they will find the right man for them. Their friendship is endearing and the way they try to overcome the obstacles in their (sex) lives is just praiseworthy. Women (and men) out there, if you want education on (female) pleasure, romance and an excellent distraction, this drama is made for you!

If You Wish Upon Me ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Ji Chang Wook, Choi Sooyoung & Sung Dong Il
Plot: Yoon Gyeo Rye’s life has been difficult. He lived in an orphanage, then visited several times a juvenile detention center and prison. One day, he has to do voluntary work in a hospice. There he meets the team leader of a Genie – an organization that fulfills patients’ last wish – and nurse Seo Yeon Joo.

Review: If You Wish Upon Me made me think of a mix between Move to Heaven, Tomorrow and Only One Person. It’s an ode to life that encourages you to keep fighting even in the toughest moments. It also demonstrates how people and certain encounters can change your life for the best. A moving drama, with attaching stories, a sweet male lead, a fantastic squad that can solve it all and a certain tenderness in the way it approaches death. The only part that really bothered me was the storyline about Gyeo Rye’s father. I found it rather long and useless at times. Still it’s a good feel-good slice-of-life drama.

Juvenile Justice ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 10 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Kim Hye Soo, Lee Moo Yul, Lee Sung Min & Lee Jung Eun
Plot: Sim Eun Seok is a judge, who has been recently assigned to the Juvenile Court. She hates young delinquents and wants to administer justice her own way.

Review: I confess, I am a very huge fan of legal dramas, particularly those about judges. But that’s not the main reason why I liked Juvenile Justice. The plot is ingenious, while the cases are cruel, strong and pretty realistic. I loved how they explained the circumstances that would generally turn teenagers into delinquents. Eun Seok’s personal story is also poignant. Despite her cold behavior, you will end up liking her and her integrity.

Killer’s Shopping List ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 8 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Lee Kwang Soo, Seolhyun & Jin Hee Kyung
Plot: Ahn Dae Sung has an extraordinary memory, but always fails his civil servant exam. He works part-time at his mother’s supermarket and his girlfriend is police officer Do Ah Hee. One day, a mysterious murder case takes place near the supermarket. Convinced there’s a link between the murder and the supermarket, Dae Sung starts investigating.

Review: A short drama, but quite entertaining and original. I would say my favorite part is the OST ‘Orange Dream’ by Nokdu. But plot-wise, the drama is a mix between crime and humor with a clumsy and unexpected hero. It took me some time to get into the story, yet once I started paying attention to it, I quite enjoyed it. It’s different from what I’ve seen in the past, so just for that I think it’s worth watching. Also, Lee Kwang Soo is hilarious.

Kiss Sixth Sense ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 12 | Channel: Disney+

Cast: Yoon Kye Sang, Seo Ji Hye & Kim Ji Seok
Plot: Hong Ye Sul has a special ability. Whenever her lips touch someone, she can see that person’s future. One day, she accidentally touches the lips of her cold boss Cha Min Hu. She sees him and herself together in bed.

Review: This Disney+ drama is quite original and unique. The leads’ special abilities give a bit of spice to their romance. The chemistry between Yoon Kye Sang and Seo Ji Hye is also undeniable. I really thought they were a perfect match. The second male lead was OK for me, but the second female lead was a no-go. She is selfish and annoying, which really bothered me sometimes. Still, this drama is good entertainment.

Law Cafe ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Lee Seung Gi & Lee Se Young
Plot: Kim Jung Ho is a smart man with an excellent memory who used to work as a prosecutor. But after an incident, he quit his job. Kim Yoo Ri is a passionate and enthusiastic lawyer. She has a strong sense of justice and would do anything to defend her clients. Both have been friends for 17 years. One day, Yoo Ri quits her job and opens a cafe where she provides legal advice. She and Jung Ho get involved in cases, while falling in love.

Review: Though I was very excited at first, and totally in love with Yoo Ri’s character, the drama kind of fell short to my expectations. The plot started to run in circles at the end and some elements of the story didn’t quite make sense either (like the scene when Jung Ho is being threatened with a knife, on the ground, and not a single officer intervenes). Despite that, it’s still a nice romance to watch. And I would even add that without the explosive and incredible cuteness and chemistry of the main leads, the drama wouldn’t be worth the watch. So, if you want cheesy romance at its best, then Law Cafe is a good pick. Thank you Lee Se Young and Lee Seung Gi for embodying a memorable couple on screen!

Let Me Be Your Knight ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 12 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Jung In Sun, Lee Jun Young, Jang Dong Joo, JR, Yoon Ji Sung & Kim Dong Hyun
Plot: In Yoon Joo works as a guide tour. She dreams of owning a house, but is scammed. She ends up in debt and chased after by loan sharks. To hide, she pretends to be her twin sister, who works as a doctor. She thus gets hired to become the personal doctor of Yoon Tae In, the leader of the idol band Luna. She moves into the group’s house.

Review: First of all, I have to thank that drama for making me discovering ATEEZ. I don’t listen to a lot of KPOP bands, but I fell in love with that group ever since I’ve watched that drama. That being said, I guess we can say that this is your typical ‘one ordinary girl in a boys band’ trope, that you find also in You’re Beautiful. Of course, with this come the numerous clichés like the second male lead in love with the female lead too, her hidden identity, the male lead having problems (pressure, difficult childhood…), and so many others. Nevertheless, Let Me Be Your Knight was still pleasant to watch. The story was okay, although super expected and unrealistic. Now, if I watched this drama until the end, it’s because of Lee Jun Young and of course, the songs of the drama. ‘Beautiful Break-up’ to quote one is soooo good! In a nutshell, this drama is nice to watch, but not necessarily a must-see.

Link: Eat, Love, Kill ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Yeo Jin Goo & Moon Ga Young
Plot: Eun Gye Hoon shared a special bond with his twin sister. They could feel each other’s emotions. So, he felt it when she went missing 20 years ago. He now works as a chef, while still searching for his sister. One day, he meets No Da Hyun. He suddenly starts feeling her emotions.

Review: Mystery, food and romance, these are the ingredients of this drama. And honestly, they make quite a good cake! The plot is well-knitted and unravels at a proper pace, same for characters’ feelings. I also really appreciated the mix of genres: On the one side, there is the thriller associated with the leads’ troubled past; on the other side, you have the romance. Yeo Jin Goo and Moon Ga Young have a certain chemistry too. Not to mention the fact that they actually share feelings in the drama, which deepens their connection. Both are really devoted to the other, which is quite comforting and cute to watch. A daring plot that ticks all the boxes if you want to experience an original storyline.

Little Women ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Kim Go Eun, Nam Ji Hyun, Park Ji Hu, Wi Ha Joon, Um Ki Joon, Uhm Ji Won and Kang Hoon
Plot: Oh In Joo, Oh In Kyung and Oh In Hye are 3 sisters. They have always been poor. One day, they get involved in a case that leads them to confront South Korea’s richest, most influential, and most powerful family.

Review: An excellent drama to say the least. The plot is brilliantly written, giving enough depth, complexity and importance to each and every character (good or bad). The intrigue is well-knitted, involving each sister one after the other, and in different ways. Kim Hee Won’s direction is flawless as usual. Honestly, if you haven’t watched this drama, you should definitely do it now!

Love Between Fairy and Devil ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: China | Year: 2022 | Episode: 36 | Channel: iQIYI

Cast: Yi Shu Xin, Dylan Wang & Zhang Ling He
Plot: 30,000 years ago, Dongfang Qin Cang, the cruel leader of the Moon Tribe, tried to take control of the 3 realms. He was defeated by the God of War, a high celestial of Shiuyuntian, and sealed in the Haotian Tower. In present days, a low-ranked fairy named Orchid falls in the Tower and frees Dongfang’s spirit, while the Gods try to strengthen the seal. Their encounter is the beginning of a series of events that threaten to change the world.

Review: This C-drama is a hidden gem and an enormous surprise! It’s very rare when I start a Chinese fantasy drama that I get hooked right away until the very end. But, that’s exactly what happened with Love Between Fairy and Devil. Acting performance is on top, especially Yi Shu Xin’s. She perfectly managed to play different facets of her character (either bubbly and pure, or cold and distant). The love story is beautiful. It was really interesting to see how the main leads are polar opposites at first with nothing in common. Yet, Orchid manages to change Dongfang and to turn him into a decent and loving person. I also really liked how they incorporated various types of loves in the drama (Fated love for Orchid and Dongfang; Ill-fated love for Chidi Woman and Song Hao; unrequited love for Changheng and Danyin; Love beyond tribes with Jieli’s parents; Love beyond prejudice for Shang Que and Jieli; fatherly love with Dongfang’s father; brotherly love with Xunfeng; ‘Patriotic’ love, and the list goes on!). They also showcased the aftermath of such loves, wether they’d be positive or negative. Special effects were very well done and really brought value to the plot. The only part I would criticize is the ending (like the last scenes) that were a bit rushed in my opinion. But, who cares? The drama was amazing. I highly recommend you watch it!

Love In Contract ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Park Min Young, Go Kyung Pyo & Kim Jae Young
Plot: Choi Sang Eun is an attractive woman, who works as a contract marriage master. Amongst her customers, there is Jung Ji Ho. They’ve been in a marriage contract for 5 years now, seeing each other every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. One day, top star Kang Hae Jin asks Sang Eun to sign a contract with her. They will see each other on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Both men develop feelings for Sang Eun, now stuck in a love triangle.

Review: What a disappointment! Love In Contract started so well and had all the main ingredients to become a nice rom-com. First, the Queen of rom-coms in the main role: Park Min Young. Second, two attractive main leads, fighting over the same woman’s heart. Third, a joyful vibe due to its atypical plot: A woman whose job is to get married. Unfortunately, so many things went wrong in the story. Starting with Kim Jae Young’s character. Annoying, pushy, disrespectful towards others’ feelings, and simply selfish. Not a single moment have I found his personality attractive. The second pain point lies with the male lead, who’s incapable of expressing himself. I understand his disconnection to the world and the trauma he’s suffered in his past relationship, but at some point, boy needs to talk. Third problem, Choi Sang Eun’s attitude. Drawing a line doesn’t make you mean. It simply avoids you to get into trouble. A lesson this brilliant woman should’ve learned by now. But instead, she lets others (Hae Jin, Yoo Mi and the rest) control her life, while whining over the fact that she has no freedom. The only reason why I painfully continued to watch this drama until the end is because of the romance between the 2 leads. Slow-paced, cute and heartwarming, these characters shared a special bond that was pleasant to see bloom on screen.

Love Is For Suckers ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: ENA

Cast: Lee Da Hee & Choi Si Won
Plot: Gu Yeo Reum is a PD for TV variety shows, but her works are not successful. Due to that she is forced to work on the second season of ‘Kingdom of Love’, a variety show that displays love and relationships between strangers. After an incident, she has to ask her best friend of 20 years, Park Jae Hoon, to participate in the show. Unbeknownst to her, Jae Hoon harbors feelings for her, which get entangled with other relationships in the show.

Review: The plot of this drama is quite original I have to say. I loved the idea of a ‘mise en abime’ (a show within a show). It brought about a lot of heart-fluttering, funny and unexpected scenes. As a big fan of the reality show ‘Single’s Inferno’ (presented by Lee Da Hee by the way), I felt that the drama was giving the same vibe. On top of that Park Jae Hoon is a walking green flag. Despite all of his emotional luggage, he still manages to respectfully decline the second lead’s feelings. Though I found her a bit pushy at times, I was not entirely annoyed by her. So, let’s say it’s okay. Another innovative twist in the drama is the fact that within the first episodes, Yeo Reum is about to get married. It gives the impression of a happy ending with which I was clearly not satisfied. All in all, it enables to drama to showcase the rest of the intrigue, so good job on this one. But, what really stole my heart was the relationship between John Jang and Park Ji Wan. I won’t say more, but there was so much sweetness created between them within the reality show that I couldn’t help but fall in love with them.

May I Help You ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Lee Hyeri & Lee Jun Young
Plot: Bae Dong Joo is a funeral director who has a special ability. Every time she touches a dead person, she can his/her ghost. She then has to grant him/her a last wish. Kim Tae Hee used to be a doctor, but quit after an accident. He now works as a butler for a service provider company. Both meet and start realizing they may be connected somehow.

Review: May I Help You is a nice feel-good drama that sheds a positive and optimistic light on death. Despite the seriousness of its main theme, the drama shows that death is not necessarily an end, and that life is worth living. For once, I had the impression that Lee Hyeri had gotten away from her Reply 1988 character. She managed to convey sadness and gravity, with a good panel of emotions. The only annoying moments in my opinion reside with the second female lead and the unnecessary death of an important character in the finale. Fortunately, it was saved by the ending that explained why Dong Joo received this gift, and how all characters (up to Tae Hee) were connected with one another.

May It Please the Court ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 12 | Channel: Disney+

Cast: Jung Ryeo Won, Lee Kyu Young & Jung Jin Young
Plot: No Chak Hee is an ambitious lawyer, working for a big firm. No matter the client, her only goal is to win her cases. After an incident, she is suspended and forced to work as a public defender. In her new office, she is brought to work with Jwa Shi Baek. He is upright, brilliant and mysterious. Though they don’t get very well, the two attorneys are forced to work on a case involving the murders of elderly people.

Review: Without the shadow of a doubt, both Jung Ryeo Won and Lee Kyu Young are excellent actors, who embody perfectly their characters. Though I’m a bit sad to see Jung Ryeo Won in the same types of roles, she excels at playing the cold, but soft woman. I found the plot of the drama quite well written. The twists were good and the entire reflection on justice pretty interesting. Unfortunately, it lacked this one element that would’ve made me feel totally gripped. In a nutshell, it’s a nice legal drama, with a reasonable number of episodes that is good to watch if you don’t know what to start with.

Mental Coach Jegal ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Jung Woo & Lee Yoo Mi
Plot: Jegal Gil used to be a taekwondo athlete for the national team, but was banned after an incident. Years later, he has become a mental coach, supporting athletes. Cha Ga Eul is a short-track speed skater. She won a gold medal when she was younger, but is now going through a slump. Jegal Gil starts treating her.

Review: Mental Coach Jegal is an excellent drama that I highly recommend! The athletes’ stories are relatable and sound pretty realistic, as well as their mental struggles. I was totally immersed in this peculiar world (that of sports), as the drama perfectly showcased the consequences of constant pressure, whether it’d be inflicted by sportsmen themselves or their environment (family, coach, national team). I really loved the positive messages conveyed by the drama, as they could be applied in any kind of daily situations. Finally, I was happily surprised by the ending. This atypical couple was clearly unexpected, but I found myself rooting for the coach and the skater.

Military Prosecutor Doberman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Ahn Bo Hyun & Jo Bo Ah
Plot: Do Bae Man became a military prosecutor to get wealth and success. Cha Woo In is stubborn, confident and doesn’t fear powerful people. Contrary to Bae Man, she chose this job to get revenge. Both start working together and try to take down evils in the military.

Review: I loved this drama! And not just because I am in love with Ahn Bo Hyun, and I adore Jo Bo Ah. The plot is extremely well written, as the story evolves properly with a good amount of action, twists and big reveals. Both characters are badass and the villain is well portrayed. The cases linked with the military are all relatable and touching when need be, making them credible and realistic. But, the real strength of the drama comes from the partnership/duo/relationship between the main leads. They have amazing chemistry and the final scene is the cherry on top of the cake. Highly recommended!

Minamdang ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 18 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Seo In Guk, Oh Yeon Seo, Kwak Si Yang, Kang Mi Na & Kwon Soo Hyun
Plot: Nam Han Jun used to be a criminal profiler, but quit after the death of a friend. He now works as a shaman, while solving cases and investigating his friend’s murder. Han Hae Jui is an enthusiastic detective. She gets involved with Nam Han Jun.

Review: I really appreciated the cast of the drama, and thought they made a joyful squad. However, the first 6/7 episodes of the drama failed at really grasping my attention. Though the story became way more interesting after, the female lead was just unbearable throughout most of the episodes. A shame she only started to be OK by the end. In a nutshell, I have mixed feelings about this drama: I hated the beginning, but liked the end and the final twist.

Moonshine ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Yoo Seung Ho, Lee Hyeri, Byun Woo Seok & Kang Mi Na
Plot: Nam Young is an officer of the Saheonbu, whose mission is to arrest people violating the current alcohol prohibition. Kang Ro Seo is the daughter of a poor noble family. To earn some money, she gets herself into the alcohol business. The two alleged enemies become romantically entangled.

Review: I have mitigated feelings with this drama. So, let me tell you what I liked disliked. I appreciated the fact that this was a historical drama, whose intrigue was not centered on the palace. The action essentially occurs outside in the city. So, the idea was rather original. Moreover, I liked the way the Crown Prince, the officer and Ro Seo were entangled, and how their friendship/love for one another made them review their principles and decisions. There was also a good number of humorous scenes and some laughter throughout the drama. But, I was not really keen on the love triangle. Indeed, the Crown Prince annoyed me a bit (as always with second leads). Though the plot was new and original at first, the story kind of stagnated at some point and ran in circles (with the political power struggle), which disappointed me a bit. So, my first reaction would be not to recommend this drama, though I really love Yoo Seung Ho and Hyeri.

Move to Heaven ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Yoo Seung Ho, Lee Hyeri, Byun Woo Seok & Kang Mi Na
Plot: Nam Young is an officer of the Saheonbu, whose mission is to arrest people violating the current alcohol prohibition. Kang Ro Seo is the daughter of a poor noble family. To earn some money, she gets herself into the alcohol business. The two alleged enemies become romantically entangled.

Review: I have mitigated feelings with this drama. So, let me tell you what I liked disliked. I appreciated the fact that this was a historical drama, whose intrigue was not centered on the palace. The action essentially occurs outside in the city. So, the idea was rather original. Moreover, I liked the way the Crown Prince, the officer and Ro Seo were entangled, and how their friendship/love for one another made them review their principles and decisions. There was also a good number of humorous scenes and some laughter throughout the drama. But, I was not really keen on the love triangle. Indeed, the Crown Prince annoyed me a bit (as always with second leads). Though the plot was new and original at first, the story kind of stagnated at some point and ran in circles (with the political power struggle), which disappointed me a bit. So, my first reaction would be not to recommend this drama, though I really love Yoo Seung Ho and Hyeri.

My Liberation Notes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Kim Ji Won, Son Suk Ku, Lee Min Ki & Lee El
Plot: The drama depicts the lives and struggles of 3 siblings; Yeom Gi Jeong, Yeom Chang Hee and Yeom Mi Jeong; and a mysterious man, Mr. Gu, who starts living in their house.

Review: An extraordinary slice-of-life drama written by the genius Park Hae Young (My Mister, Another Oh Hae Young to name some of her masterpieces). The pace of the drama is very slow, but perfectly mirrors that of life (I was not bothered by it personally, but just in case some of you may be worried). I really appreciated each character’s story, struggles and existential reflections. The main quartet is simply perfect, portraying flawlessly and poetically daily life and human angst. A must-watch in my opinion!

Once Upon a Small Town ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 12 | Channel: KakaoTV

Cast: Joy, Choo Yeong Woo & Baek Sung Chul
Plot: Han Ji Yul is a vet working in Seoul. One day, he receives an urgent message from his grandfather, who lives in the countryside. Alarmed, he drives down there, only to realize that his grandparent left for a trip and forced him to take over his clinic. Disheartened, Ji Yul stays and tries to get used to this new environment and its inhabitants, among which a strong-headed police officer named Ahn Ja Young.

Review: Had it not been for its main OST ‘Missing You‘ by Hong Dae Kwang, I clearly would’ve given up on the drama. Between the obvious inability of the main characters to communicate their feelings, and the overwhelming expression of unwanted love by the second leads, I started to get seriously annoyed. But the music got me going. In the end, I am glad I gave it a chance. Once all the obstacles got removed out of the way, the main couple finally bloomed surrounded by cuteness, cheesiness and the typical tranquillity of the countryside.

One Dollar Lawyer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 12 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Namgoong Min, Kim Ji Eun, Park Jin Woo & Lee Deok Hwa
Plot: Cheon Ji Hun is an atypical lawyer, whose fee is only 1000 won (around 1$). He’s not afraid to break the law or fight against wealthy and powerful individuals to make justice prevail. Baek Ma Ri is the granddaughter of a powerful lawyer, who owns Baek Law Firm. One day, she is sent to work with Ji Hun. Her life changes after that.

Review: One Dollar Lawyer is a hilarious drama, whose main lead Namgoong Min will make you burst into laughter every second. His eccentric personality and atypical methods are enough to annoy Baek Ma Ri to our greatest pleasure. Aside from the usual, and not-so-original storyline, the strength of the drama comes from its humorous vibe and the synergy of its trio. Ji Hun, Ma Ri and Sa Mu Jang are partners in crime, worst than kids. Together, they are unstoppable. I couldn’t stop laughing at them honestly. Watch this drama and you’ll understand!

Our Blues ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 20 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Lee Byung Hun, Shin Min Ah, Kim Woo Bin, Han Ji Min, Cha Seung Won, Lee Jung Eun & Uhm Jung Hwa.
Plot: Our Blues tells the stories of people living on Jeju Island, as they grow through life ordeals.

Review: One of the best feel-good dramas ever! Everything is comforting, despite the tough situations characters are in. Jeju Island, the community, human relationships, it all forms a perfect osmosis. And don’t get me started on the star-studded cast and the amazing OSTs.

Please Send Me a Fan Letter ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 4 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Choi Sooyoung & Yoon Park
Plot: Bang Jung Seok is a single father, raising his sick daughter alone. One day, the little girl decides to write a fan letter to her idol: Top star Han Kang Hee. The actress is going through a rough patch in her career. Her life changes when she learns about the letter.

Review: I don’t know what else to say apart from the fact that I loved it. The drama is short (only 4 episodes), but it’s actually enough to give away the context/situation, let the romance unravel and give us a satisfying ending. Plus, the trio made up of these 2 former classmates and this cute little girl is just perfect. They give away warm family vibes, lots of love and good feelings. If you want a drama, slightly cliché, but definitely positive and quick to watch, this one is perfect for you!

Reborn Rich ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Song Joong Ki, Lee Sung Min & Shin Hyun Bin
Plot: Yoon Hyeon Woo has worked for Soonyang conglomerate for a decade. He’s climbed the ladder despite his poor background. But he’s treated as the servant, who needs to clean up the family’s mess. One day, he’s asked to retrieve money and is killed by a member of the family. When he wakes up, he’s traveled back in time into the body of Jin Do Jun, the grandson of Soonyang Chairman. Hyeon Woo is given a second chance at life to take his revenge.

Review: Yet another Song Joong Ki’s drama that doesn’t disappoint! I think all viewers agree on the fact that Reborn Rich is one of the best dramas of 2022 (viewership ratings were at +26% for the last episode, which is enormous when you think about it). The intrigue is extremely well-woven in characters’ development and South Korea’s transformation from the 1980s to the early 2000s. The reason behind Hyeon Woo’s time travel made a lot of sense for me, so I was quite satisfied with the ending and the plot in general. The drama focuses more on the destiny of one man, his story, his successes, his failures, rather than his romantic life. I really appreciated that point of view. Hyeon Woo is given a second chance to become the master of his fate, and he does it brilliantly. On top of that, the acting performance is amazing, there’s not a single person who doesn’t play his/her role with perfection. I was personally amazed by Lee Sung Min’s skills as Do Jun’s grandfather. He really wowed me. So, if you’re looking for an intelligent, suspenseful and full-of-twists drama, I highly recommend you watch that 2022 hit.

Reset ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: China | Year: 2022 | Episode: 15 | Channel: Tencent

Cast: Bai Jing Ting & Zhao Jin Mai
Plot: Li Qi Shing is a college student who often takes the bus to go to university. One day, her bus explodes and she dies. She wakes up again and finds herself stuck in a time loop in which she tries to prevent the bus from exploding.

Review: This C-Drama was fantastic! I really liked how the action is perfectly condensed in 15 episodes. You don’t have time to get bored, because our two leads are trying hard to find solutions to stop the explosion. I think I never would have been as resourceful as them, so I can only applaud their determination. They go through so many scenarios that even I was running out of ideas. The plot is cleverly written, so you don’t feel like there are loopholes in the drama. Each time loop is perfectly designed and implicates characters properly from the main protagonists to the other passengers on the bus or even the police officers. My only point would be that there were some slow moments related to the background of some passengers, but I understand that these were necessary narratives in order to give the plot some backbone. Anyway, I highly recommend Reset, you won’t be disappointed!

Revenge of Others ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 12 | Channel: Disney+

Cast: Lomon, Shin Ye Eun & Seo Ji Hoon
Plot: Ok Chan Mi is a high school student who used to be part of the shooting team. One day, her twin brother dies. While chasing after the truth, she gets involved with Ji Soo Heon, who protects his classmates by taking revenge on their bullies.

Review: Saying that Revenge of Others is an excellent drama is probably an understatement. From the beginning until the end, I was immersed in the plot. The mystery surrounding Won Seok’s death served as a red thread until the big reveal in episode 12. Characters were complex, human, and all had their secret(s) that made them interesting. Thumbs up as well to the acting performance of this young cast, especially Seo Ji Hoon who did an incredible job at portraying Seok Jae Bum. The tension and the suspense were present throughout all episodes, particularly in episodes’ cliffhanger, which made me want to see the next episode even more. So, I highly recommend this drama if you’re into mystery and school dramas.

Rookie Cops ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: Disney+

Cast: Kang Daniel, Chae Soo Bin, Lee Shin Yoon, Park Yoo Na & Min Do Hee
Plot: Wi Seung Hyun is a top student at the national police university. He has a high sense of justice. He meets Ko Eun Kang, who entered this university because of the person she likes. They become friends and more, while working on mysteries that occur at the school.

Review: I was surprised by this college drama to be honest. It was really fresh, characters were adorable and well-intended most of the time. I really appreciated the fact that they gave as much weight to the investigation as to the romance. Not to mention that the rookie squad was really attaching. If you want to watch a nice drama, without too much complexity in the plot and a sweet main couple, go ahead. Plus, some romantic scenes are really heart-fluttering.

Semantic Error ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 8 | Channel: Watcha

Cast: Park Seo Ham & Park Jae Chan
Plot: Chu Sang Woo is a student majoring in computer science. He’s very strict with rules to the point that he denounces one day the freeloaders of his group project, among which Jang Jae Yeong. Annoyed, the latter decides to pester Chang Woo by becoming the designer of his video game. But behind their constant bickering hide some romantic feelings.

Review: Semantic Error is a very nice BL drama! The plot is well-written, the story flows naturally with a good pace despite the 8 episodes of 20 minutes each. I liked the fact that Jae Yeong was sure of his feelings, pursuing Sang Woo; while the latter was a bit more hesitant and unsure of his attraction to his classmate. Still, both have good chemistry, and are quite credible. With some heartwarming scenes here and there, the drama is entertaining and enjoyable. You should take a look!

Shooting Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Lee Sung Kyung, Kim Young Dae, Yoon Jong Hoon, Kim Yoon Hye, Sojin & Lee Jung Shin
Plot: Oh Han Byeol is the head of the PR team for an entertainment company. Gong Tae Sung is the top star of the company where Han Byeol works. They become involved romantically.

Review: Before even starting the drama, I was really thrilled by cast. Lee Sung Kyung has proven she can play various roles, and I am in love with Kim Young Dae ever since The Penthouse. Of course, I was also expecting some clichés. And I was not wrong. Still, the duo’s banter is funny and entertaining, as it should be for friends who turn lovers. I didn’t necessarily appreciate the story about Gong Tae Sung’s housekeeper, but it was OK. But what really added value for me was the fact that each character got his/her love story, even second and third leads! This was rather new and it really pleased me. I found myself rooting for all the couples, not disliking even one. A good surprise to say the least! So, if you’re looking for love, love, love, for for it!

Showtime Begins ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Park Hae Jin, Jin Ki Joo & Jung Joon Ho
Plot: Cha Cha Woong is a popular magician, who has a special ability: He can see ghosts. Because of that, he becomes involved with police officer Go Seul Hae. Together, they start solving cases and develop feelings for each other.

Review: I may be biased by the cast again (I really like Jin Ki Joo), but I have to say I was quite satisfied with this drama. Despite its expected storyline, I liked the way they intertwined magic and supernatural events. The romance is also quite cute, and the second male lead (actor Kim Jong Hoon) is a very good surprise! As for the connection between the leads, it was well-knitted in the overall narrative. By the way, I recommend you listen to the OST too (Freak Show by Jun So Yun (G)I-dle) it’s literally fire!

Soundtrack #1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 4 | Channel: Disney+

Cast: Park Hyung Sik & Han So Hee
Plot: Han Sun Woo is a rookie photographer, who’s kind and warm-hearted. He’s been friends with Lee Eun Soo for about 20 years. She’s a song lyricist. Due to unexpected circumstances, they end up living together and develop feelings for each other.

Review: Amidst the cold winter, a fire burns between these two old friends. Though they take their time to realize their mutual feelings, the cocooning atmosphere and slow-paced romance are enough to grab your attention. Even if the drama only has 4 episodes, it’s sufficient to see the romance unfold. Plus, the chemistry between Park Hyung Sik and Han So Hee is no joke. If you want a short, but heart-fluttering love story, Soundtrack #1 is made for you. And, it was directed by the excellent Kim Hee Won (Little Women, Vincenzo, The Crowned Clown).

Summer Strike ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 12 | Channel: ENA, Genie TV, Seezn

Cast: Im Si Wan & Seol Hyun
Plot: After a series of unfortunate events, Lee Yeo Reum decides to quit her job and move to Angok village. There, she meets Ahn Dae Bum, the town’s librarian. While overcoming their respective wounds, they get closer to each other.

Review: Summer Strike is a great 12-episode long drama that revolves around happiness and the different ways to find it. Whether it’d be by overcoming the scars of the past, or by striking new and unexpected friendships, all characters in the drama pursue the same goal. The various perspectives depicted in the drama also enabled me to think about that topic. Moreover, the village atmosphere allows for a sweet romance to bloom between introverted leads on the one side. On the other side, it hides dark secrets and give a bit of suspense and mystery to the serene plot. All in all, I really loved that slice-of-life/feel-good drama with a touch of thriller vibe. If you don’t know what to watch, this one is highly recommended.

The First Responders Season 1 & 2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022/2023 | Episode: 12 (S1) + 12 (S2) | Channel: SBS

Cast: Kim Rae Won, Son Ho Jun & Gong Seung Yeon
Plot: Jin Ho Gae is a detective. He’s excellent at his job, but is very reckless. To save people and solve his cases, he teams up with skilled firefighter Bong Do Jin and warm-hearted paramedic Song Seol.

Review: Though I am a huge fan of series/dramas that tackle the theme of first responders (without plagiarizing the title of the drama), I really liked it. So, no real bias here. The main trio is solid, whether it’d be in terms of acting performance or characters’ complexity. The focus was more on detective Jin Ho Gae, as we get to see more of his family and past. Still, we also got some glimpses of the other leads’ story, which I hope will be more developed in the second season (because yes, they announced another season). Apart from that, I need to mention the cases presented in that drama. From the first one to the last, episodes were action-packed with a lot of stressful moments, shedding light on the hardships that come with the jobs (physically, mentally, emotionally…). The second season is an excellent continuation of season 1 and there’s no emotional break either. Some scenes really crushed my soul, but the drama ticks all the boxes by the end: Plot is properly wrapped up, the romance is on a good way, the cast is as solid as ever.

The Forbidden Marriage ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022-2023 | Episode: 12 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Kim Young Dae, Park Ju Hyun & Kim Woo Seok
Plot: King Lee Heon imposed a marriage ban 7 years ago, after the sudden death of the Crown Princess. Ye So Rang is a swindler who gets jailed for providing people with marital compatibility advice. To survive, she pretends she’s possessed by the Princess’ spirit. When Lee Heon hears about that, he makes her his maid.

Review: I loved this drama! To keep it short, the drama sets the action in a historical setting involving a King, a princess, maids, power struggles, etc…, while introducing modernity to it. The themes tackled (like gender equality, marriage, love…), So Rang’s mindset and even her relationship with the King are all fresh, as they stray away from your typical ‘sageuk’. It’s a perfect combination between serious and hilarious moments, historical constraints and modern point of views. Plus, the second male lead was just awesome, never too pushy, never annoying. Love lines were well-written and introduced in the drama. Finally it’s only 12-episode long. Do not hesitate to watch it!

The Glory ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022-2023 | Episode: 8 (Part 1) + 8 (Part 2) | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Song Hye Kyo, Lee Do Hyun & Im Ji Yeon
Plot: Moon Dong Eun is a woman in her 40s, who was heavily bullied at school. Due to that, she had to drop out. Now an adult, she is ready to take revenge on all the people who mistreated, harassed and tortured her in her youth.

Review: There’s something about revenge dramas that really grab my attention. Yet, I was a bit scared at first because The Glory received a lot of very positive reviews. So, I feared I’d somehow be disappointed if the story couldn’t reach my expectations. But, I was entirely wrong. The drama is as great as people described it. Kim Eun Sook offers us an intriguing, smart and intense story, led by a breath-taking cast. From child actors to main leads, everyone made his/her character credible, especially Song Hye Kyo. Moon Dong Eun is a tenacious, resilient and vindictive woman, who’s spend years preparing her ‘elegant’ revenge (meaning that she doesn’t dirty her hands). Doctor Joo Yeo Jeong is a mysterious and tortured helper who knows how to play his cards well. As for the villain(s), you will certainly appreciate their performance as much as you enjoy their downfall. To me, The Glory is a must-watch drama that deserved the buzz and the hype around it.

The Jinx’ Lover ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Na In Woo & Seohyun
Plot: Lee Seul Bi has a power that allows her to see someone’s future whenever she touches that person. Because of that she’s lived her life in captivity. One day, she meets Gong Soo Gwang and falls in love with him. After this encounter, the young man’s life changes. He becomes an unlucky man. 7 years later, Seul Bi escapes. She meets Soo Gwang again.

Review: I found the two first episodes of this drama rather nice. But the more I watched, the worse it got. The plot started running in circles at some point, as the exact same issues were arising for characters. Some decisions didn’t make any sense either, which made me really confused. But the hardest part was watching the second lead’s annoying behavior and Seul Bi’s inability to push him away. I mean if you don’t like it, say it loud and clear. Don’t let him force you into doing things you don’t want to! Clearly the show only proved that being too kind, sometimes lead to being too stupid as well. Skip this drama, you won’t be losing anything. A shame because I really like Na In Woo.

The Speed Going to You 493km ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Park Ju Hyun, Chae Jong Hyeop, Kim Mu Jun, Park Ji Hyun & Seo Ji Hye
Plot: Park Tae Yang was a promising badminton player, but she had to quit after an accident. 3 years later, she returns to the sports. She meets Park Tae Joon. Unlike her, his entire life doesn’t revolve about badminton.

Review: After Racket Boys, there comes another drama about badminton. And I am more than glad about it (badminton is my sports!). The drama is quite entertaining, tackling some deep themes (success/failure; being remembered as an athlete; pressure of the sports; reputation…). I really liked the realistic vibe to characters’ problems. The main duo has a great chemistry too. And the love they have for each other is praiseworthy. However, some characters annoyed me so much. First, Park Joon Hyung. I thought she was really selfish and only thinking about herself. But there is worse: Park Tae Joon’s parents. Oh my God, I really wanted to insult them at some point, especially the mother. I won’t spoil too much, but be prepared to witness injustice.

Thirty-Nine ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 12 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Son Ye Jin, Jeon Mi Do & Kim Ji Hyun
Plot: Cha Mi Jo, Jeong Chan Young and Jang Joo Hee have been friends since high school. Now aged 39, they navigate through life and its ups and downs, love and friendship. 

Review: This drama may not be for everyone. So, if you are too sensitive, or are simply looking for a joyful story, please stop right there. For all the others, know that this drama is a gem. Despite its heavy and sad plot, it’s an ode to life, love and friendship. There’s a certain beauty in the tragic events we go through, and that’s exactly what this drama demonstrates. Using its slow pace, realistic portrayal of relationships and credible acting performance as main weapons, Thirty-Nine managed to steal my heart, make it beat fast and crush it all at once. My only recommendation would be to prepare tissues (loads of it!), and to just go with the flow (of the drama or of life, you decide).

Through the Darkness ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 12 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Kim Nam Gil, Jin Sun Kyu & Kim So Jin
Plot: The drama tells the story of criminal profiler Song Ha Yong, who solves serial murder cases by understand the killers’ behaviors. 

Review: I loved this drama and highly recommend it as well! Kim Nam Gil delivers a great performance as a rising profiler, fighting for his speciality within the police force, and obsessing over serial killers’ behaviors. The best part of the drama resides in its interrogation scenes. They are probably the best ones I have ever seen in Dramaland so far, diving deep into psychology, the complexity of the mind and the understanding of criminals’ actions and motives. Moreover, the show tackles the immense and disturbing impact this job can have on someone, who is confronted with atrocities and gruesomeness every single day. Finally, a little bonus from me here, if you are interested in criminology. The drama is vaguely inspired by the real life of John Douglas (one of the first FBI profilers) who wrote the book Mindhunter (there was also a US series of the same name if you want to check it out).

Today’s Webtoon ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Kim Se Jeong, Choi Daniel & Nam Yoon Su
Plot: On Ma Eum used to be a judo athlete, but quit after an incident. She now works as a rookie PD in a webtoon editorial department. Through the hardships, she learns and grows as a person and editor.

Review: This drama is quite realistic, relatable and comforting. Ma Eum is a bright person, who isn’t scared of going out of her way to help others. Her various relationships, whether it’d be with her artists, co-workers or family members, are so sweet. I only wish I could’ve seen a tiny bit more of romance. But again, I understand it was not the purpose of the drama. It’s just me being greedy!

Tomorrow ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Kim Hee Sun, Rowoon, Lee Soo Hyuk & Yoon Ji On
Plot: Choi Joon Woong is a young man, who struggles to find a job. One day, he crosses paths with Grim Reapers Gu Ryeon and Im Ryung Gu. They belong to the Risk Management Team in charge of saving people who want to commit suicide. Joon Woong ends up joining the team.

Review: I simply loved that drama! Honestly, I can’t find a single flaw to it. The plot is well-knitted, characters are deep and human, the stories are relatable and as painful as warm; the life lessons are amazing and Gu Ryeon’s fashion sense is undeniable. It reminded me a lot of other dramas like Move to Heaven or If You Wish Upon Me, where people’s stories are at the core of the plot. Also, it’s a great way to create awareness on mental health, and more specifically suicide, showing that after a storm there’s often a rainbow. Life is worth living.

Twenty-Five, Twenty-One ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Kim Tae Ri, Nam Joo Hyuk, Bona, Choi Hyun Wook & Lee Joo Myung
Plot: Set in 1997 during the IMF crisis, the drama depicts the love story between Na Hee Do, a young fencer, who aspires to become a world champion; and Baek Yi Jin, a young man, who struggles to support his bankrupt family. 

Review: First of all, I am a huge fan of the 1980s/1990s in South Korea. Second, I love the cast, especially Kim Tae Ri, Nam Joo Hyuk and Choi Hyun Wook, I had just discovered in Racket Boys when I started this drama. Third, nothing beats a coming-of-age, feel-good/not-so-good story. So I naturally fell for this drama. There’s not a single flaw to it. The performance is so good that I was embarked on characters’ emotional journey. They totally immersed me in their lives and universe, making the plot so relatable and credible. The romance was as heartwarming as painful, but definitely realistic. The drama is a record of all the possible feelings that exist in life and that you are meant to have, while growing up: Pain, friendship, love, bitterness, regret, nostalgia, etc… It’s a perfect combo. It also reminded me a lot of the Reply series, as there is a double narrative (one set in the present and one in the past). For all of these reasons, Twenty-Five, Twenty-One is a must-watch you can’t pass!

Weak Hero Class 1 ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 8 | Channel: Wave

Cast: Park Ji Hoon, Choi Hyun Wook, Hong Kyung & Shin Seung Ho
Plot: Yeon Si Eun is a model student who ranks at the top of his class. Despite looking weak, he uses his brain to fight against bullies, and violence that take place within and outside school.

Review: This drama is a hidden gem. It displays a lot of violence (some bullying/revenge scenes are hard to endure), but the show is really well done. Si Eun is a student who doesn’t seem to care about anything but grades, yet he turns out to be quite the loyal friend. Weak Hero Class 1 depicts perfectly the consequences of bullying, whether it’d be on the bullied themselves (like Oh Bum Seok), or people standing against it (like An Soo Ho). On top of that, Park Ji Hoon delivers an epic performance. He’s really credible, so thumbs up to him. This is not your typical school drama – don’t expect sweet and cheesy romance – still, if you’re not afraid of blood, I highly recommend you take a look at it. It is definitely worth the watch! Plus, it’s short (only 8 episodes of about 35-40 minutes).

Why Her? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Seo Hyun Jin, Hwang In Yeop, Heo Jun Ho & Bae In Hyuk
Plot: Oh Soo Jae is a talented lawyer, who works for TK Law Firm. After an incident, she is demoted and becomes a teacher at the university. There, she meets Gong Chan. He is a student with a painful past. He falls in love with her.

Review: The character of Oh Soo Jae is probably the reason behind the success of the drama. She is strong and vulnerable; badass and kind; in love and loved. The drama perfectly mixes all of these emotions, as we follow the female lead’s journey. The intrigue is centered on her, which gives strength and depth to the story. I also personally loved her connection to Gong Chan; they made a great couple. Be ready to cry many times in the drama though, it’s not because there is romance that the plot is not cruel (like really cruel).

Woori The Virgin ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 14 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Im Soo Hyang, Sung Hoon & Shin Dong Wook
Plot: Oh Woo Ri is a young woman, who wants to stay a virgin until she marries. She is dating Detective Lee Gang Jae. One day, she goes to her OB-GYN for a regular check-up, but ends up being artificially inseminated with Raphael’s sperm. He is the CEO of a cosmetics company and married to Lee Ma Ri.

Review: This drama is an interesting remake of the US series Jane The Virgin, but not quite to my liking. I was first drawn by the cast and the plot of course. Tackling this theme is quite original (and new) in Dramaland. Unfortunately, I feel like the drama failed to deliver. Every character turned out to be annoying at some point, as they were all trying to control Woori’s life and choice (even Raphael’s wife, gosh). As for Woori, she was rather indecisive, going from one man to another to the other (yes, it’s that complicated). So, yes it was fresh content, yes it was funny, but no, it’s not a must. Oh and the big finale will surely surprise you (it’s probably the first time in my life I see that in a drama!).

Yumi’s Cells 1&2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Kim Go Eun, Ahn Bo Hyun & Park Jin Young
Plot: The drama revolves around Kim Yu Mi. She is an ordinary employee in her 30s, trying to find her match. Through life experiences and relationships, Yu Mi grows as a person.

Review: I don’t care what people have to say about the fact that Yu Mi doesn’t get a happy end on screen. The drama is definitely a must-watch, if you are looking for a realistic, reliable and accurate depiction of relationships. The plot is fresh and unique, mixing animation (Yumi’s cells) and real-life situations. Yumi’s Cells is truthful by simply describing someone’s love life as it is. The drama is a roller coaster of emotions, going from embarrassment to joy, to laugh to cry; but it’s all worth it.