Dramas 2023

7 Escape Season 1 ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 17 | Channel: SBS, Viki

Cast: Uhm Ki Joon, Hwang Jung Eum, Lee Joon, Lee Yoo Bi, Shin Eun Kyung, Lee Deok Hwa, Yoon Jong Hoon & Jo Yoon Hee
Plot: The drama tells the story of 7 people, Matthew Lee, Geum Ra Hee, Min Do Hyeok, Han Mo Ne, Cha Ju Ran, Bang Chil Sung, Yang Jin Mo and Go Myung Ji, who get involved in a girl’s disappearance case and face a great incident. 

Review: I was very excited to see this drama! Penned by the amazing Kim Sun Ok to whom we owe Penthouse and The Last Empress I was quite eager to see this new makjang. But I was a bit disappointed with the result. I’m not saying that the drama is bad. On the contrary, there are a lot of twists, the intrigue is engaging and you want to know what’s coming next at the end of each episode. The issue for me resided in the characters. All of them were villains and thus it was tough for me to root for one of them. Of course, some get better towards the end, but unlike Penthouse there’s not one individual that you love to hate or one that you root for. Characters follow their interests and money, period. Also, a bit of warning here. 7 Escape is a makjang, so if you’re not into the genre of incredible stories and unbelievable cliffhangers (people coming back to life unexpectedly), then the drama is not for you. I love makjang dramas, and even for me it was sometimes too frustrating. There is also a second season, but I don’t think I’ll have the courage to bear another 16 episodes.

A Good Day to Be a Dog ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023-2024 | Episode: 14 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Cha Eun Woo & Park Gyu Young
Plot: Han Hae Na is a teacher whose family has been cursed. Every time she kisses someone, she turns into a dog for 6 hours. Due to that, she’s not been very successful in relationships. One day, she accidentally kisses her colleague Jin Seo Won, while drunk. He’s afraid of dogs. 

Review: First of all, I had very very low expectations with this drama. After the massive fail of Meow: The Secret Boy, I was pretty wary of dramas involving human beings turning into animals. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The drama was better than I thought. The animal/human shift was not that awkward and flowed well with the plot. I think it’s because Hae Na is a human for starters, and not the other way around. Anyway, the dog was cute, the CGIs were nicely done, the romance seemed natural, and Cha Eun Woo, well, is still as handsome as ever. Nevertheless, there are some downsides to this drama. First, I felt like the story was split into 2 distinct parts: Hae Na’s attempt to lift her curse vs. The origins of the curse. Just as if I was reading a webtoon with different chapters. I know it’s an adaptation, but the narrative was not sufficiently intertwined for me. Second, Lee Hyun Woo’s character was just insufferable. The second part of the intrigue revolved around him and I don’t think it was necessary to dedicate so much time to his schemes. Story dragged on, we were running in circles, not learning anything new. Finally, the last episode was absolutely meaningless for me. As all problems were solved in episode 13, the finale was just a waste of time that brought nothing new to the plot. All in all, the drama is a surprise that is nice to watch, but it wouldn’t be my first recommendation.

A Time Called You ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 12 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Jeon Yeo Bin, Ahn Hyo Seop & Kang Hoon
Plot: Han Joon Hee’s boyfriend died a year ago. One day, she travels back in time. In 1998, she is a high school student and meets Nam Shi Heon who looks exactly like her boyfriend. 

Review: A Time Called You is a mix between a melodrama, a romance, and a crime drama. These 3 genres are extremely well intertwined together in the story making it almost impossible to predict what will happen next – and I loved this feeling. The back-and-forth between the timelines may appear confusing at first, but I think it was explained well enough to let you follow the intrigue properly. Characters are well written, and you empathize a lot with their situation. As for the romance, I just found it beautiful and heartwarming. Both leads play wonderfully well their part (especially Jeon Yeo Bin who embodies 2 distinct characters), and you want to learn the truth as much (if not more) as Han Joon Hee. The attention to detail, the touch of darkness here and there, and the emotional roller coaster of emotions make this drama a must-watch for me.

Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Lee Joon Gi, Shin Se Kyung, Jang Dong Gun & Kim Ok Bin
Plot: The stories of Euseom, Saya, Tanya, Tagon and Taealha continue 8 years later, when all parties are at war. Will the prophecy be realized?  

Review: This second season of the hit drama Arthdal Chronicles didn’t manage to convince me entirely. First of all, they changed the 2 main characters (Song Joong Ki playing Euseom/Saya was replaced by Lee Joon Gi and Kim Ji Won embodying Tanya was replaced by Shin Se Kyung) which disconnected me greatly from the story. Don’t get me wrong, I really like Lee Joon Gi and he did a good job at displaying the duality of the twin brothers, but I feel like Song Joong Ki in this role was just irreplaceable. As for Shin Se Kyung, I personally thought she was too emotionless and stoic, so not a good substitute. That being said, the intrigue was also quite lagging. There were a lot of political and strategic sequences that I found rather repetitive over the course of the 12 episodes. Only the war scenes were thrilling, as well as the sequences dedicated to the realization of the prophecy (like the one with the sword and the thunder). Apart from that, I enjoyed seeing characters from season 1 (like Xabara), discovering new others (like the Neanthals), but these were just sporadic joys that grabbed my interest. To be honest, the drama became so dull for me at one point, that I had to do a 1-year hiatus before I actually finished it. With renewed interest, I appreciated the last 4 episodes, except for the ending. Not going to spoil, but I would have preferred a definite one rather than an open ending that just gives way to imagination. All in all, this second chapter was a necessary one in order to put a final point to the story, but it was so-so and disappointing. This season failed to meet the expectations I had after the amazing first season, so I truly hope this will be the last.

Bo Ra Deborah ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 14 | Channel: ENA, Genie TV

Cast: Yoo In Na & Yoon Hyun Min
Plot: Yeon Bo Ra is a writer and dating coach that goes by the stage name of Deborah. One day, she gets involved with Lee Su Hyeok. He works as an editor for a publishing company. Both meet when they are going through rough times in their relationships.

Review: Like most romances, the plot of Bo Ra Deborah doesn’t bring a lot of new twists (main leads don’t like each other, then fall in love, take ages to confess, but eventually end up together). Still, the drama was entertaining with some fresh depictions of relationships (the married couple going through the hoops of marriage, the age gap between lovers, or even divorced couples properly saying goodbye to each other). On that point, the plot was well- written and tackled relationships with a different and sometimes hilarious perspective. I personally preferred the side stories (Bo Ra’s sister, Bo Ra’s friend) to the main one, as they were more original in my opinion. As for characters, you still have the usual and unbearable second male lead (bland, pathetic with no development). The male lead was also frustrating at times because of his inability to express his feelings, but it gets better by the end of the drama. So, if you are looking for a cute romance to binge-watch, go ahead with this one!

Call It Love ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 16 | Channel: Disney+

Cast: Lee Sung Kyung, Kim Young Kwang, Kim Ye Won, Sung Joon & Hani
Plot: Shim Woo Joo’s life became miserable after she discovered her father was having an affair. To get her revenge, she applies for a job at Han Dong Jin’s company, who is the son of her father’s mistress. However, she gradually starts developing feelings for him.

Review: What a beautiful drama! There’s really nothing to criticize for me. It was perfect from beginning to end. First, actors (especially Lee Sung Kyung and Kim Young Kwang) deliver a top-notch performance. Their emotions/expressions were matching their characters’ inner turmoil. I genuinely felt pain, loneliness, sadness, and joy with them. Second, the plot was very smooth and straightforward. No scene was irrelevant, as each displayed a new piece of characters’ transformation. On top of that, characters are indeed complex, but consistent in their choices and behaviors whether it’d be the leads, mothers, siblings, friends, exes… Call It Love is a slow-paced drama showcasing a burning and emotionally intense romance. The side love story of Hae Sung and Jun is also pretty interesting. Finally, the cinematography and aesthetics of the drama are amazing. Watching the drama was a pleasure for the heart and for the eyes. I highly recommend it!

Can We Be Strangers? ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 12 | Channel: ENA, Genie TV

Cast: Kang So Ra & Jang Seung Jo
Plot: Oh Ha Ra is a lawyer specialized in divorce. She got divorced herself, after she discovered her husband, Gu Eun Beom, had cheated on her. The latter is also a lawyer. They meet again when he joins Ha Ra’s workplace.

Review: Although the story of divorcees rekindling the flame is interesting from the get-go, I didn’t like the drama. Most characters are annoying, and quite selfish in the end. The leads are indecisive, making a mess of their lives. On top of that, I was a bit disappointed not to see more divorce cases. Oh Ha Ra is supposedly the best in the field, yet scenes with her as a lawyer are scarce. The ending was unsatisfactory to say the least. The only element that saved the deal is the atypical second lead couple.

Castaway Diva ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 12 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Park Eun Bin, Chae Jong Hyeop, Kim Hyo Jin & Cha Hak Yeon
Plot: Seo Mok Ha has always dreamed of becoming a singer and meet her idol Yoon Ran Joo. After an accident, she gets stranded on a deserted island. 15 years later, she is rescued. She tries to find her high school friend Jung Ki Ho and fulfill her teenage dreams.

Review: What I loved the most about Castaway Diva is the music. The OSTs were extremely good. Each song was deeply intertwined with the plot and characters’ story. On top of that, Park Eun Bin’s clear voice was perfect to deliver emotions the way we needed. In terms of characters, Seo Mok Ha is a determined, resilient and kind woman. She’s also surrounded by positive people who have not been corrupt by the industry they live in. The romance between Ki Ho and Mok Ha is just what we needed to see, really liked also that they didn’t push it with the second lead. I personally really felt like Ran Joo and Mok Ha were sisters, as their chemistry is amazing. My only negative comment has to do with Ki Ho’s father. I honestly didn’t understand how he was still being such a pain, but everyone was doing nothing to stop him. Apart from that, the episodes were efficient and straightforward, I was not bored once and the acting/singing performance is great.

Crash Course In Romance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Jeon Do Yeon, Jung Kyung Ho, Oh Eui Sik & Roh Yoon Seo
Plot: Nam Haeng Seon used to be a handball player for the national team, but had to quit. Years later, she now runs a side dish store, while taking care of her brother and daughter. One day, she meets top star teacher Choi Chi Yeol. They get involved romantically.

Review: This drama is so fresh and light-hearted! The atmosphere is heartwarming and the vibe super pleasant. I loved the romance (or should I say romances), the mystery, the mature relationships and friendships. On top of that, you have the usual educational pressure to succeed either coming from the parents or students themselves, the complex bond between a parent and a child, the trust between a teacher and his students; all the great elements that make a good drama. And don’t get me started with the ending, it was so satisfactory!

Daily Dose of Sunshine ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 12 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Park Bo Young, Yeon Woo Jin, Jang Dong Yoon & Lee Jung Eun
Plot: Jung Da Eun is a nurse. One day, she is transferred to the neuropsychiatry ward where she tries her best to do her job with the help of Head Nurse Song Hyo Jin. Dong Go Yoon works as a doctor. He starts developing feelings for Da Eun. Song Yoo Chan is Da Eun’s friend. He seems bright, but hides a lot of pain. 

Review: Daily Dose of Sunshine is such a gem. I simply loved it! Generally speaking, I would admit that I am a huge fan of dramas that tackle mental health. So, it was obvious that I would watch this one. And I am not disappointed at all. The different mental illnesses are depicted with respect and a lot of empathy. You feel for the patients and for the nurses. You also root for them to get better. I actually learned a lot with this drama. Characters are also super heartwarming and moving. Da Eun is a ray of sunshine, Go Yoon is the best support you can dream of, and Yu Chan an excellent friend to rely on. All of them were well-intended and showed that anyone can suffer from a mental illness; but you shouldn’t be stigmatized for it. As for the romance, there are enough fluffy love stories to keep you entertained. All in all, the drama is soft and educational at the same time, so I highly recommend you take a look at it.

Death’s Game ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023-2024 | Episode: 8 | Channel: TVING

Cast: Seo In Guk & Park So Dam
Plot: Choi Yi Jae is a young man who grew up in a poor family, but he’s always been a bright person. After 7 years of failing to get a job, he commits suicide. In front of the gate of Hell, he meets Death. Yi Jae has to die 12 more times and survive, if he doesn’t want to go to Hell.

Review: I don’t know if it’s just me, but I have the impression that dramas adapted from webtoon are a million times better in the delivery of the show. Well, Death’s Game is no exception to the rule. Its short format allows for a fast-paced intrigue to unfold with excellent twists for each character. Choi Yi Jae reincarnates 12 times, but all his lives are deeply intertwined with each other and with the overarching narrative. The drama also addresses a good number of themes: suicide, the impact death has on those who remain, revenge, greed and money, family love, school bullying, injustice, love, and obviously death. All are amazingly linked with the story and tackled properly. Moreover, Park So Dam’s embodiment of Death is absolutely amazing, she was so badass! Seo In Guk is also super credible, you understand his perspective on his life, the more you deep dive into his story. As for the cast, don’t get me started on it. They were all great and honestly having so many big names in one drama is just surreal: Lee Do Hyun, Lee Jae Wook, Oh Jung Se, Kim Ji Hoon, Kim Jae Wook, Go Yoon Jung, Choi Si Won, Sung Hoon, Jang Seung Jo and so many others. 100% recommend you watch this drama!

Delivery Man ⭐ (1/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 12 | Channel: ENA, Genie TV

Cast: Yoon Chan Young, Bang Min Ah & Kim Min Suk
Plot: Seo Young Min works as a taxi driver to support himself. One day, he starts seeing ghosts who appear in his taxi. Among them, there is Kang Ji Hyun. She doesn’t remember why she died. Together, they chase after a serial killer.

Review: Honestly, the drama could’ve been interesting if I hadn’t seen that same plot over and over again for the past 15 years. Not a single element was new, which made the story predictable and boring. Ok, the actors are nice, but that’s about it. Moreover, the drama is inconsistent at times. Young Min spends his time talking on his own, but no one sees nor cares; he needs to pay his debt but the way he collects money from ghosts is still mysterious; and the police is probably the most stupid ever in the drama. Even the romance is way too rushed.

Destined With You ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Rowoon, Jo Bo Ah, Ha Joon & Yura
Plot: Lee Hong Jo is a civil servant who does her job very well, but is also an outcast at work. Jang Shin Yu is a lawyer, who suffers from a mysterious disease due to a curse. One day, Hong Jo becomes the owner of a wooden box that is the key to lift Shin Yu’s curse. They start developing feelings for each other.

Review: Although it started like a rather simplistic drama, the story got better episode after episode. It was tough for me to get into it at first, but the characters were sympathetic and cute, especially Shin Yu’s petty and jealous behavior when he falls for Hong Jo. I liked how the reason behind the curse was explained properly, and thus the introduction of the past timeline that really gave some more depth to the romance. All in all, it’s an entertaining drama that delivers what it promises, but don’t expect anything super original. Just enjoy the main couple, the funny vibes and the romantic atmosphere. By doing so, you’ll be satisfied.

Doona! ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 9 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Yang Se Jong & Bae Suzy
Plot: Lee Doo Na used to be the main vocalist of an idol girl group, but announced her retirement prematurely. Since then, she’s been living in a shared house and isolating herself. One day, Lee Won Joon moves into the house. He has a warm heart that gradually comforts Doo Na. They start falling for each other.

Review: Doona! is an interesting drama that I wouldn’t qualify as a romance per se. The story is that of 2 completely different people who meet at the right time at the right place. They both heal and help each other somehow showing that life is made up of a variety of encounters that can influence its course, no matter what comes after. The chemistry between the leads is really credible and I also really liked the side characters. For me the plot showcases a mature relationship that brings something to each party when they both need it the most. Needless to say, you should not watch this drama if you expect a silly rom-com.

Duty After School ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 6 (Part 1) + 4 (Part 2) | Channel: TVING

Cast: Shin Hyun Soo, Im Se Mi, Yeo Joo Ha, Kim Su Gyeom, Moon Sang Min & Kwon Eun Bin
Plot: In the midst of an alien invasion, high school students are recruited to become the reserve force in the military. The drama revolves a group of students and their platoon commander, as they try to survive the apocalypse.

Review: Duty After School is a must-watch drama if you like intense and action-packed stories. There’s so much tension and stress in each episode! And there are only 6 episodes in Part 1. I liked how every character – and there’s a lot of them – had a real role to play in the drama. Though students have very different personalities, they compensate each other and form a solid platoon. The values displayed (solidarity, companionship, camaraderie, friendship) and messages conveyed are beautiful. Duty After School is also about growing up and has that coming-of-age touch typical of school dramas, though here the transition from one world to another is way more brutal. Still, I highly recommend you watch it! It’s a gem!

Falling High School Girl and Irresponsible Teacher ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2023 | Episode: 9 | Channel: MBS

Cast: Ryo Hashimoto & Akari Takaishi
Plot: Mikoto Ochiai is a negative high school student who is very lonely. On the day, she plans to kill herself by jumping from the school rooftop, Jin Haiba convinces her otherwise and asks her if she wants to date him. Haiba is the aloof and failed physics teacher at Mikoto’s school.

Review: I must warn you first with this drama. If you are not into student/teacher relationship or if you find it really uncomfortable, then I suggest not to watch this drama. Now if it’s not a topic that necessarily bothers you or that you can easily overcome, I really believe you should give this drama a chance. Indeed, the drama does not only depict the romance between a teacher and his student. On the contrary, most of the romantic scenes are cut short by sarcastic or quirky comments from one of the leads. The dark humour defuses the heartwarming scenes to give way to a much serious theme: Suicide. So, if you manage to read between the lines, you get to see that Mikoto and Haiba are both in pain and have had their fair share of issues. Their relationship enables them to heal and give them the will to live again. On top of that, they also learn how to help others, especially students. The dialogues are brilliantly written with subtlety, humor and an underlying reflection on life and death that is beautifully handled in such a short amount of time. 

Gyeongseong Creature ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023-2024 | Episode: 7 (Part 1) + 3 (Part 2) | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Park Seo Joon & Han So Hee
Plot: Set in 1945 in Gyeongseong, Jang Tae Sang is a wealthy man, known for his ability to gather reliable information. He gets involved with Yoon Chae Ok who’s very good at finding missing people. Together, they solve a series of mysterious missing person cases.

Review: One of the best gifts I received for Christmas! Penned by the amazing Kang Eun Kyung (Dr Romantic, Gu Family Book, Where Stars Land), the drama is a perfect combination of fantasy and action. It’s full of tension and mystery that flow really well episode after episode. I found the creature pretty credible and characters’ transformation quite sensible as well. As for the underlying narrative of how it was for Joseon to be under Japanese Occupation, I believe it was credible and rather realistic. Not to mention that the cast that did a great job too! I was really immersed in the story. But the best part is that they teased us with a second season. So, I can’t wait to see how the story will continue.

Heartbeat ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Ok TaecYeon, Won Ji An, Park Kang Hyun & Yoon So Hee
Plot: Seon Woo Hyul is a vampire who dreams of becoming human. But one day before he actually succeeds, his plan is disturbed by Joo In Hae. One thing leading to another, they end up living in the same house. While In Hae struggles to live her life and Woo Hyul looks for ways to become human, they develop romantic feelings.

Review: Honestly, I am a bit disappointed with this drama. It started well, showcasing a lighthearted and funny fantasy rom-com. Characters were a bit stereotypical, and the plot completely expected, but second leads were fine and the overall intrigue entertaining. Yet, the more I watched it, the more boring it got. Almost all side/second characters became unbearable (from the simple neighbors to the actual second leads) pushing their selfish agenda and satisfying their personal needs. However at the end, they have a sudden change of hearts and give in, despite being intolerable in most episodes. The ending in itself is full of loopholes and unanswered questions. It made me actually think that maybe Joo In Hae is the main character (even before Seon Woo Hyul) and that the drama is not an actual romance. It’s an open ending, so who knows after all.

Hidden Love ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: China | Year: 2023 | Episode: 25 | Channel: Youku Tudou

Cast: Zhao Lu Si & Chen Zhe Yuan
Plot: When she was younger, Sang Zhi was secretly in love with her older brother’s best friend Duan Jia Xu despite their 5-year age gap. Some years later, she reconnects with him when she starts university. Now a woman, their story may take another turn.

Review: What to say apart that it was simply cute from start to end! Hidden Love is the story of a first love that evolves into a solid relationship. The leads’ chemistry is over the top and the affection they have for one another is simply out of this world. No matter what comes their way, they just overcome it with tenderness and warmth. This drama just proves that you don’t need to have many back-and-forth in a relationship to make a credible story. I really hope I will stumble upon more of this type of dramas because it really feels good to just buckle up and enjoy the love ride. Highly recommended!

Island Part 1 & Part 2⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2022-2023 | Episode: 6 (Part 1) & 6 (Part 2) | Channel: TVING

Cast: Kim Nam Gil, Lee Da Hee, Cha Eun Woo & Sung Joon
Plot: Set on Jeju Island, hybrid Van, heiress Won Hi Ho and Catholic priest Yo Han fight against evil forces trying to destroy the world.

Review: This is an excellent fantasy/action drama with just enough romance to make it interesting. The plot is well-written and flows naturally, though I found part 1 to be slightly slower than the second part. Still, the final episodes are dope with a lot of fight scenes and good CGI. The cast is on-top of its game, especially Sung Joon playing Gungtan and Hur Jung Hee as Yeom Ji whom I personally adored. Of course, Cha Eun Woo has fantastic visuals as a priest, so it just adds to the positive reviews! If you’re in for some fantasy drama, this one is just perfect (and it’s short)!

King The Land ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Lee Jun Ho & Im YoonA
Plot: Gu Won is the son of a chaebol family and the CEO of King Hotel. He is smart, handsome, but doesn’t know how to smile. Cheon Sa Rang is the best employee at King Hotel. She knows how to put on a fake smile. Despite their differences, they start falling in love.

Review: If you consider the drama purely as a rom-com – which is what I did – the drama delivers 100%! There’s top-notch chemistry between the leads, a lot of cheesy confessions that will give you butterflies in your stomach, a good number of satisfying kiss scenes, etc… The drama also avoids some common (and annoying) twists in the plot such as the main couple breaking up at the end and meeting months/years later. If this is the type of mood you’re in, then King the Land is the perfect drama to clear your mind and keep you entertained. However, my grade would have probably been a 2/3, had I been looking for a more complex and deeper depiction of relationships. Characters here are bland and follow a simple red thread from which they rarely diverge. Trauma, scars, and pain are quickly brushed off at the end in a rushed way. Reconciliation is achieved very fast, while problematic relationships like Da Eul’s are not even tackled or questioned (and it was outrageous to witness!). So, if you’re looking for a mature romance, this is certainly not what you should be watching. 

Love to Hate You ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 10 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Kim Ok Bin, Yoo Teo, Kim Ji Hoon & Go Won Hee
Plot: Yeo Mi Ran is an attorney at a law firm specialized in the entertainment industry. She is not interested in relationships. One day, she gets entangled with top start Nam Gang Ho. He’s handsome, popular and kind, but doesn’t trust women.

Review: I loved it! Gosh, I hadn’t seen such a nice rom-com in a long time. The characters are rather atypical, especially when it comes to their views on the opposite sex, but they are such a great match. The 2 love lines are super interesting, intense, and really made my heart melt. I really liked how the female lead is free-spirited, doesn’t care about what others think, and leads her life the way she wants it. She really rocks. Of course, you have some clichéd scenes, but it’s fine. As for the romance, it was super hot! If you’re in the mood for love, and don’t know what to watch, I highly recommend you try this drama!

Meet Yourself ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: China | Year: 2023 | Episode: 40 | Channel: Hunan TV, Viki

Cast: Li Xian & Liu Yifei
Plot: Xu Hong Dou is a young woman who works at a luxurious hotel in Beijing. But her life crumbles down after the death of her best friend. So, she decides to take a break from her job and the city. She establishes herself in Yunnan Province in a village named Yunmiao. There, she meets Xie Zhi Yao, an entrepreneur who works hard to transform his village.

Review: Meet Yourself is a breath of fresh air in Dramaland! First of all, the Chinese landscapes are fantastic and everything about the village vibe made me want to visit Yunnan Province. The drama is clearly a touristic postcard for the location – no wonder so many people flew there after the hit drama aired. But apart from that, the show offers a great collection of life stories. Each person in the village has his/her own struggles and is trying to overcome them. I really liked how each character is important to the narrative and they all converge towards the same goal: healing. As for the romance, I anxiously waiting 20 episodes for the leads to finally give it a go. And once it was on, it was simply beautiful. Li Xian and Liu Yifei have wonderful chemistry, they made me feel like I was seeing a real couple on screen. All in all, the drama is extremely well-written, characters have a real story, good motivations and their evolution makes sense, the cinematography is top-notch, romance is perfect and the peaceful vibes of the countryside are exactly what I needed to resource myself as well. I highly recommend you watch this slice-of-life gem, it’s amazing!

Moon in the Day ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 14 | Channel: ENA, Genie TV

Cast: Kim Young Dae & Pyo Ye Jin
Plot: Han Joon Oh is a top star, who seems to have everything but he suffers from an inferiority complex. One day, he takes part in an advertisement with firefighter Kang Young Hwa who saves his life. She becomes his bodyguard. Meanwhile, Joon Oh’s body his possessed by a Silla nobleman. He was killed by his wife who looks exactly like Young Hwa. 

Review: To be entirely honest, I really thought Moon in the Day would be a South Korean telenovela when I first read the summary. But I was positively surprised to see that it was nothing as such. The drama brilliantly combines romance and melodrama with a historical touch here and there. In my opinion, there are 3 main points that make the drama a good show to watch. First, the mix between past and present. Piece by piece, memory by memory, characters discover the reasons why they’ve been tied up to each other for 1500 years. Though it’s not always explicit, we understand that the leads are lovers whose yearning has traveled through centuries. Second, both Kim Young Dae and Pyo Ye Jin deliver an excellent acting performance. Kim Young Dae did an amazing job at portraying 2 very distinct characters; while Pyo Ye Jin’s raw emotions emphasized on the melodramatic aspect of their romance. It was super credible and what great chemistry they have! Finally, I think the ending was just perfect. I won’t spoil, but the finale was logical, in line with the overall vibe, even though unconventional in this type of dramas. In a nutshell, I do recommend you take a look at this drama!

Moving ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 20 | Channel: Disney+

Cast: Ryu Seung Ryong, Jo In Sung, Han Hyo Joo, Kim Sung Kyun, Cha Tae Hyun, Go Yoon Jung, Lee Jeong Ha & Kim Do Hoon
Plot: Kim Bong Seok, Jang Hui Soo and Lee Gang Hoon attend Jeongwon High School. They look like ordinary students, but they all have special abilities (flying, healing wounds, super strength). While they try to conceal their powers, their parents fight to protect them from people who want to use their children to their advantage. 

Review: Moving is a masterpiece! I had not felt the need to binge-watch a drama that fast in a very long time, but the story is so addictive! First of all, the cast is top-notch with many veteran actors and promising young figures. Second, the story is brilliantly written and perfectly combined with the beautiful direction. I really liked how each episode is centered on one character at the beginning, as it allows for a better understanding of their power and past. The drama combines action scenes with romantic moments with an incredible subtlety. Not only is it sometimes fast-paced and thrilling, but also heartwarming and relationship- centered. As for the special effects and CGIs, they are super credible. No wonder it’s the most expensive drama ever to date! All in all, I can only recommend you watch this show, it’s amazing!

Mrs Durian ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 16 | Channel: TV Chosun

Cast: Choi Myung Gil, Park Joo Mi, Lee Da Yeon, Kim Min Jun, Han Da Gam, Jeon So Min, Yoon Hae Young, Ji Young San & Yoo Jung Hoo
Plot: Du Ri An and Kim So Jeo are 2 women from the Joseon era who end up traveling to the modern times and meet the reincarnation of their family members.

Review: Mrs Durian is Phoebe’s new drama and I can clearly feel her print/style – she is the brain behind the 3 seasons of Love ft Marriage and Divorce. I personally love her universe and her unique way of telling stories, though I understand it’s not for everyone. It’s original, slow but weirdly addictive at the same time. In Mrs Durian, 2 timelines (past and present) are intertwined. Like puzzle pieces spread throughout episodes, they all come together at the end. The fact that time travel is in the future and not in the past is also super interesting, as we are put in characters’ shoes. Not only do they discover a new world (and have to adapt to it), but they are also confronted with the ghosts of their pasts. By doing so and reshuffling family configuration and dynamics, the drama allows for a broad depiction of relationships (loveless marriage, convenience marriage, love at first sight, affection mistaken for love, obsessive/forbidden love,…) through a variety of personalities (don Juan son, bold and reckless wife, ‘castrating’ wife…). But the arrival of So Jeo and Ri An with their beauty and innocence resets the dynamics. Of course, some characters are annoying but the plot is really enjoyable. Only issue for me is the ending that I found rushed. But there may be a second season who knows.

My Dearest Part 1&2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 10 (Part 1) + 11 (Part 2) | Channel: MBC

Cast: Namgoong Min, Ahn Eun Jin, Lee Hak Joo & Lee Da In
Plot: Lee Jang Hyun is a nobleman who works as a merchant. One day, he meets Yoo Gil Chae. Her bright personality changes his life. They fall in love and have to overcome the struggles and turmoil brought about the Qing invasion. 

Review: Where to begin with this drama? If My Dearest doesn’t swoop awards in 2023, I will go live in a cave. This drama is AMAZING!! The story is a realistic portrayal of the struggles Joseon had to go through during the Qing invasion during the 17th century. The depiction of war and its aftermath, the political power games between the King and the invaders and internal strife within the royal court is beautiful, relatable and realistic. The tone of the drama is serious and will make you go through a myriad of emotions. As for the love story, it’s a melodramatic journey that the leads put me through. It’s burning, yet indecisive; complicated, yet so simple. But the best part of the drama remains the acting performance. Ahn Eun Jin and Namgoong Min are soooo credible. Their raw emotions are perfectly timed with the atmosphere of each scene. They deserve all the praise and success the drama received because it’s just the best. 10000% recommended!

My Demon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023-2024 | Episode: 16 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Song Kang, Kim Yoo Jung, Lee Sang Yi & Kim Hae Sook
Plot: Do Do Hee is the successor of Future Group. She’s arrogant and doesn’t trust anyone. She meets Jeong Gu Won. He’s a demon who looks down on humans and can live forever by making deals with them. On day, he loses his power. To get them back he enters into a marriage contract with Do Hee whom he must protect. They develop feelings for each other. 

Review: My Demon exceeded my expectations for 2 main reasons. First, the main couple was literal fire. The chemistry between Song Kang and Kim Yoo Jung was through the roof. I really thought I was seeing a real couple on screen. Moreover, they had plenty of scenes to give us butterflies. Second, and probably the most important reason for me, is the script, its references and subtle meanings. Many passages are linked with religion and/or religious education that I found extremely well intertwined with the overall intrigue (e.g. Hermann Hesse’s Demian). The drama gave way to a good reflection on good and evil that I appreciated and was not expected to have in a romance. Well done! This drama is proof that you can combine lighthearted romance and intellectual reflection.

My Lovely Liar ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Kim So Hyun, Hwang Min Hyun, Seo Ji Hoon & Yun Ji On
Plot: Mok Sol Hee is a young woman who has the ability to hear lies. One day, she gets involved with who’s a murder suspect. He claims his innocent, but no one believes him. They get romantically involved while trying to uncover the truth about the murder case. 

Review: All in all, My Lovely Liar was an entertaining romance, but nothing original from what we have already seen before. I may sound super critical here, but the drama would have been terrible if not for the main leads. MY biggest problem is that no characters other than Do Ha and Sol Hee were appreciable. The mothers were selfish and self-centered, the so-called friends only interested in their own benefits, pushing their feelings onto leads. Only a few managed to redeem themselves at the end, but not fully in my opinion. Thankfully, the sweetness, kindness (sometimes too much) and forgiveness of the leads balanced the plot and made it bearable. Kim So Hyun and Hwang Min Hyun also had amazing chemistry, I really believed they were a couple. There were also some thoughts thrown here and there on lies and why we lie, but that obviously was not the main topic. Finally, I found it interesting and quite appropriate/fit for the occasion that the female lead’s name means ‘Voice’ (Mok Sol Hee) when translated. She really is the voice of truth throughout the drama, especially in Do Ha’s case when everyone considers him guilty. So, the drama was good for me, but only because I focused on the main couple.

Night Has Come ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 12 | Channel: U+mobiletv

Cast: Lee Jae In, Kim Woo Seok, Choi Ye Bin, Cha Woo Min & Ahn Ji Ho
Plot: During a school trip, the students of Yooil High School are forced to play the mafia game in which they have to kill each other and win if they want to survive.  

Review: Night Has Come is my biggest surprise of the month! What seemed to be a random school drama with a scary plot turned into an intriguing, intelligent, and bloody survival game as good as Alice in Borderland and Squid Game. The episodes are short (30min), but straightforward. The horror and thrill are present all along. Plus, the cast is amazing with a good number of unique characters who all play the game in their own way. Finally, I believed the mafia game and the rules to be extremely clever. I often tried to put myself in contestants’ shoes and failed to find valid options to put an end to the game. The ending may not be the most satisfactory, but I keep my hopes up that there will be a second season. If you’re into survival games (like me), then this is for you!

Oasis ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Jang Dong Yoon, Seol In Ah & Choo Young Woo
Plot: Set during the 1980s, the drama revolves around 3 high school friends – Lee Doo Hak, Oh Jung Shin and Choi Cheol Woong – who go through ups and downs of live, love and friendship in turbulent times.

Review: Oasis is a real roller coaster of emotions. If you like melodramas set in the 1980s, then you’ll probably like it. The main trio’s story is as heartwarming as painful because of the lies and injustice that interfere with their friendship. I really loved how the plot combined political and realistic drama with fictitious characters who struggle to survive the harsh world. Add to that jealousy, greed, obsessive love, and a whole bunch of other emotions and you get the chaos that unfolds. Character-wise, Jung Shin shone by her determination and loyalty towards Doo Hak whose kindness often put him through miserable times. Choi Cheol Woong was the most complex character of the lot. Lost, confused, lied to by his own family, and jealous of Doo Hak, he couldn’t seem to pick a side making it difficult for everyone. I empathized with him as much as I hated him. But, the worst characters remain the parents and if you watch the drama you’ll understand why. Otherwise, the romance was nice, the cinematography top-notch and the OSTs really beautiful. I even shed some tears while watching some scenes. Overall, if you like painful plots about injustice and friendship, you can surely watch this drama.

Our Blooming Youth ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 20 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Park Hyung Sik, Jeon So Nee, Pyo Ye Jin, Yun Jong Seok & Lee Tae Sun
Plot: Min Jae Yi is a smart woman who comes from a respectable family. One day, her entire family is assassinated and she is accused of the murder. To clear her name, she goes to Crown Prince Lee Hwan. He’s arrogant and doesn’t trust anyone. She becomes her eunuch and together they try to solve the murder, as well as other mysteries happening in the palace.

Review: Our Blooming Youth is a good sageuk (historical drama). I really loved the female lead to be honest. She’s independent, smart, and doesn’t need a man to fend for herself. She also knows how to fight and is super resourceful. It’s nice to come across this kind of female characters in historical dramas, as they don’t exist that much. I also really appreciated the second male lead, Han Sung On. He was the epitome of the best friend and loyal subject to the Crown Prince. The three of them made an impeccable team. Seeing Park Hyung Sik on screen again was of course enjoyable! As for the plot, it was interesting and pretty smooth. Although some scenes could’ve been shortened. Nevertheless, the intrigue flew naturally.

Our Dating Sim ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 8 | Channel: GagaOOLala, Viki

Cast: Lee Jong Hyuk & Lee Seung Gyu
Plot: When he was in high school, Lee Wan was secretly in love with his friend Shin Gi Tae. On the day he confesses, Shin Gi Tae is surprised. After that Lee Wan disappears due to personal circumstances. 7 years later, he has become an artist. He is hired by a video game company in which Shin Gi Tae also works. Will romance bloom between these former friends?

Review: Our Dating Sim is a nice BL. I hadn’t watched one in a while, so it was good to get back back into the genre with this cute one. Although the premise of the story is ridiculous for me (Lee Wan suddenly disappears after confessing and doesn’t understand why his crush has not contacted him after that – I mean you moved out, changed phone number, no one would’ve found you), it is mentioned by characters and explained in the drama. Apart from that, the romance was cute and the pace of the drama good. It didn’t feel rushed or completely boring. Finally, they integrated perfectly the dating simulation concept within the leads’ romance and their time in high school which was a great idea. Recommended if you’re looking for an entertaining BL that is not too long.

Perfect Marriage Revenge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 12 | Channel: MBN

Cast: Sung Hoon, Jung Yoo Min, Lee Min Young, Ji Jin Hee, Lee Mi Sook, Jeon No Min, Kang Shin Hyo & Kim Eung Soo
Plot: Han Yi Joo is a painter who was adopted by a rich family. But her adoptive mother and sister never treated her well. Despite that, she tried to win over their heart and affection. Now an adult, she’s married to Jung Se Hyuk. On the day she discovers that her family and husband have betrayed her, she gets into a car accident. She wakes up one year in the past and about to tie the knot. To get her revenge, she decides to marry her sister’s crush Seo Do Guk who happens to be the grandson of a rich chaebol family.

Review: Highly recommended! 10000/10! Whatever it is that will convince you to watch this perfect revenge drama. First, let me start with the cast and crew. The director and some actors had previously met on the set of Love ft Marriage and Divorce Season 3 and the fact they have already worked together is palpable. Everyone, villains included, did an amazing job at portraying their character. I believed Yoo Ra and Jung Hye to be very credible as the evil mother and sister; while the chemistry between the leads brought sparks on screen. The plot is efficient and straightforward. The twists happen exactly when they are supposed to, there are no redundant scenes or boring moments. Each of them have their use in the story and allow characters to evolve. Talking about characters’ transformation, Han Yi Joo is extremely well-written. She goes from a shy woman yearning for love to a confident fighter who knows her worth. As for the revenge, it’s soooo satisfactory. The ending makes sense just like the rest of the drama. I couldn’t help but click on the next episode, and had not felt the need to binge-watch a drama that much in a very long time. So, I can only tell you to go take a look and enjoy!

Run Into You ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Kim Dong Wook & Jin Ki Joo
Plot: Yoon Hae Jun is the youngest anchor of his broadcasting station. He’s a straightforward journalist and kind person. Baek Yoon Young works as an editor at a publishing company. One day, they end up traveling back in time to 1987. There, they try to solve a serial murder case, while uncovering secrets about their own families.

Review: Run Into You is a great mystery drama with a thriller vibe and a romantic touch. I really feel like it’s underrated! The plot is full of twists (like the real identity of the serial killer), and unexpected revelations until the very end. I was really drawn to the story and couldn’t stop watching to be honest. Despite the serious topic (murders), there’s was all along a positive and lighthearted atmosphere that transpired through the leads’ bond with the inhabitants – among which their parents and grandparents. The romance was also perfect! Not too much or too little, as well as properly incorporated to the overall narrative. I can only recommend you watch this drama, it’s a hidden gem!

Season of Kkok Du ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 16 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Im Soo Hyang, Kim Jung Hyun, Kim Da Som & An Woo Yeon
Plot: Oh Hyun became the God of the Afterlife, also named Kkok Du, as part of his punishment for disobeying God. Every 99 years, he comes down on Earth and possesses a human’s body for 99 days. Meanwhile, he kills people who do evil deeds and deserve to die. One day, he enters the body of Do Jin Woo, and gets romantically involved with Han Gye Jeol.

Review: Compared to other fantasy dramas (like Goblin or Tale of the Nine-Tailed Fox), Season of Kkok Du was not up to expectations. Though the romance was nice, the plot was rather expected which made parts of the drama a bit boring/not very entertaining. Characters were quite bland, villains had no complexity whatsoever. They were just plain evil beings with no depth. Apart from the trio made up of Kim Jung Hyun, Cha Jung Hwa and Kim In Kwon (that was amazing in Mr. Queen!), there were not a lot of elements to catch my attention from beginning to end. It’s a typical, clichéd fantasy drama that I probably won’t watch again. And I’ve never seen a female lead shed so many tears in a genre that is not a melodrama!

See You in My 19th Life ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Shin Hye Sun, Ahn Bo Hyun, Yoon Ha Kyung and Ahn Dong Goo
Plot: Ban Ji Eum is a young woman who can remember her past lives. In her previous one, she met Moon Seo Ha as a child, but tragically died in an accident. Now in her 19th life, she tries to reunite with him.

Review: See You in My 19th Life is such a flawless drama! Though characters are wounded and hurting, they still thrive towards happiness and wish to reunite (and remain) with their loved ones. Ban Ji Eum, played by an incredibly relatable Shin Hye Sun, overcomes the hurdles of life (or I should say of her lives) with dignity and kindness. As for Mun Seo Ha, he’s simply the greenest of green flags. Despite everything’s he’s been through, he’s still true to himself, his feelings and his lover. The side romance with Do Yoon and Cho Won was also super cute. But the leads’ one is THE best. The ending couldn’t have been better and more on-point. It made so much sense! Finally, not a single scene is useless (especially those regarding Ji Eum’s past lives), and the plot is perfectly supported by the beautiful direction and cinematography. I highly recommend this gem, you won’t be disappointed. But you may want to prepare some tissues though.

Strong Girl Nam Soon ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Lee Yoo Mi, Kim Jung Eun, Ong Seong Wu, Byun Woo Seok & Kim Hae Sook
Plot: Kang Nam Soon has super strength. She got lost as a kid and is now looking for her mother Hwang Geum Joo who is a rich woman living in Seoul. Nam Soon reunites with her mother and grandmother Gil Joon Gang and together they get involved in a drug case with detective Kang Hee Sik. 

Review: If I had to compared Strong Girl Nam Soon and its predecessor Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, obviously I would have to say that this new drama failed to live up to expectations. Yes, the drama is funny with a lot of comedy, running gags and stupid twists; yes, the romance between Nam Soon and Hee Sik is cutie; but the plot is lagging behind. I was disappointed in the fact that the supposedly strong girl Nam Soon never showed her real strength against her enemies because of her good intentions. On top of that the villain could’ve had a good evolution, but I think they sabotaged his transformation in the last episodes. I am not sure a season 3 is necessary, especially if the main character is a man. The drama is women-centric, so why would you want to change the red thread of the show?

Soundtrack #2 ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 6 | Channel: Disney+

Cast: Geum Sae Rok, Nok Sang Hyun & Sohn Jeong Hyuck
Plot: Do Hyun Seo and Ji Soo Ho met at university as members of the same music band. After graduation, they experienced tough times and broke up. Years later, Hyun Seo has given up on her dream and is a piano tutor, while Soo Ho is a burned out rich CEO. They fall in love again. 

Review: I have mixed feelings about this new season of the Soundtrack series. The plot, the music and the flow of the story are nice – though sometimes there are time jumps that confused me at first. I also really appreciated the male lead played by Noh Sang Hyun. He was sweet, honest and genuine. Even the second lead was understanding and stood down when needed. My real problem resided with the female lead. I felt like she didn’t deserve Soo Ho and her inferiority complex hurt him constantly. To me, the relationship was clearly not equal. Yet, it’s only 6 episodes so it’s bearable to watch.

Tell Me That You Love Me ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023-2024 | Episode: 16 | Channel: ENA, Genie TV

Cast: Jung Woo Sung & Shin Hyun Bin
Plot: Cha Jin Woo is a man with a hearing impairment. Because of that, he’s used to expressing his feelings through drawings. Jung Mo Eun is an aspiring actress who uses words to express herself. They fall in love with each other.

Review: This has been my comfort drama through the tough winter. Everything about the story is like melted marshmallow. The main couple is soft and tender, each of them battling against his own insecurities. It was truly heartwarming to see how much affection they had for each other, despite their differences. The entire part related to acceptance, tolerance and disability (Jin Woo has a hearing impairment) is tackled with respect and subtlety. I appreciated how well the drama demonstrated their unique strong bond. Apart from that, the plot also focused on the leads’ respective dreams and their efforts to achieve them. Once again here, it was pretty praise-worthy. Finally, the side characters’ stories were also quite sweet. Although, I was slightly annoyed by Jin Woo’s past lover. If you’re looking for a slow-paced romance that soothes the heart, this one’s for you!

The Good Bad Mother ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 14 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Lee Do Hyun, Ra Mi Ran & Ahn Eun Jin
Plot: Jin Young Soon runs a pig farm and raises her son alone after her husband’s death. Now all grown up, Choi Kang Ho is a prosecutor, but his relationship with his mother is estranged. One day, he gets into an accident. He goes back to being a child and to his hometown under his mother’s care.

Review: What a beautiful drama! The Good Bad Mother is the perfect mix between heart-wrenching moments and lighthearted comedy scenes. All actors/actresses are credible and capable of conveying a myriad of emotions. On top of that, the plot is amazingly written with a good amount of romance and action following a red thread from the get-go: the mother-son relationship. Many scenes are relatable in a sense that all characters behave in a certain way that is understandable and justified. I literally felt empathetic towards all of them, though I didn’t always condone their actions. But isn’t it how life works? To me The Good Bad Mother is an ode to motherhood that has the capacity to depict real life situations with so much sincerity that it can only move your heart (even hearts made of stone)! As if motherly love were not enough, you also get enough romance between the leads. There’s literally nothing to criticize with this drama. I just recommend you watch it right away!

The Heavenly Idol ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Kim Min Gyu, Go Bo Gyeol & Lee Jang Woo
Plot: Pontifex Rembrary is a highly respected priest with divine powers. While fighting against evil, he is transported to another world. He’s now Woo Yeon Woo, a member of the unpopular idol band named Wild Animals. He tries to live as Yeon Woo and protect the world from evil forces.

Review: I honestly think the only reason why I watched that drama until the end is because Kim Min Gyu and Go Bo Gyeol finally landed leading roles. Apart from that the story is your typical fantasy drama with expected twists and clichéd scenes. The last episodes were redundant, especially those about Redrin. Rembrary’s kindness is also annoying at times, as it always leads to worse situations than before. In the end, I was thankful there were only 12 episodes. As for the romance, it was good. I could see that they really made an effort.

The Interest of Love ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Yoo Yeon Seok, Moon Ga Young, Geum Sae Rok & Jung Ga Ram
Plot: The drama depicts the lives and romances of employees working at KCU Bank: Ha Sang Su, Ahn Su Yeong, Park Mi Gyeong and Jeong Jong Hyeon.

Review: The Interest of Love is not your typical romance. It’s a slow-paced realistic depiction of relationships, how they form and come to an end; what they involve and their consequences. To be honest, I loved this drama. I think all actors did an excellent job at portraying their characters, especially the leads. The atmosphere and feelings were intense, sometimes full of hope, sometimes melodramatic. The plot shows with subtlety the importance of timing in life, maturity in a relationship, and the lingering feelings and above all regrets that remain when you missed your chance. It may leave you with a bittersweet taste, but it’s all worth it.

The Matchmakers ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Cho Yi Hyun & Rowoon
Plot: Sim Jung Woo is an intelligent man who ends up having to marry the Crown Princess. But on their wedding day, she dies. He becomes a widow. Jung Soon Duk was married, but her husband died of sickness. Since then, she’s secretly acted as a matchmaker. She teams up with Jung Woo to find a spouse to 3 unmarried sisters.

Review: Unfortunately, The Matchmakers fell short to my expectations. I appreciated the part related to matchmaking per se with Rowoon and Cho Yi Hyun’s characters trying hard to marry their clients. On that note, the 15th episode was great. It displayed the essence of the drama, that is the funny, romantic and comedy vibe in a historical setting. The scheming part to make sure that the right people would end up together was already quite entertaining. The secondary characters were sweet, as well as the final couples. What I liked less was the rest of the plot dedicated to the politics and the ‘murder’ cases. For me, it clashed with the lighthearted vibe and didn’t bring anything to the romance between the leads apart from unnecessary problems. That’s why, I couldn’t really get into the drama and got bored at times.

The Real One Has Come ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 50 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Baek Jin Hee, Ahn Jae Hyun, Cha Joo Young & Jung Eui Jae
Plot: Oh Yeon Doo is a young woman who discovers one day that her boyfriend is cheating on her. After their break-up she realizes she is pregnant. Meanwhile, she meets Gong Tae Kyung who is an OB-GYN. He never wants to get married. They both get entangled and start developing feelings for each other. 

Review: I am a huge fan of dramas and shows in general that tackle pregnancy, though it’s pretty difficult to find some in Dramaland. Well, let me tell you that I was definitely not disappointed with this one. The Real One Has Come displays a lot of different family configurations when it comes to being a parent. But apart from that variety of scenarios, I really loved that they developed a reflection on what it is that makes you a parent. And of course, blood is not necessarily the right answer. The romance is also top-notch, and the plot unravels quite fast. I didn’t get the impression that the story was being repetitive or boring. Of course, some characters deserved some good slaps and the leads were way too kind with them, but that’s generally what happens in family dramas. 

The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

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

Cast: Lee Se Young & Bae In Hyuk
Plot: In the 19th century, Park Yeon Woo’s husband dies on their wedding night. She’s then thrown into a well. When she opens her eyes, she’s at the swimming pool and saved by a man who’s the spitting image of her husband. This man is Kang Tae Ha, the successor of SH Seoul Corporation. To fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish, he asks her to enter a marriage contract.

Review: Though this drama can appear as an ordinary romance with intertwined timelines, there’s actually more to it. First, the time travel is in the future. This means that Yeon Woo discovers a whole new world where women have more liberties to follow their dreams – an important point to note for the intrigue. Second, I really liked the mystery behind the time travel. Details like the butterflies, the broken watch, and the portrait of a young girl added an eerie vibe to the plot that was pleasant. Discovering why Yeon Woo had been thrown into a well and traveled to present days was fresh and intriguing, as much as the family dynamics and secrets in Tae Ha’s family. Finally, I think the romance was rather credible. The leads had good chemistry, though they will never beat the side couple (Hong Sung Pyo and Sa Wol) that I just found adorable. Only criticism would be that some episodes dragged on a bit, so I lost my focus at times.

Till the End of the Moon ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: China | Year: 2023 | Episode: 40 | Channel: Youku Tudou

Cast: Bai Lu, Luo Yun Xi & Deng Wei
Plot: While the world is being destroyed by the Devil Lord, Li Su Su accepts to go 500 years back in time. There, she meets Tantai Jin, the future Devil Lord, who is currently human. She enters the body of his cruel wife Ye Xiwu and starts treating him with affection and dignity hoping that she would be able to save him and the world. Little by little, Tantai Jin discovers love while fighting against his cruel fate.

Review: Till the End of the Moon is the first drama that I watch with Bai Lu, and I have to admit that she’s good. The plot of that Xianxia was also great, though some parts towards episodes 10-15 were a bit slow and long. Nevertheless, these parts were useful to the intrigue making them bearable, as they had a part to play later on in the drama. The ending was going in circles sometimes, and I had the impression that the same obstacles were replaying over again. Finally, the final scenes were a bit disappointed. However, the romance was good and I could feel the affection the leads had towards each other despite their ominous fates. The character of Tantai Jin has the best evolution in the drama going from cold and emotionless to someone capable of love and self-sacrifice. All of that together made a good C-Drama.

Twinkling Watermelon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Ryeo Un, Seol In ah, Choi Hyun Wook & Shin Eun Soo
Plot: Eun Gyeol is a high school student who has a real gift for music despite coming from a family with hearing impairment. One day, he visits a mysterious instruments store and goes back to 1995. There, he meets his father Yi Chan, his mother Chung Ah and Se Kyung who is his father’s crush. Will he be able to change the past?

Review: Twinkling Watermelon is one of my favorite dramas of 2023! The plot, the acting performance and the life lessons scattered through the episodes are all beautiful. The drama is a roller coaster of emotions that made me cry and laugh, feel nostalgic and even determined to fulfill my dreams. It’s an ode to life, to youth, people and music. The values (determination, perseverance,…) present in the story are supported by heartwarming relationships rendered even stronger by the time travel. What I loved the most is the attention to details in the script. Even the slightest sentence bears meaning and is linked with characters’ transformation as they grow up (remember they’re teenagers), wiser and more mature. Even the music is a pleasure to the ears and I would definitely buy the album if the band was a real one. 100% recommended, do not miss this gem!

Welcome to Samdalri ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2023-2024 | Episode: 16 | Channel: JTBC

Cast: Ji Chang Wook & Shin Hye Sun
Plot: Cho Yong Pil is a weather forecaster in Jeju Island. He’s always loved his hometown and lives there with the elders. Jo Sam Dal  is a successful fashion photographer in Seoul. After an accident, she goes back to her hometown she hates and encounters her childhood friend Yong Pil again.

Review: First of all, Jeju Island and Cho Yong Pil’s extended playlist are the perfect combo for a soothing and comforting drama. And that’s what Welcome to Samdalri is. I won’t lie, I probably sang ‘Dream‘ 3,000 times, looking at Yong Pil and Sam Dal’s romance bloom again. The drama did a good job at demonstrating that you are never really alone, even when you think the world is crumbling down around you. You just need to go to the right place and the right people (I mean the Power Rangers were just the best squad ever!). I adored the community on Jeju Island, the beautiful pictures and the sea village vibe it gave off. That being said, episodes 15&16 are the best representation of these two elements for me. However, I really felt annoyed with characters in the drama sometimes. I thought they were too passive, letting others (family members like Yong Pil’s father or enemies like Bang Eun Ju) dictate their lives and relationships. Worse, it seemed like they were just accepting it and that’s it. At some point, I just wanted to shake them up, tell them to wake up and fend for themselves a little. Thankfully, the end resolved my grudges. Otherwise, the grade would’ve dropped significantly. So, if I had to describe Welcome to Samdalri, I would say that it’s like a big hug that brings comfort and serenity despite the pain you’ve suffered. A good reassuring feeling!

When I Fly Towards You ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: China | Year: 2023 | Episode: 24 | Channel: Yukou Tudou

Cast: Zhou Yi Ran & Zhang Miao Yi
Plot: In 2012, Su Zai Zai is starting high school. On her first day, she falls hard for her classmate, the cold and taciturn Zhang Lu Rang. Will she conquer his heart? Will Lu Rang’s behavior change with Zai Zai?

Review: When I Fly Towards You drama is an absolute gem that everyone should watch. Here, you have no villain, no malice, not even an ounce of questionable behavior – just pure, heartfelt love. This coming-of-age drama beautifully portrays the relationship between two classmates who bring out the best in each other. They grow together, gently opening up about their feelings and insecurities regarding the future. The romance that blossoms between them is simply wonderful. I especially loved how Zhang Lu Rang becomes completely smitten with Zai Zai’s cuteness. But she’s so cheerful and positive that it’s difficult not to fall for her. Their love story made me giggle so much. Even the secondary characters are charming and engaging. Truly, every minute of this drama is worthwhile, so you really shouldn’t miss it! And if you’re still hesitating, here’s one more reason: it’s adapted from Zhu Yi’s novel who also wrote The First Frost and Hidden Love. So, convinced?