Dramas 2025

A Hundred Memories ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 6 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Lee Ha Nee, Jin Suk Kyu, Bang Hyo Rin & Cho Hyun Chul
Plot: In the 1980s, Jung Hee Ran is the top actress in the country. She is cast as lead role in the movie “Madame Aema”. But producer Gu Jong Ho kicks her out due to her fiery temper. He replaces her with Shin Joo Ae, though she currently works at a nightclub. Meanwhile, Kwak In Woo is a rookie director in charge of “Madame Aema.”

Review: This drama made me so anxious, nostalgic, happy and scared. From the get-go, there’s a sort of underlying feeling that something may go wrong. The two friends are soulmates, but end up falling for the same man. On top of that, Yeong Rye and Jeong Hui are confronted to the difficulties of the times (poverty, family problems…) and of course the naivety of their youth. That being said, you would expect both friends to fight over their love interest and tear each other apart. Yet, this doesn’t happen. Instead, the show prioritizes friendship, kindness and love. Moreover, I have to say that the drama introduced many characters, each with their own story and journey, making it complex and emotionally tense. At some point, my only wish was for Yeong Rye to be happy. She’s one of the best characters of the year for me. I loved her generosity, beautiful soul, patience, and devotion to others. The story put me through a roller coaster of emotions, but it was so captivating that I just couldn’t stop watching it. As for the romance, or should I say romances, they are quite compelling. I was invested in all of them and rooted for characters to find their match. If you’re in search of a drama with a retro vibe that will put you through a myriad of emotions, this one’s for you!

Aema ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 6 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Lee Ha Nee, Jin Suk Kyu, Bang Hyo Rin & Cho Hyun Chul
Plot: In the 1980s, Jung Hee Ran is the top actress in the country. She is cast as lead role in the movie “Madame Aema”. But producer Gu Jong Ho kicks her out due to her fiery temper. He replaces her with Shin Joo Ae, though she currently works at a nightclub. Meanwhile, Kwak In Woo is a rookie director in charge of “Madame Aema.”

Review: This drama is like no other. The style, the story and the direction are quite atypical. Yet, there’s something about it – maybe its craziness – that made me like it. Lee Ha Nee delivers an impressive performance, portraying a veteran actress who’s not afraid of anything. I loved her resolute personality, her impulsiveness, and her b**tchy side. She clearly carried the show. The plot reminded me of the drama The Naked Director (on Netflix), as it tackles the universe of erotic movies in the 1980s. But Aema does more than just displaying the making of an erotic movie. The drama offers a good reflection on the industry, the place of women in society, the downsides of entertainment and the numerous problematics actresses of the time were (and maybe still are) confronted with. It used humor and grotesque to deliver the message which added a touch of originality to the show. I liked how they intertwined scenes from the movie with ‘real life’ to the point that I sometimes wondered if fiction had not invaded reality. It’s only 6 episodes, so if you want to watch an unconventional show, this one may interest you.

Alice in Borderland Season 3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2025 | Episode: 8 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Kento Yamazaki & Tao Tsuchiya
Plot: 4 years have passed since Arisu and Usagi completed the games and  returned to their world. They are now married and live happily as a couple. One day, Usagi suddenly disappears. While searching for her, Arisu finds out that she’s in Borderland. To get his wife back, Arisu risks his life again in the games.

Review: The last season of that hit drama is as good as the 2 previous ones. I’m actually so sad that it’s finished. The games are new and intense, I almost died of a heart attack several times. I liked the fact that they introduced new characters with interesting backgrounds, and who fit perfectly into the vibe of the show. Some deaths were terrible, like in the first seasons, but the cruelty and brutality of the borderlands is what makes the drama so special. As for the romance between Usagi and Arisu, there’s no way to describe how much I love them both. They are real couple goals! My only fear is that Netflix would do an American remake, like they announced for Squid Game. I truly hope that’s not going to be the case because nothing can replace our original characters. All in all, if you haven’t seen Alice in Borderland, I really don’t know what you’re waiting for.

Beyond the Bar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: JTBC, Netflix

Cast: Lee Jin Uk & Jung Chae Yeon
Plot: Yoon Seok Hun is a cool-headed lawyer whose solid skills are admired by his colleagues. But  they find him difficult to approach due to his cold attitude. Kang Hyo Min is a rookie lawyer working with Seok Hun. She is socially awkward, but righteous. Though she clashes with him over everything, she grows into a real lawyer by his side.

Review: This drama was just AMAZING! One of the best legal dramas out there. The cases are so interesting and compelling. They are quite complex and really make you reflect on life, relationships, love and so many other things. Law is not black or white, that’s exactly what Beyond the Bar proves. The lead duo is absolutely fantastic. Both Seok Hun and Hyo Min are peculiar, but clever and righteous. They are such a perfect pair. Even secondary characters are great. Not going to lie, I wished there had been a bit more romance, because I felt like the ending was just the beginning of a new chapter. Hopefully, there is going to be a second season, because I have so many questions. All in all, Beyond the Bar is a drama about law, but first and foremost about love. You should definitely watch it!

Bon Appetit, Your Majesty ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN, Netflix

Cast: Im YoonA & Lee Chae Min
Plot:Yeon Ji Young is a French chef with a cheerful and determined personality. One day, she is transported to the Joseon era and happens to serve food to King Lee Heon. He is a horrible tyrant with an extraordinary sense of taste. After trying her food, he decides to take Ji Young to the royal palace and have her cook for him.

Review: Bon Appetit, Your Majesty is a perfect mix between comedy, melodrama, romance, and historical show. The constant bickering between the ruthless King and his strong-headed cook is hilarious, especially at the beginning of the show. The female lead is resourceful, extremely skilled and knows how to use her cooking to get herself (and others) out of precarious situations. Enemies and the political intrigues were expected, yet it didn’t do any disservice to the show. Moreover, I really liked that the story is based on an actual King, and that they used his life as a red thread without distorting the truth too much with fictional elements. Cooking scenes were just mouthwatering, I was hungry every time I watched an episode. However, the cooking competition could’ve been shortened a bit. As for the romance, it was smooth, beautiful and cute. I would’ve loved to have more explanation regarding the finale, as I felt the screenwriter was just telling us to accept the ending without asking questions. Fine with me, but still I have so many questions! If you’re in search of a great romance or a food drama, this is your go-to.

Check-In Hanyang ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2024-2025 | Episode: 16 | Channel: Channel A, Wavve, Viki

Cast: Bae In Hyuk, Kim Ji Eun, Jun Gun Joo & Jae Chan
Plot: Yeongcheonru is the greatest guesthouse in Joseon. It now welcomes 4 new interns: Lee Eun is a prince in disguise, Hong Deok Soo is a woman in disguise, Cheon Joon Hwa is the heir of the guesthouse, forced to work here and Go Soo Ra wants to rebuild his family’s prestige.

Review: The drama started out so well. It was funny and lighthearted; I really enjoyed following the quartet’s innkeeper training. Characters had different personalities and I was eager to follow their adventures every week. However, the drama turned really political mid-drama. I lost the excitement I had for the show. The plot was too monotonous and linear. Nothing was original, as it felt like it was a typical historical drama with a palace intrigue. Although this could’ve been ok, I started to be annoyed by something else: characters. Most were so stereotypical with zero development. Deok Soo and Eun Ho remained bland and linear, Soo Ra was useless, and Joon Hwa turned into the secondary pushy and immature character I loathe. The only good character was Seol Mae Hwa. All in all, I ended up disappointed in the show. As for the ending, it could’ve been correct, if only they had removed the last scene. However, if there’s one point I need to applaud is the costumes. The hanboks that Seol Mae Hwa was wearing were just amazing and aesthetic!

Chunhwa Love Story ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 10 | Channel: TVING

Cast: Go Ara, Chang Ryul & Kang Chan Hee
Plot: In the country of Dongbagguk, Hwari is the youngest princess of the royal family. When she reaches the age to marry, she decides to find a husband for herself and  the person who used her face in erotic paintings. Meanwhile, Choi Hwan is a wealthy merchant and a potential husband for Hwari. But he seems to hide a secret.

Review: I appreciated the originality of the drama. I thought that the idea of adding modernity, erotism and sexuality in a historical narrative was bold and new. It may have shocking for some – because unusual – but to me it was rather acceptable to take that direction. I could also feel the ‘feminist’ vibe, as the drama wanted to focus on women’s condition, whether it’d be in society or in relationships, and their ability to choose a life for themselves just like men. There was a will to emancipate women and make them more independent. But I don’t think the drama succeeded fully in this task. Although the vibe was clear, the intention of the plot was very vague and blurry. I could not really understand what the screenwriter wanted me, as a viewer, to root for. Was I supposed to advocate for women’s independence? Was I supposed to root for the princess’ emancipation? Was I supposed to hope for her to be with the male lead? Was I supposed to hope for a love triangle? Was I supposed to wish for men to be punished for their misdeeds? Until the very end, I didn’t understand what the drama was trying to tell me. The ending doesn’t help by the way, as it’s completely disconnected from the rest of the plot. As for the subplot regarding women’s conditions, even there, I believe they failed. If you take a look at the stories depicted, very few women actually end up ‘happy’ – there’s just Hwal and the Crown Princess. The rest are miserable, heartbroken or dead. Moreover, characters are not very likable (apart from Choi Hwan and the Crown Princess who both have a real consistency throughout the show). I hated to King for indulging men who were terrible (like his sons), while making it hard on women of the palace. I mean, one of his sons violates women and no one cares to punish him at any point in the show. If they aimed at adding modernity to a historical context (which is fictional here on top of that), then they should’ve gone all in, not just stop halfway. All in all, it was a good try to test new formats and contents in a drama, but the whole narrative didn’t support the expectations implied by the concept.

Confidence Queen ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: TV Chosun, Prime Video

Cast: Park Min Young, Park Hee Soon and Joo Jong Hyuk
Plot: Yoon Yi Rang is a con artist with an IQ of 165. She leads the con group Confidence Man, whichconsists of James and Myeong Ku Ho. These 3 talented swindlers, with their own different stories and personalities, team up and punish villains.

Review: I was expecting a little bit more from this drama to be fair. I knew from the get-go that the aim was to entertain through very unrealistic scams and cases. Still, I think it was way too far-fetched. I mean, a random guy jumps from a flying plane with a parachute right from episode 1. I agree that this is fun, but the scene is just too crazy. Not to mention that the money the trio is spending to scam others is extravagant. Seems like they spend more preparing for the scams than what they actually scam. Yes, the female lead is a chaebol but still. Moreover, the plot had a lot of loopholes. They took a long time to introduce the back story regarding Yun Yi Rang – we only had bits and pieces. Therefore, the drama relied essentially on the cases at first which made characters inconsistent, stereotypical and uninteresting. Confidence Queen is the kind of dramas you can watch while ironing, meaning that even if you don’t pay attention to a scene or skip an episode, you will understand the intrigue. They also seem to be announcing a second season, but I’m not sure that’s really necessary.

Crushology 101 ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: MBC, KOCOWA+, Viu, Wavve

Cast: Roh Jeong Eui, Lee Chae Min, Jo Joon Young, Kim Hyun Jin & Hong Min Gi
Plot: Ban Hee Jin is a top student at Yein University. As a freshman, she dated a man with a bad personality which resulted in her low self esteem. Troubles arise for her when she meets 4 men with various charms: Hwang Jae Yeol, Cha Ji Won, Jo Ah Rang and Jin Hyun Oh.

Review: Cliché, stereotypical, infuriating and annoying. I went through so many emotions while watching Crushology 101. First of all, the title doesn’t mean anything. They really should’ve stuck with the original version of Bunny and her Boys. But that’s a minor issue. Let’s say that half of the drama is correct. Ban Hee Jin is in a love triangle with new lovers who pop up around her. She’s also trying to find someone who corresponds her. In that context, I didn’t mind the qui pro quo, funny misunderstandings and cliché (yet heart-fluttering) moments. However, the second half of the show is a series of catastrophes. Lead characters become infuriatingly annoying. They are unable to properly communicate or express their feelings. To do so, they need crazy situations or eye-opening events that force them to finally open up. They are also quite passive (Jae Yeol needs millions of years to take action) or totally clueless (Hee Jin doesn’t know how to put boundaries). But there is worse: the second leads, especially the female one. I can’t begin to comprehend how we still have secondary characters who are pushy, selfish, and so disrespectful towards others. They made my blood boil in every episode. This behavior reminded me of dramas straight out of the 2010s that would leave me with frustration and anger. As for the ending, it was too stupid, too easy, too cliché. They even introduced a new character who turned out to be useless. What was even the point? At some point, I just stopped expecting anything from the show. I just wanted it to be done. I’ll surely won’t recommend the drama, there are so many others worth your time out there!

Dear Hongrang ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Lee Jae Wook, Cho Jo Ah, Kim Jae Wook, Jung Ga Ram, Park Byung Eun & Uhm Ji Won
Plot: Hong Rang is the successor to a wealthy merchants’ association, but suddenly disappears at age 8. His older step-sister, Jae Yi, desperately looks for him. 12 years later, Hong Rang returns, but doesn’t remember anything prior to his disappearance. He also has a secret. Meanwhile, Jae Yi suspects that Hong Rang is not the real one and thus becomes attracted to him.

Review: In all honesty, I would definitely say that Dear Hongrang is a must-watch, though some minor points dissatisfied me. The plot is extremely well woven and engaging. I heard many people criticize the brother/sister narrative, but that’s at the center of the intrigue. Just the fact that people got crazy about it is proof to me that the drama succeeded in creating confusion and uncertainty. At times, you believe Hongrang is the real one, then you think he’s an imposter. This ambivalence keeps the story alive. On top of that, there are many twists and cliffhangers in the show that make it addictive. Not going to lie though, the beginning of the drama was a bit dense and it took me some time to get into it. But once I was immersed in the universe, there was no turning back. When it comes to characters, they all have an obsession and follow that red thread until the end. Even if I desperately wanted to murder some of them, at least they remained true to themselves. The romance was good in my opinion and acting performance emphasized the difficult emotions characters go through. As for the ending, that’s where I have mixed emotions. The first part of it is extremely good and satisfying, but the other part is cryptic and so-so. That really pained me because the drama was doing so well until the final moments which I believe were useless. Finally, the cinematography and aesthetics are beautiful, despite the fact that there are many night scenes. And the OST is simply marvelous! All in all, the drama is great and action-packed, really worth the watch, though I’m still wondering how many people Lee Jae Wook killed in that show!

Dear X ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: TVING, Viki

Cast: Kim Yoo Jung, Kim Young Dae & Kim Jae Oh
Plot: Baek Ah Jin is a top actress who endured domestic violence as a kid. To survive, she learned to hide her emotions and manipulate others. She is normally kind to people, but she can also be cruel and devilish. Yoon Joon Seo has been by her side all her life and would do anything for her. But he’s struggling to support her choices.

Review: I have mixed feelings about Dear X. For starters, the story is compelling and captivating. Baek Ah Jin is a fascinating character who walks a fine line between good and evil. Her upbringing and traumatic past make you want to empathize with her. But you also disagree with her actions that only hurt others. This complexity grabbed my attention and is also valid for other characters, especially Kim Jae Oh and Yun Joon Seo. These two, though motivated by different reasons, are faithfully devoted to Ah Jin and love her unconditionally. Though the psychology of characters is gripping, there’s however no real development. They remain the same from beginning to end, and never intend to change at all. This disappointed me a little, as I felt like the plot was staggering and repeating the same narrative. Moreover, I struggled to understand the main objective of the show. We witness Ah Jin’s rise to the top and downfall, but what for? Is the goal to punish her greed? Or on contrary, are all of these events a way to free her from her shackles? My theory is that Ah Jin’s actions deserve ‘divine punishment’ – considering the numerous religious references – and so life on Earth is actually her own Hell. However, the ending could suggest that she’s now free from that punishment. This confusion makes the finale unsatisfactory. It felt unfinished (if not sloppy), raised many questions and left too many doors open. Nevertheless, the acting performance helped me overlook all of these issues. Kim Yoo Jung was spectacular – she deserves an award! – and so emotionally invested. The supporting cast was also so good and in general the number of famous actors in this show is insane (Kim Young Dae, Kim Do Hoon, Kim Ji Hoon, Hwang In Yeop, Hong Jong Hyun…). In a nutshell, I think Dear X is worth watching, but don’t expect too much from the drama.

Friendly Rivalry ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 16 | Channel: U+mobiletv

Cast: Hyeri & Chung Su Bin
Plot: Woo Seul Ki grew up in an orphanage. She transfers to Chaehwa High School which is for the top 1% students. She doesn’t get along with others. Yoo Jae Yi comes from a wealthy family, she has a high IQ and is the most powerful student at school. One day, she approaches Seul Ki. Soon, they develop a dangerous relationship.

Review: Friendly Rivalry is a good school drama that differs from the usual content we get for that genre. The plot is dark and characters are far from being kind and nice high school girls. Competition, pressure to succeed, drugs, murder, revenge, and more dark themes are the main components of the show. That’s what makes it captivating. Each of the four female leads have a dark past that is revealed and connected to the overarching narrative little by little. What I liked is that neither of them are docile and innocent ladies. On the contrary, they are clever and resourceful. We are always in the grey area with them, never really knowing if they’re being genuine or if it’s a trap. Moreover, the drama clearly demonstrates the downsides of the educational system in South Korea, showing how students and parents are pushed to their limits to succeed and how far they would go for rankings. I also really liked the romantic vibe between the two female leads, as it’s still quite new to see women attracted to each other on screen. Despite all of its good qualities, I was however not fully engaged in the story. It lacked that addictive spark that makes it impossible for me to stop watching. I also found it hard sometimes to follow, as characters were switched sides many times. I didn’t know what or who to believe anymore. The ending also gave me the impression that it was unfinished. Don’t know if they have a second season in the pipeline, but it would probably help wrapping the drama up properly.

Genie, Make a Wish ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 13 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Kim Woo Bin, Bae Suzy, Noh Sang Hyun & Ahn Eun Jin
Plot: Genie is a spirit who lives in a lamp and comes out when summoned. He’s experiencing a good number of different emotions and goes back and forth between them. Ki Ka Young lacks emotions. One day, she happens to call Genie out of his lamp and is granted 3 wishes to make.

Review: I loved this drama so much! I hadn’t binge-watched a show in a very long time, but it was almost impossible to stop watching Genie, Make a Wish. The bickering between Ki Ka Young, the psychopath devoid of emotions, and Genie, the not-so-bad Satan, was just hilarious. The chemistry between characters – and the leads in general – was just perfect. The plot was well-written, the past connection well explained, the ending full of sense. I was not bored for a single second. Plus, I really liked this rewriting of Aladdin mixed with religion, the subtle references to Kim Eun Sook’s previous dramas, and the amazing cameos. Not to mention Suzy’s flawless fashion. I wanted to buy every bag she’s carried in that show. All in all, this drama doesn’t disappoint one bit. It’s a great fantasy romance that I highly recommend you watch.

Glass Heart ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2025 | Episode: 10 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Takeru Satoh & Yu Miyazaki
Plot: Saijo Akane is a drummer who dreams of living from her music. But she’s rejected at every audition. One day, Fujitani Naoki proposes her to join his new band TENBLANK. Naoki is a genius musician, admired by his peers. As a band, the team will have to deal with successes, but also overcome hurdles along the way.

Review: I will reject any opinion that says that Glass Heart is not a gem! This J-drama is simply amazing and deserves to be watched by everyone. The plot is impeccable, characters are adorable, doubting their future and themselves, but resolute to become successful. There are talented and believe in their band. The bond between the members is heartwarming. Each has a personality that participates in the synergy of the group. They just complete each other. At some point, they even gave me the impression that TENBLANK were an actual band and that I was going to their concert. Not going to lie, I’m addicted to the drama’s playlist. But the best part of the drama is how well music is woven into characters’ journey. Music is at the heart of the band and the show. There was just a vibe and energy that can’t be described with words. And the cast is just fantastic. From secondary characters to leads, they are all credible in their role. I can only recommend you watch this drama!

Good Boy ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 16 | Channel: TVING, Prime Video

Cast: Park Bo Gum, Kim So Hyun, Oh Jung Se & Lee Sang Yi
Plot: Yoon Dong Joo is an Olympic boxing gold medallist, but he goes through hardships in his life. He then begins his second life as a police officer. Ji Han Na is an Olympic shooting gold medallist. After a shocking incident, she quits and becomes a police officer. Together, they fight against injustice that runs rampant.

Review: I’ll admit that I’m very torn with this drama. There are parts that I really enjoyed, while others that I didn’t like much. If I start with what I like, I’ll say that the fighting scenes are absolutely fantastic. There’s a lot of action in the drama, the pace is fast, a lot is going on, and I appreciated how well they’ve integrated characters’ athletic past into their skills as police officers. They are all super badass, especially Han Na who never hesitates to shoot someone. The writing of villains was also super interesting in the show. Min Jun Yeong has depth and complexity. You don’t like him, but you understand his reasons. Others, like the Hyang and Leo even had a love story going on. I found myself shipping the villains, and that was so great! It’s really refreshing when bad guys also have backbone. They even added a ‘friendly’ dynamic between hero and villain, which created a comedic vibe as well. The romance was also nice and cute; Park Bo Gum and Kim So Hyun’s kissing scenes were amazing. As for the acting performance, I’m just in awe with Park Bo Gum’s delivery. He was incredible in that drama. However, the intrigue was running into circles towards the middle/end of the drama. I believe they really could’ve condensed the plot in 12 episodes rather than 16. Moreover, characters are police officers who work in teams but here they are constantly alone (strangely), are repeatedly being played by villains, and don’t learn from their mistakes. It was seriously infuriating to see how much of a trap certain situations were, while characters were just jumping into them head first. Last but not least, I think I need to address Dong Ju’s health condition in the drama. We know that him receiving punches causes damage to his brain and he already suffers from it. Yet, he keeps on fighting and being beaten up. All in all, he was hit by a car 3 times, stabbed, jumped through a glass window, received countless punches, but he’s still standing and ok. By the end of the drama, this was simply torture to see yet another fighting scene and him doing/saying nothing. All in all, I think Good Boy is a great drama if you want some action and are capable to overlook the problems of the intrigue.

Head Over Heels ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN, Prime Video

Cast: Cho Yi Hyun & Choo Yeong Woo
Plot: Park Sung Ah is a high school student, and also a shaman. One night, Bae Gyeon Woo and his mother come to visit her. Park Sung Ah falls for him at first sight, but sees that he is destined to die soon. The next day, Bae Gyeon Woo appears in front of her as a new transfer student in her class. She decides to save him from his destiny.

Review: I LOVED this drama so much! It gives Lovely Runner vibes, I think! Once again, Choo Young Woo plays 2 different characters, and I have to admit that both himself and the evil spirit Bong Su were adorable. Each had his faults and qualities, that’s why I couldn’t help but feel super empathetic towards Bong Su. I really appreciated how they turned him into a comedic character instead of sticking with the evil spirit narrative. The female lead is also super great, kind and determined. And the second male lead, Ji Ho, is so cute. I liked that he was not a hindrance in the leads’ romance (as it is sometimes the case). Instead, he openly confessed his feelings, accepted the rejection but continued to protect and care for his friends. What a cutie pie. There were however 2 points that annoyed me. First, the fact that everyone knows how ill-intended Yeomhwa is, but still no one does nothing. Their passivity is the reason why it all turns into a big mess. Second, the ending disconnected me a bit from the rest of the drama. I get why they did that, but it was too rushed and thus the drama lost its flavor a bit. All in all, Head Over Heels is a great drama to watch, especially if you like shamans like me!

Heavenly Ever After ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: JTBC, Netflix

Cast: Son Suk Ku & Kim Hye Ja
Plot: Lee Hae Sook lost her husband early and supported her family alone. When she dies at age 80, she arrives in Heaven. She’s given the choice to keep her current appearance or go back to her younger self. She decides to remain as such. Now in Heaven, she reunites with her husband Ko Nak Joon who is a 30-year old postman.

Review: I think Heavenly Ever After has a lot of qualities as a drama. The concept of Heaven, Hell and rebirth were very well-thought and allowed for the intrigue to unfold smoothly. I really liked the fact that death is not seen as an end but rather as a beginning, as you start a new life cycle over and over again. Here, Hae Sook and her husband have a lot of memories, traumas and regrets they need to let go before they can be reincarnated. Heaven is thus the perfect transition place for them. Just like Hell is the perfect place to pay for sins you’ve committed on earth. The good point with this concept is that it creates connections between characters. I was always surprised to discover how people in Heaven actually had a bond in this life or previous ones, just like Hae Sook and her husband. The discovery of these relationships were excellent twists that I was really not expecting. On top of that, the drama combines funny lighthearted scenes with more emotional ones which makes the perfect balance. However, there were times in the show when I really was not focused. I felt like the intrigue was stagnating, nothing was really happening and we were just running in circles. This disconnected several times from the plot and even bored me. At the end, I was just watching the drama for these revelation scenes without really knowing when they would occur. Finally, I’ll admit that Kim Hye Ja is a great actress, but some scenes in that drama were not credible for me. She was overreacting or being completely fake in her performance. That disengaged me from the story, as I couldn’t truly believe her character (especially her tears). All in all, Heavenly Ever After is a nice drama, but I’m rather disappointed with its pace.

Hunter with a Scalpel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 16 | Channel: Disney+, Hulu

Cast: Park Ju Hyun, Park Yong Woo & Kang Hoon
Plot: Seo Se Hyun is a genius forensic pathologist. While examining a corpse, she discovers traces of her father Yoon Jo Kyun who is a serial killer. She desperately attempts to track down her father with Jung Jung Hyun. He is the chief of the violent crimes team.

Review: It took me a while to really get into the drama. But once I started to carefully pay attention, it became super addictive. The first episodes are cold and distant. The intrigue is also disjointed, as we have flashbacks from the past here and there. Characters don’t have any emotions and are super withdrawn. Nevertheless, the more you watch, the more the plot uncovers its secrets. Characters become interesting and full of various emotions, especially the female lead. I really liked to see how fierce and determined she was to stop her father. The bond she creates with the police officer is quite heartwarming. Both used to be outsiders, but they succeed because they trust each other. However, I need to emphasize on the fact that the show is tough. There are unsettling murder scenes and some surprising (shocking) twists that I was not prepared for. The finale was great and in the end the drama proved to be quite a decent thriller. I do recommend you watch it!

Hyper Knife ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 8 | Channel: Disney+, Hulu

Cast: Sul Kyung Gu & Park Eun Bin
Plot: Choi Deok Hee is the best neurosurgeon in the world. He has a gifted pupil named Jeong Se Ok, but he has mixed feelings about her. One day, he kicks her out of his operating room. After that, Se Ok’s life spirals down. She is working as a shadow doctor in an illegal operating room when teacher and student meet again.

Review: First of all, I need to salute the acting performance of both leads, especially Park Eun Bin’s. It was fantastic! They portrayed their characters with a lot of nuances and made them credible. Now, if I move on to the plot itself, I really loved it. The drama is an original thriller that adopts the perspective of a sociopath who’s also a genius doctor. She’s not afraid of killing. Worse, she does it every time someone is in her way. The bond she has with her teacher is also quite interesting to watch. Choi Deok Hee sees himself in Se Ok (his alter ego), while Se Ok sees him as a role model. Hence the difficulty for both characters to either love or hate each other. The way the show subtly navigates the grey zone is quite catching too. It makes characters walk a fine line between good and evil, especially when it comes to illegal surgeries. My only point is that I would’ve liked to learn more about the side characters like Se Ok’s ‘lackey’ and the anesthesiologist who work with her. We didn’t have enough back story which was a shame considering that they are representing the ‘human’ in human being. All in all, Hyper Knife is an excellent drama to watch. Hopefully, they will give us a second season.

Last Summer ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: KBS2, Viki

Cast: Lee Jae Wook & Choi Sung Eun
Plot: Baek Do Ha and Baek Do Yeong are twin brothers, who have lived apart since their parents’ divorce. Do Ha is in the US and returns every summer to South Korea to see his brother and his neighbor Song Ha Kyeong who has feelings for him. Now adults, they’ve lost contact, but Do Ha’s comeback changes everything.

Review: I think the biggest issue with Last Summer lies in its writing. The cast and acting performance are solid, but the plot is utterly confusing. The first episode should establish the storyline and characters, yet I found myself completely baffled, unable to grasp the root of the misunderstanding between the main protagonists. On top of that, the female lead is constantly mad at the male lead and seems oblivious to his feelings, though he expresses them right from the start. Baek Do Ha is also a linear character who lacks backbone for most of the drama. It’s only towards the end that we finally get insights on his past and inner feelings. The whole subplot linked with the twin brother is hard to understand until probably episode 8. Rest of the time, you just wonder what caused such distance between Do Ha and Ha Kyeong. To be fair, I finally grasped the main theme of the show (grief) in episode 10 which is way too late for a 12-episode long drama. Other parts of the intrigue, like Ha Kyeong’s ex, her romance with the lawyer, and even the friends’ relationship were useless to me and dragged down the pace of the show. Honestly, the drama could’ve been condensed into just a few episodes: episode 2 (to explain the issues), episode 10 (to solve them) and episode 11 (the ending). Even the last episode felt pointless and confusing, shifting the focus to the secondary couple while sidelining the main leads. Why? All in all, I wouldn’t recommend this show unless you’re REALLY missing Lee Jae Wook.

Law and the City ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN, Viki

Cast: Lee Jong Suk, Moon Ga Young, Kang You Seok, Ryu Hye Young & Im Sung Jae
Plot: Ahn Ju Hyeong works as a lawyer, though he never had interest in protecting the weak. Even if he’s worked for the same law firm for the past 9 years, he’s never wanted to open his own law office because it is too much trouble for him. He is comfortable in his perfect workplace, but his peaceful world begins to crack.

Review: Law and the City is an excellent legal drama. Characters are well-written and each have a clear evolution. I really liked to see that they grow more mature as individuals, but also as lawyers. Cases are extremely interesting, though they’ve put in many moral dilemmas. The realism of the show adds credibility to the story. Victims’ situations could happen to anyone and it turns out law can sometimes be cruel. The romance is great and I admit that it doesn’t even feel like I’ve watched 12 episodes. My only criticism would be that characters felt quite superficial. We had a lot of insights regarding their present life and future, but very little information on their past and back stories. So, they lacked a little bit of backbone. That’s especially the case for Yum Hye Ran’s character. Though this was not really an issue, it felt quite unusual. Apart from that, this drama is great. I highly recommend it!

Legend of the Female General ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: China | Year: 2025 | Episode: 36 | Channel: Tencent Video, Viki

Cast: Cheng Lei & Zhou Ye
Plot: As a child, He Yan was forced by her family to disguise as a man and endorse the identity of her brother He Ru Fei. With her face hidden behind her mask, she mastered martial arts and became a famous general. When the real He Ru Fei comes back, he tries to kill her to take her place. She miraculously survives and decides to enroll as a soldier under Commander Xiao Jue. As she starts a new life, He Yan intends on getting back what is rightfully hers.

Review: If you’ve like the story of Mulan, then this drama is definitely for you! He Yan is a strong, benevolent, determined and talented woman who fights hard to get what she wants. This character forges respect and admiration. Considering her personality, it made sense that the drama would have a feminist and emancipated vibe. He Yan acts as a messenger who conveys strength and hope to women who’ve been assigned a specific role in society. Though this is a historical drama, I think the messages are still valid today. Women can dare to dream and have it all. But to me, the best part of the show remains the romance. Xiao Jue and He Yan are equals (Xiao Jue respects, admires, and is proud of He Yan) and, as the drama says it, the twin stars of Wei. They are a perfect match in every possible way: as warriors, generals, and strategists. Moreover, they are extremely complementary. He Yan is the sun, wearing white and embodying femininity; while Xiao Jue is the moon, dressed in dark outfits that make him look manly. They are like the Yin and the Yang, perfect for each other. Secondary characters are super interesting and well-written as well. And don’t get me starting on the cinematography of the fighting scenes, especially the last one. All in all, Legend of the Female General is a gem that you should watch right now, fully deserving of its hype!

Love Scout ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: SBS, Viki

Cast: Han Ji Min & Lee Joon Hyuk
Plot: Kang Ji Yoon is the successful CEO of a headhunting company. She invests all her time in her work. Outside her job, she doesn’t know how to do anything. Her secretary Yoo Eun Ho takes care of everything for her. Unlike Ji Yoon, he’s friendly and considerate. He’s also a single father.

Review: I simply loved this drama! The romance just flows naturally between the protagonists. It’s simple, straightforward, not complicated at all. I really liked that the heroine, Ji Yun, just knows what she wants and is super decisive. She falls first, confesses first, kisses first, makes the relationship public first. She doesn’t waste time pondering. She follows her heart and goes all in. As for the male lead, he’s as good as the female lead. He’s soft, tender, sweet, devoted, caring and warm. He’s a pillar, who’s reliable and calm. Also, the relationship with the daughter was so endearing. Even the plot of the drama is direct without complications. It’s easy and you don’t waste a minute in melodramatic plot twists. On the contrary, all characters (even bad ones) are assertive and make the pace of the show perfect. I just recommend you watch this gem.

Love Take Two ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN, Viki

Cast: Yum Jung Ah, Choi Yoon Ji, Park Hae Joon & Kim Min Kyu
Plot: Lee Ji An is a single mother who works hard to raise her daughter Lee Hyo Ri. But things change when Ji An’s first love, Ryu Jeong Seok, enters her life again. He is also a single father and lives with his son Ryu Bo Hyeon. Their existence is turned upside down when the two women suddenly barge into their lives.

Review: Love Take Two is such a beautiful underrated slice-of-life. The story is deep, slow, warm and emphasizes the sacred bonds of family, friendship and love. The duos mother-daughter and father-son highlight how similar characters are. Ji An and her daughter are stubborn, fierce, determined and tend to keep it all inside. At the beginning of the drama, the dialogue is broken but an unexpected life twist forces communication and reconciles them. As for Jeong Seok and Bo Hyeon, they are such sweethearts. Both are calm, patient and attentive. These four are perfect matches. On another note, the drama tackles life in a very poetic way. It shows that through hardships and pain, people who endure eventually find greater happiness. The show made me cry, laugh, swoon, giggle and so much more. And the OST ‘Lover’ transports me somewhere else. It’s way too good! I highly recommend you watch that show.

Marry My Husband (Japan) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2025 | Episode: 10 | Channel: Prime Video

Cast: Takeru Sato & Fuka Koshiba
Plot: Whilst dying from a terminal cancer, Misa discovers that her husband is cheating on her with her best friend Reina. When she surprises them in bed, they unfortunately kill her. Misa then wakes up 10 years in the past before her marriage, and is given a chance at revenge.

Review: This Japanese remake of the drama is simply brilliant. So yes, the story is the same and you won’t be surprised by the twists. But if you’ve never seen the Korean version, you can certainly watch the Japanese one to begin with. It is as good! I even wished I had not seen the original drama to fully live the experience with the Japanese one. Anyway. Even if you think you’re going to get bored because you know the story, Marry My Husband Japan does an amazing job at adapting it to the Japanese culture. You have a focus on Japanese pastries for example, the values of the society that transpire in the dialogue (like the place of women), and even the ending slightly differs from the original version. I’ll also admit that I’m in love with Takeru Sato and the female lead was great as well. She’s got a really glow up between her old self and her new one in her second life. Their romance is nice and I really loved how they perfectly condensed the entire intrigue into 10 simple episodes. A must-watch!

Melo Movie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 10 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Park Bo Young, Choi Woo Sik, Lee Jun Young & Jeon So Nee
Plot: Go Gyeom is a movie critic and dreams of seeing all the movies in the world. One day, he meets Kim Mu Bee. She has a peaceful life in the movie industry but it all changes after her encounter with Go Gyeom. Meanwhile, Hong Si Joon is an unknown songwriter who believes he’s a genius. His ex-girlfriend is Son Joo Ah and works as a screenwriter.

Review: First of all, I’m a huge fan of cinema (as you may have guessed), so I really liked the idea of narrating life and relationships, and on a bigger scale the drama, as if it were a movie. The aesthetics of the show, the beauty of raw emotions and the simplicity of the narration really got me immersed in Melomovie. But the best part is the characters development. Each of them has a background, they have their trauma, their beliefs, their fears, and are trying to move on and heal. Mu Bee spent her life thinking she’s never been loved by anyone, Go Gyeom has always thought that he was a burden to his brother, Si Joon thinks he’s pathetic and miserable and Joo Ah needs to learn how to prioritize herself. From episode 1 to 10, there’s a clear transformation of each character that is endearing and heart wrenching to witness. Relationships depicted are super credible and relatable as well. Prepare some tissues because you may cry, but life’s not always a fun walk in the park. Anyway, I highly recommend it, just some warning that the pace is slow, so start the drama knowing what you’re getting yourself into.

Moon River ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 14 | Channel: MBC, Viki

Cast: Kang Tae Oh & Kim Se Jeong
Plot: Crown Prince Lee Kang bears a deep wound after losing his crown princess and secretly hopes for revenge. Park Dal Yi is a witty and eloquent peddler who looks like the crown princess. But, she’s lost some of her memories. One day, Lee Kang and Park Dal Yi somehow have their souls swapped with each other.

Review: I came really close to giving a bad grade to Moon River, mostly because many characters became frustrating halfway through the drama. The King was a useless coward, the Crown Prince utterly powerless, the second female lead (Woo Hee) extremely selfish, and the villain pure evil. I genuinely couldn’t understand how five people could not take down a single antagonist. I almost dropped the show altogether but I’m glad I didn’t because the last episodes were excellent and reminded me why I started watching in the first place. Moon River has many strengths that ultimately make it worth the watch. The gender-bender comedy was so entertaining, and I especially appreciated that the body-switching followed clear rules and happened multiple times throughout the drama – which is rather rare for the genre. The fantasy elements were well integrated into the political intrigue, just like the recurring water and moon imagery reflected in both the title and the leads’ romance. The secondary characters (Shin Won the bodyguard, Dal Yi’s aunt and parents, Prince Je Woon) were also well utilized and all served clear narrative purposes. Most characters had a proper development (Woo Hee, the King, The Crown Prince, Dal Yi) without straying away from their main objective. The cinematography was beautiful, the ending satisfying, the chemistry between Kang Tae Oh and Kim Se Jeong outstanding. Even the OST ‘Dream’ by Song So Hee was excellent. My main issue resides with the villain. He’s linear for most of the drama, with his backstory only revealed in the final episodes. The explanation for his actions comes too late, and even then, it fails to generate real empathy. His revenge targets innocent people who had nothing to do with his suffering (like the Crown Princess). He is also mainly responsible for his demise, but blamed others to avoid guilt. Even his daughter becomes collateral damage. All in all, Moon River is a flawed but good drama. I think you can skip the middle of the show and just focus on the beginning and the ending.

Motel California ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: MBC, Viki

Cast: Na In Woo & Lee Se Young
Plot: Ji Kang Hee comes from a mixed-raced background and has suffered from it in her childhood, while living in a small village where her father ran the Motel California. Her first love is Chun Yeon Soo who also liked Kang Hee. After 12 years apart, Kang Hee returns to her hometown and they meet again.

Review: I’m not going to lie, I have very mixed feelings about the drama. There are parts that I really appreciated and others that bothered me a lot. If I start with the elements I liked: first, the romance doesn’t follow the usual curve you found in Dramaland. Here, you know right from the start that the leads love each other. The challenge is to have them together. Second, I really liked that the female lead and her personal development is really at the core of the plot. Even the romance seems secondary compared to her journey. Third, side characters have good romantic stories that are also interesting. Finally, there are nice messages to take away like loving yourself and forgiving. However, the romance is so frustrating. I felt like we were going in circles with the two main characters being together, then not anymore and so on and so forth. Their lack of communication was really bothersome. Moreover, the male lead is too passive, and his mother is just unbearable. Finally, I felt like the ending was too rushed, as they solved the complex relationships in the blink of an eye. It just felt too easy. All in all, it’s a good and original drama, but it will sometimes annoy you. As for the acting performance, I’m still in love with Na In Woo and Lee Se Young, they nailed it.

Ms. Incognito ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: ENA, Viki

Cast: Jeon Yeo Bin, Jin Young, Seo Hyun Woo, Jang Yoon Ju & Joo Hyun Young
Plot: Kim Yeong Ran works as a bodyguard for the CEO of Gaseong Group. She comes from a poor family background and drowns in debt. When her boss offers her to enter a contract marriage, her life is turned completely upside down. She endorses the identity of Bu Se Mi and flees to Muchang, disguised as an elementary school teacher. In reality, she’s hiding from the chairman’s family, willing to do anything to get their hands on the inheritance.

Review: To be completely honest, I was not expecting much from this drama. At first, I thought Ms. Incognito was another contract marriage drama with a touch of action. So, imagine my surprise when I found myself hooked to each episode, wanting to know how Kim Yeong Ran would escape her potential murderers. The show is full of twists and turns – the final one is especially mind-blowing. The pace is good and there’s enough balance between romance, action and scheming. Characters may not be that original, nothing complex or extraordinary, but they perfectly fit within the narrative. Ga Seon Yeong is a horrible villain, Kim Yeong Ran is the poor heroine we’re rooting for, Jeon Dong Min is the caring right-hand man and Lee Don is the mastermind lawyer. I seriously think that there would be no intrigue at all if Lee Don had not been present. He literally drives the entire action and carries the plot all by himself. All in all, the drama is super entertaining. Hence, its success with a 7.1% viewership rating on its last episode. To give you an idea, it’s the second highest-rated drama on ENA after Extraordinary Attorney Woo. This gives you an idea of the quality of the show that I highly recommend you watch. Plus, Jeon Yeo Bin is such a great actress, I love her!

My Dearest Nemesis ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN, Viki

Cast: Moon Ga Young & Choi Hyun Wook
Plot: 16 years ago, Ban Joo Yeon and Baek Soo Jung met through an online game. He fell in love with her, but she remembers these days as the worst time of her life. Soo Jung now works at a department store as the leader of a planning team. One day, Ban Joo Yeon begins to work as her boss. They meet again for the first time.

Review: This drama is a very nice rom-com and I think you appreciate it even more if you’re new to Dramaland. You have all the usual notorious plots twists of a rom-com such as the rich chaebol falling for the employee, the family opposing the relationship, etc… I really liked the vibe and the quirky characters. Ban Ju Yeon is moving and cute, while Baek Soo Jung’s fiery personality is funny. Good point also that they focused on the geeks and nerds, as this is a good entry door for their message: assume your crazy sides and accept/love others for who they are. Moreover, I really loved the second couple (sometimes more than the leads). They were bold and determined. Now, because My Dearest Nemesis has a typical rom-com plot, you don’t have any surprises or original twists in the story. You know exactly what’s going to happen and how it’s going to end. It’s not bad per se, because you watch for the entertainment. It just doesn’t have the wow effect. However, this was not what bothered me most in the drama. The character of the grandmother was just too annoying for me. She’s the absolute antagonist, linear and bland with no backbone. She’s supposed to be the mature adult but projects her loss and sadness onto others, and even after some time, she still doesn’t want to understand what she’s done wrong. A single scene of resolution was not enough for me to compensate her bad deeds. In a nutshell, she was a stereotypical character that was added to the story because we needed a bad guy, which was pretty bothersome and disappointing. All in all, My Dearest Nemesis is a good watch if you’re new to dramas and/or want to spend a good time.

My Lovely Journey ⭐ (1/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 10 | Channel: Channel A, Wavve, Viki

Cast: Gong Seung Yeon, Kim Jae Young & Yu Jun Sang
Plot: Kang Yeo Reum is a former idol who now works as a travel reporter. Though  she seems like a positive person, she actually has anxiety about her future. She develops a special relationship with Lee Yeon Seok. He used to work for a big company, but quit his job. Now, he pursues his dream of becoming a movie director.

Review: This drama could’ve been good if it had been promoted as a travel content drama. Landscapes and cities across South Korea were very nice to see and discover. It made me want to take the plane and embark on a journey myself. However, there’s a huge problem with the plot. Characters have no backbone. They have very superficial stories, no real evolution – except maybe the female lead who decides to start her own journey. Cases and stories of hiring travelers were taking too much space. I know more about a random dog than the male lead. The romance is non-existent and the ending too abrupt. It took me 4 days to realize the drama was actually over, because the final episode ends with a cliffhanger that suggests a continuation of the show. This was so disappointing, and we don’t even know if there’s going to be a second season.

My Youth ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: JTBC, Viki

Cast: Song Joong Ki & Chun Woo Hee
Plot: Sun Woo Hae was a bright and popular child actor, who now lives peacefully as a novelist and florist. One day, Sung Je Yeon appears in front of him. They were each other’s first love and helped each other get through the darkest times of their lives. This re-encounter and Je Yeon’s willful behavior slowly disrupt Woo Hae’s peace.

Review: My Youth is a drama full of emotions, warmth, poetry, tenderness and softness. Characters have endured quite a lot, especially Sunwoo Hae, but they remain kind and bear no resentment towards people. They are all resilient and try to find a way to deal with their feelings and lives. I adored the way relationships are depicted in the show. The lead couple is so credible. They are so affectionate and sweet. Though, I was unsure why they spent so much time getting together, they made a lovely pair in the end. So was the secondary couple. The drama took an unexpected turn when Hae became sick. I don’t think they needed to go that far to be fair. Yet, this allowed to mend relationships and put characters on their healing journey. The writing is full of poetry, and you would recognize the unique style of Park Si Hyun who also penned Run On. My Youth is a nice, warm and emotional romance to watch. Just for that it’s worth your time.

Namib ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2024-2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: ENA, GenieTV, Viki

Cast: Go Hyun Jung & Ryeo Un
Plot: Kang Soo Kyun is a star producer who trains idols. One day, she gets fired for unknown reasons. To get back on her feet, she decides to turn 10-year trainee Yoo Jin Woo into a star. He’s got a lot of luggages due to his past, but wants to succeed. Meanwhile, Soo Hyun’s husband also starts working as Jin Woo’s music producer.

Review: I’m genuinely surprised by this drama. At first, I thought it was going to be yet another drama about a teenager who dreams of becoming an idol and his ordeals to succeed. However, Namib proves to be much more than that. It’s first and foremost the depiction of a relationship that changes both leads. The mentor-protégé dynamic was absolutely beautiful to see, as Soo Hyun and Jin Woo grow together. They each have something to bring to the other even if it’s not very obvious at first. The drama is the story of their journey through life and the entertainment industry. The side characters – especially Shim Jin Woo and his father – are also really great. They all form a solid core. However, I was seriously annoyed by the main villain Hyeon Cheol. I thought his actions were despicable. I could understand why he was doing that, but his anger was directed towards the wrong people. All in all, Namib is a good drama, slightly different from idol dramas that you usually see. Oh, and the meaning of the title is extremely poetic and clever.

Newtopia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 8 | Channel: Coupang Play, Prime Video

Cast: Park Jeong Min & Kim Ji Soo
Plot: Lee Jae Yoon is a soldier who feels anxious about his future. His girlfriend is Kang Young Joo. She has a beautiful appearance and now works as a rookie employee at a company. One day, an unknown virus suddenly spreads turning people into zombies. Amidst the chaos, both lovers try to find their way to each other.

Review: Newtopia is such a refreshing and original drama! Its biggest strength is its capacity to blend romance, comedy and zombie drama in a single show in which all genres are perfectly integrated within the narrative. The romance is relatable, as it tackles the difficulties of a 7 year long couple (military service, break-up…). On top of that, you’ve got all the ingredients to make the perfect zombie drama such as blood, tense situations, the death of great characters, etc… However, the seriousness of the apocalypse is counterbalanced by the comedic aspect. Soldiers are not fit for it and thus hilarious, characters’ decision-making makes no sense, they are goofy, off-the-wall which makes them endearing as well. This leads to incongruous situations where we really question their survival skills. Moreover, I would say that the show manages to differentiate itself from other big zombie dramas we’ve seen before (such as All of Us Are Dead or Kingdom) thanks to its comedy. My only point would be that the ending feels unfinished. It points out to a potential second season, and I really hope there’s one, because the universe is addictive and I really need to see what happens to characters who survived.

Oh My Ghost Clients ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 10 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Jung Kyung Ho, Seol In Ah & Cha Ha Yeon
Plot: No Mu Jin is a labor attorney without a sense of justice or social consciousness. His job is a just a way for him to make a living. While he is going after corruption with a YouTuber, he almost dies. Since then, he starts solvings labor problems requested by ghosts. While working on these cases, he grows as a person and a labor attorney.

Review: Oh My Ghost Clients kind of reminded me of Tomorrow in the way they handled cases. In this drama, No Mu Jin interacts with ghosts from the working class who wrongly died because of the negligence of powerful people. I liked how the drama used ghosts’ stories in order to tackle social injustice and try to show the importance of valuing everyone’s work – even those ‘invisible’ in factories, cleaning jobs, nurses, convenience stores…. The main trio is quite funny and dynamic, I liked the romance between Mu Jin’s sister-in-law and her YouTuber lover. However, I’ll admit that apart from the cases which were very credible, it took me a time to really be into the story. The scenes in-between cases at the beginning were a bit slow and I lost my focus. But it improved by the end of the story. All in all, this is a good drama to watch, entertaining and that makes you reflect on society.

ONE: High School Heroes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 8 | Channel: Wavve

Cast: Lee Jung Ha & Kim Do Wan
Plot: Kim Eui Gyeom is a top student at his school. Despite his father’s oppression and strict discipline at home, he tries to stay away from violence and bullies at school. Kang Yoon Ki is a student at the same school as Eui Gyeom. One day, he notices his schoolmate’s natural talent for fighting and offers him to form a High School Heroes team against the school bullies.

Review: This drama is so underrated, and yet so good! To give you an idea, if you’ve liked the vibe of Weak Hero, then ONE: High School Heroes should definitely be your next pick! Though the plot seems to be yet another revenge drama and fight against school bullies, there’s actually much more complexity if you scratch the surface. Kim Eui Gyeom may seem like a nice and quiet student, but he hides dark secrets. His family is far from being ordinary, his parents are obsessed with grades, he suffers under his father’s oppression, his brother committed suicide, etc…. All of that allows the drama to shed light on important themes like mental health, traumas, and healing. Both narratives are perfectly merged. So trust me, this show is definitely worth your time!

Our Movie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: SBS, Disney+, Hulu

Cast: Namgoong Min & Jeon Yeo Bin
Plot: Lee Je Ha is a famous movie director. But he’s been going through a slump for the past 5 years. Determined to start on his second movie, he meets Lee Da Eum, an aspiring actress who suffers from a rare incurable disease. While working together, they develop a romantic relationship.

Review: First of all, Our Movie is a melodrama. So, if that’s not your thing, I really recommend you don’t watch because you will cry every step of the way. But if like me, you’re willing to endure, you will surely love this drama. The world of cinema is everywhere, from characters’ job to the way the intrigue is woven. We’re watching a drama displaying people making a movie and even sometimes imagining scenes of themselves as actors of the movie they are creating. Even the title gives it away. The good part is that this peculiar universe is not glamorized. On the contrary, you also get to see the downsides of that field. On top of that, the romance is slow-burn and beautiful. Lee Je Ha learns what love is, while Lee Da Eum gets to experience true love before she passes away. Some characters were annoying at times by getting in the way, but they quickly gave in. All in all, Our Movie is definitely worth your time and tears!

Our Unwritten Seoul ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN, Netflix

Cast: Park Bo Young & Park Jin Young
Plot: Yoo Mi Ji and Yoo Mi Rae are identical twin sisters with very different personalities. Mi Ji lives a freewheeling life, while Mi Rae works at a government owned company. One day, they begin to switch lives. Meanwhile, Lee Ho Su is a lawyer who encounters them both. Together, they find their real selves.

Review: What a beautiful gem that drama is! I think not enough people talked about Our Unwritten Seoul, so it’s my duty to correct that. The plot is realistic, credible, full of raw emotions. We all can identify with at least one struggle characters are going through whether it is work- or family-related. Yu Mi Ji and Yu Mi Rae may be identical twins, but they are going through life in very different ways with their own hurdles to overcome. From leads to secondary characters, the drama explores their healing journey, as they take away vital lessons and move onto new chapters of their lives. Family, love, friendship, moving on, grief, bullying, burn out, and so many more themes are tackled in this show. On top of that, the acting performance and flawless direction add beauty and intensity to the plot. Our Unwritten Seoul is an ode to life, full of advice on how to make it through it. I definitely recommend you watch it!

Pump Up the Healthy Love ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: KBS2, Wavve, Viki

Cast: Lee Jun Young & Jung Eun Ji
Plot: Do Hyun Joong is a bodybuilder. He wins first place at the prestigious Mr. David Competition, before disappearing from circuit. He then becomes a gym owner and trainer, but struggles to make it a success. To do so, he recruits new members like Lee Mi Ran, who’s never worked out before and starts after breaking up with her ex-boyfriend.

Review: Pump Up the Healthy Love is such an entertaining and funny drama. It’s not the best drama of the year, still I spent a really good time watching it! Characters are crazy and eccentric, but are perfect matches, they have their own struggles which makes them humane. Best part is that the drama doesn’t have a single villain. Even ‘bad’ characters turn out to be quite good in the end. I liked how the plot focused essentially on Mi Ran’s journey to loving and accepting herself using sports as a medium, rather than jumping right away into the romance. Indeed, the love relationship between the leads arrives late in the drama, but it’s cute to see them form a bond of friendship and mutual trust first. The messages conveyed but the drama are also super good; they almost succeeded in making me want to do sports (and that’s a real miracle!). Anyway, I laughed a lot and enjoyed that drama, so I can only recommend it if you want something good and light-hearted.

Queen Mantis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 8 | Channel: SBS, Viki

Cast: Ko Hyun Jung & Jang Dong Yoon
Plot: Jung Yi Shin is a serial killer nicknamed the Mantis. She brutally murdered 5 men 20 years ago. She has a son named Cha Soo Yeol. All his life, he’s loathed his mother. He now works as a police officer. One day, a murder smiliar to the Mantis’ takes place. To catch the culprit, Cha Soo Yeol asks his mother for help.

Review: First of all, I’m really proud that this drama is adapted from a French series. As a French person, it makes me so happy to see that our plots can also interest Dramaland. Second, I was more than thrilled to see that the director and some members of the cast, who had previously collaborated on the amazing thriller Black Out, had reunited in Queen Mantis. Third, I have to admit that Ko Hyun Jung delivered a fantastic performance as a serial killer with maternal love. Now when it comes to the plot and the characters, it took me quite a while to guess who the copycat was. I was also surprised by his identity, and that’s the best when you watch this kind of dramas. The relationship between mother and son was super interesting, and I really appreciated that they developed the leads. We understood Jung Yi Shin’s past and motivations to the point that we almost had empathy for her. Plots that are complex and that really play with your moral sense and emotions make the best thrillers. That’s exactly the case here. I highly recommend you take a look at this show. Plus, it’s only 8 episodes.

Resident Playbook ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN, Netflix

Cast: Go Yoon Jung, Shin Si Ah, Han Ye Ji & Kang You Seok
Plot: Following the hit drama Hospital Playlist, the sequel follows the lives and friendships of professors, residents, nurses and medical personnel at Jongno Yulje Medical Center. Among them, you have first year OBGYN resident Oh Yi Young, Pyo Nam Kyung, Kim Sa Bi and Uhm Jae Il.

Review: I could watch 40 seasons of that show, 10,000 episodes of their adventures, and I would never get bored. This sequel of Hospital Playlist has kept the essence of the original show making it emotional, funny, lighthearted, serious, warm and sad at the same time. The new quartet is super endearing. Each character has his own difficulties from the beginning, but learns and grows through his first year residency. I think their personalities are a perfect match, they compensate each other’s flaws, but also highlight each other’s qualities. The OBGYN stories are moving, educational for characters and viewers, and compelling. Romance is also there, though I would’ve loved to see more for others (Sa Bi, Jae Il, Nam Kyung). However, I giggling like a kid, so it means that the show succeeded. Nonetheless, my favorite part of the show is the cameos. I was so pleased to see characters from Hospital Playlist make an appearance. In each episode we got lucky enough to see someone new, and the ending just hints at a second season, which I truly hope we will get. Don’t miss out on this gem!

Romantics Anonymous ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2025 | Episode: 8 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Shun Oguri & Han Hyo Joo
Plot: Sosuke Fujiwara (Shun Oguri) is the son of a confectionery manufacturer owner, who becomes the CEO of a chocolate store. Due to a trauma in his past, he suffers from mysophobia. Ha Na (Han Hyo Joo) is a genius chocolatier, but has a phobia of making eye contact with people. Both meet by chance through chocolate and develop feelings for each other.

Review: This drama is such a gem! First, I love the blend between Japan and Korea. Han Hyo Joo is extremely credible as this awkward Korean chocolatier who’s settled in Japan, the land of desserts. Plus, she speaks Japanese so well. As for Korean, it only popped up in the drama to spice up the romance, so it was right on point. Second, the plot is just awesome. It’s moving, authentic, quirky and heartwarming. Characters all have their issues (even secondary ones), but they’re trying to overcome them and leverage on the others’ presence to heal. Getting better truly depends on two things in the drama: people surrounding you and chocolate, of course. The cinematography of the show made it so mouth-watering. The cooking scenes are so appetizing and the meaning behind each and every chocolate the team makes is really poetic and beautiful. Every chocolate tells a story, allows characters to navigate tradition and modernity, brings them back to their childhood, helps them recover from past wounds or brings them together. The ending points out to a second season (hopefully). In the meantime, I can only recommend you watch this sweet drama right away.

S Line ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 6 | Channel: Wavve

Cast: Lee Soo Hyuk, Lee Da Hee & Arin
Plot: Mysterious red lines suddenly appear above people’s head. These lines connect people who have had sex relations. Due to this, embarrassing or secret sides of people are revealed.

Review: First of all, I loved the concept of the drama. It’s very original and bold. The atmosphere of the show is also dark and uncomfortable which supports the overarching narrative. The fact that there are glasses that can allow you to see people’s sexual relationships with others sheds light on the dangers of knowing such intimate information. Indeed, characters who wore the glasses all ended up in difficult and complex situations that would never have happened if they had remained ignorant. To me, this emphasizes the idea that knowing too much also comes with its downsides. Each episode centers on a specific story and honestly they were all fascinating, though upsetting as well (especially episode 4). My only issue is related to the ending. I get that they needed to explain the whys but it was still a little bit too far-fetched for me. They lost me and I didn’t have the impression that the answers were actually super clear. Too bad, because the drama had potential. But the end kind of ruined it.

Seal My Lips with a Kiss ⭐ (1/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2025 | Episode: 10 | Channel: Apple TV, Viki

Cast: Gong Myung & Choi Sooyoung
Plot: Han Geum Joo works for a top Korean automobile company. She enjoys drinking alcohol. One day, she reunites with her first love Seo Ui Joon who has returned to his hometown for an unknown reason. Unlike her, Ui Joon hates alcohol. When Geum Joo gets labelled an alcoholic, she challenges herself to quit drinking.

Review: I’m at loss for words with this drama! It was a catastrophe. First of all, the plot makes no sense. The first episode shows our two leads ending up kissing for the craziest reason and after that they have minimum one kiss/bed scene per episode. Certain situations were really ridiculous as well. The second male lead is not nice, to be fair. I thought he was going to be a good supportive friend, but ended up prioritizing his feelings. The female lead doesn’t know how to put boundaries, the male lead is incapable of communication, etc… Only good parts were that the female lead has good qualities (courage, resilience and kindness), the male lead has a sort of evolution and the intrigue had a little bit of backbone. But that was just not enough to surpass the cringy and weird feeling I had while watching the show. I would definitely not recommend it.

Second Shot at Love ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN, Viki

Cast: Gong Myung & Choi Sooyoung
Plot: Han Geum Joo works for a top Korean automobile company. She enjoys drinking alcohol. One day, she reunites with her first love Seo Ui Joon who has returned to his hometown for an unknown reason. Unlike her, Ui Joon hates alcohol. When Geum Joo gets labelled an alcoholic, she challenges herself to quit drinking.

Review: I didn’t think I was going to like this drama so much, but it was actually quite entertaining. It’s the first I’m watching a drama that deals with alcoholism. It’s a rare subject in Dramaland, and I believe it’s sometimes tough to make a real story out of it. But here, they managed to make a good plot with this topic at its core. In the drama, there’s a clear warning towards people who tend to use alcohol to get through life, but also towards society and its drinking culture. You realize that people are actually alcoholic unbeknownst to them, meaning: We could all be Geum Joo! The drama also focuses on the downside of alcoholism such as addiction and heath diseases. So, it tacked the topic quite well in my opinion. Geum Joo and her family’s drinking habits are also quite funny which lightened the mood. The romance is absolutely cute and natural. Both characters are wounded, but hold on together. Even side romances were interesting and flowed properly. My only criticism would be that the drama turned very dark at the end with one character being sick, another assaulted, and one last dying. I was not expecting that in what I considered to be a rom-com. This made me lose the unserious spirit of the show, so I liked it less. Nevertheless, this drama is worth your time!

Spirit Fingers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: TVING, Viki

Cast: Park Ji Ju, Joo Joon Young, Park Yoo Na & Choi Bo Min
Plot: Song Woo Yeon is an ordinary high school student. She has low self-esteem and rarely expresses herself. One day, Koo Sun Ho asks her to pose as a model for a group of people who are members of the sketch club Spirit Fingers. Woo Yeon enjoys the company of the group and so decides to join them. She starts to grow as a person.

Review: Spirit Fingers is probably one of the best webtoon adaptations I’ve seen! The drama has this magical, colorful vibe, while tackling more serious themes. Characters are so moving from the leads to the secondary protagonists. Woo Yeon, Gi Jeong, and even Sun Ho and Geu Rin learn how to grow more mature to become actual adults. It’s a coming-of-age drama that highlights the struggles of youth to find their way, connect with others, fit in or open up about their most inner feelings. The adults of the sketch club are wise guides whose experience is always useful to others. The show is full of romances (like 5 of them), extremely funny (especially Gi Jeong) and quite educational in the end. I laughed so hard, felt transported to a magical wonderful world and went through characters’ ups and downs with them. I was so satisfied to see them grow and become better versions of themselves at the end of the drama, like a proud mother looking at her kids. Hopefully, they will bring a second season, though it’s not necessary. The drama is already perfect as it is now!

Squid Game Season 3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 6 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, Im Si Wan, Kang Ha Neul, Park Gyu Young, Jo Yu Ri, Park Sung Hoon, Wi Ha Joon & Lee Jin Wook
Plot: The deadly games will finally finish in this last season. Will Seong Gi Hun triumph against The Front Man?

Review: First of all, I’m extremely happy that the series has finally come an end. I could not bear the wait anymore. Now, I’m generally satisfied with the ending of the drama. I think season 3 is a great continuation and finalization of the events from season 2. Characters’ development is very good with each of them staying true to their values, whether they’re good or bad. The clash between those who believe in humanity and those blinded by money is even more present until the last scenes. The new games were as good as the previous ones, I really enjoyed them. As for the ending, I found it bittersweet, but quite realistic at the same time. The messages conveyed by the drama are clear, though disheartening. I would only have 3 small criticisms. First, characters from season 2 were rapidly gotten rid of in season 3 (like way too fast), when they’d spent so much time introducing them. Second, that would be Jun Ho. I’m not going to spoil anything, but he could’ve done better. Third, I still have unanswered questions regarding some characters – one in particular. But in a nutshell, I really appreciated this last season. It put a good final point to the whole story.

Study Group ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 10 | Channel: TVING, Prime Video

Cast: Hwang Min Hyun, Cha Woo Min & Han Ji Eun
Plot: Yoon Ga Min is a student at a notorious vocational school with many troubled students. Though he looks smart with a neat appearance, his grades are at the bottom. To improve his grades, Ga Min forms a study group. In exchange for helping him study, he protects other students with his fighting skills.

Review: I loved this drama soooo much! It is fast-paced and energetic, you don’t get bored for a single second. The main character Ga Min is so innocent, pure, full of determination, optimism and good will when it comes to study. He’s an adorable, endearing, charming and sweet student. However, he turns into such a man when he starts fighting. The duality of the lead is thrilling, and his crew is just the best. The study group is absolutely fantastic! Each has his own struggles and personality, yet together they make the perfect team. Loved also the fact that many of them know how to fight, it makes the drama even more entertaining. Even the villain (played by Cha Woo Min from Night Has Come) is awesome. And the OST guys is pure fire! I still have some pending questions regarding the identity of Ga Min’s uncle, but I’m pretty sure a second season will come soon enough to answer that – at least that’s what the ending suggests. Anyway, all of that to say that if you’re looking for a great school drama to watch, do not miss this one!

Tastefully Yours ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 10 | Channel: ENA, GenieTV, Netflix

Cast: Kang Ha Neul & Go Min Si
Plot: Han Beom Woo is the successor of a large food company and runs a prestigious restaurant in Seoul, but he isn’t interested in taste. Mo Yeon Joo is a chef, who is crazy about taste. She has a one-table restaurant in a remote place. Unexpectedly, these two begin to run a small restaurant together, and fall in love in the process.

Review: First of all, let me give you a small warning. Do not watch this drama on an empty stomach, because the food scenes will make you drool over your screen. I’ve made the mistake and ended up binge-eating. The cooking in the drama is mouth-watering and addictive. You want to see more of it. But there’s also a certain comfort that goes with it, as Mo Yeon Joo is a woman of principle who refuses to compromise on qualitative food. And that’s what she does throughout the entire show. The female lead has more at heart the people she cooks for rather than money, unlike the male lead. The best part is that he changes after their encounter and becomes more like her. The duo makes a perfect pair. Their craziness and stubbornness result in so many funny scenes of them bickering while falling in love. But I’ll admit the drama became a bit less savory around episode 7, when Yeon Joo’s ex came back and then Beom Woo’s family got involved. I felt like I had lost the spark between the couple to focus on their personal issues. Nevertheless, Tastefully Yours is a cozy drama to watch that will bring comfort to your soul and fill your stomach with love. I also adored the 2 side-kicks, they were just the best!

Tempest ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 9 | Channel: Disney+, Hulu

Cast: Jun Ji Hyun & Gang Dong Won
Plot: Moon Joo is a diplomat and a former ambassador to the US. One day, she learns there was political maneuvering behind an assassination case involving South and North Korea. Meanwhile, San Ho is an elite mercenary surrounded by secrets. Moon Joo and San Ho work together to uncover the truth behind the major incident.

Review: First of all, I was so thrilled to see Gang Dong Won and Jun Ji Hyun paired up in this drama. The former had not appeared in a drama in 21 years, while the latter took 4 years to comeback to the small screen. That being said, they clearly make a stunning duo. Their chemistry in the show was extremely good. I liked how they’ve added so many romantic scenes amidst the political intrigues. From the get-go, you root for them. Contrary to other bodyguard/VIP dramas that disappointed me before, like Red Swan, this one stood out with its well-intricate plot and its compelling narrative. There were many twists, many revelations that I didn’t necessarily expect. All of that was well packaged and delivered to the audience. Generally speaking, conflicts and the investigation are easy to follow. Characters are also well written. You get their motivations and intentions, even if you disagree with them. I would however admit that the ending could’ve been better in my opinion. They fully developed the female lead and her ambitions, but pushed aside the romance they’d built up for 9 episodes. That’s a total shame, though the open ending gives way to many (happy?) possibilities.

The Art of Negotiation ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: JTBC, Viki, Disney+

Cast: Lee Je Hoon, Kim Dae Myung & Cha Kang Yoon
Plot: Yoon Joo No is a M&A expert who’s known to be a legendary negotiator. He has a team that consists in lawyer Oh Soon Young and Choi Jin Soo. Joo No specializes in large corporation deals.

Review: Before I start my review, let me give you a little warning first. The drama is slow-paced and a bit technical, as it deep dives into the corporate and financial worlds. Therefore, if you’re not ready to fully pay attention to it, I suggest you don’t start it. Otherwise, you won’t be able to follow the intrigue properly, get lost in the details and miss the essence of the plot. Now, if you’re ready to commit, you’ll find out that The Art of Negotiation is a real masterpiece. I learned so much about corporate finance, M&A, but also economics and how to play the ruthless game of politics in a company. The lead Yoon Ju No is charismatic and extremely clever. He’s a skilled M&A expert, capable of handling any kind of situations. His team is also made up of highly talented experts who all know how to balance soft and hard skills, as business, politics and personal life are deeply intertwined in that field. On top of that, the drama is also a revenge story that differentiates itself from others. Here, Yoon Ju No carefully plays his card and acts as an executive, when in reality he’s secretly preparing for pay back. It’s satisfying to see him overcome every obstacle until he wins the fight. The ending also suggests a second season that I will be eagerly waiting for. Don’t miss out on this original show and, more importantly, don’t give up at the first episode. It’s a little hard to get into it, but it’s worth the watch.

The Defects ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 8 | Channel: ENA, TVING

Cast: Yum Jung Ah, Won Jin Ah, Dex & Choi Young Joon
Plot: Kim Se Hee is a highly respected doctor, at the head of an illegal adoption organization that has a rule: if the adopted child does not meet the parents’ expectations, they get a free refund and the child is killed to destroy evidence of their crime. Kim Ah Hyeon was one of the refunded children, but survived. Now, she wants revenge.

Review: This drama took me by surprise to be honest. It turned out to be quite decent with a good pace, intriguing characters and a terrifying plot. The cruelty of some people in the show is truly out of this world. But when the main topic of the show is child shopping, then you kind of get an idea of how tough it’s going to be. And I liked that dark vibe. I appreciated that they didn’t hesitate to show evil. It made me reflect on the concept of perfection, ethics in science and what it means to be a parent. I was also totally immersed in the show and rooted for the children’s success. However, there were some points in the drama that kind of disappointed me. First, they explain Kim Se Hee’s past way too late. I understood that they wanted to give her more complexity by explaining her story as a child, but it came in the last episode only. Second, Kim Jin Young’s character had so much potential that remained unexplored. Third, the teenagers had a lot of proof to take down the bad guys, but they didn’t use them to their advantage. All of this elements made me feel as if the intrigue was lacking. Don’t get me wrong, the drama is good. But I’m left dissatisfied and disappointed. Too bad for such a good drama!

The Divorce Insurance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN, Prime Video

Cast: Lee Dong Wook, Lee Gwang Soo, Lee Joo Bin & Lee Da Hee
Plot: No Ki Jun works for a product development team at an insurance company. He’s divorced 3 times and suffered greatly from these events. Because of that, he decides to develop an insurance policy for divorce and sets up a divorce team with Kang Han Deul, An Jeon Man and Jeon Na Rae.

Review: In the category of romcoms, I think The Divorce Insurance fulfilled its job perfectly! It was funny, entertaining, romances were on point, and I honestly spent a very good time watching this show. What I liked the most is the concept of a divorce insurance. The screenwriter really went all in and imagined all the potential setbacks and problematics that could arise with such a product. It really felt as if it could be launched in real life. This gave consistency and depth to the show, making me root for the team to succeed. The plot is clever, funny and lighthearted at the same time. It blends very well the realism from divorce cases with the craziness of comedy. So yes, characters are stereotypical and all embody one main emotion, but that’s a comedy, and that’s why it works. Despite that, each has a great development and changes between beginning and end. As for the romances, I loved them so much! All different, but endearing at the same time. Finally, I would add that the drama conveys nice messages: getting a divorce is not shameful; staying married doesn’t mean being happy; don’t be afraid to try new things; live without regrets. If you’re looking for a nice romcom to keep you entertained, I recommend you watch this one!

The First Frost ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: China | Year: 2025 | Episode: 32 | Channel: Youku Tudou

Cast: Bai Jing Ting & Zhang Ruo Nan
Plot: Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan met in high school. They had a crush on each other and promised to go to the same university. But circumstances decided otherwise and their paths diverged. Years later, they meet again.

Review: This C-drama is as excellent as its predecessor Hidden Love. The romance is a slow burn, soft and warm. It’s clear that leads love each other, but there are so many issues they have to deal with first. Wen Yi Fan has had a difficult past and has been through a lot of bad experiences. This caused her to isolate herself and deal with everything on her own. However, Sang Yan is patient and devoted. His gestures, words, and behavior all aim at one thing: healing Wen Yi Fan. I liked also that the drama tackled darker themes related to the toxicity of a family for example that really serve the intrigue. Even secondary characters are great and their romance compelling. If you’re looking for a romance, I highly recommend this one! They gave me butterflies and melted my heart in every scene. Not to mention the actors’ incredible chemistry on screen. That’s a must-watch!

The First Night With the Duke ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: KBS2, Viki

Cast: Seohyun & Ok TaecYeon
Plot: University student K is an ordinary young woman. One day, she finds herself in her favorite romance novel as Cha Sun Chaek. While in her body, she spends one night with Lee Beon, who’s the male lead in the novel. He was supposed to fall in love with Jo Eun Ae, but has set his eyes on Cha Sun Chaek.

Review: The First Night with the Duke is such an entertaining drama! The story is about an ordinary lady who ends up in her favorite novel and has a one-night stand with the male lead. That is enough to make you understand the amount of romance, skinship, and heart-fluttering moments there are in that show. I loved how they made the historical plot super modern with an audacious and spicy storyline – Cha Sun Chaek doesn’t hesitate to kiss her man or to make soju bombs. This touch of modernity in that historical setting added a good touch of comedy. Though I was not 100% into the story towards the end, as it started to turn slightly political with palace intrigues, it didn’t last too long. Of course, you have a lot of clichés and stereotypes in the drama (jealous secondary leads, evil Prince, weak King), but it’s nice to have a good old romance that makes you giggle once in a while. I also really like the OSTs of the show, so if you’re in search of a cute cheesy love story with a spicy touch, this one’s for you!

The Haunted Palace ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 16 | Channel: SBS, Viki

Cast: Yuk Sung Jae, Bona & Kim Ji Hoon
Plot: Yoon Gab is a governor officer working in the palace. One day, he’s possessed by an Imoogi who needs Yeo Ri’s body. She has a divine gift, but refuses to become a medium. When her first love, Yoon Gab, is possessed, she enters the palace. Helped by King Lee Sung, they uncover the ghosts’ stories haunting the place.

Review: This drama started out so well to be honest. The horror component in a historical drama, mixed with a fantasy vibe, mystical creatures, shamanism and romance were the best ingredients I could’ve dreamed of. And the beginning of the show was pretty solid. The plot was engaging, mysterious, dark and attention-grabbing. To a certain extent, the evil spirit the leads were chasing reminded me of the Japanese general in the movie Exhuma – so it was quite thrilling. Unfortunately, the show deteriorated from episode 10 onwards. Characters were making stupid decisions all the time, falling into the same traps all over again. The plot was running in circles with 2 or 3 times the same sub-narrative unfolding. It really enraged me. The ending regained my attention a bit, but it was expected and quite unoriginal. That’s such a disappointment because I was liking this drama so much. However, I have to mention that the couples (King/Queen and Gab/Yeo Ri) were absolutely amazing. The King by himself is one of the best I’ve seen in Dramaland, upright, virtuous, good and benevolent. And Kim Ji Hoon portrayed him perfectly.

The Last Samurai Standing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2025 | Episode: 6 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Okada Junichi, Higoshide Masahiro & Kiyohara Kaya
Plot: At the end of the 19th century, 292 warriors gather in Kyoto to participate in a deadly game with a price of 100 billion yen. To win, players have to reach Tokyo with wooden tags stolen from their peers. Among them stands Saga Shujiro who needs the money to save his sick wife and son.

Review: This is such a fantastic drama! The Last Samurai Standing perfectly mixes political scheming, historical eduction and action in 6 episodes only. Characters are quite intriguing and I really liked that they deep dived into most of them to give us an understanding of their actions, but also of the political context they’re part of. We’re indeed at a crossroads between the old world with swords and samurais and the new one with guns and politicians. The concept of a deadly game – like we have in Battle Royale or Squid Game – made the story even more gripping. You root for characters you like, but you also distrust everyone. Finally, the cinematography is amazing! Fight scenes, and especially their choreographies, are spectacular. You have no reason not to watch that drama, it’s a gem! I would however recommend you get a bit information on the History of Japan at the end of the 19th century before, if you want to properly understand all the issues. Otherwise, you may miss precious insights.

The Manipulated ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: Disney+, Hulu

Cast: Ji Chang Wook & Do Kyung Soo
Plot: Tae Joong is an ordinary man living an ordinary life. One day, he gets involved in a heinous crime and is sent to prison. Later on, he discovers that this was all planned by a man named Yo Han. So, he decides to take revenge.

Review: If you like action-packed revenge plots, then The Manipulated is definitely your go-to! You will feel enraged by the horrible events that happen to Park Tae Joong and root for him until the very end. I was amazed by how resilient, resourceful and determined this character is. The helpers (Noh Yong Sik and his daughter) also have quite a moving story. Tae Joong’s allies may not be numerous or powerful, but that’s enough to succeed. On top of that, he knows perfectly well how to use his enemies to his advantage. Not going to lie, I was so stressed watching this show. Every episode is a roller coaster of emotions with so much adrenaline (fight scenes, car race, prison riot, escape…). I was hooked from beginning to end. However, Ji Chang Wook’s character seems quite invincible. He gets stabbed, beaten up, has car accidents, jumps from windows but he stands strong. The acting performance is also spectacular, especially Do Kyung Soo’s. He was so credible as the villain and scared the hell out of me. I would say that the ending was great, though maybe a bit rushed. And I’m quite unsure whether or not they are pointing out at a potential second season. In any case, I highly recommend the drama; it’s a must-watch!

The Murky Stream ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 9 | Channel: Disney+, Hulu

Cast: Rowoon, Shin Ye Eun & Park Seo Ham
Plot: In a corrupt Joseon, the fates of three individuals converge around the Gyeonggang River, where all of Joseon’s money and goods pass through. Jang Shi Yul (Rowoon) is a good-for-nothing man, who hides his past. Choi Eun (Shin Ye Eun) is a righteous merchant and Jung Chun (Park Seo Ham) is an upright government official.

Review: I’m very satisfied to see a historical drama that, for once, explores dark themes about common people. We usually have palace intrigues related to the royal family. These are nice, but I’ve rarely seen a show about merchants, dock workers, bandits and corrupt government officials. Just for that, The Murky Stream deserves your attention. The plot is well woven, oscillating from fight scenes and corrupt schemings. Bandits are organized like a mafia and have power over rivers that is considered as the main commerce/trade road. I liked the association between the flow of the river and the flow of money, both corrupt and bloody in the drama. Characters are compelling with interesting backgrounds that all fit within the overarching narrative. Jang Si Yul is, by far, the best of them all. His life, past, intentions, motivations are super clear. We empathize and root for him. Not to mention Rowoon’s spectacular acting performance. I really think that’s his best role ever. He’s so credible! Best part is that he only has a few lines. So, everything he delivers is through gestures, body language and his eyes. The cinematography is impeccable, emphasizing on the harshness of people, the immensity of nature and the cruelty of fate. I highly recommend you take a look at The Murky Stream, it’s really worth the watch.

The Potato Lab ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN, Netflix

Cast: Kang Tae Oh & Lee Sun Bin
Plot: Kim Mi Kyung has been working at the Potato Research Institute for 12 years. She’s serious about her work and leads a simple life in a mountain valley. But it all changes when So Baek Ho joins the Institute. Behind his good looks and bright smile, he can be quite cold. Mi Kyung and Baek Ho don’t get along and constantly bicker.

Review: I have very mixed feelings about this drama. Sometimes, I admit that I was really into the story and laughed a lot. But other times, I was uncomfortable and mad at characters who behaved like bullies towards the male lead – at least that’s the impression I had. What I noticed is that past the first episodes, when the romance really starts, the show is quite good. The relationship between the main protagonists is nice and funny, despite the unexpected twists regarding their connection. But before that, when the romance has not started yet, I found the female lead to be quite headstrong and mean towards So Baek Ho, even pushing others (her colleagues, family, friends, and even the village) to mistreat him. Some scenes that were supposed to make me laugh didn’t. Moreover, I had a hard time connecting with characters: Mi Kyung’s ex-lover is a terrible ass, her friend is extremely nosy and crazy, her colleagues are ignorant, Baek Ho’s friend is selfish, Mi Kyung herself is self-centered and pathetic, while Baek Ho is robotic and emotionless. However, the show managed to get better towards the end with a decent development of the main characters. They learn, heal and grow together. I also think that the drama went overboard with its love and obsession for potatoes, but that was funny at least.

The Prisoner of Beauty ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 36 | Channel: Tencent Video

Cast: Song Zu Er & Liu Yu Ning
Plot: Qiao Man is from the Yan Clan who’s been enemies with the Wei Clan since their betrayal 14 years ago. But when Wei Shao is about to wage war on them, she marries him to ensure peace between the realms. Will love be stronger than hatred?

Review: This is definitely the kind of dramas for which I scream: GO WATCH IT! It’s simply amazing! The intrigue is so well woven, you don’t get bored for one second. Plus, you don’t spend 30 episodes on the same problematics. Here, the action is fast-paced and we really move on from one situation to another. Moreover, I loved how intricate the leads’ romance is, as they go from enemies to lovers. They learn to trust each other and rule together, while also trying to move on from past wounds. Even secondary characters are awesome (like Wei Shao’s cousin for example) and have a real evolution and purpose in the drama. But what I liked the most is the fact that the romance and the marriage is really at the heart of the story. The alliance formed by Qiao Man and Wei Shao is political, strategic, vital for peace, but also emotional, as it leads to dilemmas between love and duty; family and state; personal grudge and people’s well-being. The ending is as perfect as the rest of the drama. There’s really nothing to criticize here!

The Winning Try ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: SBS, Wavve, Netflix

Cast: Yoon Kye Sang, Im Se Mi & Kim Yo Han
Plot: Ju Ga Ram used to be a successful rugby player but a drug scandal ruined his career. 3 years later, he’s now coach for the weakest high school rugby team of its league. While trying to improve the team, he reunites with his ex-girlfriend Bae Yi Ji. They dated for 10 years, but, after his drug scandal, Ju Ga Ram disappeared.

Review: I’m a big fan of sports dramas. So if I only had to judge the show based on that criterion, I would definitely have given a better review. The rugby team has hit rock bottom, but works hard to survive and win. There are also plenty of nice messages on the show such as not giving up, believing in your dreams, camaraderie and teamwork, being an adult and supporting your players, believing in yourself… However, there were some parts in the show that annoyed me starting with characters. I found that the Principal of the school was useless most of the time, while the Vice Principal and the Shooting coach were just pure evil. Their opponents had many occasions to put an end to their foul play, but they let just them continue. Second, I get that the show is about coach Ju Ga Ram, but I really would’ve loved knowing more about the young rugby players. Only 3 of them were really developed, though not enough. As for the leads, I couldn’t stand Bae Yi Ji’s behavior. She was too sacrificial and constantly prioritized others at her own expense. It simply infuriated me. Finally, I’ll just say that the ending was so unrealistic. I was not expecting something credible, but that was a little too over the top for me. In a nutshell, watch the drama is you’re interested in rugby and can look over these loopholes, otherwise there are other better sports shows!

The Witch ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 10 | Channel: Channel A, Viki

Cast: Jin Young & Roh Jeong Eui
Plot: In high school, Dong Jin had a crush on Mi Jeong. She was called a witch because people around her would end up dead or injured. 10 years later, Dong Jin specialized in statistics. He wants to prove that Mi Jeong’s situation is not because of her. While investigating the past incidents, he discovers the reasons behind her misfortune.

Review: The concept of that drama grabbed my attention to be fair. I liked the idea that someone would use logic, statistics and science to debunk superstition. I also thought that the whole drama would demonstrate that the female lead was not subject to an actual curse, but rather the victim of an evil human being. I won’t spoil you, but the narrative they chose clearly differs from this initial thought. It was not a bad thing, but we then lacked reasoning and explanations regarding the root cause of the female lead’s ordeal. On top of that, the plot was very repetitive from episodes 1 to 6. The redundancy slowed the plot down and gave the impression that nothing was truly happening. The drama was also introducing scenes (like with Dong Jin’s mother) and characters who didn’t seem to have any role to play in the story. Thankfully, the last four episodes were more interesting and connected scenes/characters together. Moreover, I appreciated learning more about statistics and data in general. This rational world was also well blended with that of the fairytale, as all ingredients of a child’s tale were there (the curse, the Princess and her Prince, the love story). All in all, the drama was not bad per se. It was a clever narrative but it suffered from its slow pace and redundancy.

Trauma Code: Heroes on Call ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 8 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Ju Ji Hoon & Choo Yeong Woo
Plot: Baek Gang Hyeok is a genius trauma surgeon with a strong personality. He’s in charge of the trauma center at a university hospital. Though he and his team save lives, the hospital plunges deeper in the red financially. To help him, he scouted doctor Yang Jae Won who becomes his first pupil.

Review: This is exactly what I expect to watch when I’m teased with an action drama that focuses on trauma surgery. The action scenes were incredible good, the drama has an excellent pace (there’s not a single boring episode!) and you are entertained from beginning to end thanks to great medical scenes. The storyline is simple and has a clear red thread – human lives should prevail over money especially in a hospital – and that’s all we need to have a straightforward and enjoyable storyline. The best part of the drama is obviously related to the crazy quartet – the head surgeon Gang Hyeok, his second in command Jae Won (and God he was truly hilarious!), Nurse Cheon and of course anesthesiologist Park Gyeong Won. They are all very different, but they have such great synergy. I highly recommend the drama, you will for sure binge-watch it in a day!

Trigger ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 10 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Kim Nam Gil & Kim Young Kwang
Plot: When illegal guns suddenly start flooding the country, gun incidents proliferate in South Korea. Yi Do is a righteous detective who served in the military as a sniper. He now struggles to stop a series of gun incidents and chases after the source of the illegal firearms. Moon Baek is a key figure in the underground arms broker world.

Review: Trigger is an excellent action drama that offers a good reflection on firearms and their consequences, especially in a country like South Korea where they are illegal but also where a part of the population knows how to use them. The cases are compelling and you get to understand how each person’s despair or feeling of injustice leads them to pull the trigger. The lead duo is amazing with Lee Do as an ordinary hero and Moon Baek as an exceptional villain. I really liked that they delved into his past in order to explain his intentions in the present. Not to mention that Kim Young Kwang was a hot and handsome bad guy! I would however recommend against watching more than 2 episodes per day, as the drama can be emotionally tough. Apart from that, I can only hope you watch it.

Typhoon Family ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN, Netflix

Cast: Lee Jun Ho & Kim Min Ha
Plot: In 1997, Kang Tae Poong’s father passes away and his company is hit by the IMF crisis. Determined not to let the company go bankrupt, he steps in as the CEO. To save the company, he’s helped by his family and his employees, like bookkeeper Oh Mi Sun. She dreams of becoming a career woman.

Review: This drama reminded me of Reborn Rich and the Reply Series. I’m a huge fan of shows that take place in the 1990s in South Korea and Typhoon Family didn’t disappoint at all. The depiction of the IMF crisis and its consequences on the country, the economy, businesses, families and people in general is credible and quite realistic. You root for Tae Poong and wish for him to overcome all the obstacles he faces. And there are plenty. This character is the perfect embodiment of resourcefulness, determination and optimism. He’d do anything to protect his father’s legacy and his employees. The romance is amazing. The chemistry between Lee Jun Ho and Kim Min Ha is so good. I loved seeing these two navigate their dreams, life and their feelings in the most sincere way possible. Not going to lie, I wanted to destroy Kim Hyun Jun at some point. But at least, his intentions and his story were understandable. Finally, I loved the references here and there to the technologies that are normal to us now, but seemed completely far-fetched at the time (the MP3 player, handphones, Korean skincare, computer games…). The drama has a retro vibe, is carried by solid characters and is an ode to resilience. I highly recommend you watch it!

Undercover High School ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: MBC, Viki

Cast: Seo Kang Joon & Jin Ki Joo
Plot: Jung Hae Seong is an elite agent for the NIS. After an incident, he receives a demotion and is sent undercover in a high school to investigate the whereabouts of King Gojong’s missing gold bars. Oh Soo Ah is Hae Seong’s homeroom teacher with an upright personality. She slowly starts seeing her first love in Jung Hae Seong.

Review: Undercover High School is a good school drama to watch! It’s got all the ingredients to keep you entertained and make you spend a good time: action scenes, an excellent disguise, a handsome elite agent, a pleasing romance, a strong-headed female lead, a goofy team, a mystery and a villain. There’s nothing new or surprising about the plot, but it’s well written. I especially liked Kim Shin Rok’s role as the evil Chairwoman of the school, she was quite badass and credible. All in all, if you’re looking for a nice, fast-paced and action-packed drama with a touch of romance, then this one is a good pick!

Way Back Love ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 6 | Channel: TVING, Viki

Cast: Kim Min Ha & Gong Myung
Plot: Jung Hee Wan is a 24-year old woman who doesn’t have the will to live. Kim Ram Woo was  her first love. Though they had feelings for each other, they never confessed. One day, Ram Woo appears in front of Hee Wan as the Grim Reaper. Knowing that Hee Wan only has 1 week left to live, he decides to carry out her bucket list.

Review: This drama is such a gem. First, it’s a small format (only 6 episodes of 45/50 minutes), so you have no excuse not to squeeze it into your calendar. The plot is built on 2 timelines (one in the past in high school) and one in the present, that are deeply connected. The female lead has radically changed and you slowly discover why and how she’s become so depressed and lifeless when she used to be so cheerful. You accompany her on a journey from her school days to now, but also on her healing journey. Grief and guilt are powerful hindrances in her life making them the main themes of the show. In the end, the drama aspires to insufflate strength and life in all of those who are hurting like Hee Wan. That’s a beautiful message that is poetically conveyed in the drama by the use of a bucket list. The relationship between both leads is so endearing, and yet heart-wrenching. But it’s one that’s worth having. The atmosphere of the drama is full of nostalgia, sometimes melancholy, but before all hope. To a certain extent, it even reminded of the drama Tomorrow that I absolutely loved. I can only recommend you watch Way Back Love because it’s really worth your time.

Weak Hero Class 2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 8 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: Park Ji Hoon, Ryeo Un, Choi Min Young, Lee Min Jae, Bae Na Ra & Lee Jun Young
Plot: Yeon Si Eun transfers to Eunjang High School and becomes friends with Park Hoo Min, Seo Joon Tae and Go Hyun Tak. But in this new school, he now faces a violent group called The Union. The groupe includes students like Na Baek Jin and Geum Sung Je.

Review: The highly anticipated second season of Weak Hero Class 2 didn’t disappoint me one bit. Here, we are introduced to new characters that all have backbone and interesting personalities. The villains are quite complex, oscillating between good and evil. Indeed, there are scenes when you feel empathetic towards Na Baek Jin for example or hopeful for Geum Sung Je, though they are the bad guys in that story. The new quartet is likable and all four boys blend perfectly with one another. I also really liked how they managed to show how the events from season 1 influence Si Eun’s life today whether it’d be Su Ho’s coma or his lessons on how good it can be to befriend others. Moreover, Weak Hero Class 2 is built on the same dynamics as season 1 showcasing Si Eun in the middle of a violent battlefield, as he tries to hold on. There are many parallels that we could do from the type of characters surrounding Si Eun’s to the situations he ends up in. Finally, the ending was good, but we really need a third season now. You can’t leave us hanging like that! Also, Park Ji Hoon’s acting performance still blows my mind, so don’t wait to see this drama.

When Life Gives You Tangerines ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 16 | Channel: Netflix

Cast: IU, Park Bo Gum, Moon So Ri, Park Hae Joon, Lee Jun Young & Kim Seon Ho
Plot: Set in the 1960s in Jeju Island, Ae Sun is a rebellious girl who loves books, but can’t study due to her poor family background. Yet, she doesn’t give up on her dream of becoming a poet and keeps on expressing her feelings openly. Gwang Sik is a diligent and sincere young man who doesn’t talk much. He only has eyes for Ae Sun.

Review: I don’t think there are enough words to express how amazing When Life Gives You Tangerines is! But first, warning here, you will use some tissues, because the drama shows life in its crudest, rawest and most beautiful forms. The show tackles a vast number of themes such as family, parenthood, first love, but also traumas, grief, poverty. From the 1960s on Jeju Island to the 2020s, the drama not only follows the evolution of the Korean society through decades, but also the ordeals of a ‘typical’ Korean family as they navigate the ups and downs of life and love. The show is split into 4 main parts, each of 4 episodes, linked with a season. The scenery, the aesthetics and cinematography, as well as the acting performance were impressive and added to the poetry and overall beauty of the drama. I can only recommend you watch this masterpiece, and I would not be surprised if they win awards. It’s well deserved! They also managed to make me feel as if I were bipolar, crying one moment and laughing the next one. This is a gem that you can’t miss out on.

When the Stars Gossip ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN, Netflix

Cast: Lee Min Ho, Gong Hyo Jin, Oh Jung Se & Han Ji Eun
Plot: Gong Ryong is an obstretician and future son-in-law of a chaebol company. On a secret mission, he travels to a space station as a tourist. There, he meets elite space scientist and commander Eve Kim. Scientist Kang Kang Soo, the son of a wealthy family, is also stationed there.

Review: I have so many mixed feelings about this drama. About 50% of me liked it, while the rest is disappointed and mad. First of all, let me warn you that the style of the drama is not for everyone. If you have seen this screenwriter’s other shows like Jealousy Incarnate and Wok if Love, then you may know that there are some crazy parts sometimes. And the drama’s first episode definitely fits into that category. That being said, I would say that the show started off well with an original theme (space) and a good question: can we create life in space? But the whole thing turned badly. There were many loopholes in the narrative whether it’d be in the romance or in the other subplots (Dr. Na’s wish for a baby for example). Most characters had zero development (especially Kang Kang Soo that I couldn’t stand from beginning to end). And the ending was just a dagger to my heart. In the end, I felt like I was watching either a documentary or on-screen thesis on life in space, but not a romance drama. Too bad, if you consider that the show had all the ingredients to be a hit.

I’ve got too much to say about this show, so I’ll just give you an in-depth review here, but SPOILER ALERT!!!
I’ll start with the parts that I liked. First, it’s one of the only dramas in space (there’s just another one I can quote on that theme which is The Silent Sea) and they did good on that part. Visual effects are great, the zero gravity is credible and you also get to understand the harsh conditions of living in space. Second, the fact that the plot is in space gives way to a series of intense and tense scenes (like when Eve almost dies outside or the debris shower). This made the drama thrilling and entertaining. Third, the red thread of the show essentially revolves around life in space. The entire plot is built on 2 crucial questions: 1/ Can you conceive and have babies in space? 2/ Is space a ‘tomb’ or a ‘womb’ aka is it a place of life or death? and one affirmation which is that life is a miracle and thus precious. And indeed, if you consider Gong Ryong’s determination to fertilize Dr. Na’s eggs in space, you get that he’s definitely on life’s side. From that perspective, you can say that the drama never strays away from these 3 points. On the contrary, the ending offers an actual answer to both questions. If we just consider that part of the plot, the drama delivered. However, there were some serious issues with the rest of the narrative. If I wanted to see a documentary or a show purely on life in space, I would’ve done so. However, When the Stars Gossip is supposed to be a romance, not a thesis on the subject. Because of that stand, the romantic development between characters was lacking. Yes, both leads are already in a relationship when they meet, but that’s not a problem per se. Eve’s boyfriend cheats on her and Gong Ryong is only with Go Eun out of interest. So, I get that falling in love with someone else is ‘easier’. On top of that, you can add the love at first sight trope, blah, blah, blah and eventually justify the whole thing. But even after, the romance suffers from the leads’ lack of communication. Their position as tourist and commander, topped by their divergence on the ethical/moral debate regarding morulas are quite a big obstacle in their relationship. Yet, they never really talk it through. Instead, they have a kid that supposedly solves their couple issues, while creating others. Among them, you have obviously the ending. I could’ve forgiven anything, but not that. Eve’s death was unnecessary, Gong Ryong is stuck in space and will surely die because he stayed for too long, his daughter has never been to Earth and they don’t even know how to get her down. The last minute of the show reminded me of the first minutes of Tree of Life which was absurd and left me with so many unanswered questions. Another point that I disliked is the fact that the drama slowly, but surely, abandons its 2 other subplots towards the end. First, Dr. Na disappears (we don’t know where) after 95% of the plot was dedicated to have her pregnant. She technically could’ve had children with someone else, but she wanted her husband’s sperm. A whine that caused a mess she didn’t even clean and let others deal with before vanishing. Second, there was no exploration whatsoever of the relationship between Eve and her mother. They just informed us that Gong Ryong’s adopted mother was Eve’s. For what really? As for characters, I believe they had zero development. Kang Kang Soo remains the jerk he’s always been. He’s still arrogant, thinks that others are in the wrong, but never questions himself. At the end, he even finds a way to steal Gong Ryong’s project and justifies it by saying that he’s his equivalent on Earth while he’s in space. Go Eun is still useless, and her father seems to have given up on grandchildren quite fast in the end. Why not accept it at the beginning, then? Also, I’m not a doctor here, but I’m still confused as to why Go Eun can’t have children anymore. From what I’ve understood, her fetus was in her Fallopian tube so Gong Ryong had to ligate it. But she still has another one, no? Anyway. The only character I could really empathize with is the Chief of the space station. She had to deal with so many problems at a time, I don’t know how she managed. I would finish by saying that there’s an alternative ending they could’ve chosen that checked all their boxes for me. Gong Ryong and pregnant Eve could’ve taken the risk to go back to Earth when they got the chance, despite knowing they would potentially lose their baby. This is by far the most rational and logical choice, but also the safest. Upon their arrival on planet Earth, we then would’ve discovered that their fetus survived against all odds (check life is a miracle). Eve would’ve delivered on Earth with Gong Ryong following their reconciliation (check romance). This would’ve proven that you can conceive in space (check can we make babies in space) and the whole drama is already proof that space can be synonymous with death (Eve and Gong Ryong almost died) and life (Byeol was conceived there). They still could’ve created Gong Ryong’s project, Eve could’ve gone up to space to continue research, etc… Considering the crazy amount of unrealistic scenes in the show (ICSI done without a microscope, Gong Ryong going out in space without training and having no issue,…), a little bit more (for the right reasons) would not have shocked. This other happy ending was not only a more realistic, but also a more satisfying one for everyone. Moreover, it doesn’t impact much of the actual ending we got. That’s, at least, my proposal, and that’s how I’ve chosen to rewrite the drama in my head.

Who Is She ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2024-2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: KBS2, Wavve, KOCOWA

Cast: Kim Hae Sook, Jung Ji Soo & Jin Yang
Plot: Oh Mal Soon is a 70-year old woman. After an argument with her daughter, she reverts back to her 20s. As Oh Doo Ri, she decides to pursue her dream to become a singer at Unis Entertainment. There, she meets genius planner Daniel Han. Meanwhile, her granddaughter Choi Ha Na joins the company as an idol trainee.

Review: Who Is She was a rather unexpected surprise, as I found myself liking it more and more while watching. The plot is not new – the story of an old woman who reverts to her young self to accomplish her dream – yet some parts of the intrigue were rather fresh and intriguing. The whole story about Emily, who she is, where she is and about Oh Mal Soon’s look-alike is pretty straightforward. Still, it took me forever to understand. I appreciate it when I’m taken aback by the plot. So, that’s a plus for the drama. The story with Park Jun and the potential love triangle was innovative for this kind of plot. Unfortunately, the drama started to struggle by the end. The second male lead was quite irrelevant when he could’ve played a real part in the game. As for the ending, they did cut some loose ends. But I was dissatisfied with how they finished it. As always with this kind of shows, they don’t know how to wrap the story up, making it so-so and bland. However, I will still applause the fact that they kept their main red thread alive aka the interrogation in the drama title (who is she?) until the very end. That’s literally the question I asked myself throughout the entire drama until the last second. All in all, the drama is good though I would’ve loved if they had polished the script a bit.

Wongyeong: The Queen Who Crowns ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 (+2 bonus episodes) | Channel: tvN, TVING, Viki

Cast: Cha Joo Young & Lee Hyun Wook
Plot: During the Goryeo period, Queen Wongyeong, known as Lady Min, is married to Yi Bang Won. His father King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon dynasty, decides however to choose his second son Yi Bang Gwa as his successor. Wongyeong schemes to put her husband on the throne.

Review: I love it when historical dramas choose to focus on Queens rather than Kings. But I like it even more when the drama sheds light on a historical figure who marked her time but has been forgotten by History. Taking these 2 elements into account, Wongyeong: The Queen Who Crowns could only be good to start with. And it was simply amazing! It traces back the rise of Joseon, the establishment of this new era by Yi Bang Won, but also the importance of Queen Min played in the foundation of the new world. The plot is extremely well-woven. It shows how the Queen maneuvers power and navigates her complicated relationship with her husband. But it also emphasizes on her vision and the dream she has for the people. The couple’s relationship is absolutely well described. You understand the perspective of the King, the Queen and even the concubines and ministers. I liked how they also went from showing her enthronement to her death to relate all the ordeals and struggles they went through throughout their reign. Even when it comes to children, Queen Wongyeong has gifted the kingdom with the greatest figure of Korean History – Sejong the Great. Perfect in all cases! Now, I also need to tackle the acting performance. This is Cha Joo Young’s first leading role and I was amazed by how good she was: beautiful, stunning, credible. Lee Hyun Wook as the King and even Lee Sung Min as the former King are also mind-blowing. Finally, the direction was so beautiful. I really have nothing to criticize about this drama. Just watch it!

Would You Marry Me ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2025 | Episode: 12 | Channel: SBS, Disney+

Cast: Choi Woo Sik & Jung So Min
Plot: Kim Woo Joo works at his family bakery as a marketing team leader. One day, he gets entangled with his colleague Yoo Me Ri. Her ex-boyfriend broke off their engagement, but she receives news that she’s won a newlywed house. So, she asks Kim Woo Joo, who has the same name as her ex-fiance, to marry her for 90 days.

Review: The plot of this drama reminded me of those we used to have in the early 2010s. The female lead is annoying as hell because she’s too nice and incapable of pushing back. She lets her ex, her ex’s family and many other people toy, deceit, hurt and manipulate her. Yet, she never puts boundaries or prioritizes her well-being. This infuriated me! Second, the second male lead is selfish, self-centered, and childish. His behavior is terrible and honestly very questionable, especially the way he treats his ex. The past connection between leads was not necessary in my opinion, nor was the darker subplot with the uncle. This dragged the intrigue and made my blood simply boil seeing how despicable he was. The romance between Me Ri and Woo Joo started off very well. It was spicy, funny with a lot of entertaining scenes between both protagonists. Unfortunately, it turned quite bland and uninteresting. The only reason why I kept watching was for Bae Na Ra’s character and love line. He was a complex and well-written individual whose life struggles literally took the spotlight. All in all, I’m a bit disappointed with the show and think you can clearly pass on this one.