Korean Drama: Doctor Lawyer

Year Released

2022

Genre

Medical drama

Episodes

16 - running time of 63 minutes per episode

Starring

So Ji-sub, Shin Sung-rok, Im Soo-hyang

Storyline

Doctor Han Yi-han (So Ji-sub) has been covering for hospital director's son, Goo Hyun-sung (Lee Dong-ha) as his ghost doctor. Doctor Han was being tossed off by Director Goo Jin-ki (Lee Kyung-young) after being used for the last time.

Yi-han doctor's license was revoked and he changed his profession to a lawyer to fight justice for himself. He uncovered a secret which Director Goo has been keeping for years and tried to bring him down with it.

My View

Some plot twist there which caught me off guard when Yi-han was suspecting on a certain politician of receiving heart transplant. Other than that, this drama is actually okay.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama: Shadow Detective 1 & 2

 

Year Released

Season 1 (2022) & Season 2 (2023)

Genre

Detective

No. of Episodes

8 each - running time of 57 & 55 minutes per episode respectively for season 1 and 2

Starring

Lee Sung-min, Jin Goo, Jung Jin-young, Kim Shin-rok

Storyline

Detective Kim Tae-rok (Lee Sung-min) loses his other detective friends one by one from "Friend" who turned out to be Kook Jin-han (Jin Goo). Jin-han was killed in the end as one of the players in this never-ending cat-and-mouse game. Tae-rok is determined to find out the real mastermind behind.

My View

Season 1 was not too bad and as Jin Goo potrays as a good person, I was almost duped into thinking he could not be the villian. Season 2 was more of trying to track down the big boss with quite an acceptable ending. 

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama: The Sound of Your Heart

Year Released

2016

Genre

Comedy

No. of Episodes

20 - running time of 15 minutes per episode

Starring

Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Dae-myung, Jung So-min, Kim Byung-ok, Kim Mi-kyung

Storyline

Plot focuses on the daily lives of a web cartoonist who produces these genuine and funny stories. 

My View

It is not an easy task to come up with never ending hilarious posts hence not each episode is to my liking. I appreciate the effort and do continue to have more ideas in the future.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama: Mr. Queen

Year Released

2020 - 2021

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

20 - running time of 1 hour 15 minutes per episode

Starring

Shin Hye-sun, Kim Jung-hyun, Choi Jin-hyuk

Storyline

Jang Bong-hwan (Choi Jin-hyuk), chef at Cheong Wa Dae met with an accident and fell into a pool at his apartment. In the process, his soul was swapped with Kim So-yong (Shin Hye-sun), Queen from the Joseon Dynasty. Unable to fathom what was happening to him, Bong-hwan had a number of hiccups during his stay at the palace. King Cheol Jong (Kim Jung-hyun) is attracted to So-yong as she doesn't behave like the usual maidens. Meanwhile, So-yong's soul is trapped inside her own body hiding somewhere trying to find her way out.

My View

Mr. Queen is a totally bizarre fantasy drama which I sometimes could not believe myself either. Overall a hilarios plot and I quite like Kim Jung-hyun here compared to Welcome to Waikiki. 

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama: The Devil Judge

 

Year Released

2021

Genre

Legal Drama

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 1 hour 15 minutes per episode

Starring

Ji Sung, Park Jin-young, Kim Min-jung

Storyline

Kang Yo-han (Ji Sung) is appointed by those in power to host a live trial show and citizens to vote if the accused party is guilty or not. His crazy actions and ideas often lead people into thinking if he was actually a devil. Yo-han is actually seeking revenge for his brother by making use of the show. 

Even Judge Kim Ga-on (Park Jin-young) is being used by Yo-han on a few occasions. Ga-on helps him out in the end as his parents were victims of scams in which the real culprit scot-free due to manipulation from Minister of Justice, Cha Kyung-hee (Jang Young-nam).

My View

Ji Sung's dramas do not disappoint me as always. Loved some of the scenes how Ji Sung deals with those in power. I need to re-watch a few times to enjoy it. Park Jin-young just melts my heart.. lol.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: Forever and Ever 一生一世

Year Released

2021

Genre

Family, Romance

No. of Episodes

30 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Ren Jialun, Bai Lu

Storyline

Shi Yi (Bai Lu) takes interest in Zhousheng Chen (Ren Jialun) as he bears the exact same name as a male lead character in a story she dubbed. Both of them keep in touch via emails for six months. Fate brought them together when they met up in Xi'An. 

Shi Yi only knows Zhousheng Chen is a Scientist, but unaware that he comes from an extremely wealthy family. Zhousheng Chen proposed to Shi Yi in order to inherit his family's properties. Shi Yi has a difficult time dealing with Zhou's family internal power struggle and puts her life at stake.

My View

Plot consists of bitter and sweet scenes, but I prefer part 1 better. The romance is still as slow as part 1 and all proper. No overly kissing & touching scenes which I think is a fresh perspective.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: One and Only 周生如故

 

Year Released

2021 

Genre

Historical fiction

No. of Episodes

24 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Ren Jialun, Bai Lu

Storyline

Zhousheng Chen (Ren Jialun) gains the name Junior Nan Cheng King as he has been winning multiple battles since young. He has been tasked to take in Cui Shiyi (Bai Lu) from the Cui's clan as his disciple. The pair becomes fond of one another but Zhousheng Chen once vowed to the Emperor he will never marry or have any children this lifetime to prove his loyalty.

Shiyi is engaged to Prince Guang Ling (Wang Xingyue) and has to leave Western District (Zhousheng Chen's territory). Due to political struggle, Zhousheng Chen was being framed of rebellion and put to death. Shiyi commits suicide thereafter when she knows she is unable to avenge for him.

My View

Short and nice pace of historical drama where love is always there though the couple did not end up together in the end. 

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: Immortal Samsara 沉香如屑 沉香重华

Year Released

2022

Genre 

Fantasy

No. of Episodes 

38 (part 1) & 21 (part 2) - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Cheng Yi, Yang Zi

Storyline

Plot depicts how Lord Ying Yuan (Cheng Yi) of the Heaven Realm meets Yan Dan (Yang Zi) from the ancient Four-Leaves Clan. Their love story starts from Heaven to Mortal Realm with lots of obstacle and misunderstanding. With multiple sacrifices, the pair eventually got to be together again. 

My View

Story is in fact okay to me, somehow like quite expected who the villian is. There is not too much of ups and downs for Ying Yuan and Yan Dan as I did not actually feel heartbroken when watching unlike Yang Zi's other fantasy drama, Ashes of Love 香蜜沉沉烬如霜.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: Love and Redemption 琉璃

Year Released

2020

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

59 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Cheng Yi, Yuan Bingyan, Liu Xueyi

Storyline

Legend has it that Mosha Star (who rules the Demon world) will distruct the three realms and God of War (from Heaven Realm) is the only one who could destroy him. Chu Xuanji (Yuan Bingyan) is the re-incarnation of God of War and meets Yu Sifeng (Cheng Yi) who is the 12 feathers Golden Bird Demon. Both have actually been with each other for the past nine lives but with bitter ending. 

In this life, Sifeng suffers in silence when he has the Lover's curse and saves Xuanji from danger multiple times. King Bailin (Liu Xueyi) from Heaven Realms wants Xuanji dead and to destroy Liu Li lamp in fear that Mosha Star's soul would be awaken. Bailin holds an unspeakable secret for a thousand years.

My View

Would have rated 5 stars if not for the unnecessary episodes which side tracks so much. I think 59 should just cut down to probably 39. Though storyline has certain plot twist here and there but the number of blood puking scenes are way too many! The scriptwriter is just torturing poor Cheng Yi seriously.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: Who Rules the World 且试天下

Year Released

2022

Genre 

Historical fiction

No. of Episodes

40 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Yang Yang, Zhao Lusi

Storyline

In the martial arts world, there are two highly skilled masters named Hei Fengxi (Yang Yang) and Bai Fengxi (Zhao Lusi). As both shared the same name, Bai Fengxi likes to challenge Hei Fengxi to see who is more superior. She is under the impression that Hei Fengxi is a manipulative person. Little did she know, Hei Fengxi is in love with her and trying to protect her.

During these turbulent times, the Imperial family is being tricked by evil doers which in turn caused chaos to the world. Due to a fake token, it causes six States trying to fight to be the only ruler.. Hei Bai Fengxi are involved in the political struggle and eventually helped find peace.

My View

Story is not too bad and don't expect too much romance because this is more like a wuxia kind of drama. I guess Yang Yang and Zhao Lusi do not have on-screen chemistry or is it Yang Yang just doesn't match well with anyone except for Zheng Shuang (IMO) in Love O2O 微微一笑很倾城.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: Gank Your Heart 陪你到世界之巅

Year Released

2019

Genre 

Esports

No. of Episodes

35 - running time of 40 minutes per episode

Starring

Wang Yibo, Wang Zixuan

Storyline

The story revolves around Ji Xiangkong (Wang Yibo) on how he moved from team Legends, to VNG and at last sets up his own team Phenix. Though being marked as 'Shou Chan' (literally disabled hand - meaning his speed) in the Esports insdustry, his game tactics are one of the best especially Shadow. 

On the way he meets up with love of his life, Qiu Ying (Wang Zixuan) and new teammates Pei Xi (Yan Yuhao) and Xia Ling (Yan Xujia). Together with Xiangkong's best friend in team Legends, Lin Yixuan (Ding Guansen) and former team leader of Pioneer (which won the World Championship representing China 5 years ago) Sun Zeyi (Cheng Qimeng), team Phenix took the second World Championship.

My View

Another well-written Esports drama which I loved. It is very genuine and like your day-to-day life. No game tactic is unbeatable and most of the time you need to play according to the flows "live".

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : The Long Ballad 长歌行

Year Released

2021

Genre

Action, Historical Fiction

 

No. of Episodes

 

49 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

 

Starring

 

Dilraba Dilmurat, Wu Lei, Zhao Lusi

Storyline

Yong Ning Princess, Li Changge (Dilraba Dilmurat) vows revenge against her uncle Li Shimin (Geng Le) when he killed all her families. She also has a love-hate relationship with her cousin Yong An Princess, Li Leyan (Zhao Lusi) because of this. 

She meets up with a lot of people on her way and ends up being in the grassland with Ashile Shun (Wu Lei). Changge wants Ashile tribe to help her with her revenge but she comes to realise that she only wants peace among the people whether it is the Tang Dynasty, grassland or desert.

My View

 

Some parts are draggy especially the Princess Yong An being kidnapped portion and Ashile Khatun's (Yang Ming Na) controlling the royals. I almost wanted to rate a 3 stars but overall the plot is well written. I like how the relationship between Ashile Shun and Ashile She-er (Wa Er) work out in the end.

Hao Du (Liu Yuning) is kind of adorable and he matches well with Princess Yong An.

Rating

4/5 Stars

 

Chinese Drama : Moonlight 月光变奏曲

Year Released

2021

Genre

Romantic Comedy

No. of Episodes 

36 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Ding Yuxi, Yu Shuxin, Yang Shize, Ma Yinyin

Storyline

Chu Li (Yu Shuxin) dreams to be an editor and happens to be given a chance when she joins Yuan Yue Publishing. Her first author is young and promising Zhou Chuan (Ding Yuxi), then a once popular Jiang Yucheng (Yang Shize) and a trying to make a comeback Suo Heng (He Xinlin).

Coincidentally, Chu Li under nickname 'Monkey' and Zhou Chuan 'Mr. Fox' are web friends since young. Gu Baizhi (Ma Yinyin) used to be Jiang Yucheng's ex-girlfriend and former editor but they broke up due to misunderstanding. The four leads help each other overcome their fear, accompany each other when they need someone.

My View

Moonlight is pretty sweet and adorable romcom. The part where Jiang Yucheng is reading Liu Lao Shi's husband letter, those words are extremely touching and I cried so so much. Jiang Yucheng also mentions about He Shuhuan from Romance in the Rain drama from 20 years ago where he popped up from a box. That is funny too as I watched that drama upteen times.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Novoland: Pearl Eclipse 斛珠夫人

Year Released

2021

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

48 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Yang Mi, Chen Weiting

Storyline

Ye Haishi's village was destroyed by corrupted officials though the villagers had risked their lives to retrieve pearls (from mermaid's tears) to be submitted to the Emperor. Fang Jianming (Chen Weiting) happens to save Haishi's life and makes her his disciple and renames her as Fang Haishi.

Over the years, the master and disciple grow fond of each other but Jianming often pushes Haishi away. This was due to his short lifespan by being Di Xu's (Xu Kaicheng) Baixi. The Liushang Fang's clan has a special bloodline where they can exchange the pain with another person after performing Baixi. 

This was how Emperor Xu was able to escape multiple injuries or deaths but all taken in by Jianming. Jianming was eventually let go of all these worries by ending his Baixi. His injuries over the years also being cured by drinking mermaid's blood with the help of Haishi.

My View

Pearl Eclipse has a pretty good story flows, no draggy scenes and only showing what are needed from the audience. I seriously like the ending whether it is good or bad because it kind of makes sense in that situation. 

Second leads Emperor Xu and Ti Lan Princess are a sad couple but I guess they were at least there for each other during difficut times.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Joy of Life 庆余年

Year Released

2019 - 2020

Genre 

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

46 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Zhang Ruoyun, Chen Daoming, Wu Gan, Xiao Zhan

Storyline

The entire plot is about a university student who writes a story about Fan Xian (Zhang Ruoyun) who has memory from the modern world though living in an ancient era. Fan Xian is constantly being assasinated starting from his birthplace Danzhou till when he reaches the Capital. 

His has the support from Emperor of Qing (Chen Daoming), Chen Pingping (Wu Gang) and his bodyguard, Wu Zhu. Fan Xian finds out the true identity of his mother, Ye Qingmei when he opens up a mysterious box which was left by her after death.

Fan Xian gets to know more about his mother when he escorts Xiao'en (Yu Rongguang) back to Beiqi. Little did he know, Xiao'en (under the manipulation from Pingping) mistakes Fan Xian as his grandson and shares with him the entire encounter years ago with Ye Qingmei. 

After rescuing hostage Yan Bingyun (Xiao Zhan) from Beiqi, Fan Xian begins his journey back to Qing but will be faced with multiple challenges.

My View

The whole drama is full of characters and almost everyone is a grand master in martial arts. Plot is extremely confusing yet intriguing. You need to follow every scene to understand and connect the story. I'mvery curious who is Chen Pingping's bodyguard "Shawdow". The ciffhanger is really my god... I was left in awe. Part two please start soon!

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : The Oath of Love 余生，请多指教

Year Released

2022

Genre

Family

No. of Episodes

32 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Xiao Zhan, Yang Zi

Storyline

Gu Wei (Xiao Zhan) is the attending doctor to Lin Jianguo (Xia Zhiqing) when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Gu Wei then falls in love with Jianguo's daughter, Lin Zhixiao's (Yang Zi). Zhixiao is always there to encourage Gu Wei and help him overcome his trauma when he could not save his teacher's life.

The couple eventually ties the knot after going through multiple ups and downs.

My View

A warm-hearted family drama which touched my heart at times. The chemistry between Xiao Zhan and Yang Zi is definitely sweet and melts my heart. Good watch!

Rating

4/5 Stars

 

Chinese Drama : Court Lady 骊歌行

Year Released

2021

Genre

Historical fiction

No. of Episodes

55 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Xu Kai, Li Yitong

Storyline

A story about how Fu Rou (Li Yitong) becomes a court lady and how Sheng Chu Mu (Xu Kai) turns into a general to the Tang Dynasty. Together they collaborate to assist Emperor and Empress when they are faced with obstacles from external parties planning to overthrow the Crown Prince and sow discord among the princes.

My View

A pretty good plot flowing throughout the entire drama though not a lot of ups and downs. As in some parts are just cut off abruptly with no continuation. I understand the reason was not to make the entire show too draggy. But I guess I'm not too used to this kind of style as of now.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama: The Ghost Detective

Year Released

2018

Genre

Horror, Mystery

No. of Episodes

32 - running time of 35 minutes per episode

Starring

Choi Daniel, Park Eun-bin, Lee Ji-ah

Storyline

Lee Da-il (Choi Daniel) and Jung Yeo-wool (Park Eun-bin) have a common goal that is to look for the ghost who killed Da-il's mother and Yeo-wool's younger sister. Seon Woo-hye (Lee Ji-ah) had a bad childhood and died after her suicide. 

Woo-hye uses the selfishness in humans to make them turn against themselves. Da-il eventually makes her realise her wrong perception.

My View

Plot is all good with a litte twist here and there but in the middle it starts to get kind of boring. But the ending is overall not too bad so I have decided to rate a 4 instead of 3.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama : The Third Charm

Year Released

2018

Genre

Romance, Slice of life

No. of Episodes 

16 - running time of 75 minutes per episode

Starring

Seo Kang-joon, Esom

Storyline

On Joon-yeong (Seo Kang-joon) and Lee Yeong-jae (Esom) met each other when they were twenty years old and fell in love almost immediately. An unfortunate event separated them and the pair reunited seven years later after clearing up their misunderstandings.

But their relationship did not last for long due to insecurity and difference in personality. Fast forward five years later, when Joon-yeong was about to get married and Yeong-jae suddenly re-appears into his life. 

My View

A simple plot but touched my heart a lot. Cried like mad till my eyes went swollen. I enjoy watching drama like this where a relationship lasts for a long time from young. As in everyone has different mindset at different age, like you don't know what you want. The ending was great as in something I'm looking at.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Reply 1997

Year Released

2012

Genre

Comedy, Family

No. of Episodes 

16 - running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring

Seo In-guk, Hoya, Jung Eun-ji, Shin So-yool, Lee Si-eon, Eun Ji-won, Song Jong-ho

Storyline

Plot about a group of schoolmates in the late 90s struggling between studies, first love and going after their favourite idols.

My View

Not too bad being the first of reply series with tears and laughters here and there.

Rating 

4/5 Stars