Mr. Heart (미스터 하트) is as bright and fluffy as you can get. A sweet and breezy series that might have a bit of unnecessary and awkwardly shoehorned conflict. But charming leads and an otherwise refreshingly simple story make for an easy and enjoyable watch
GMMTV’s Thai adaptation of the popular manga Cherry Magic (30 ยังซิง) has been a sweet, romantic and thoroughly enjoyable treat. Tay Tawan and New Thitipoom showed they’ve still got it as the experienced actors and popular pairing led a strong cast through entertaining and relatable stories. With a bit of slice of life feels, sincere emotions and a lot of fun, Cherry Magic is an all-around success.
To put how I feel about the season in the simplest terms: I feel bad I don’t like it more than I do.
Despite having all the necessary pieces, Happy Ending Romance is weighed down by its inability to build a strong narrative foundation to what should be an intriguing and affecting story. A good cast, solid production and great music carries some of the weight. But the series leaves a lot left on the table.
Evilive (악인전기) is a dark exploration of morality wrapped up in suspenseful and gritty package. Shin Ha Kyun, Kim Young Kwang and Shin Jae Ha deliver captivating performances in this slowburn of a story. You may not know exactly what you’re getting into when you first begin the series. But as our main characters’ stories become more intertwined, the dark path they eventually embark upon reveals some interesting and thought provoking ideas.
If there was a webseries that best exemplifies the drawbacks of the platform and format, it is Behind Cut (비하인드 컷). This BL series, like many a webseries, has a solid premise. But the limitations of the platform and format keep it from being a more well-put together series. Its story, execution and the performances of its promising cast are held back. And ultimately, while a quick watch, leaves you unsatisfied in the end.
Originally a 20-minute short film released in 2022 and just released on YouTube via three parts, Happy Ending has a familiar story. But its charismatic leads, poetic storytelling and pitch perfect direction make it a memorable and impactful watch.
Writers and directors Werner du Plessis and Inu Baek deliver a revelatory narrative and visual experience in the series The Eighth Sense (여덟 번째 감각). Its careful, nuanced and unflinching portrayal of young love, friendships and mental health offer a different, though very welcome change of pace. And not just for the Korean BL genre, but perhaps Korean drama as a whole.
I regret waiting so long to finally watch this series. Because if I had been able to watch Twinkling Watermelon (반짝이는 워터멜론/ Sparkling Watermelon) last year, it absolutely would’ve made my year-end favorites list. Nostalgic and heartwarming. Fun and dramatic. An excellent, charming cast. Great music. What an incredible treat this series is.
Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding (류선비의 혼례식) might not be able to maximize the potential it has. But a charming cast and fluffy story still make the series an enjoyable time.