#apereviews

[dreamingkdrama]

The king's affection

Genre: Romance, historical

Episodes: 20

Starring: Park Eun-Bin, Rowon, Nam Yoon-Soo, Choi Byung-Chan

Synopsis: The Crown Prince's wife gave birth to twins, but twins were considered an ominous sign. The twin daughter was supposed to be killed, but her mother begged to save her life. Secretly, the twin daughter is sent out of the palace. A few years later, the twin son Lee Hwi is killed. The Crown Prince's wife hides her twin son's death and brings her twin daughter back to the palace and raises her as Prince Lee Hwi. Lee Hwi eventually becomes a crown prince, but she is afraid her real identity will be revealed. Because of her secret, Lee Hwi is unable to have anyone close to her.

Positives: Very well written romantic drama with great characters, interesting plot, the right amount of intriquing evil ministers and heartwarming scenes full of love and friendship. Suprisingly well handled love triangle and the story ending.

Negatives: The main plot itself (the woman dressing up as a man) is little bit cheesy, because it would suprise me that no one would be suspicious earlier. Some characters are not the sharpest pencils in the box.

Conclusion: Very good historical romance that is fun to watch.

Action: 7/10 Romance: 9/10 Intriques: 9/10 Blood: 6/10 Whump: 6/10 Friendship: 6/10 Emotions: 8/10 Humor: 8/10

[dreamingkdrama]

Business proposal

Genre: Romantic comedy

Episodes: 12

Starring: Ahn Hyo-Seop, Kim Se-Jeog, Kim Min-Kyu, Seol In-A

Synopsis: Ha-Ri is a young woman working in a bic company. One day, her friend Young-Seo ask Ha-ri to take her place in a blind date and even offers some money for her time. Ha-Ri accepts her friend's offer. She goes out on the blind date as Young-Seo, while having the intention to get rejected by her date. Suprisingly, her blind date is Kang Tae-Moo - the CEO of the company where she works. Tae-Moo is a workaholic and he is annoyed that his grandfather sets up blind dates for him. He decides to marry the next woman whom he meets at a blind date, so he won't be disturbed from his work anymore. 

Positives: It entertaining, not very deep, so ideal if you look for something uncomplicated to watch. The actors are all very nice and have quite a good chemistry between each other. Tae-Moo is quite cute if he switch off the "big alfa CEO" mode and act just like a normal young man.

Negatives: It little bit cheesy, for some reason I wasn a big fan of the main heroine. Her friend Young-Seo was much more charismatic.

Conclusion: It's fun. You will love it if you like fake dating and cinderella tropes.

Action: 3/10 Romance: 8/10 Intriques: 5/10 Blood: 1/10 Whump: 3/10 Friendship: 6/10 Emotions: 6/10 Humor: 6/10

[dreamingkdrama]

Vagabond

Genre: Crime, Spy, Thriller, Action

Episodes: 16

Starring: Lee Seung-Gi Bae Suzy, Shin Sung-Rok, Lee Ki-Young Moon Yeong-Hee

Synopsis: Cha Dal-geon works as an underrated stuntman, while simultaneously taking care of his orphaned little nephew Cha Hoon. When Hoon travels to Moroco, the plane crashes due to a structural failure and all the 200 passangers are killed. With his world now turned upside down, Dal-geon travels to Morocco to attend the funeral for all the victims of the plane crash. In Moroco, he discovers, that the plane crash probably wasn't an accident and he gets in a spiral of very dangerous power play reaching to the highest positions in Korea. Trying to find out why his nephew had to die, he teams up with NIS agent Go Hae-Ri and they. They have no idea how deadly dangerous situation they entered.

Positives: It was really entertaining. I love the conspiracy dramas full of mystery, nervewrecking plot twists and good actions scenes. Also the characters are quite good, Dal-Gein is a relatable hero who is not perfect, but you just root for him. Also the side characters are very interesting, I especially appreciate how we just don't know who is a "good" guy and who is the "bad" guy till the end.

Negatives: The drama ends with a clifhanger, but hopefully there will be season 2 in 2024. I would also appreciate more backstory and screentime for somw side characters like Gi Tae-Ung or Jessica Lee.

Conclusion: I would recommend this show for everyone who likes the "one man against the system" stories. It's very complex plot with a lot of inerteresting and morally ambiguous characters, definitelly worth to watch it ;)

Action: 9/10 Romance: 7/10 Intriques: 10/10 Blood: 8/10 Whump: 6/10 Friendship: 6/10 Emotions: 7/10 Humor: 2/10

[dreamingkdrama]

Space sweepers

Genre: Sci-fi

Movie runtime: 136 min

Starring: Song Joong-Ki, Kim Tae-Ri, Jin Sun-Kyu, Park Ye-Rin, Richard Armitage

Synopsis: After snatching a crashed space shuttle in the latest debris chase, Spaceship Victory's crew members find a 7-year-old girl inside. They realize that she's the dangerous humanlike robot wanted by UTS Space Guards and decide to demand ransom in exchange.

Positives: It has everything a good story should have - relatable and cool heroes, interesting villain, a message, heartwarming moments, good action scenes, plot twists, suprising ending... just everything. And Song Joong-Ki on top :)

Negatives: I don't know :D It was too short, I want more :D

Conclusion: This is the "Star wars" I was waiting for... It was fun movie, I enjoyed it si much and it proves that koreans are catching up Hollywood production really quickly.

Action: 8/10 Romance: 0/10 Intriques: 5/10 Blood: 3/10 Whump: 5/10 Friendship: 8/10 Emotions: 9/10 Humor: 6/10

[dreamingkdrama]

Black knight

Genre: Post-apocalyptic, action

Episodes: 6

Starring: Kim Woo-Bin, Kang You-Seok, Esom

Synopsis: Set in the year 2071, where the world has been decimated by toxic air pollution. Only about 1 percent of the population has survived and a strict social class now exists. People rarely leave their homes and, when they do, they wear gas masks due to the air pollution. Citizens rely heavily on parcel delivery service for their needs. Delivery drivers, known as knights, delivers the packages and also protect them from thieves.

Positives: Great idea, very good visuals, very charismatic male and female lead. Very engaging even though it is only 6 episodes. Oh...yes... and Kim Woo-Bin...love him :)

Negatives: It has only 6 episodes. It can be positive thing for someone, but for me it was too short, I really liked the characters and I want more. The story is simple but interesting and it would be so much better if it has 12 episodes or more and we could see all the intriques and plot twists. It was little bit rushed and the ending doesn't feel earned enough.

Conclusion: It was really good, I liked it a lot, especially the visuals and characters. I would prefer it to have more episodes, because the emotional impact wasn't that strong. I didn't have enough time to get attached to the characters and there is so much potential in the story. But it could be only my personal preference. It seems more like a very long movie and that isn't a bad thing, so I would definitely recommend it if you need something short to watch ;)

Action: 8/10 Romance: 0/10 Intriques: 5/10 Blood: 8/10 Whump: 7/10 Friendship: 5/10 Emotions: 7/10 Humor: 2/10

[dreamingkdrama]

Extraordinery attorney Woo

Genre: Legal drama/comedy, feel-good romance

Episodes: 16

Starring: Park Eun-Bin, Kang Tae-Oh, Kang Ki-Young, Joo Jong-Hyuk, Ha Yoon-Kyung

Synopsis: Woo Young-Woo is extremely smart and she also has autism spectrum disorder. She never forgets what she sees, but she lacks in social skills and empathy. Woo Young-Woo begins to work as a trainee lawyer at a large law firm. While working there, she faces prejudice and irrationality against her, but she solves cases with her own unique perspective and grows as a lawyer.

Positives: It's really interesting idea to make this kind of show with an autistic lawyer and show how strong Woo Young-Woo have to be to overcome things that we can't imagine could be a brobkem for someone. I really like the support she gets from (almost) everyone. Also the whales are really a fun element.

Negatives: Not much, maybe just tha fact that the side characters don't have much screentime to develop interesting side plots, but it's probably just me. I like when the side characters have more action.

Conclusion: It's for everyone who enjoys those heartwarming shows that makes you smile. Especially, if you like shows foccused od law and judiciary. Park Eun-Bin is absolutelly killimg it as the autistic attorney Woo. I love her, she is great :)

Action: 2/10 Romance: 7/10 Intriques: 5/10 Blood: 1/10 Whump: 3/10 Friendship: 9/10 Emotions: 8/10 Humor: 8/10

[dreamingkdrama]

My country: The new age

Genre: Historical drama

Episodes: 16

Starring: Yang Se-Jong, Woo Do-Hwan, Jang Hyuk, Kim Seol-Hyun, Ahn Nae-Sang, Cho Yi-Hyun

Synopsis: During the transitional period between the end of the Goryeo dynasty and the beginning of the Joseon dynasty, two friends become enemies following a misunderstanding. They try to protect their country, and the people they love, their own way.

Positives: Setting, costumes, camera and the visual side overall is on top. Every shot is a piece of art. Actors were also amazing, they are the main reason I liked this show so much, especially the main trio. And the soundtrack is just great, I am listening it over and over again :)

Negatives: The story wasn't that engaging in the second half of the show. I had a problem to understand some motives and actions of the chatacters.

Conclusion: It is really good show, very nice to look at and even though I had a problem to understand some things (probanly just my problem, because I don't know that much about korean history), the actors really made their characters so good that they made me to watch their story to the end.

Action: 10/10 Romance: 5/10 Intriques: 7/10 Blood: 9/10 Whump: 10/10 Friendship: 9/10 Emotions: 10/10 Humor: 5/10

[dreamingkdrama]

Bloodhounds

Genre: Action, Crime, Bromance

Episodes: 8

Starring: Woo Do-Hwan, Lee Sang-Yi, Park Sang-Woong, Heo Jun-Ho

Synopsis: Two young boxers set foot in the world of private loans. Trying to protect their loved ones and help all the poor people affected by the loan shark mafia, they start to work for a legendary president Choi and fight the the bad guys.

Positives: Action packed, but with very well depicted and likabke characters. The main duo is one of the best bromances I have ever seen, they are pure gold. I appreciate the suprising plot twists, fight scenes, intimidating villain and the boxing training scenes... you now what I mean...

Negatives: I would prefer more episodes, this story would deserve to be longer, it was a little bit rushed for me, but this won't be a problem if you are looking for something shorter. I also think that the way how they get rid of the Kim Hyeon-Ju (after some problems with the actress) was not the best thing, when they put all the effort to make her character so well set. Her storyline is not ended very satisfyingly.

Conclusion: Really great action drama with lot of fight scenes, blood, violence and all mafia stuff. The story is really dark, sometimes seems a little bit rushed, but the main two characters are so cute together that it is worth to watch it just for them two. I also give a one point for incorporation od COVID pandemy to the plot.

Action: 9/10 Romance: 1/10 Intriques: 7/10 Blood: 9/10 Whump: 8/10 Friendship: 10/10 Emotions: 9/10 Humor: 5/10

[dreamingkdrama]

Crash landing on you

Genre: Romantic drama

Episodes: 16

Starring: Son Ye-Jin, Hyun-Bin, Seo Ji-Hye, Kim Jung-Hyun

Synopsis: Yoon Se-Ri is an heiress to a conglomerate in South Korea. One day, while paragliding, an accident caused by strong winds leads Yoon Se-Ri to make an emergency landing in North Korea. There, she meets Ri Jeong-Hyeok, who is a North Korean army officer. He tries to protect her and hide her. Soon, Ri Jeong-Hyeok falls in love with Yoon Se-Ri.

Positives: Emotionally very heartbreaking love story reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet. I was crying all the time, but it was so good. I was affraid, that it will be just cheesy romance (the synopsis sounds like a cheap chic lit), , but was really good. Or maybe it was cheesy, but I just fell in love with Ri Jeong-Hyeok...I don't know :D

Negatives: I am not sure if the North korea part is believable, if it's really possible to exist there for so long and not be discovered. Who knows.

Conclusion: I would recommend this drama, if you want something nerve-wracking, heartbreaking but also really nice and sweet with a pinch of humor.

Action: 9/10 Romance: 10/10 Intriques: 7/10 Blood: 6/10 Whump: 8/10 Friendship: 7/10 Emotions: 10/10 Humor: 8/10

[dreamingkdrama]

Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung

Genre: Period drama/comedy

Episodes: 20

Starring: Shin Se-Kyung, Cha Eun-Woo, Park Ki-Woong, Lee Jin-Hoon

Synopsis: Set in the early 19th century, Goo Hae-Ryung works as a historian. Female historians like Goo Hae-Ryung are generally looked down upon because of their gender. Yet, Goo Hae-Ryung fulfills her duty as a historian. She gets involved with Prince Lee Rim.

Positives: This was fun. I wasn't expecting much, but this was a pleasant suprise. It's more of a romantic comedy, but it also has a great serious moments and good portion of intriquing ministers. The side characters are great, mainly all the historians, that are absolutelly hilarious.

Negatives: It's little bit naive sometimes...but who cares.

Conclusion: I would really recommend it if you want sweet but well written romance with strong female lead (a good one) and interesting story that does not involve only the love part but also many other topics.

Action: 5/10 Romance: 8/10 Intriques: 9/10 Blood: 4/10 Whump: 5/10 Friendship: 6/10 Emotions: 7/10 Humor: 8/10

[dreamingkdrama]

Under the queen's umbrella

Genre: Historical drama

Episodes: 16

Starring: Kim Hye-Soo, Moon Sang-Min, Yoo Seon-Ho, Yoo Sang-Hyeon, Kim Hae-Sook, Oh Ye-Ju

Synopsis: Queen Hwaryeong is supposed to act with grace and dignity, but she has sons who are troublemaker princes. She gives up on those protocols and she struggles to change her sons into eligible princes through education.

Positives: It's really beautiful and sweet drama. The queen is really the main star and she steels the show for herself. She is the best, I was rooting for her and her sons a lot. There are beautiful costumes, amazing soundtrack, cute and also sad moments This show has everything.

Negatives: I really have a problem to fully understand the relationships in the royal court and it took me few episodes to familiarise myself with all the characters. I also wasn't that impressed about the romance part, but it's not the main storyline.

Conclusion: Very good costume drama, perfect balance between classical historycal story full of intriques and feel good drama about family, motherhood and love.

Action: 6/10 Romance: 6/10 Intriques: 9/10 Blood: 4/10 Whump: 5/10 Friendship: 8/10 Emotions: 9/10 Humor: 7//10

[dreamingkdrama]

Vincenzo

Genre: Crime drama, dark comedy

Episodes: 20

Starring: Song Joong-Ki, Jeon Yeo-Bin, Taec Yeon, Kim Yeo-Jin, Kwak Dong-Yeon

Synopsis: Park Joo-hyung was adopted by an Italian family. He later joins the mafia and is adopted by Don Fabio, head of the Cassano Family. Renamed “Vincenzo Cassano” he becomes a lawyer, a consigliere for the mafia, and Don Fabio's right-hand man. After Fabio dies, Paolo, Fabio's biological son and the new leader of the Cassano Family attempts to kill Vincenzo. He flees to Seoul and sets out to recover 1.5 tons of gold and gets involved in conflict with korean mafia.

Positives: Very well written drama with interesting plot and fun characters. It's full of action, mafia intriques, curruption, but also love, friendsip, emotions and humor. Besides great character of lovely mischievous Vincenzo himself, this drama has a lot of really fun and crazy characters that you will love. It's crazy and nerve-wracking. The villans are top tier.

Negatives: A lot of product placement. Also, I would not recommend it for people who don't like graphic violence.

Conclusion: One of the best korean dramas I have seen. It really is a fun ride. The plot, the humor, the characters, the romance...everything is perfectly balanced. I would recommend it to everyone who just want a goot tv show to binge watch.

Action: 8/10 Romance: 7/10 Intriques: 10/10 Blood: 8/10 Whump: 7/10 Friendship: 8/10 Emotions: 8/10 Humor: 8//10

[dreamingkdrama]

The sound of magic

Genre: Musical, teenage, mysterious, crime

Starring: Ji Chang-Wook, Chou Sung-Eun, Hwang In-Yeop

Episodes: 6

Synopsis: Emotional music drama that revolves around Yoon Ah-yi, a poor highschool student, who has diminished her belief in magic, which she had a passion for when she was younger. Under many misfortunes, she wishes to grow faster to become an adult, so she can escape the major stressors and debts, which weigh her down. She then meets Ri-Eul, an adult magician who wants to remain as a so-called 'child'. Under despise and suspicion from the whole community, he aims to claim he is a real magician. The things get complicaded when Ri-Eul is a murder suspect.

Positives: It's a really charming teenage drama with beautiful music, great lead actors, interesting storyline and lot of mystery. It really plays with your emotions and let you guess till the end if the magic is real or not. Also it has only 6 episodes, so if you look for something shorter, this could be the right choice.

Negatives: Well, practically nothing. I wasn't a big fan of the character of Il-Deung.

Conclusion: Very well written musical drama with many themes regarding young people. It is really magical and Ri-Eul (the magician) is one of the most charismatic korean actor I have seen till today.

Action: 6/10 Romance: 3/10 Intriques: 7/10 Blood: 4/10 Whump: 5/10 Friendship: 9/10 Emotions: 10/10 Humor: 2//10

[dreamingkdrama]

Alchemy of Souls

Genre: Fantasy drama, romance

Episodes: 20 (Season 1), 10 (Season 2)

Starring: Lee Jae-Wook, Jung So-Min, Hwang Min-Hyun, Shin Seung-Ho, Yoo In-Soo, Yoo Jun-Sang

Synopsis: Set in a fictional country called Daeho, the series is about the love and growth of young mages as they overcome their twisted fates due to a forbidden magic spell known as the "alchemy of souls", which allows souls to switch bodies.

Positives: It's really a fun show with many lovable characters, interesting plot an beautiful visuals. It has good action scenes, romance and I especially appreciate the humor. It's fun and colorful but it also has some serious moments. The actors were great and they really made this show so good.

Negatives: The second season wasn't that engaging. The chance of the main actress wasn't the best idea (even thoug it does make sense from the story point of view). Thos body changing magic always has the risk that the new actors will lack the right chemistry.

Conclusion: It is really a good show that is worth to watch. It has many fun and well developped chatacters you will love and root for. It has the perfect fantasy mixture of tragedy and comedy.

Action: 8/10 Romance: 9/10 Intriques: 6/10 Blood: 5/10 Whump: 6/10 Friendship: 7/10 Emotions: 9/10 Humor: 8/10

[dreamingkdrama]

Twenty Five Twenty one

Genre: Coming-of-age drama (+ sport, romance)

Episodes: 16

Starring: Kim Tae-Ri, Nam Yoo-Hyuk, Bona, Choi Hyun-Wook, Lee Joo-Myoung

Synopsis: Na Hee-Do is a member of her high school fencing team. Getting through all the difficulties, she becomes a member of the sabre fencing national team. Back Yi-Jin’s father's business to go bankrupt. This leads to a life change for Back Yi-Jin, from living the life of a wealthy person to a poor person.

Positives: This is such a feel-good drama full of sweet, sad and happy moments full of love and friendship. It really suprised me how much I liked it even though I am not that much into coming-of-age stories. There is little bit of everything and on top the show is set in 90s which feels very nostalgic.

Negatives: None :)

Conclusion: I reall, recommend it if you like good and well written teenage dramas, sport dramas or romances. I have to warn you that this show is emotional roller coaster (I was weeping all the time).

Action: 5/10 Romance: 8/10 Intriques: 2/10 Blood: 1/10 Whump: 2/10 Friendship: 10/10 Emotions: 10/10 Humor: 6/10