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IU as Hae-su is flawless and so lovable in this time-travel story where she as a 21st-century makeup artistwakes up in the body of Lady Hae-su living in the Goryeon period during an historical time she soon realizes she had already learned about. In the beginning, her strange modern ways make for a delightful diversion for the many princes who soon become the center of her new life. However, as she acclimates to this strange life, she agonizes more and more over wanting to change the tragic course of events awaiting those she has grown to care about, but especially for the two princes who vie to win over her heart.

The time-travel aspect of this story highlights the age-old question about whether one can (or should) change past events. Without giving too much away, this dilemma makes the drama so heart wrenching and what makes the ending so powerful. It's brilliant.

(8/10 because not all the acting is good, but I was still riveted most of the drama.)

This exquisitely beautiful drama is about love, life, loss, and sacrifice, and it is the most poetic/philosophical/literary of any drama I've ever seen (East or West.)

Nearly every line of the daughter's narrations is pure poetry. Award-worthy kudos go to director/writer Kim Won-seok, "Misaeng" and "My Mister," and the translators who preserved symbolic meaning so beautifully in translation. I wondered halfway through if Kim Won-seok had drawn inspiration from an old journal left behind by a female ancestor who should have been a poet. Many of the spoken lines give timeless meaning to our own life experiences. For me, the most moving was when the grandmother tells Ae-sun "The loss of a child is etched in the deepest part of the heart," something I've experienced but never thought of in this way. It's so true.

This script also rivals the best in literature. It is full of symbolism and metaphors like the seasons, the sea, the wind, even a gnarled finger and tangerines. But, the most heartbreaking and meaningful is that small bowl of candy in the windowsill. It is a metaphor for regret, longing, sorrow, and the words "we will never forget you." My own understanding of good literature is that it touches the deepest parts of our soul and reminds us that we all share in life's most difficult and most beautiful moments. This drama does this so movingly, but it is the characters that bring it all to life for us.

Even though every, single character is this drama deserves praise, I believe Park Bo-gum as Gwan-sik is the shining star. He's the teary-eyed, quiet, gentle "Steel Heart" giant upon whose shoulders Ae-sun stands as she breaks societal barriers built upon generations of Confucian tradition that has made life so much more difficult for most Korean women. He shocks even Ae-sun when he first sits at the women's table during the family meal. Despite his grandmother's threats, he makes sure their daughter is the first girl to ride a tricycle. When the same grandmother decides their daughter will begin training as a Haenyeo, he takes his girls and leaves the only home they have, because he knows Ae-sun will never allow their daughter to suffer the same cruel fate her mother did. But, the most moving was when he insisted on Ae-sun coming aboard their new boat in defiance of the Dragon King and despite even Ae-sun's fear of the capricious god of the sea. For him, no one-not even the gods-should stand in her way. Ironically, though, for most all of his life he drew his strength and bravery from his unwavering love for his "precious burden" Ae-sun.

I will never forget this beautiful and deeply touching drama in the same way I will never forget the most meaningful works of literature I've ever read. It is easily now my number 1 of all time.

First of all, in every role, Woo Do-Hwang is pure K-Drama candy. And in Mr. Plankton he's at his absolute best. Here, he plays Hae Jo: a young man who's dying from a rare, incurable, brain disease and who kidnaps his ex wife Jae-mi (Lee Yoo-mi Squid Game) on her (second) wedding day to take her with him on his last journey and quest to find his biological (sperm donor) father. The two then take us on a ten-episode, literal emotional-roller-coaster ride filled with fun, comedic antics, joy, sorrow, and the kind of love and despair that can only be shared between two people who have felt cruelly abandoned most of their lives. The other cast of characters are all wonderful, and it was especially delightful to see Kim Hae-sook (the grandmother in No Gain No Love) in her role as the stern, rigid-on-the-outside-but soft-inside heiress to an old Korean family whose main mission in life is to continue the family line through her weak but lovable son, Eo Heung (Oh Jung-se of It's Okay to Not Be Okay.) Even Mr Sunglasses (my name for him) (John Na, played by Alex Landi) steals every scene with such heart without saying hardly a word. All the characters were brilliantly cast and directed. Like any good story about a journey, this is an Oddysey of its own where the spectators are urged to look deeper and see that best life lived is the one that teaches you that the best parts of it were really beautiful-regardless of how small a part it was (plankton.)

This is one of the more philosophical KDramas where metaphor provides meaning where language fails (like plankton as the tiniest source of light and life-giving food and oxygen: something seemingly insignificant as in one, short, disregarded life that is still a source of light and life. So many scenes repeat this unspoken theme like snow seen through the condensation forming on a car window, or the Milky Way far above a couple exploring their love for each other again, or aquarium dust floating in illuminated water...all eerily resembling plankton and reminding us of the tiniest of life that is everywhere in seemingly different forms and mostly unseen, unnoticed. What a beautiful way to convey that life is always taking on different forms, even when we cannot see it. Such symbolism is brilliantly hopeful for anyone who ponders about death and wonders just how life goes on beyond death (and even before life.)

Even though I couldn't find his music in most playlists for this drama, Junha Park (who sounds so much like Damien Rice) has two songs that play often during the most moving of scenes and so deserves special attention here. The rest of the OST that makes the official list is good too. 9/10 from me on this one and well deserved! 10/10 for the acting and directing!

Highly recommending "The Kidnapping Day," starring Yoon Kye-sang (Chocolate, Kiss Sixth Sense), and an amazing young actress Seon Yu-ni (also in Pachinko.) Yu-ni's acting would surely win her a Best Actress Oscar, despite her age, if this was a US production.

Desperate to fund his daughter's life-saving transplant, debt-ridden Kim Myeong-joon-following orders from his estranged wife-plans to kidnap an 11-yr-old-girl genius, Choi Ro-hee (Yu-ni) for ransom. On his way, he finds her unconscious on the street after her parents are brutally murdered. His quickly finds himself caring for Ro-hee as he would his own daughter, especially when he discovers the reason why both the bad and good guys are desperate to find her. Being the genius she is, Ro-hee soon recruits her "kidnapper" and later the lead detective (Park Sung-hoon "Into the Ring") to help her solve the crimes against both her and her parents while craftily eluding the police. The scenes later in the drama with the three of them together are pure comedy gold. Some of the ML's acting can be a bit too silly, but the drama as a whole is interesting, suspenseful, and at times very heartwarming. But, WARNING: In a few scenes, there is what I call America-style gun violence that took me by surprise. So, brace for that, but I wouldn't let it stop me from enjoying the rest of this very entertaining drama. 8/10 on IMDB from me. 10/10 for Yu-ni's acting.

Highly recommend this drama to anyone who is a Nora Ephron fan (When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle...).

This is the first drama I've watched where all the characters are so well cast and the chemistry between them all is so entertaining, so believable. I've watched the FL in several other dramas and was never a big fan, but in this one she's wonderful. I so fell in love with her. Same with the ML. His chemistry with the FL both when they are at odds and when they fall in love is among the best pairings I've watched. The same is true for the supporting leads and their blossoming love story. There are some crude surprises in this drama that seem to push the envelope of tame K Drama RomComs, but to me this is part of what makes it so bold and light hearted at the same time.

This is really a story that weaves together a cast of misfit characters, most of whom come from various levels of broken or unhappy homes, who are knitted together by the love and affection they have for each other. It's this aspect that makes the entire drama so feel good and worth watching. I can easily say this has become my favorite of all dramas and will be my comfort rewatch for some time to come.

This is a beautiful and tender story about two people who meet at a hospital where their spouses are suffering life-threatening injuries from the same out-of-town, automobile accident. After going through their spouses phones and the wife's camera, they discover their spouses had been carrying on an affair. What follows is the ML and FL's shared struggle with betrayal, disillusionment and infidelity-issues that begin to blur for them as their own bond begins to strengthen. The chemistry between the leads is heartbreakingly beautiful as is the story they tell. The whole film artfully and brilliantly portrays how both physical and emotional boundaries can easily fade in the wake of shock and betrayal.

Was really surprised to find this truly hidden gem!

Before anything, The Script Writer Moon Hyun-Kyeong (brilliant!) and Director Hwang Seung-Ki (brilliant!) deserve the highest praise! What a wonderful collaboration, and whoever chose the camera person gets an extra star! The camera work in this entire drama is amazing in a way that is truly art-of-filmmaking brilliant. (Sorry to use this word so many times, but there just isn't any other than fits as well.) And, now...the actors...all of them were so perfectly cast, but special honors go to Im Jin-ah and Park Sung-hoon. Wow, the chemistry between the two leads, especially as they bonded throughout the drama is so entertaining and endearing. And special mention goes to the little boy who is always the fourth character among Se Ra and her two best friends. He's the "And a little child shall lead them" character throughout, and he'sl as so adorable!

I happened upon this drama because I was watching Don't Dare to Dream and was drawn to Park Sung-hoon's role there as Secretary Cha. I was hoping I would find a drama he stars in where he plays a similar endearing character. Into the Ring delivered so much more than that!

If anyone is familiar with the western director Wes Anderson, you might love Into the Ring as so many scenes remind me of some of his funniest and quirkiest films. I do hope there's a future collaboration of everyone who was instrumental in making this wonderful drama. (As a side, I'm surprised to find so few awards for this. S Korea doesn't seem to reward art in filmmaking as much as popularity, which is a shame. Over here, I can think of at least eight Oscar category nominations.)

Special recognition also goes to the storyline, which for me in this terribly contentious, political climate here in the USA (2024), this story worked like a healing balm for my soul that has been so worn down by ridiculous politics and the greed that seems to survive in a way that is so disheartening. This drama storyline makes you feel hopeful that the underdog, the candidate who really cares most for the majority of average, hard-working citizens can make a difference even when all the odds are stacked against them. If for only this, it's a must see these days. Bravo to all the cast and crew of the endearingly entertaining drama. <3 <3 <3 . . .

This is truly exceptional filmmaking. It doesn't matter whether you understand what is going on in an episode, because you soon come to so trust those who are behind this. The script seems secondary, because the scenes, the actors, the camera work, sounds, music (the song list is exceptional, and original score!), all of it which results in some of the most entertaining ways to tell a story (the script!) in film. Brilliant and bravo/brava to all! Kudos to the casting directors and the choice to cast brilliant actors for such a short time in some of the episodes.(I have to fill up required characters here, but I've really said it all!)

Welcome 2 Life on Viki is now one of my all time favorite dramas. My 9/10 rating reflects some flaws in the script, which were easy for me to overlook because of how brilliantly Rain and Lim Ji-yeon portray their respective ML and FL roles.

In this drama, Rain plays Lee Jae-sang, a corporate attorney who successfully represents evil-corporate-criminals. The only one willing to beat and chastise him over his ethically-compromised career choice is ex girlfriend Detective Ra Si-on played by Lim Ji-yeon (Obsessed.) She makes it clear that she'd rather see him dead than watching him defend the bad guys with such success. However, just when he decides to change his ways (for her), an attempt on his life and resultant coma opens a door to a parallel life where he finds himself the noble Prosecutor who's now married to Detective Ra and father to their adorable daughter Bo Na. The only things that survive from his old life are his memories and guilty conscience, which initially makes it difficult for him to understand the love and admiration Detective Ra-now-wife now feels for him. It makes for some very funny and endearing scenes when he first adjusts to his new life. Also, the evil characters and plots are eerily similar in both worlds, which makes solving these crimes alongside his now wife very interesting and entertaining.

Without giving too much away, he does end up waking up from his coma and is once again in his original life. This time, however, he has the memories of his other life that compel him to redeem himself with the old Detective Ra while now grieving the loss of her love for him and also no longer having their beloved Bo Na in his life. It's a brilliant story of one man's quest for redemption that takes him on a journey that is rife with obstacles and yearning that only experiencing an alternate life can bring.

For those like me who really don't like too much suspense and/or violence, if you carefully fast forward through the worst scenes, you can still get the gist of the plots and enjoy the best parts of this drama even more. (But, that's me. 😀 )

This drama is so much fun. There are many characters here that are popular today that drama fans will be familiar with, and they all do such a great job bringing their characters to life. (This is the first drama I've watched that has Lee Sun-kyun in it since he so sadly left us. ;( He was so young and played a really good role. RIP 💔) The first few episodes are the strongest and funniest. The wit and humor are so sharp, and the character and friendship development is very enjoyable. I wondered just how this would have been received in South Korea at the time-even now-because so many dramas feature the importance of sex appeal/appearance and social status, and this one so messes with both but in a delightfully funny way. The music is good, and the cinematic techniques seem advanced for what we usually see in dramas from that time period. I debated about my rating and settled with 7/10 because it dragged a bit in the last few episodes, and the endings for the two main couples could have been better. But, overall, I would recommend it to drama lovers looking for a fun time!

The story of the FL's repeated efforts to protect the man she will love her whole life by traveling back or forwards through time is perfectly paced, and so well acted out throughout the entire drama. The chemistry between the lead couple Byeon Woo-seok as Ryu Seon-jae and Kim Hye-yoon as Im Sol is soooo good and grows in depth as they experience each time-period of their lives. For me, one of the best things about watching this drama is how they fall in love again each time. Because of this, it really felt like I was watching my favorite part of the best romantic dramas, where the attraction turns into deep love for each other. Their final story was my favorite, and I was so glad the script writers and director of this drama allowed for such a fully realized and happy ending, which includes a kind of rest-of-the-story for all the supporting characters, all of whom are cast so well. It is the most feel-good drama I've seen so far, and I'm so glad I watched it. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a truly good story retold in several ways that includes suspense, friendships, family bonds, and a very good love story that survives the test of time travel many times.

I really get why the reviews are so mixed, but if you get what the script is trying to convey, it's a superb drama (and an unusual one by K-Drama standards.)

This drama is not a love story, but it does focus on a love triangle that is much more complex than we usually see in dramas. Also, this drama is not meant to just entertain us. It's an expose on how toxic social media can be when combined with the kind of family dysfunction that makes one vulnerable to the fear of social ostracizing and also at a time in life when relationships and friendships are the most fragile. Using the love-alarm app was a brilliant way to symbolize just how damaging social media and technology can be. The app itself becomes an artificial measure of love or the potential for love and creates an obsession that brings out the worst in many of its most vulnerable users. The developers of the app also play a more subtle role in season two that is really just an extension of the desire to have unnatural control over peers in the effort to protect one's self interests. Using the app also allowed for a closer examination of how one experiences relationships between very different people. On the cast of characters, overall they were mostly good and made me feel very invested in following their complex stories through to the end. Special kudos go to two, however: the male lead Hwang Sun-oh played by Song Kang and the supporting female character Park Gul-mi played brilliantly by Go Min-su. Sun-oh struggles to both maintain his fake celebrity image but to also to experience a trusting, loving relationship. His role really brought to light how celebrity can be so toxic in this already difficult social setting. Go Min-su played the overly ambitious, narcissistic young woman who becomes addicted to the potential for celebrity status that only social media can offer.

After reading a lot of the reviews, I can really understand the frustrations over season two taking too long, especially because of how season one ended. I had the benefit of watching both seasons together, and I believe this has a lot to do with why my rating is so high. I didn't give it a 10 for two reasons though: the acting felt slightly off with both the female lead Kim So-hyun who played Kim JoJo and Jung Ga-ram who played Lee Hye-yeong, the third person in the love triangle between them and Sun-oh. They were good, and at times in season two I really believed their connection, but there was just something lacking with both too often. The soundtrack is the second reason for the 9 instead of 10. The worst thing Korean musicians can do is force American lyrics on songs they've clearly been asked to write to fit a particular scene. The lyrics come across as cringingly poor translations and often take away quite a bit from music that is otherwise really good. (Not to get too sidetracked, but the worst example of this is in Guardian: The Lonely and Great God. Ugh!)

Overall, this is an excellent drama for anyone who can relate to how toxic social media (and celebrity) can be especially among youth who are already beleaguered by peer pressure and the difficulties of new relationships and friendships.

I debated about giving this an 8/10, but settled on 7/10 because the story just wasn't credible, and some of the acting just wasn't good. The setting is a prestigious school Nobless Oblige where those at the top enjoy privileges through money and title but also by sometimes cruelly enforcing a pecking order, especially of the scholarship students who struggle just to get through a day without harassment and bullying. One actor, who played the leading scholarship-student role-Lee Chae-Mim as Kang ha-deserves a 9/10 for his portrayal of the avenging, fraternal-twin brother, who accepted a scholarship to the school motivated solely by uncovering what happened at that school that led up to and included his brother's death, which had been shamefully covered up. I found myself really rooting for him throughoutt. It was so satisfying to see him so confidently stand up to and outwit the bullies who had so tormented his brother. He also does a great job of bringing out the best in those around him, which even though it felt somewhat unbelievable, his character remained flawlessly consistent and believable. It's well worth watching, and I should mention that despite some fair acting and scriptwriting, the filmmaking and soundtrack were very good.

I've watched this one a couple of times, and my favorite parts a few more times. The chemistry between the main leads is very entertaining and so funny. Before watching this, I already had the female lead Kong Hyo-Jin as a favorite, but after watching this I now have the male lead Jo Jung-suk as a favorite. Kudos on the script and obvious great directing! All the stories are well acted and fun to follow, something I don't often find in most dramas. The threesome theme runs through all the stories, and the struggle to end up with the perfect two is enjoyable to follow with lots of laughs along the way. I really recommend this one for a good time.

Anyone familiar with Albert Camus' writings will understand the 10/10 rating. In both western and eastern dramas (films in particular), I've never seen a story narrated so poignantly with texts sent or erased, or with words we sometimes tell others or just think to ourselves, that are rooted in the most familiar question we all wonder-what is my worth in the world. The narrations reveal how difficult life can be when one is required to fit into uncomfortable forms set by societal traditions and norms, especially when the desire to truly and deeply love conflicts with the most basic need to be "normal" and to financially survive. This is especially thought provoking when the words narrate scenes of other people, in the two main characters' lives, dealing with a similar struggle between choosing fantasy over reality and sometimes questioning ones worth. The chemistry between the two leads (Jeon Do-yeon as Lee Bu-Jeong and Ryu Joon-yeol as Lee Kang-jae) is arrestingly beautiful in how they slowly reveal to the other their similar struggle while also moving irresistibly towards the other despite impossibly high societal walls that will likely keep them forever apart. This will be one drama I will revisit more than once, because I'm certain with each viewing there will be scenes that reveal something I missed before. It is a drama that anyone interested in other cultures will want to examine, especially in how strict social traditions often foster the unrealistic desire to escape unscathed. There's one line in the film the FL says and then later repeated by the ML that caused me to think most about the true nature of this drama, "Life without an illusion is closer to death." It really makes one wonder about all the "illusions" we create just to make life more bearable, but more importantly perhaps whether such illusions have any real value. (PS This drama is difficult to search/find and doesn't always show up under searching the title "Lost." As of Jan, 29 2024 I was able to view it on Amazon Prime after searching one of the lead actors' names, which will then bring up "Lost" as one of their dramas.)

This is an excellently written, directed, and acted drama that will strongly appeal to anyone who has dealt with mental illness or struggles caused by early childhood trauma. The beauty of this story is in how one heals by both accepting the damaged side caused by trauma and especially seeing that side of oneself compassionately and with love. The same goes for how we treat others who live with damage caused by extreme trauma. This is a healing story that is so well acted too. The Oscar, as we would say here in America, absolutely goes to Zo In-sung, who plays the author Lee Young-jin who develops schizophrenia as a result of trauma caused by an abusive stepfather and later his murder. Kudos also go to all the cast in this drama. This is the first drama I've watched where I felt so invested in and entertained by all the cast of characters and their stories. Bravo/Brava to all!

The story lines of the siblings was too much of a slog to get through just to see what really is the best part of this drama: the main story of the developing relationship between Gu, a drifter, loner and the family's youngest daughter, Yeom Mi Jung . Both are looking to escape a life filled with "tedious people,"and controlling, invasive personalities-but they face obstacles when their growing attachment for each other conflicts with Gu's secret life, a life from which he is trying to at least take a break from if not break free from entirely. Their story takes too long to tell and one must endure the utterly boring and uninteresting lives of her siblings: an older sister and brother. So, for me, a lot of fast forwarding through storylines, once I felt it was established they were going to remain perpetually boring and difficult for me to appreciate. I give it a six anyway because there are scenes between Gu and Myeong that are worth rewatching and pondering. It's a shame these gems are hidden amidst so much drama that just doesn't fit the main theme, which is liberation from the very people we are required to spend way too much watching in this drama.

The title is puzzling, but the drama itself is my favorite so far. The story features a young new hire at One International Corporation named Jang Gue-rae. The problem is he only has a GED and no corporate work experience, something that offends many around him because of the personal and economic sacrifices necessary to achieve the education and language skills to become an employee of this company. Despite this, he slowly gains recognition for his impeccable work ethic and ability to solve problems in a way that causes both positive and negative attention for his manager, Mr. Oh, and team members. Through Gue-rae's narrations, we learn early on that his talents stem from his childhood years spent playing Baduk ("Go" in China), a millennia-old, strategy board game. Family misfortunes had stopped Gue-rae from perusing the title of grand champion as a teen (being kind of the Bobby Fischer of the East) and from finishing high school-thus the GED. The beauty of this drama is in how some of Gue-rae's fellow employees gradually form a bond over their desire for the company to break precedent and offer Gue-rae a permanent position at the end of his two-year contract. The story eventually takes a surprising turn that makes the entire twenty episodes so, so, so worth viewing through to the end. Also, as one who enjoys learning about other cultures, it's interesting to see how a stratified society like the one in South Korea can facilitate corporate scapegoating and bullying more often than we might see in the corporate West (not that either or both does not happen here too!) I highly recommend this drama for anyone who wants to feel good about how strong bonds between good people can make all the difference in the world for those invested most in a commitment to doing what is right even when the cost seems too high. Excellent script writing and acting. There are a few scenes that will stay with me for a long time-especially Gue-rae's monologue at the end of episode 13 that should be titled "Be Drunk!" So poignant! (Caution: the phrase "be drunk" is clearly a translation choice that can seem misleading unless we consider the most desired state of mind sometimes achieved by drinking or by other means that transport us to a place of beauty, inner peace, or joy.)

This is the first Korean drama I've watched that tells a brutal truth in a way so moving that despite my aversion to violence and indescribable injustice, I had to watch it through to the end. If this story is even partly true, it must be told. The script and acting accompanied by the intensely moving music selections brilliantly tell a brutal story about Korean military DP soldiers assigned to hunt down and arrest deserters. In the process, the main two soldiers, played exquisitely by Jung Hae-in as Private Ahn Joon-ho and Han Hol-yul as Koo Kyo-hwan, discover that bullying has pushed many into so desperate a state of mind that they are blinded to the consequences of their need to escape. As a result, the DP turn their eyes on the bullying and risk everything to expose the truth despite the consequences to their own careers. The ending can leave you wanting another season that finally allows the good guys to win against such brutal injustice with a decisive blow. However, despite that, there is some comfort in knowing there are individuals who will sacrifice all they have just to be a voice for others who did lose their battle against brutal injustice disguised as the service of ones country.

I'm fairly new to K dramas, and as an introduction it makes me want to watch more. The story draws you in as more clues unfold that link the two main characters in more ways than one. Ji Chang-wook plays the Healer, a tracker/hacker who is hired for undercover, often extremely challenging, jobs performed mainly under the cloak of night. In the main storyline, the Healer is hired to follow the female lead Chae Young-shin-a news reporter for a small paper-played so well by Park Min-Young. Both had been orphaned at a very young age, which links the two (as well as the man who hired the Healer to investigate her) in ways that really peek your desire to learn the rest of the story about them all. The more the Healer learns about Young-shin, the more he discovers not only the unsettling truth surrounding her troubled childhood but also a surprising connection to his own. It is a complex story that keeps you interested until the very end. Very entertaining, and the on-screen chemistry between Chang-wook and Min-young left me wanting to see the two team up again. Special kudos go to Min-ja's acting too. Wow!

This is one of the best Rom-Coms out there that features how difficult true love can be in a world where social status and inheritance is King, so to speak. The chemistry is wonderful between Gu Won (Lee Junho), the Chairman's son and manager of the King Hotel chain , and Cheong Sa-rang (Im Yoon-ah) the most valued employee of the King Hotel. Their love and dedication to friends and family makes this a true feel-good story. And... those screen kisses...Wow! I'm not usually one who enjoys comedy-romance dramas, but this one makes you believe in the transformative power of true love and great friendships. A definite must see for all friends and lovers out there.