✅ COMPLETED SHOWS IN 2022

12-30 to 12-31 (2 days)

Last drama of the year. Even though this is not a romance genre (there's a slight romance), but the ML is eye candy, the FL is cute and they look great together. Each episode is gripping, the suspense is real with cliffhangers at the end of each episode. Lots of violence, and the vengeance is real. But the ending, although it's HE with punishments to the villains, it's somewhat confusing. Are they planning to leave it open for a possible second season? SPOILER: There are two serious illnesses, but they only serve as excuses for all the violence but no proper outcome (medical treatment), not even any statement in the final scene to address those issues.  The genres are action, thriller, mystery, and drama. It's like the production team knows how to make the first three with all the suspense and fighting scenes, but doesn't know how to make a proper drama genre.

OST: full album

Recap leisurebyte

12-30-22

Although the plot is predictable, great action scenes, acting, props, and CGI. Lee Jong Suk is an amazing villain. Cha Eun Woo is only guest role but very good and he looks so different than usual roles.

OST:

Cha Eun Woo "Love Sailing"

About his chronicle "Survive"

12-30-22

I wished I could liked this better to give a 9.0, but I previously watched Miman Keisatsu: Midnight Runner the Japanese drama version so I already knew the plot and the knowledge diminished the suspense. Great acting by Park Seo Joon and Kang Ha Neul and action scenes choreography.

OST (from credit)

Imagine Dragons "On Top of the World"

5 Seconds of Summer "She Looks So Perfect" (ending credit)

Olly Murs "Wrapped Up"

12-27 to 12-29 (3 days)

It's very politically long and thus drags if you don't like palace politics. Little romance, but still both Ha Sun and Yi Heon have chemistry with the Queen. Very good acting skill of Yeo Jin Goo portraying doppelgangers: Yi Heon when still a CP, when he becomes the crazy king, Ha Sun when still a clown, and when he becomes the king. Very different facial expressions, tones of voice, etc. Love his bromance with Minister Lee.

Note: recap dramabeans

OST: full album

12-26

Holiday family movie! Laughed so hard from the beginning till the end! So funny!

OST: ???

12-25 to 12-26 (2 days)

Really a holiday drama, since in the end, the end setting is Christmas.

Amazing acting from the ML (Meguro Ren) and FL (Kawaguchi Haruna) but the plot is slow-paced for a Japanese drama. Heavy laden with social education on hearing impairment.

OST:

Official髭男dism "Subtitle"

12-24-22 (1 day)

Glam cinematography in fashion (their costumes are amazing), and great chemistry between the leads (Choi Min Ho and Chae Soo Bin), considering their ex-lovers. They tried to tell the stories of four people with work and life problems in a short length. The result is the plot looks superficial as the drama can't flesh out the four characters in such a short time.

OST: 

AB6IX "Life is Beautiful"

Shin Yoo Mi "Basic"

Jo Yu Ri "Run" (female version)

XYDO "Run" (male version)

Finished 12-22. Partial binge 12-17, 12-19, 12-23 (≈ 3 days)

It's full of misunderstanding and the FL Va (Janie) acts childish most of the time. They also don't communicate their personal problems with each other. It's too much exaggeration, for example, why the SML Non (Pop) who is FL's ex does crazy things just to get even with FL and ML Gut (Gulf).

I like the makeup tips at the end of each episode!

OST:

Jannine Weigel "I Lost My Heart"

 Gulf Kanawut "Write to My Heart"

Finished 12-22. Partial binge 12-3, 12-18, 12-22 (≈ 3 days)

A healing/miracle (holiday-themed) drama. Slow-burn romance and healthy relationship. Needs to be watched slow-paced.  Great acting and characterization with character growth for the main characters. The cases seem unrelated to each other, but they make sense at the end (last episode).

OST:

Lee Won Seok "Pray"

Jung Joon Il "Reminiscence"

Ken "You're My Love, Girl"

Jamie "Good Bye, My Friend"

Odett "I Will Shine on You"

12-20 to 12-21 (2 days)

Probably it was made in 2017/2018, but it feels like an old-fashioned Korean rom-com with tons of cliche.

OST: full album

Note: recap dramachaser

Finished 12-16. Partial binge 11-25, 12-15, and 12-16 (≈ 3 days)

The romance is barely there, only blooms within the last 2 episodes. But the mystery plot is amazing, this drama meticulously shows the details of the murder investigation and the case closes satisfactorily. The story background is set during the reign of King Narai, so the plot, characterization, artistic design, and overall atmosphere reflect the custom and culture during that period. Everyone did a great job portraying their characters.

OST:

Dome Jaruwat "Near"

Opening theme: Suchanya Norapatipat อาทิตย์รำพัน จันทร์รำพึง

12-11 to 12-14 (4 days)

The time travel part is illogical, especially after the time traveler (Marcus Chang) is back in the present and the story ends up entirely like a usual youth college romance. Draggy in the middle.

OST: Full album

Note: recap Drama for Real

Partial binge 12-2 and 12-11 (≈ 2 days)

Good looking OTP, other characters are funny too (FL's bodyguard, ML's assistant, FL's best friend, and grandpa), very happy ending.

OST:

Chen Xuan Xiao "The Cause of Happiness"

Mimi  Lee "The World Is Not As Beautiful As You"

12-9 to 12-10 (2 days)

The ML (Zhang Yi Jie) is non-charismatic to be an emperor and looks too young for the FL (Bai Lu), her ancient makeup doesn't help, so I shipped her with the palace guard (Zhao Yi Qin) instead. Although ML and FL have great chemistry, their relationship is more like that between an older sister and a younger brother.

12-9

The story moves slowly and I was a bit confused by the time-altering. The acting is okay, I wish they have more romance. The cinematography is top-notch, it's a +0.5 from me.

12-9 

A heartwarming movie on marriage and communication between husband and wife. The ideas she uses to pretend to be dead and other unusual props are unique and hilarious.

12-8

The movie is explained clearly in Burning Movie Explained: Director’s Views (Korean Film). Without this explanation, we can easily get confused about this movie. Even though watching with the knowledge of the background, I still found it boring with long symbolic conversations, since I was looking for a thriller plot.

12-4 to 12-5, 12-7 to 12-8 (4 days)

The historical setting is nice but they spent a lot of time trying to include too many side stories between 2 generations with tons of supporting characters. Makes the story drag than the usual romance, with ott mom's character.

OST:

Bo Sunita Leetikul "Someday the Tears Will Be Gone"

Nueng Naruwit "One Word Waiting"

Partial binge (11-26, 12-6) (≈ 2 days)

Mom is really manipulative and controlling in a funny way. Kudo to Mam who played it!

Couple 1 (Ep 1 to 6) Don't really like the romance, FL is too stupid with her sister's case.

Couple 2 (Ep 7 to 12) The FL is annoying at first but she gets better.

Couple 3 (Ep 13 to 18) The best arc with Arty's personal life and backhround

OST

Mook Worranit "Be Mine" (female version)

Fluke Gawin "Be Mine" (male version)

12-2

As usual, the chemistry between Bella and Pope is phenomenal, but the addition of Ice Paris is confusing, although he managed to look like a westerner. The story then becomes political instead of the usual rom-com. Thanks to the scriptwriter they don't make the romance with a strong love triangle! The historical setting and costumes are amazing as usual.

OST:

Ink Waruntorn "If You Love Someone"

11-28 to 12-1 (4 days)

Watched this for Mario Maurer. Toey looks so different with tomboy's hair. The second couple is so darn cute.

The plot itself is full of cliches: rich man poor woman, opposite attracts, family villains, murder, etc.

OST:

Tono & The Dust "Thank You"

Mario Maurer version "Thank You" (when Anawin plays guitar)

Toey Jarinporn & Mario Maurer "Afraid for Accidentally Love Her Someday"

Partial binge (11-10, 11-16, 11-23) and watched it as currently airing. Finished 11-30.

The business story is draggy for me, tho the visuals of the ML and FL and their strong chemistry compensate for it. Excellent business startup story. Love the friendship/teamwork at their company L&P.

OST: Full album

Partial binge (11-7, 11-15) and watched it as currently airing. Finished 11-30.

FL has the best character growth from being passive, confused, and sheltered to being sassy, suave, and independent. 

Great chemistry between ML (Peng Guan Ying) and FL (Elvira Cai).

OST: Full album

Partial binge (11-18, 11-22) and watched it as currently airing. Finished 11-29.

The main leads are eye candies. The chemistry between Korn (Punjan) and Fon (Prang) is top-notch. Pop (God) and Phueng (Mild) are so cute as the youngest couple. Not really feel strong chemistry between Thi (Boy) and Lee (Namtarn) tho.

OST: Doublebam "Is This Love?"

11-27 (1 day)

Watching this for Satoh Takeru, but the back-and-forth past and present scenes are quite confusing. Though these flashbacks are frequent, it seems like watching two different couples (past and present same couples) because the older couple's characters have changed due to their past trauma. The teenage romance is heartbreaking. Not many scenes for the adult couple's romance, most adult scenes are the separate life journeys of the adult leads. The adult actress Mitsushima Hikari is very cute and played as a very optimistic/likable FL. The amnesia trope is sooo cliche, with the amnesiac character remembering when the other one goes away. The cinematography is really beautiful.

So, who is Tsuzuru's dad actually? Harumiki or Kojin? Did I miss something?

OST: ???

11-5, 11-6, 11-17. Finished 11-24 (≈ 4 days)

Watched as currently airing but then the business part becomes draggy so I changed it to partial binge. A different kind of romance, in which ML and FL are already in love with each other at the beginning of the drama but a past misunderstanding kept them apart. They got together pretty fast at the end of Ep 6. The majority problem is SFL who is a piece of work but the 'love triangle is kinda complicated, the rest are problems with ML's family business. 

The main couple's romance is exhausting with a lack of communication.

The secondary couple is a slow burn but actually is a very nice relationship.

OST: Full album

Victoria Song "It's Just Saying Goodbye" - she has a beautiful voice!

Finished 11-21.

Mini drama. Partial binge and watched it as currently airing.

For a plot, it's very simple and linear so the middle is draggy. The romance is lacking once the villain shows up. Instead, the story should rather progress with the couple's adventure in the puppet entertainment world and their budding romance, and the villain should show up in the end for a surprise.

Song Ke Yang - manga artist and wandering musician

Liu Xiao Xiao - entertainment troupe apprentice

11-19 to 11-20 (2 days) while also writing the article.

Read

OST: Full album

11-16 (1 day)

Unexpected.

11-16 (1 day)

Mini drama. Watched it for Hwang In Youp. The plot and the romance for the ML are kinda boring. Only gave +0.5 for the boys' friendship and the breathtaking Jeju scenery.

Finished 11-16

Mini drama. Partial binge and watched it as currently airing.  

The loop plot is well done. The villain is unexpected.

11-12 to 11-14 (3 days)

The synopsis is exciting and the characterizations are different than usual romance drama (see spoiler below). Unpredictable, we can't figure out how it will end, who will die or stay alive, who gets together with who. Nychaa is pretty, with or without makeup. and has chemistry with the male leads. She nailed the acting as the past and present FLs.

SPOILER:

ML is a jerk both past and present. FL is bad in the present at first (she is ML's mistress) then redeemed herself due to her time-traveling experience. She is naive in the past and revengeful when time travels back to the past. SML is a good guy both in the past and present and holds unrequited feelings toward FL. SFL is ML's wife both in the past and present. The verdict: SML gets FL in the end, and ML stays with his wife in the present.

11-11 (1 day)

It's an okay mini-drama. I wished there is more to tell about Byul and Ji Han, tho. I mean they are a couple too! Good acting of Seo Ji Soo to be doppelgangers with different personalities and backgrounds. Shin Jun Seop looks like Cha Eun Woo!

Watched as currently airing. Finished 11-10.

Simple plot, we easily know who the bad guys are from the beginning. It's over-the-top acting, a lot of scenes cannot be taken seriously, more parodies. ML is shown as the super guy. I wished they expose more about what his unique team can do, instead of a one-man show. Great OSTs. All is well end well.

OST:

Main theme: twlv "Deep End" English translated

LUCY "Little Star"

D.O. "Bite" English translated

Suho "Call Me a Freak"

Layone "Bad Prosecutor"

Han Dong Geun "Bitter"

Watched as currently airing. Finished 11-10

Mysterious ML and interesting past of FL. However, once the secret of ML's occupation is revealed quite quickly and FL retires from her service job to others but the two MLs, it becomes more of a romance with an annoying love triangle. Added to the love triangle is her past melodrama. The FL is just so-so, I wish Park Min Young didn't look anorexic. ML did great being quiet, introverted, and socially awkward. Go Kyung Pyo made a bland character attractive. The SML only served the triangle purpose. The SFL is a waste. Gwang Nam's gay character should be explored more than just serving as a humor relief. Great cinematography and FL's costume.

OST:

Yuju "Real Love"

Byeol Eun "The Season of You"

Seung Min from Stray Kids "Close to You"

Lee A Young "Carousel"

11-8 to 11-9 (2 days)

The acting is ott, some dialogues are cringey. Started well but dragged toward the end. The FL Qing Qing (Amy Sun) carries the whole story. Not like Si Tu Feng's (Guo Jun Chen) character, especially if he wants Qing Qing to stay as her instead of the original Qing Chen. Instead, liked Gu Nan Xi (Ma Li) better, but SML never gets the girl. Zhao Yi Qin's bad boy character Yi Yang is interesting.

OST: Full album

Watched as currently airing. Finished 11-5

Read CW article.

More of a mystery/thriller drama than a crime/law drama. A lot of red herrings and grey characters.  Everyone is suspicious at some point. Cannot give 10 because somehow the ending is too dramatic IMO.

OST: 

Closing theme "Who is the Sinner" by Kim Ye Ji

Jung Hong Il "Days in the Dark" (my favorite song for this drama, it's rocking!)

Ga Eun "Blind"

Park Soo Jin "Face on Me"

Nerd Connection "I'm Lost"

11-2 to 11-4 (3 days)

Watched it raw using translated synopsis and character description. It's full of mysteries because of the several deaths and thriller of the bad vs good guys. If I could understand the details and dialogues, might give a higher rating.

Synopsis (summary and episodic)

1. Trueid (all in one page, cast list on the bottom) 

2. Thairath (characters include the cast)

Character relations:
Yindeepongpreecha Family:
1. Eldest is Pasin died 20 years ago. Widow: Joen. Daughter: Pring
2. Second is Pathu died in the drama. Widow: Hong. Adopted daughter: Nuning.
3. Third is Phatthra, who is married and has a son Thian, a playboy.
4. Fourth is Phit, a widow with a transgender daughter Kat (who used to be Katha)
5. Fifth is Pha, single
6. Sixth is Phloen, single

Nuning and Kat are besties with Sun, Sak's son, the long-time family driver. Hong hates Sun, as Pathu regards him as his son and even funded him to study in law school, groomed to be the future family lawyer. Pathu and Hong used to have a son but he died when little.

OST:

Ton Thanasit "Today, Tomorrow"

Mai Charoenpura "Because of Whom"

11-1

Best movie in 2022.

Unique plot setting in which death and the afterlife are observed from a child's point of view. Duo Zhu Yi Long and Yang En You are really great acting. Realistic setting.

OST:

Zhu Yi Long "Life Important Events" - which he live sang with his little costar Yang En You made the audience in tears.

Ending theme Zhu Yi Long and Yang En You "Planting Stars"

11-1

Hilarious, touching, and sad. Great acting from Shen Teng.

OST:

Jin Zhi Wen "Leave the Moon Behind" (it's rocking!)

Coco Lee "The Love You Left Behind" a beautiful song!

11-1

Better than the Japanese version Homestay 

OST: ???

10-30 to 10-31 (2 days)

Halloween drama. Started good but eventually becomes repetitive with every character ending up using the shop for itty bitty dislike toward someone, instead of solving the problem with the other person with a better solution, since buying goods for revenge also negatively affects the buyer. I added +0.5 points because of the unique idea.

OST:

Paper Planes x Oui Buddha Bless "Poisonous Rose"

10-27 to 10-29 (3 days)

The supernatural and mystery scenes are good, suspenseful, and thrilling, but the FL is annoying. A lot of crime/mystery substories. I think the romance is unnecessary.

OST: full album

10-25 to 10-26 (2 days)

Bad storytelling and bad characterization. I will blacklist the screenwriter if I know who it was (this drama is not based on a novel, so purely the screenwriter's creation). They put in a bunch of lakorn tropes including two mental health issues that are not addressed properly! Plus the noona romance trope that the ML is an obsessive possessive lover. It should be made as a light-hearted noona romance, instead, with good character growth and a simpler love story to tell. Then it will make the romance believable. By the last episode, I think Namcha (Win) is still immature and I don't see that Irin (Min) loves Namcha as a lover, as a comparison to loving him as a younger brother or best friend. 

OST:

Win Metawin "Expect Nothing"

Min Pechaya "Heartless"

10-23 to 10-24

First of all, not sure why ML has to have two actors (Lee Jung Shin and Seo Ji Hoon), while FL and all supporting characters are played by the same actors in both timelines. But the drama is short enough to be draggy, which is good enough since most scenes are high school scenes. The time travel sequences can be confusing.

>> SPOILER <<  Explanation of the ending:

Both MLs got their own HE. Mom sends her last messages to both MLs. She also tells FL to check her phone once it's fixed (to retrieve ML's message). Present FL cancels her plan to go to the US and meets present ML. They clarify about the time travel and Mom and get together, later seen at a reunion with their old friends. Past FL goes to the US but past ML is no longer heartbroken since he knows he will meet her again in the future. He becomes a better person and plans his future meticulously as what present ML did. He later goes to the same university as past FL (she comes back from the US) but they never met (near misses). It's not their time yet. 10 years later, at the same time as when present ML and present FL meet again, past ML (now a teacher) sees past FL (now a doctor) sleep and shades her face against the sun, as when ML sees FL for the first time in the bus. Past FL then wakes up and smiles at him. I'm pretty sure she gets Mom's message and past ML will also fill in about Mom.

OST: full album

10-21 to 10-22 (2 days)

This is not a romance drama, only a tiny part and it's unbelievable, too. Mostly business/workplace and character growth of FL Etsuko. Ishihara Satomi is gorgeous in all her outfits tho. But I feel Etsuko has far more chemistry with Hachiro than with Yukito.

OST: full album

Watched half binge half as currently airing. Finished 10-21

It's good to see the cast from Love in the Moonlight again. It's been a while, really a reunion! Full of laughter and some surprises, seeing the actors more in their real selves. It's fun to see their unscripted facial expressions and reactions. Surprised to see that a lot of them are introverted. Their interactions, especially with actors from other teams, are very good. Plenty of games and eating times together to get them closer to each other.

The most touching thing is in Ep 7 and 8 when they cook and serve fans their created meals. All actors seem nice and humble.

Some events drag a little, possibly because partly are unscripted.

OST: Choi Jong Ho "A Fairy Tale of Youth" (upbeat)

10-18 to 10-20 (3 days)

It seems like watching a cowboy drama with Asian setting. The scenery, set, and prop are beautiful since it's a historical drama. Great chemistry between the main leads (Prang and Film). 

Trigger warning: there are two animal killing scenes (end of Ep 2 and the beginning of Ep 3). Although they are not really killing the animals (either with trained animals or CGI) but look realistic.

OST:

Ploy Thippriya "Are You the Same Person?"

Phum Kaewfacharoen "Losing You"

10-17 (1 day)

This is a prequel from Leap Day but a different focus. I thought it continues the story of the FL Yeesa (Sofiee Ng), but it's actually about Yu Ka Chung's past and Jia Cong's present (same actor Terrance Lau). Yeesa is more like a supporting character and Ryan guest role. Luckily it's HE for Yeesa and Ryan (Chui Tien You), the ML in the prequel. And Yu Ka Chung time travels again and find the polaroid camera that triggers time traveling in this sequel.

Watched as currently airing. Finished 10-17

Very interesting, odd, and different mystery drama, though romance-wise is not believable. Like, how fast love can grow that FL lets ML stays at her home even for safety purpose? But Li Yi Tong is so pretty and Jin Han is manly, so I can't complain. The second couple is cute. The time loops are a little bit confusing since there are several time realms.

OST: full album

Watched as currently airing. Finished 10-16.

The main couple kinda loses their mojo after the First Season, because the story starts all over again with a similar setup. The second couple is so adorable. The third couple is good, unfortunately, they don't get enough screen time. We still have cute turtle CGI when Xiao Bu changes back to turtle mode.

Towards the end, things get better, with Shi Yi (and Candy), Xiao Qi and Fang Leng's wedding, and fast forward with their kids (each with personalities matching their parents) and Fang Lie - Xiao Bu's kid (who can also turn into a turtle). Gave +0.5 just for the ending that is rare in Cdramas.

OST: full album

10-16 (1 day)

The fake relationship plot is tropey but cute, however, there is a lack of chemistry between ML and FL, even the manga is better! (didn't read it, just skimmed thru it) And more chemistry between ML and his childhood friends, and between FL and the guy who likes her.

Aimer "Ivy Ivy Ivy" (upbeat)

10-14 to 10-15 (2 days)

Fun, cringe, and sexy watch, with deeper and meaningful messages on life perseverance, equality (on men's and women's entertainment), friendship, and forgiveness.

OST: the upbeat song "Available" sung by Jan and Ciize (Ciize is the supporting character as FL's daughter). MV Annie and Tina's version (sung by Cris and Pookie).

10-13 (1 day)

Not too bad for a short drama (3 hours watching time), it has a good plot that is quite unique although using the arranged marriage trope. The plot twist, in the end, is surprising. 

OST: full album (surprising for a mini drama!)

10-12 (1 day)

Interesting theme with a self-interpreted ending: do aliens really exist? Great sismance between Ji Hyo and Bora, and strong friendship among the UFO fan club members.

OST: N/A

Watched as currently airing. Finished 10-11

Start strong with a thriller vibe but then gets boring in the middle, especially when Chen Mo is no longer abroad. Luckily the suspense is back towards the end. The bromance between Qin Huai (Tan Jian Ci) and Zhou You (Rong Zi Shan) is hilarious. Rong is such a good actor, especially when disguised as a high school girl. I don't understand why they have to make this drama has romantic side stories in it. I absolutely love is the cyber safety tips at the end of each episode, earns an extra +0.5 point for that.

OST:

Lu Hu "Hot You"

Lu Hu "I Got You" - rap

10-9 to 10-11 (3 days)

It's an angsty, forbidden romance and somewhat hard to watch since I have to prepare my heart/emotions before watching the episodes. I could feel Time and Touch's anguish. All three main actors Fern, Tre, and Toy did great jobs conveying their characters. Amazing chemistry, both between Tree and Time, and Tree and Touch. Love the bromance between the brothers and the friendship of Time's friends. Beautiful OSTs.

Warning tags (typical lakorn): death, S/K, catfight, rape/domestic abuse (not by main characters)

OST:

Mew Suppasit "Our Time"

Pramote Wilepana "The Hundredth Time"

Pop Pongkool "Time"

Boom Saharat "That's Enough"

Pop Pongkool & Wonderframe "Undo"

10-10

This version seems is brighter and lighter than the Thai adaptation Homestay, by comparing the reviews/comments. 'Seems' since I haven't watched that one. By casting the young idol singer Nagao Kento, the definitely gives a light suicidal prevention message to Japanese high schoolers.

OST: N/A

Watched it as currently airing, the last 8 episodes raw version. Finished 10-9.

It started well, the main couple's (Chen Zhe Yuan and Shen Yue) chemistry is cute. But they are just cute, plot-wise nothing outstanding happens. The work/business plot is boring. The second couple is boring and I don't know why they even added a third couple with barely any story. The ending is as I expected, so I'm satisfied with it.

OST: full album

10-7 to 10-8 (2 days)

Intriguing, but the synopsis gives out spoilers. The first few episodes look more like a slice-of-life or melodrama as the episodes set up the life backgrounds of the three main characters Yang Yuan, Yuan Wu, and Lin Chu Ping. After half of the drama, the suspense begins. There are repetitive flashbacks with no or little changes: bad editing? Great acting in general, specifically superb acting by Yang Yuan (Tong Da Wei) and Yuan Wu (Vision Wei). I felt Yuan Wu's nervous breakdown. The ending is touching, especially the decisions made by the Yang family.

OST: N/A

Watched as currently airing. Finished 10-6.

Interesting and different kin of xuanhuan, more towards adventure and mystery genre with the main group investigating strange things happening along the way. An interesting mystical world of Spirit Clan, I feel like watching Lord of the Ring. Pretty, strong, and capable FL (Li Qin), although the main couple's chemistry is so-so. Likable second couple. Great friendship/found family/camaraderie of the main group. Interesting setting, costume, makeup, prop, set.

OST:

Full album

My favorite Diamond Zhang "Indefinite At Times" (Eng subbed)

10-6 (1 day)

Mashima Hidekazu's acting is hilarious when he switches to Kome and Kenta. The second switch is a twist. Need more scenes where Kome as dad navigates the work life and more scenes where Dad becomes Kenta. Nagao Kento looks like the young version of Lee Jong Suk.

OST: Maruri "The Real Me"

10-3 to 10-5 (3 days)

The couple looks good together, has great chemistry, and likes each other from the get-go despite of the contract marriage situation. Do not like the cat fights and the female characters, although one by one is redeemed in the end. Great acting of one particular villain, but another acting is so-so.

OST: 

Cincin Irada & Diamond Laz1 "Love on Rainy Days" (mixed slow and rap)

Pooklook cover "Love on Rainy Days"

10-1 to 10-2 (2 days)

It's frustating. Took hella a bunch of patience here since it's a super slow burn romance from high school to college years, considering ML is indecisive and holds back his feelings. Although FL is caught liking ML at the beginning thru the leaked diary, but she denies it fast. Only the supporting characters, who are mostly her friends, are adorable, and even her parents.

OST: Full album

9-29 to 9-30 (2 days)

Many messed up characters. Starting great and full of mystery, becoming boring for only 11 episodes! Surprisingly all's well, ends well, makes me think this has to add mystery and also slice-of-life genres.

OST: Hey! Say! JUMP "Fate or Destiny" (surprisingly it's good!)

9-29

Coming-age movie. Tsuchiya Tao slayed her highschooler role as usual. Growth and friendship. +0.5 for the eye candies.

Watched as currently airing. Finished 9-29

Sensual. Luke flaunting abs left and right, not that I'm complaining! That crazy executive is not just a typical lakorn bitch but to another level! The drama should've just ended after the main mystery (his search) is revealed in Ep 12. Instead, it drags and it ends weirdly with one bullet.

Oh yeah, in the last episodes they make the ML stupid with the old noble idiocy trope.

Beware: infidelity

OST:

Luke Ishikawa Plowden "So Hot"

Joong Archen Aydin "If We Don't Know Each Other" 

Female version: Namtan Tipnaree Weerawatnodom "If We Don't Know Each Other"

Watched as currently airing. Finished 9-29.

It was a fun ride. Not too complicated. Feels like an old-school Kdramas. Lighthearted romcom and plenty of funny scenes. Jinmo and his Plan Bs are always delightful to watch. The two couples' chemistry is good. All's well end's well.

OST:

Opening: "Closer" by Jay B and Choi Young Jae - upbeat jazz rock

Baekho "Savior"

Soul Star "Obvious"

Ye Rin "Summer"

9-28 (1 day)

A light-hearted drama about the accounting dept that acts like a detective agency to investigate huge expenses thrown by other depts. Tabe Mikako, as the FL, could bring up a boring accountant job with an orderly character comically. The disputes between the accounting dept and other depts are funny. Her romance with the salesman guy is cute (Shigeoka Daiki) while highlighting their contrasting personalities and contrasting department. Healthy relationship. Hopefully, they make a second season.

9-25 to 9-27 (3 days)

It has a really good premise, although with bad editing, with rich, intelligent, and pretty FL (Xing Fei). The second life is interesting. This is not necessarily a romance, more like a revenge drama. After getting a second chance she cannot avoid her fate and marries SML (Jing Chao) again, not right away but after a while, to carry on her revenge on him. Meanwhile, FL and ML (Zhai Zi Lu) have a subtle romance. Good performance of Xing Fei and Jing Chao. Good costume, bad visual effects (that fake rice field!). The story becomes very draggy in the middle. OE but the extra scene is HE. The OE part is ML and FL say goodbye to each other and she goes back to her hometown to heal her heart and ML says he'll wait for her.

The extra scene for HE (not subbed) https://w.duboku.io/vodplay/3090-1-31.html

Translation. After 5 years ML and FL don't meet or contact each other. They are near-miss when visiting SML's grave. During the wedding of his right-hand man, whose sister is her ex-maid, the sibling carries out a plan to reunite the couple, whom they invited, by faking the kidnapping of both. Durin convo, FL says she's ready to be with ML.

OST: full album

9-22 to 9-24 (≈ 3 days)

Nice and calm ML (Toey Pongsakorn) and FL (Toey Jarinporn), though I agree the FL is too nice/kind. Great chemistry between them. The second couple, Pat and Chom, is very cute. All ends well for everyone. Only the story is dragged with side couples, misunderstanding, and tropes.

> Spoiler for the sibling <

There is no blood relations between Pang and Phu, they have different set of parents (still alive). They were raised together by an older lady when they were kids, whom they called Grandma.

OST: Cutto "Stuck On"

9-17 to 9-21 (Binged for 5 days to prep for the sequel)

Funny and cringey at the same time. Wan Peng is comical, Bie is sexy. Nice characterization of supporting cast: Fang Lie, Assistant Han, Sister Chai, Dr Zhang. The turtle CGI is super cute. 

The story is kinda draggy in the middle and the couple spend too much going circle.

OST: full album

Watched as currently airing. Finished 9-20

Surprisingly good for such a short drama. Not draggy. The acting is not bad. ML flaunting abs, considered hot at Cdrama puritan level. Low budget, the FL wears the same costume for half of the drama and the same home setting. 

Beware of S/K, sexual abuse, rape, violence, and death.

However, the worst ending ever makes me give it a 6.0 rating. Worst than Thai lakorn!

OST: Li Zhu Qiu "Two Star Wishes"

9-18

Interesting romcom with real time travel. Although didn't cast young idol actors, but the acting is convincing, and the chemistry between Tong Li Ya and Lei Jia Yin is hilarious and amazing, as they navigate thru the weird time fuse. The cinematography (especially of the past 1999) is amazing, how they paid details of the resemblance of the two time lines as the background. The CGI of the time fuse is very funny and interesting. HE although I want to know what the couple talk about during the ending credit scene. Considering Chinese ban on time travel, probably the couple just sitting on the couch watching this movie.

OST: Liu Rui Qi "Room"

9-17

This is the only franchise of Itazura no Kiss that I can bear myself to watch because of it's cringeyness. 

The proposal at the end is super cringey as ML doesn't even tell FL that he loves her but tells her to get married instead.

Cut wedding scene.

Watched as currently airing. Finished 9-17

The Republican era set and costume are fantastic, also love the whole behind-the-scene filming production setting. Story-wise I'm more interested on the time travel theme not romance. The mystery and the bad guy are the ones that keep me going. There is lack of chemistry between ML and FL. The second couple is a waste. The ending? Confusing/OE.

OST:

Wang Xi "One O'Clock in the Afternoon"

Li Jia Wei "Crack Time and Space"

Gao Shan "One Second"

9-13 to 9-16 (≈ 4 days)

An underrated lakorn with interesting plot and twisted relationship. Twisted, as ML and SFL are siblings, FL and SML are half-sibling. Wanted to watch this for Tor, but the pairing of SFL and SML, Ben and Bright, is sizzling with toxic romance. The prison life is quite interesting.

Boom Saharat "If You Can Still Do It"

TaitosmitH "Under the Ground"

9-15

Funny with many magic tricks

Watched as currently airing. Finished 9-15

The visual of the actors and the cinematography are top notch. Slice-of-life in a movie length format for each story, not draggy. Every actor and actress did such a good job to bring up their respective characters. Krist should be a psychologist/psychiatrist/counselor with his calm, patience, and sympathetic demeanor.

OST:

Krist Perawat Sangpotirat "Good Old Days"

Bright & Thanaerng "Good Time" in Our Soundtrack story.

9-15

Watched this for Nakajima Kento. Straight from manga with ott style. Nice plot twist in the end.

9-14

Love the plot twist in the end.

The Rockets "Instinct"

9-13

Slow pace, slice of life. PPL KFC.

OST: Ketsumeishi "For Us"

9-9 to 9-12 (≈ 3 1/2 days)

As stated by others, up to a good start but too long, the story can be done in 24 episodes. The FL background is interesting, being a divorcee and a mom. Deng Jia Jia and Darren Chen chemistry is great, but I proceed the drama for Darren.

OST: Full Album

Watched as currently airing. Finished 9-8-22 (last 7 episodes watched raw)

It should've been perfect, but docked less 0.5 for being draggy, 0.5 for being unrealistic. With cuts of Chen Xiao's scenes, they must be the darkness and violence of the drug world, leaving that world as somewhat unrealistic and 'clean', the drug dealers spend a lot of their times sitting, talking, eating hotpot, drinking tea, and praying to their ancestors.

I still maintain it as 9.0 (great) because of the acting (Chen Xiao, Wang Yi Bo, and a lot of veteran supporting actors), the costume/makeup, setting, and cinematography.

OST: full album

My favorite: "Warm Light" by Ele Yan/Yan Ren Zhong and Bu Cai

9-8-22

Fresh mashed up genres. Story wise, too much stuff happening, so it's a bit confusing. Amazing CGI and other VFX. Great costume, especially the aliens part, Guard/Thunder Kim Woo Bin. Love the chemistry between Thunder and little Yian.

OST: N/A

9-4 to 9-8 (5 days)

Angelababy, Deng Lun, and Zhu Yi Long are just a feast in the eyes. Love chemistry between ML and FL, including their teamwork as colleagues. Deng Lun is very good as being a spoiled brat. I wish I can see more of his dramas! The housing business is okay, skipped the boring parts.

Aarif Rahman "I Know You Know" - in English

Diamond Zhang "At That Time"

Watched as currently airing. Finished 9-7-22

Not too bad. I'm glad the childhood friends reunited. Although ending is cliffhanger but at least the main plot is completed and part 2 will be another arc.

OST: full album

9-2 to 9-3 (≈ 1 1/2 days)

Watched it of course for the cast: Zhou Yu Tong, Song Wei Long, and Riley Wang. But in this drama they were still newbies, so their acting are stiff, no chemistry between ML and FL. The filming set in France though, it's a just gorgeous. 

Riley Wang "Fight For You" - in English, this is a good one!

8-30 to 9-2 (≈ 3 1/2 days)

I watched this for Leon Zhang and Eleanor Lee, which had a good chemistry, but the drama lacks in other things. Although the filming set is in Greece, with its beautiful scenery and people, it has a bad CGI, costume/makeup, and special effect parts that built the myth part. Plus, the story drags. Although the myth part is intriguing, but the business part is skipable. 

I'm not sure about the ending as well. It has to be made-belief they meet again. Is it supposed to be happy ending but the drama doesn't tell us and the 'reunion' is rushed.

OST: 

Leon Zhang & Eleanor Lee "It's Raining, Where Are You?"

Lex "Lost Lover"

Watched as currently airing. Finished 8-29-22

Full OST https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8W_jLz9HMk

BGM "Desolate"

Read the recap article.

8-27 to 8-29 (≈ 3 days)

Watching this because Bie and Esther had great chemistry in You're My Destiny. However, I don't like the FL characterization and her growth, especially towards the end.

After such train wreck of a drama, the ending is rushed and the writing is lazy, without digging deeper of the characters' stories. The drama spends more time about the creating of the couple with all the emotion roller coaster entitled, but not much after their reunion. 

OST: 

Atom Chanakan "Meaning" - official MV

Bie Sukrit "You Still Have Me" - official MV

Watched as currently airing. Finished 8-28

Copyrighted adaptation from Agatha Christie's novels. But why is so serious? Hu Yi Tian's Si Tu Yan always looks tired. No strong 'chemistry' between ML and SML, unlike when they were in My Roommate Is a Detective. The FL Zhang Xin Yu is very pretty, but not a strong chemistry between FL and ML (Si Tu Yan). No chemistry between SML and SFL, although they're supposed to be engaged.

The Republican Era setting is as gorgeous as always, a 0.5 plus.

OST: ending theme "Black and Red" by Chen Xue Ran

Watched while airing, finished 8-28

Almost wanted to give it a 10, but some draggy parts it seem the editing's issue. But the ending is so bad, it's like being cut. There is no proper ending for the female lead played by Jung So Min, especially if she won't appear in Part 2.

Read CW article

OST: Full album

Binged 1 day, finished 8-22

So I'm glad finally was able to watch this for New, since it was uploaded on TrueId app before. But the plot is so dramatic ala lakorn (poisoning, etc). I wish more like slice-of-life, more in-depth tackling the psychologal issues. Liking the ending especially what happens with the FL's family.

OST: Patrickananda "Shelter"

6-18, 7-2, 7-17, 7-30, 8-13 (≈ 5 days w/ Pilot episode)

Must watch The Truth - Pilot for intro on the game, characters, setting.

Read CW article.

One case is 3 episodes.

8-12 (1 day)

Must watch with suspension of disbelief, since there are illogic ideas despite of being a series of horror events. Some shaky camera works. Some draggy scenes for such a short story (1 episde 1 story).

8-8, 8-10 to 8-11 (3 days)

It's a different kind of lakorn, with Thai Chinese cultural background from the turmoil times of the 60s Thailand. Refreshing to see not a Thai culture, but a mix of Thai-Chinese one, with Chinese names and all. It's kinda weird usually seeing the actors with Thai character names. With a mafia plot background, plenty of action/fighting and scheming scenes, but the drama also feels like a slice-of-life of the Lim 'family'. 

Not sure why the 'older man/younger woman' tag, because James Ma and Diana Flipo's real ages are only 2 years apart, lol. Probably they should choose a younger actress instead to depict the Female Lead, A Ju, as her story is from a high-schooler until graduating university. 

OST:

Chutimon Vichitrisadee/Mon Room 39 "Don't Tell Me to Stop Loving You" - official MV

Jirasak Panpoom "From Now On, I Want Only You" - official MV

8-5 to 8-7 (3 days) 

Bua as the FL Thofah is simply stunning, especially when she doesn't have too much make up on, a natural beauty. Then ML, Khunkhao (Puen) is a bit stiff. The cinematography, rural setting, food, culture, they're all a feast to look at. The mystery/crime is typical lakorn. The business part is a bit draggy.

OST: Wan Thanakrit "Can You Love" - official MV

8-2 to 8-4 (3 days)

Watched this after watching the second season first. Imo, the first season has a better main leads Janice Wu and Kim Tae Hwan , but bad characterization. The first season Tian Jiang Zhi is immature, clingy, and spoiled brat. But Janice's acting makes the FL adorable. The second season Jiang Zhi is independent, determined, and smarter. The first season Monster Xue is cold, distant, and stiff. The second season Xue is more attentive, expressive, and warmer. Definitely in season 2 both ML and FL have character growth. Both actors, Kim Tae Hwan and Mike Angelo, acted up these characters very well. Meanwhile, Esther Yu was not on par to Janice.

Love the second season main plot and side stories better, and of course, the happy ending. The first season has an open ending more into the sad one.

OST: full album

7-31 to 8-1 (1.5 day)

Thank goodness this is short, so not drag like typical lakorn. I feel bad for Mook (Noona), the FL, since before she marries two guys cheat on her, although Pee (Kangsom), the ML, is just not ready to get married at the first time. The 2 year retaliation should've been executed well since she clearly not ready to marry him for the second time. Love the friendship with the rest of the group from high school to adult.

OST: Kangsom "True Love or Lose Heart" official MV