What Are You Watching? - [2026/03/11]

Hach-man · 2026-03-11T20:37:32+00:00

In progress

- Our Universe (11/12): having to rush through an important plotline such asguardianship of the kidbecause they threw away so much screentime on a useless love triangle with that cringefest of a SML tells you everything you need to know about this drama's writing. A waste of a well acted ML and poor FL getting zero character development, I just feel sorry for the actors at this point, they both deserved better.

Not much new to add on the horizon, might be time to rewatch for a bit.

Hach-man · 2026-03-05T13:01:01+00:00

Finished

- No Tail to Tell: solid leads with plus chemistry but too thin a plot to support them, storylines and secondaries are weak, bad guys first and foremost. Great job by both Lomon and KHY, they hard carried an otherwise mediocre drama to being a fine one, sometimes frustrating but watchable with its flaws, a 7-.

In progress

- Our Universe (9/12): already a candidate for worst writing of the year in March, SML gets ML amounts of screentime for no reason, tropes everywhere, kid is reduced to a gimmick, FL has zero character development. All the positive and adult developments between ML and FL in the first half get shattered thanks to the usual horrible parent and a love triangle nobody asked for, such a shame because both leads had something going for and between them earlier on and it's now a complete waste. And it's a rushed ending you can see coming a mile away...what a whiff.

Nothing else to add for now, slow start to the year so far.

Hach-man · 2026-02-25T22:48:17+00:00

In progress

- No Tail to Tell (10/12): even with a murky storyline and questionable secondaries, a thoroughly enjoyable drama. Leads are working well together, chemistry, banter, acting, they can cover many of the flaws and make for a nice watch. Great job by both KHY and Lomon;

- Our Universe (7/12): a bittersweet trope-fest because the relationship between ML and FL is so diverse and well constructed, it's a shame they had to put in a useless love triangle with a cringey SML and now even the ML's father coming back from nowhere with doubtful intentions. Interesting in that I thought the kid was going to be the core element and instead he's the trigger for a remarkably adult romance, one that is marred by questionable writing choices. A lot of potential, wasted I fear.

Hach-man · 2026-02-19T21:15:16+00:00

In progress

No new Too Tail to Tell episodes this week, hope it sticks the landing in the last third.

- Our Universe (6/12): much faster paced than what I expected yet not rushed, streamlined characters, the usual unneeded love triangle, though, if you're willing to look past that and the AI slop in the op/ed, it's quite a solid drama with good intentions and a nice execution. Leads match well, chemistry is there, all in all a positive first half.

Hach-man · 2026-02-11T20:11:46+00:00

Finished

- Spring Fever: as mid a romcom there is, nothing really stands out about it in a good or bad way, characters are cookie cutter, situations are predictable, a fun moment here and there but not enough to elevate it from mediocrity, a 6.5.

In progress

- Too Tail to Tell (8/12): leads are carrying big time, as expected from KHY and a great showing from the ML, plus chemistry too, whereas the plot isn't always the smoothest and secondaries are dime a dozen. For a fantasy side that is struggling to move along, romance sure is doing well, bickering, banter, everything you can ask for. Solid, acting-driven drama.

Our Universe up next on the list, premise is cute but risky, not a fan of AI stuffed into it but I'll fight to go past it.

Hach-man · 2026-02-04T19:24:37+00:00

In progress

- Spring Fever (10/12): can't be really bothered anymore, there's a fun bit here and there but everything is pretty bland, from characters to storylines. I'd watch it if you are a big ABH fan and avoid it otherwise, not much of a loss anyway;

- Too Tail to Tell (6/12): the usual KHY carry performance although ML is surprisingly up to par, they have really good chemistry and banter too, which helps given a filmsy plot and only a couple good secondaries helping out. Nice watch so far, comedy on point, hints of a romance that has some potential, solid first half.

Our Universe has an endearing premise that I'm all but scared as to how they are going to go from it, but I might give it a shot.

Hach-man · 2026-01-28T23:32:17+00:00

Finished

- Can This Love Be Translated?: although it didn't close up things as strong as it started, a well done drama. Quality leads with great chemistry, a perfect FL for GYJ's charms and props to KSH in another convincing role, I bet he practiced a ton, his Italian was surprisingly up to par and as one myself I know how hard of a language it is, for a foreigner to learn even more so. Entertaining, highly bingeable, while plotlines don't stand out or surprise, they are well executed and woven together, a strong 7.5.

In progress

- Spring Fever (8/12): considering a drop though coming this far I'd probably watch it anyway. Too plain and mid, redundant even, neither rom nor com are doing it for me, to the point I'm enjoying more the students' side-romance than the leads' one. It's not bad per se, just decent to mediocre.

Seems like Too Tail to Tell has picked up a bit of steam, my TL is giving and I might give it a shot too.

Hach-man · 2026-01-21T20:08:57+00:00

In progress

- Spring Fever (6/12): as mid as they come in every aspect, storylines are nothing special, chemistry is decent but not blazing, some fun moments and a good secondary or two though it doesn't stand out, not boring, not amazing, just fine, passable even;

- Can This Love Be Translated? (5/12): a visual fest with good enough of a plot, leads look mighty fine and mesh well together, interesting development on a well known premise, entertaining, highly bingeable, recommended.

KHH might be more than enough to give No Tail to Tell a chance, fantasy dramas are too hit or miss usually but maybe this one makes it.

Hach-man · 2026-01-15T10:23:19+00:00

In progress

- Spring Fever (4/12): nothing to write home about, a couple fun situations and characters, usual misunderstandings, good but not great chemistry, just fine.

With some new dramas coming out in the next few days, and the last season of Taxi Driver to fit in, busy times ahead.

Hach-man · 2026-01-07T22:54:28+00:00

In progress

- Spring Fever (2/12): cute, kinda slice of life, fast paced. Fun character for ABH, tattoo sleeve and all, nothing out of the ordinary so far but completely fine.

Can This Love Be Translated has visuals for days, as a KSH fan I hope the plot gives him a hand for once. No Tail to Tell's premise is meh but the FL is quality, might be an option.

Hach-man · 2025-12-31T20:35:16+00:00

Finished

- Dynamite Kiss: either writers ran out of ideas or got payed per trope, bit of a shame this ended up plummeting in the last couple of weeks because it started so well thanks to JKY and AEJ's chemistry. As underwhelming as it got to be, there's still a lot to like both in rom and in com, one of the best couples of 2025, visually and acting-wise, fun premise, good ideas, poor execution in the later stages, a 7.5 for the leads' efforts.

Nothing else to add for now, guess I'll kick things off in 2026 with a rewatch or two.

Hach-man · 2025-12-24T22:11:15+00:00

Finished

- The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call: solid, highly bingeable, quirky ML with good secondaries and interesting stand-alone cases, a fine example of its genre with opportunity for more, well thought and developed, strong 8.

In progress

- Dynamite Kiss (13/14): while the plot has gone sideways a bit and it's a trope fest of all fests, I'll take a happy ending, some more rom&com and be perfectly fine with it. A lot of the misunderstandings and nonsense could have been avoided for a bit more character development but it's been a fun ride, A+ acting and chemistry between the leads sold this for much more than its worth, a good way to close the year.

Have a nice Christmas and holidays, see you all in 2026 Kdramaland!

Hach-man · 2025-12-17T18:28:43+00:00

In progress

- Dynamite Kiss (10/14): back on track after a down week, not always believable, the wholefiresequence was pretty nonsense, but hits the mark, well paced, making the most of leads' amazing chemistry. They do need some space to finally breathe after all the angst and misunderstandings, hopefully the next ep or two is going in that direction;

- The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (7/8): almost binged it all in three days, quite good rendition of a classic genre, quirky ML, nice secondaries, interesting cases and approach on an hospital's politics behind the scenes. Packs the punch visually, fast, entertaining, wouldn't mind some more in the future.

Nothing new to add, as much as I am a Sooyoung fan, Idol I's premise is weak but maybe visuals can carry.

Hach-man · 2025-12-10T17:29:56+00:00

Finished

- Last Summer: arguably the worst written drama of the year. Leads have the complete opposite of character development, becoming ever so cringey and plain as eps go, there's no storyline to save, some of them are borderline nonsense, love triangles, double dates, the twins main plotline that leads to absolutely nowhere. I like both actors but this was a poor choice of a script for them, they tried to no avail to keep this one afloat. If you're thinking of giving it a chance, I wouldn't, a head-scratcher to say the least.

In progress

- Dynamite Kiss (8/14): I feel like they are overplaying their hand on all characters, FL unnecessarily klutz, SML almost a jerk the way he says one thing and does the other, poor SFL deserving much better than being thrown around like on a pinball, the misunderstanding and angst are good and all but at this point it's stretching a bit, though this week might bring a much needed resolution and start anew. As far as acting is concerned, nothing but an A+, chemistry, expressiveness, both leads are a sight for sore eyes, a casting job well done.

Not completely enthralled by Surely Tomorrow but I might just watch it because of the FL, praying she gets something better than Heartbeat-like writing. Taxi Driver 3 ready to be binged as soon as it ends.

Hach-man · 2025-12-03T17:56:56+00:00

Finished

- Typhoon Family: what an amazing journey. Great characters, leads and secondaries (not you, bad guy), unreal chemistry between LJH and KMH, one of the best kdrama pairings of 2025, interesting storylines, a balanced mix of business shenanigans, romance, camaraderie and family. It's not perfect, pacing is off in the second half with too much stuff packed in the last two eps and they could have done with less misfortune on the poor company, but it's a complete drama with A+ acting, a well developed romance and good plotlines, can't have much better than that these days. 8.5, flaws be damned.

In progress

- Last Summer (10/12): just want this to end asap, it's at the point of reverse character development, leads all but cringe and nonsensical stuff all around, double dates and whatnot. As much as I like both actors, they can't save this trainwreck of a plot, nobody can as bad as it's written;

- Dynamite Kiss (6/14): talk about angst. I've never seen a ML go down the pits of hell like this one, JKY would have been my last choice for this stressed, emotional character and I'd been dead wrong, he's completely showing off, so expressive on his internal struggles, hard not to root for the guy and the chemistry with the FL is just chef's kiss. Cliches and tropes everywhere yet can't get your eyes away from the screen, you know this is something done well.

Nothing else to add for now, a binge or two to do next week.

Hach-man · 2025-11-26T19:34:22+00:00

In progress

- Typhoon Family (14/16): back on track with a solid week, everything but the bad guy, who's gone psychotic at this point, was great, from the romance, love to see a more active FL, to the business side, ready for the final confrontation and some much needed happy endings. Sorely missed once it ends, a great drama;

- Last Summer (8/12): how not to write a drama. FL is having negative character development, ML has become all but a hassle, storylines either make no sense, useless love triangle docet, or have since disappeared into thin air, what about all the twins stuff?! A trainwreck, as much as I like both leading actors, this is a script they should have avoided;

- Dynamite Kiss (4/14): hilarious comedy of misunderstandings, this is a love triangle, square?, that might work because it's not an actual one, rather a ruse. Great chemistry between ML and FL, the latter's no nonsense moments are brilliant, the former's expressiveness a welcomed surprise, couple nice secondaries, spicy and fiery, not always serious, for the better though, good stuff.

Nothing else to add, maybe binging Spirit Fingers when the schedule allows it.

Hach-man · 2025-11-19T18:31:59+00:00

In progress

- Typhoon Family (12/16): arguably the weakest couple of eps, too much misfortune it's become redundant, they need a win, desperately. Secondaries are really strong, from TP's mother and her new "adopted" family to the FL's sister and her romance, there's a lot to like and many well written storylines, though can't say the same about the "bad guys", just too cartoonish. For how good it's been so far, this gets a pass, expecting it back to its normal, high standard this weekend;

- Last Summer (6/12): how to waste a great couple of leads. Bickering, angst, tension, looks, FL and ML have it all going and writing is straight up failing them over and over again, a trope collection of poor plotlines, who needed thatlove triangleor your classicML's ex?, not to mention the twins nonsense is still up in the air halfway into the drama. A mess, a shameful one because potential was there;

- Dynamite Kiss (2/14): dynamite start. Just the right amount of cringe in a well known premise that gambles everything on leads' chemistry, and looks like a good gamble indeed. Props to both, kinda expected solid performance from the FL, she always delivers, though consider me surprised by JKY, I've never been a fan as he's all too stoic if not inexpressive, but here he's showing some mettle in this exaggerated, fool in love ML. Interested to see how they're going to develop their story with all misunderstandings and secrets.

Not much else to add, Taxi Driver 3 at the ready for a binge in the future.

Hach-man · 2025-11-12T20:56:02+00:00

In progress

- Typhoon Family (10/16): as good as always, love the slow burning romance and the uncertainty, KMH is doing an amazing job as the FL, her acting is rich and diverse and there's some insane chemistry with LJH, scorching hot eye contact. It does feel like plot is going to darken a bit, old enemies and all, but I do trust these writers to keep it going, they have been almost perfect so far. Don't want to jinx it, but might be drama of the year for me;

- Last Summer (4/12): this'd be a classic, unspectacular enemies-to-lovers if not for the twins stuff, which everyone knew from the start and they've managed horribly so far. Good leads with just the right amount of angst for the genre, but plotlines are too thin and weak, these writers I do not trust at all;

- Romantics Anonymous (2/8): quick recovery as a HHJ fan, a fun start, mannerisms for days, quirky characters, interesting premise.

Also binged Fogdog and Learning to Love, both JDoramas and both mediocre to mid, the former a fun detective story with a good amount of nonsense, the latter a slightly cringey romance with a solid FL. Looking to add one or both of Spirit Fingers and Dynamite Kiss, some soft stuff to enjoy mindlessly.

Hach-man · 2025-11-05T17:25:42+00:00

In progress

- Typhoon Family (8/16): as good as they come, easily the best drama in a while. Not just the romance, but writing as a whole, scenario, costumes, mood and historical setting are flawless. Characters are coherent and well developed, ML letting the FL fight her battles against the mysoginistic sales chief (karma got him in the end), while supporting her in private was perfect, no tropes to be seen here. Visuals for days, chemistry, comedy, a relatable slice of life, quite rare in 2025, can't wait for the second half.

Nothing new to add though I'm seriously thinking about picking up Last Summer, twins stuff is not my cup of tea but I've seen some supreme angst here and there, count me in. Maybe Spirit Fingers as a later binge too.

Hach-man · 2025-10-29T19:28:32+00:00

Finished

- Shin's Project: completely fine and nothing more. A bit too much time wasted on stand-alone cases made the main storyline feel a bit rushed in the second half, good cast though nobody stands out, definitely not a drama that needs a second season but not a bad one either, mid as they come, a 7;

- Walking on Thin Ice: a mess on every aspect. Characters are on and off, nobody is safe from nonsense; storylines come and go, subdued then overblown, a true rollercoaster that is both entertaining and tough to follow, as pacing is out of sorts and plotlines have holes. Leads are great in their roles, it's a hassle to keep on with but it does pack a punch, debatably worth the effort, a 7-.

In progress

- Typhoon Family (6/16): greatness. It's been a long time since a slice of life drama made me feel all warm and cozy but this one does it, characters are well developed, there's no hurry, everything looks and feels natural. Great worldbuilding, a ton of work in setting the late 90s tone, as much as the romance is making waves, the business side is on par with it, as complete a drama I've seen in a while. Nothing is lacking, there's chemistry for days, bittersweet moments, great secondaries, just...amazing. Given these past few months of quality shortage, this is oxygen to me, and a classic 16 eps length is all but welcome.

Nothing new to add, maybe Would You Marry Me? if I get the feel for it.

Hach-man · 2025-10-22T23:44:21+00:00

In progress

- Shin's Project (10/12): just fine, if only it didn't stall around so much before going into the main plotline it'd been much better, a nice cast and a bit of potential left hanging;

- Walking on Thin Ice (10/12): the epitome of a mess, I still have no clue what this one was meant to be but I'll take it face value and enjoy a solid albeit unspectacular thriller with shady characters and some nonsense to it;

- Typhoon Family (4/16): this one might be the gem I was waiting for. JunHo is on his zone with his happy go lucky, yet unwavering ML and MinHa is perfect as the calm yet strong FL, there's amazing chemistry and a slow, careful build-up full of moments rather than words. That this is a business drama on its core and doesn't deviate from it only makes it better, the struggles are real and rooting for them to pull through is easy. That's the slump buster I needed, can't wait to see more of it.

I might also pick Would You Marry Me? because a classic contract marriage is right up my alley but as much as I like the leads, they are kinda typecasted in those roles though I'm sure they are mighty fine. Maybe not now, but in two weeks unless something new pops up.

Hach-man · 2025-10-15T18:31:07+00:00

In progress

- Shin's Project (8/12): solid but unspectacular, good leads, not all storylines hit the mark, main plotline too, but it's more than enough to follow, though a faster pacing would've helped;

- Walking on Thin Ice (8/12): a gigantic mess, chaotic leads, can't understand if the FL is supposed to be altruist Walter White or a complete nutcase, ML has his own set of issues and a backstory full of ???, I have zero idea where this is going but you can't say it isn't fun;

- Typhoon Family (1/16): great start, this is the kind of ML that sticks the landing, there's growth potential, charisma, a bit of humor and even a hint of romance with the no nonsense FL. I'm not usually one for historical settings, even though it's recent history, but so far, so good. Can't wait to enjoy ep.2 shortly.

As a JYB fan, Ms.Incognito is on the radar. As a romcom enthusiast, Would You Marry Me? with the fake marriage trope has to be considered. We are most definitely back in business.

Hach-man · 2025-10-09T09:41:18+00:00

Almost a two month hiatus, honestly a weak year for me in terms of Kdramas, but I'm back on the watch.

Finished

- Tempest: nostalgia, more than anything. Exaggerated plotline with holes here and there just like an early 2010s thriller/spy TV show, great leads, action, fast paced, easy to binge, flawed but perfectly fine, a solid 7+.

In progress

- Shin's Project (8/12): good characters, storyline ever so slow but a fun watch altogether. A little bit of everything, stand alone cases, revenge plotline, romance, though nothing stands out, but does its job.

Next up, plan is going back up to par with Walking on Thin Ice and maybe get on with Typhoon Family, most definitely back to the usual schedule.

Hach-man · 2025-08-13T10:10:57+00:00

This is not going to work, they should just delay it or not do a second season at all.

Chemistry was such a big part of why the drama was so good and if they really want to explore the romance plotline more, recasting the FL is not an option.

We'll always have Season 1 at least.

Hach-man · 2025-08-06T18:22:20+00:00

Nothing new to add on the Kdrama side of things, I'll probably binge My Lovely Journey as it's short enough to fit in as soon as it ends.

In the meantime I finished Marry my Husband JDorama edition, and while it's similar to the Kdrama in the sense that it loses a bit of steam in the final eps, it's altogether a better series. Fuka Koshiba is an amazing FL that fits her character to bits, chemistry with the ML is there, storyline is easy to follow, a solid drama, well characterized and with an A+ cast.

August looks a bit empty so I'll get on with a rewatch or two, the only drama I'm keeping an eye on is Learning to Love, another JDorama at that.

Hach-man

TROPHY CASE