Reviews

Had potential but turned out - boring

I remember reading the description for this particular drama and thinking that the storyline had a lot of potential but i was truly disappointed after the first few episodes of this show.

Pros:
1) the relationship was very unproblematic with little to no drama, there were no exaggerated fights or arguments and everything got solved quickly
2) majority of it was filmed at an overseas location so it was a change of pace from your usual dramas
3) the osts were pretty good

Cons
1) the biggest issue of this show is the lack of plot besides the romance, im sure the writers wanted to take the "mature" romance with no problems route but there should have been something besides the romance to intrigue the viewers. The sports part of this show was quite boring in the sense that there was no real competition, you always know that either yin guo or lin yiyang will win the match AND even if they lose they lose to another Chinese member so at the end of the day they are all winners
2) all the scenes were forgettable - I don't know if i'm the only one that experienced this but i literally can't remember anything truly memorable from this show and that is imo a major flaw.
3) No struggle for the main leads, all though we see lin yiyang's troubled past, we dont get to see his struggle in getting better at the game nor do we see him lose when he has a comeback after more than a decade, same goes for yin guo. Also the only time ml loses is when he has an injury which made it seem like he was "undefeated".

To conclude, this is the kind of show that i purely watched to see if it could get better and unfortunately it didn't for me. The acting was pretty good but their potential was limited, after having watched the fl in reset and the ml in love like the galaxy, I feel like their talents were limited with such a lackluster script. The romance scenes for good but they weren't memorable, it is all something you could find in every other drama but with a much more famous cast. They should have also made lin yiyang's comeback one with more setbacks because it is impossible that he still retains same level of skills after 10+ years of not competing professionally. Yin guo's skill should have been backed up with evidence of her struggle as none of the leads were shown to have truly struggled in order to get better. The rewatch value for me is close to 0 because there is no scene that i particular find unique. I definitely want to see the two leads in a more plot heavy show (myb historical?).

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A suspense drama, also no director name.

Probably the first series from China cinematography I come upon from the genre "suspense movie". Here no information of who the director is, and in suspense movies, the Director is a figure of prime importance.
So out of that, is the genre not popular in China?
Not that the movie is bad, but the tags in MyDramaList have mislead me, I would not have watched it, if I knew it was suspense.
Regarding the production - there are triller elements, there are crimes - and investigations.
Also, the ratings ctriteria that MyDramaList provided do not include aspects of assessing of the cinematography and the contribution of Director.
Regarding the plot - the FL marries the CEO of a company with the main purpose to get access to the company archives in order to obtain information regarding the past, involving one of her parents. We do not get assurance that she married out of love or that she developed unconditional love for her husband during the timeframe of the series.
The drama ends with the FL leaving her husband with a wish to have someone in the world that would love him unconditionally.
In the very end, her husband is taken to the scenery where they first met. Someone comes behind him taking a picture - he turns and smiles. This gives the viewer a hope for this unconditional love - whether the FL or not is just another suspense.

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Linked with Layers

The leads: Their romantic connection was more so varied layers of emotional conflict that never really felt resolved and seemed rushed in the end. The FL seemed immature, misguided and slow to 'read the room' more than cute and convincing at times. The ML seemed torn, talented and tormented but too soft at the oddest of times. The storyline dynamics has been seen before; nevertheless, the execution of script and direction left it lackluster and a bit boring. The main challenge points seemed to become a backdrop to the 'romance' which was not strong enough to bring to the forefront. Some parts seem forced to prove a point while others drag for dramatic affect. (which doesn't quite work) The last episodes started to feel more like the pace from the beginning. There was no depth of consistency in the middle. It became tiring to finish. With a tighter edit, this could have been told in 20 episodes and would have landed much better. Rewatch is questionable.

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Not perfect but BEAUTIFUL

before you judge. Read my review till the end.

The drama overall is full of loophole. Like no explanation for certain things and you have to make your own conclusions. Some characters are really unnecessary and don’t have a closure they deserve like the ML ex girlfriend.
Some characters, you will only find the reason and explanation on last episodes. So you might have to remember back who is em and what from 1st episodes.

But overall. The drama is very relaxing. The FL is a very positive person with positive aura. I love the father daughter relationship. The ML is not really that typical successful ceo arrogant vibe kind of ML. But instead he just a normal human. And i love the uncle nephew relationship too. But best relationship is the priest and uncle relationship. Huhu. Overall i love the drama.

It was beautifully done for the relationship part. Not so much on drama suspense and plot twist. The drama actually focus on the FL who can see the dead. And in every episode, you have to be bear with the heartbreak. So prepare some tissue.

When I thought we will be all happy in episode 16, yup we lost one of best character ever. And he is the last person that the FL has to send. And it was soo beautifully done.
All living will end-up with death. And not everyone got 2nd chance. Not every love is explainable. And we don’t have all time in the world to show, appreciate and tell someone we love them.

All in all. In the midst of 21 loss and tragedy, there is a miracle. And our FL is the centre of that miracle even when she didn’t realise it or know it. This drama is funny one part. Sad and tearjerker too. Slice of life too. And teach you bout love and life too.

Everything and everyone you love. Will be gone. So show them your love before it is too late. We always thought we have soo much time on our hands, so we think it is okay to “wait” and “later”. But what if we don’t have that “later” ??

I’m gonna call my father. And my boyfriend after watching this drama. Hahahahha

And all this remind me of a song call “tunjukkan cintamu” by nosstress.

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Incredible deep dive into the relationships of the protagonist with the people around her. To sum it up shortly. I have so much to say about this but this is by far the best piece of media I have watched.
My forever favourite!
I will never get over the relationship of Qiqi and Xiao Fei. The scenes of them together in ep 19 I believe? Mean so so much to me.
My second favourite relationship would be Qiqi's with Zhao Jun. The two of them are so much more than friends turned to love interest. To me they are a pretty accurate picture of 'soulmates'.
I am still reading the web novel and for now I have to say that the series adaption is very close to the novel and I almost like the series more I think.<3

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Unexpected good!

This drama was a pleasant surprise for me. I wasn't expecting anything, in fact I was expecting something very cliché but it was totally different. No villain, no obsessed SML, no annoying SFL trying to separate the couple, no parents wanting to rule their daughter's life, no jealous co-worker, no stupid disagreements... just a lovely romance with likeable, fun characters. Although the romance is not "hot" but more youthful and innocent, it is very sweet to see the main couple, totally cute. I loved SFL, so mature and determined and FL's mother always supporting her daughter. All in all, a drama that made me smile and made me cry. It's so good when we don't expect anything but receive everything. ☺️

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This is not a romantic drama - this is a psychological horror trying to play as a Rom-Com

This show has so many problems on so many levels... The unprofessionalism of both doctors and a bet about another person who is a patient?

No, just no, no, no, nah-a, nah, no way.

What kind of message does this show wants to present to its audience about Korean and general health care (especially psychology-wise)?

For crying out loud, the ML wanted to off himself, that is a serious matter. It was not played as a joke (which works in some cases), but the series failed to grasp the full seriousness and danger of such a behaviour in a person.

If I could, I'd give this show -20. Both doctors should lose their licences. This is not a romantic drama; this is a psychological horror trying to play as a Rom-Com.

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Hands Down, this is the romance i need in my life

Never in my wildest dreams did i expect to rate a romance drama 10/10.

This is love at first sight series where i loved everything about it from start till the end. I have always wanted to watch a series that gives warmth, butterflies, relationship goals and this gave me more than what i wanted.
LinYiyang and YinGao are super cute together and the story lines was smooth and love how they admired , respected and loved each other. This is a cutie patootie series where i can watch every episode again and again on loop.

Every character is this drama is so lovable and warm, didnot skip a single second and the OST's are soo good and swoon worthy. I just cant express how much i loved watching this. Xioa Dong, Jiang Yang and Wu Wei stole my heart. I have'nt found any drama that solely concentrates on the main leads, their story and their growth yet giving equal importance and development to every important character.

I can keep going on and on about this i dont think i will get over it in like a week . They are by far the sweetest, cutest and lovely couple i have ever watched.

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Story

King the Land (2023) is a South Korean romantic comedy that takes viewers on a whirlwind journey through the luxurious world of hospitality. Starring Lee Jun-ho as the arrogant heir Gu Won and Im Yoon-ah as the ever-smiling hotelier Cheon Sa-rang, the series offers a delightful blend of enemies-to-lovers romance, corporate intrigue, and heartwarming moments.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of the film:

Plot: Gu Won, thrust into an inheritance battle within his family's hotel empire, clashes with the dedicated Sa-rang, whose infectious smile he finds irritating. As they navigate their opposing personalities and work together, their initial animosity gradually melts away, paving the way for romance and personal growth.

Characters: Lee Jun-ho delivers a charismatic performance as the initially cold and aloof Gu Won, showcasing his character's vulnerability and hidden warmth as the story progresses. Im Yoon-ah shines as the optimistic and resilient Sa-rang, bringing depth and emotional weight to her portrayal. The supporting cast also adds layers to the narrative, providing humor and intrigue.

Romance: The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed well, with the initial bickering and misunderstandings leading to a natural and believable romantic development. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, making their emotional journey all the more engaging.

Humor: The series balances its romantic elements with witty dialogue and comedic situations. Gu Won's uptight demeanor often clashes with Sa-rang's sunny disposition, creating humorous moments that lighten the mood.

Heartwarming Moments: Despite its comedic elements, King the Land also packs an emotional punch. The characters face personal challenges and learn valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of human connection.

Overall: King the Land is a charming and entertaining rom-com that offers more than just lighthearted fun. With its engaging characters, well-developed romance, and blend of humor and heart, the series is sure to leave viewers feeling warm and satisfied.

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