Fun, hilarious and family friendly travel reality show directed by Running Man director

See two fun-loving, hilarious and charming hosts, a reality veteran from S Korea (Lee Seung Gi) and a reality newbie from Taiwan (Jasper Liu), travelling around Asia covering exotic destinations in Indonesia (Yogyakarta, Bali), Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai) and Nepal (Pokhara, Kathmandu). Witness their friendship blossoming from mere strangers who speak different languages, to fast friends and best brothers with sizzling chemistry, as they travelled Amazing Race style to various local attractions (recommended by their local fans) and supported each other to complete the tasks at each location to get map clues (to locate and meet their fans, who provided the locations to visit).

The fun and hilarious antics, banters and interactions of Lee Seung Gi and Jasper Liu, competing with the locals on their local sports/games at their local turfs, and also competing against and cheating on each other when the game was turned for the two hosts to compete with each other, provide instant comedic relief to the pent-up desire to travel, adventure and hang out with friends.

I have visited 5 out of the 6 regions, less Chiang Mai, but still discover new and interesting places to visit in those regions, such as the waterfall cave inside an abyss in Yogya (episode 1)

Be awesomely entertained by Twogether, directed by Cho Hye Jin, one of the first Running Man directors, and re-spark that zest to travel again now that borders are opening up post-pandemic.

While mainly in Korean language with some spoken Mandarin (Jasper is a Taiwanese), this is subbed in English and easily accessible on Netflix.

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Hollow plot premise with hope of redemption in Season 2 *fingers crossed*

Compared to Squid Game, this drama comes across as just a senseless survival game drama. The players appear to be merely transported to the games arena and forced to participate in bizarre games to survive. Weakening the already hollow plot premise (for gamers to play and survive) is the beach utopia. There appears suggestion of inner desire of the players (esp for the FL) to escape the current world that they live in. I hope Season 2 provides a compelling motive for the players, or a premise for the existence of the games arena. The games played in Alice are comparatively smarter and need not result in casualties. And perhaps, the simpler sadistic games in Squid Game provides a wake up call to the brutal and blatant reality of life at extreme ends of society, that is sorely missing in Alice in Wonderland. It is otherwise an entertaining watch.

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If you enjoyed this drama, you will enjoy Douluo Continent

Started this drama seeing Leo Wu (Nirvana in Fire, The Long Ballad), Li Qin (Princess Agents) and Xiao Zhan (The Untamed, Douluo Continent) in the cast, having enjoyed their respective performance in other dramas.

First impression is the similarity with Douluo Continent, training in academy and levelling up RPG Final Fantasy*-style to be the best fighter in Douqi / Douluo Continent. This similarity with Douluo Continent waned off soon as the drama progressed to focus only on the protagonist’s (Leo Wu) journey to become stronger, find his family’s killer and return peace to the Douqi Continent.

I prefer Douluo Continent for a story not just on the protagonist, but also on his six interesting team mates and their three teachers, each with their unique personalities, backstories and relationships, and their strong friendships and teamwork as a formidable team, winning battles and thwarting devious plans.

Random musings:

1. *The protagonist Xiao Yan is the live version of the protagonist Squall from Final Fantasy VIII, with his heavy sword resting on his shoulder and the unusual short hairdo for a male in historical costume. See pic here: https://mydramalist.com/profile/whatever_weus/feeds/vYdj5Sx

2. Just 3 years, Leo Wu had certainly grown from kiddish Fei Liu in Nirvana in Fire (2015) to a more matured but no less determined and skillful Xiao Yan.

3. Xiao Zhan had a support role in this drama where the father of the protagonist is also called Xiao Zhan (萧战), with a different Xiao but the same intonation.

4. Li Qin's character reminded me so much of Miss He He in Sword Snow Stride - the lady who rode on a panda and carrying a sunflower.. hmmm

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Unexpectedly hilarious royal politics cdrama

Unexpectedly hilarious royal politics cdrama with a sassy, jovial, badass protagonist who aspired to just enjoy life, only to be embroiled in royal politics within and between two warring states (Qing and Qi) as he began to uncover the truth of who wanted him dead, and the truth of the death of his mom. The protagonist Fan Xian sizzles with the veteran co-stars (Qing Emperor, Chen Ping Ping, Wang Qi Nian and Teng Zi Jing) and with not the FL, but the equally badass Haitang Duo Duo.

Joy of Life effortlessly stands out as an enjoyable transition series of the MDL top-ranked costume cdrama trilogy, with a good mix of political scheming seen in Nirvana in Fire and hilarious comedic antics from a sassy, badass, frivolous protagonist with a pure righteous heart, seen in The Untamed.

The sci-fic/time travel elements and cliffhanger ending dent an otherwise brilliant, credible and enjoyable Season 1. A peep at the baidu page on the JOL novel on how the story will continue, especially the Qi King, is kinda wildly absurd plot-wise for me. That said, I’m still eagerly looking forward to Season 2, especially if Xiao Zhan continues as Yan Bing Yun, to see the growth of both Yan Bing Yun’s character and Xiao Zhan’s performance, plus Xiao Zhan’s chemistry with Zhang Ruo Yun’s Fan Xian and the veteran co-stars.

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It is better than my expectation for a romcom

Just completed this on xmas 2023, and it is better than my expectations for a romcom.
Consider this if you are looking for a drama to watch this year end - easy watch that has happy endings!

While the FL's disease/spell is far-fetched (the fantasy part), the cameos of her new identities convey meaningful messages on loving someone beyond outer appearance, dealing with unexpected happenings/ lemons in life, and embracing new identities to help others. There are heart-felt reflective moments in this romcom with a dash of fantasy.

Love the FL's performance and the exceptional friendship she have with her two buddies, and the romance of the second couple is predictably good - I kinda know and hope the second couple will get together and indeed they did.

Actually watched this drama for the ML Lee Min Ki, but was kinda disappointed. His deadpan look from Because This is My First Life (2017) seemed to have followed him in this drama. He was funny with that deadpan look in Behind Your Touch (2023), and while it was still convincing in First Life, it backfired in this drama, even though he is suffering from Prosopagnosia.

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Restored part of my faith on doctors and the healthcare system

Hong Kong has always done well in professional medical dramas. I have enjoyed Big White Duel 2 and was excited to hear about the filming of the sequel back in 2020. Finally had the chance to watch it recently, and it was better than the prequel, imho. It has a big story on medical reform, with medical emergencies (some based on real incidents) and societal issues weaved in the main arc on medical reform, and a big cast that delivered. It restored part of my faith on doctors and the healthcare system, following a recent nasty personal experience.

The cast returned to the set to continue their care for the patients, and at the same time, fight against authorities to implement medical reform - this time on getting the Hong Kong SAR Government to fully open the Drug Formulary, so that the full list of prescriptive drugs can be subsidized and be affordable by the patients. Doing so will benefit patients of rare diseases as the drugs are usually exorbitant (as the R&D cost is shared by fewer patients) and not subsidized (as the tight public medical budget prioritises drugs for common diseases to benefit more patients).

It is heartening to see the squad of 6 doctors always putting the patients in the first place – with doctor delaying treatment so as not to disrupt the medical reform plan, doctor getting infected / injured while saving patients and doctors risking being fired to operate on patients - and backing each other up. Unity is strength – Yay!

The acting and the chemistry of the squad of 6 doctors are great. They are one big family caring and backing each other in both their professional and personal lives.

The OST Wish reminds me of the OST Can You Hear Me in the prequel – Both are moving ballads that blended well with the scenes in the respective dramas to bring out the emotional, heartwarming and heartbreaking moments in the drama. Here's the OST medley by Kayee Tam (singer of prequel OST) https://youtu.be/C0URUvejhlg

Rewatch Value? It’s a drama that I am prepared to rewatch with relatives and friends new to the drama, but can be quite emotional heavy to watch again on my own.

What could have been better? To me, it is quite a stretch for YT to be able to recover fully and continue to be a neurosurgeon. Could it be good begets good, or that miracle does happen?

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Grandmaster of bromance and beach/village healing dramas

Watched this drama more than a decade ago, and had wanted to rewatch it before doing a proper review about a year ago. But couldn’t find a watchable version. Finally found a watchable version and watched it (complete with the drama special) within a few days, so here’s my drama review.

= In short =

A timeless drama that’s really easy to watch, and absolutely bingeable over a weekend - it’s fun, silly and hilarious, yet heartwarming and healing, with a simple plot (that offers deep meanings for the reflective viewers at different life stages), superb OSTs that weaved flawlessly throughout the drama and five charming leads. Plus it is just 12 episodes at ~50mins per episode.

This is also probably the Grandmaster of bromance (i.e. simple, pure, deep friendship between two guys, and nothing else) and beach/village healing dramas. Be absolutely charmed by the two male leads’ unlikely deep and pure friendship, and longing for a “Does it matter, it’s summer now” beach vacation this summer to heal the mind and soul.

*Trivia: This drama was so successful when it first aired that it led to a craze for Beach Boys-style summer beach vacation and fashion then and also had a 2.5h drama special sequel Beach Boys Special (1998) with the same cast. Well, perhaps (just saying) this drama inspired the Uniqlo casual wear trend!

= In details =

* Story: The drama is on 2 city guys who were both lost in their own lives, escaping to a beach B&B homestay, building deep friendships with each other and the homestay folks and finding purpose, meaning and direction in their lives from the homestay folks and visitors. Each of the 5 charming leads (the 2 city guys and the 3 homestay folks) have their own backstories, for which they eventually find closure.

The drama reflects the longingness and hesitations of young adults, to chase dreams and real happiness and find their own oceans, that are especially relevant today. Plus every episode offers quotable quote(s) and life lesson(s).. these quotes/lessons are usually accompanied by the piano piece of the theme song “Forever”. For example: Episode 1: The ocean connects people from near and afar. Episode 2: Simple is best. Episode 3: I don’t want to be pushed around by anyone. When I want to come back, I will, even when no one asks me to..

(When MDL article issue is fixed, I have plans to do an editorial review to better introduce the drama and the 5 leads. Do keep a lookout)

* Acting/Cast: The role portrayals and chemistry of these 5 leads are flawless. Whether you are a school student, a working adult, or a retiree, you can easily resonate with one or more lead(s)/characters in this drama and marvel how nice it would be to be one of the fivesome in the drama.

* Music: The OSTs blend perfectly into the drama are also absolutely replayable on one’s playlist. Check out ”Forever” (all three versions), “Sing a Love Song For Me” and “Bright Lights Big City”, just to name a few.

* Rewatch Value: Timeless and highly rewatchable – you can expect to have the same enjoyment of the hilarious, silly, fun moments and at the same time be inspired differently watching it at different stages of your life.

What could have been improved:
1. There’s one thing I absolutely dislike about this drama - it is the numerous scenes of the adults smoking away. Perhaps it is the Japanese way of life?
2. The 2.5h drama special is a disservice to the original drama series. The story in this special is both a waste of: (1) The character developments built up in the original series, and (2) The return of the original cast and OSTs. I was absolutely disappointed and also pissed with the two male leads in the drama special, just like Makoto in the special drama.

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For national park enthusiasts, with a dash of spiritual fantasy

Loved this drama for portraying the daily work of rangers at national parks, and the charms of Jirisan, but having mixed feelings on the spiritual fantasy part of the ML’s soul remaining on Jirisan.

I enjoyed hiking and have done some hiking at national parks before, and of course visited the parks’ visitor centres at the start of the hike for hiking permits (if needed), and to meet our hiking guides. But I have never thought what the daily work of park rangers comprised of, nor have I seen any show on the daily work of park rangers.

Thus, this drama is an eye opener for me. The park rangers don’t just man the information counters at the park’s visitor centre, but are also involved in the education of visitors on park safety and conservation, check that the amenities in the park are weather-worthy, warning signs of impending heavy rain, snow are put up clearly, patrolling, and the arduous work of evacuation and rescue operations.

I enjoyed those parts of the drama on the natural disasters and rescue operations of trapped or injured hikers - those are done meticulously, portraying the perilous rescue operations in the midst of extreme weather conditions, not falling behind western movies on disaster rescue operations.

The mystery part involving the murder cases on the mountain adds to the mystery of nature and Jirisan. But, gotta deduct 0.5 point for the spiritual fantasy part of the ML’s soul remaining on Jirisan. For me, the spiritual fantasy part dented the credibility of the dangers of Mother Nature at Jirisan and the arduous rescue operations. I strongly feel that using a more credible way to crack the murder case would serve better for an otherwise enjoyable disaster docu drama of movie film-quality.

p/s:
1) I hope I will have the opportunity to hike Jirisan and witness its majestic sunrise one day.
2) Love the two leads, especially the FL Seo Yi Kang, and only realised recently they were both casted in Kingdom - another fave drama of mine.

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Docu-series of a 2016 international rescue operation, showcasing the tenacity of man-kind

My very first Thai drama which I watched last year, and it was also the last drama I watched with my number one drama buddy – my mom.

This Thai documentary drama re-enacts the highly reported, arduous, and miraculous rescue operations for a group of Thai boys and their football coach who were trapped in a cave in June - July 2016, the tenacity of the trapped group to stay alive, and the rescuers to save the trapped group out of the complex, dark and submerged cave system.

It is a drama I used to encourage mom, and which mom embodied, and it will always remind me of mom’s tenacity and perseverance to fight to the end. And for this, the subjective rating is invaluable.

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“People die when they are forgotten by their loved ones” and euthanasia topic broached

Watched this last Sep and penned some thoughts then. Wasn’t able to do a proper review then due to personal matters. Doing this review now incorporating my own personal experience.

Watched this for Ji Sung after watching his stunning performance in The Devil Judge, and was glad I did not miss this drama. So this time as Dr Cha Yo Han instead of Judge Kang Yo Han (Is Yo Han a common name?), Ji Sung charms as both the Head of a hospital’s pain management and treatment center and a CIPA patient (a person diagnosed with Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis – a rare inherited disease where the patient cannot feel pain and temperature, nor sweat). He was first seen diagnosing and treating inmates while serving time in prison for administering euthanasia on a terminal patient without consent, and then heading a team of doctors at a hospital’s pain management and treatment center. Being a CIPA patient himself where there is no known treatment, he seeks to find treatment for himself and CIPA patients like him.

Besides discussions on medical ethics and professionalism as with most medical dramas, this medical drama also spotlights a variety of rare diseases e.g. CIPA, that are often hard to diagnose, and euthanasia. It broaches the sensitive topic of euthanasia, from the perspectives of the patients (to want to be able to continue living and staying with loved ones vs not being able to have quality life and to end one’s sufferings and not be a burden to loved ones), their loved ones (conflict between hoping earnestly for miracles, and torture of seeing loved ones suffer), and doctors (conflict between saving lives and allowing patients to have quality lives). It is hard pulling off a loved one’s life support system even when the chance of recovery is practically nil..

Some quotable quotes I penned down then, that are especially poignant now, having gone through similar experience:

* People die when they are forgotten by their loved ones.
* The ultimate goals of medicine is to make people happy. And simply reducing pain or prolonging life through medicine does not guarantee people’s happiness.

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Neither disappointed nor impressed

I have enjoyed many medical dramas, and am thus looking forward to watch this drama. I won’t say I’m disappointed, nor would I say I’m impressed with this drama.

Most medical dramas touched me at some point or another, but this drama did not. Perhaps due to lack of stronger backstories for the coma patients (where was the walnut man’s son?), and backstories of the other docs and staff at the hospital (e.g. the cleaner Ms Kim (any particular reason why Tess possessed her time and again?), and the doctor who defended the 2ML (Seung Tak) when the rest mocked at him?)).

Different from most sentiments, I thought the first 5-6 episodes are slower and repetitive (possessing humans and saving lives), compared to the last 5-6 episodes, with the unveiling of some backstories of coma patients, the MLs and their budding mentorship-friendship (reminds me of similar mentorship-friendship between the MLs in HK medical drama The Last Breakthrough - btw this is an underrated gem not-to-be-missed), the 1ML (Young Min) reflecting on when to really stop saving patients and the 2ML (Seung Tak) learning to be a real surgeon.

It would have been better if there are stronger backstories of the coma patients, and a "reunion” of the MLs with the patients who awoke from their coma.

Random musings:

1. Certain side profile of Rain in the drama resembles Lee Joon Gi. How about a drama with both of them as brothers?
2. Why did both 2ML and 2FL not have fathers, and were doted by their respective grandfathers?
3. Wasn’t the motorcyclist who banged into Rain shown to be a menacing dark ghost emanating black smokes, peering at the Leads from behind doors in one episode and Tess remarking him to spell troubles, but he turned out to be a harmless coma ghost who just need help from the Leads to recover from his coma?
4. Why was the backstory of the guy coma patient featured only 4-5 episodes after the backstory of the lady was featured and the lady recovered and discharged from the hospital – common sense would have the leads find out the backstory of each coma patients at about the same time, to help them out of their coma. It almost seemed like the guy coma patient has been totally forgotten, and added in as an afterthought.
5. Is skin slitting with a surgical knife a common shot to mark the start of surgery? Similar to Kids Lives Matter with the mechanical skin-slitting start of surgery scene, there are numerous bloody and heart thumping surgical scenes through this drama.

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Cool concept but bad execution-editing

Note: Some details of the show included to clarify points of my review. It is not a drama, so those details ain't spoilers right?

Tbh, having enjoyed prior Netflix’s travel reality shows such as Twogether and New World (well, the hosts traveled and stayed together on an island for about a week or so) and seeing this show’s trailer, I had high expectations for this show only to be utterly sorely disappointed.

Netflix travel reality x concept of bike touring around S Korea with two hosts sounds great and cool but the execution-editing is bad.

The trailer is spot on on what an enjoyable travel reality show should have: aerial panoramic panning views, glorious, mouthwatering food and goofing fun games and activities unique to the travel locations.

Those are unfortunately grossly overshadowed by footage cut out from the trailer but what made the full show:
(1) Relentless mundane chatting of the hosts with their mates and non-stop bickering between their couple mates.
(2) Never-ending close-up views of the hosts riding their bikes screaming away.
(3) Endless inclusion of an overbearingly obsessive and atrociously-cum-flamboyantly dressed Hong Chul (wearing dresses and long coats on bike trips and almost had an accident but continued to do so???) flashing his incessant self-printed Netflix paraphernalia and shouting Net-pleaseeeee and Reeeeed Haaaastingssss in desperate attempts to get lifetime free Netflix subscription. Those are neither funny nor funnee at all, but nerve-wrecking and hair-raising in bad ways to get one to shut down the app.

I was so put off by the freaking long mundane chats in episode 1 that i did not continue episode 2 until months later.. It picks up in episode 2, slumps again in episode 8 (why the visit to an amusement park when there are tons to see at the many UNESCO World Heritage sites at the ancient capital Gyeongju???) and ultimately tanks in the final episode which is really just a bts clip of them recording music for the show and their couple bickering over peeing (yes, no typo).

The only bonus point is seeing new sides of Rain. Not only was he meticulous in planning for the trip, Rain also took care of his co-host’s safety, stomach and tastebuds. Rain can cook and appreciate food! Be amazed of his appreciation of food through both his fine and creative culinary skills (waffling korean rice-cakes and fish cakes topped with ice cream for breakfast) and novel ways of consuming food.

For a much more consistently enjoyable travel reality show, watch Twogether (more in “Recommendations” tab)

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Teen musical drama that inspires one to chase dream

Watched this drama after witnessing the meteoric rise to the top spot in this list 1-2 days after summarising the top 3 dramas about 11 days ago.. (it is currently 4th-placed… Old but Gold: Must Watch Dramas Aired in 2013 and Before https://mydramalist.com/list/LAlaOn21) and driven by curiosity on the making of kpop idols, and to see Bae Suzy and IU in their acting debut 11 years ago!

It is an inspirational growing up drama of high school students courageously and passionately chasing their music dreams, finding life directions in their dreams, overcoming adversities and achieving successes, amidst lies, delusions, betrayals, support from teachers, friends and families, tears and laughters. Add catchy OSTs (especially the theme song Dream High https://youtu.be/TWHYicm0LJo), street dancing (including a flash mob), surprise guest appearance by Bae Yong Joon (styled per his iconic image in the hallyu drama Winter Sonata) and a fond look into the wacky and very talented Park Jin Young in his acting debut. I first saw Park only last year as guest mentor in a Master In The House clip (https://youtu.be/h2YG7tCb97k) and was wowed by wacky personality and his dance moves without knowing much about him.

^ “Music is the most common language in the world”
^ “I think talented students who work hard should be considered first-rate. Hardworking students who are not so talented are second-rate. As for the third-rate… i consider students… who are prejudiced third-rate.”
^ “My Mom said this before, if we met an obstacle, all we have to do is knock it over. That obstacle will turn into a bridge.”
^ “I’m sorry for not taking your dream seriously. Once i had a dream of my own, i realised that there are no dreams that should be laughed at in this world.”
^ “If you’re 100 percent sure about one of them, then that’s not a choice. It’s the correct answer. But this is 50-50/ That’s what choices are. They make you torn. What can you do? You do have to make your choice. And when you do, dont look back and turn that 50 percent into 100 percent. You should do your best to prove to yourself that you made the right decision."

Other noteworthy wiki info:
1) This is a co-production by KeyEast and JYP Entertainment. Bae YJ (hallyu actor and chairman of KeyEast) was also the creative producer, providing overall concept, goals and ideas while Park composed the music and choreographed the dance for the series.
2) Other kpop idols in the main cast are Ok Taec-yeon and Jang Wooyoung from 2PM, and Hahm Eun-jung from T-ara.
3) Kim Soo Hyun was the only non-idol among the main cast; but had studied music and dance for 3 months at JYP Entertainment in order to portray his role.

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All of Us are Dead builds on and extrapolates the zombie playing field of Train of Busan, and more

If you have enjoyed Train to Busan, you will be drawn in gradually to this series. All of Us are Dead builds on and extrapolates the zombie playing field of Train of Busan, from a 2h movie to a 12h drama series, and from within a train to a sprawling high school campus.

As i am still pretty new to kdramas and not familiar with the k actors/actresses, It was confusing for me with the introduction of many different students all dressed in the same school uniforms in the first episode, albeit the occasional different coloured sweaters for some students. After 4 episodes, i started to wonder how the series can continue meaningfully for another 8 episodes, other than students trying to escape alive from the zombie-flooded school.

The series surprisingly engages as it starts to develop the key characters, connecting viewers to them, and exploring humanity, love, sacrifices and teamwork between peers, teacher-students, dad-family, amidst the relentless attacks by the endless swarms of zombies. See comment for link to life lessons and spoilers. It drags at midpoint, as with most dramas. The introduction of half zombies thereafter beefed up the plot for a 12h series.

Overall, it is an enjoyable and enriching zombie series to watch. While i wont be rewatching this series, I do look forward to Season 2 of this series.

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6 gripping juvenile cases in just 10 hours that both entertain and enrich mind and soul

"I have nothing but hatred for young offenders"
"This is just the new grim reality of juvenile crime"
With such opening lines, Juvenile Justice seems a promising drama exploring the mentality and behaviours of young offenders and how to manage them to uphold justice for the victims in today's society, and this drama did not disappoint.

Juvenile Justice tells 6 gripping juvenile cases in just 10 hours, of kids committing crimes on kids, throwing shades at the realities and inadequacies of the juvenile act and delicate balance to punish-educate vs protect young offenders, peer pressure, parental responsibilities for their children’s behaviours, domestic violence, rat race in the educational system etc.

Throw in the solid no-nonsense Kim Hye Soo, as the Judge of the Juvenile Court who has nothing but hatred for young offenders, and viewers are in for a very compelling watch that not just entertains but enriches the souls and minds. Some standout quotes for me:

“Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is after. What happens after determines who you’ll become.”
“There’s a saying - don’t steal a candle to read a Bible. It means if the ways are corrupt, the purpose is as well.”

And if only Judge Kang can think and care for his son just like Prof Park #DesignatedSurvivor60Days..

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