Tag: Review

Love Like a Bike BL Review Ep 1–8: Ending Explained
I thought I was ready for the amount of bicycle grease and heartfelt emotions I was about to devour, but boy, I was wrong. From the opening scene, Love Like a Bike (ปั่นไปให้ถึงรัก) is a hug from your best friend, and you’re wearing jumper jackets. It is a comfort watch with just enough steep inclines to keep your adrenaline going. If you’ve been searching for a drama that prioritises meaningful relationships and healing over manipulative drama, then you’ve found your home.
Riding Towards a Sweet Romance
The BL centres around three adopted brothers, Nubneung, Tawan and Sky, who own a bicycle shop in Pattaya. Nubneung is a kind psychiatrist who encounters Sailom, a returning student from the US who is afraid of being touched. Their relationship is a “dumb boy meets soothing doctor” cliché, and it works perfectly. The early episodes have a nice flow. It’s like you can feel the ocean air on your skin as they ride their bikes down the beach in the evenings.
The Brothers and Their Perfect Matches
Nubneung and Sailom are the ultimate couple. Sailom is pushy but not that kind of pushy, a delicate balance. We have Tawan, the former pilot, who’s struggling with guilt, and Dindin, the passionate baker, who storms into his life. Their healthy bickering is excellent. Dindin is feisty, outspoken and the perfect match for stoic Tawan.
Lastly, the host club’s kingpin, Sky, meets his match in the cunning elite Nava, who is suffering from a life-threatening disease. This couple is the “angst” of the series. Their connection is like an emotional whirlwind, from loving jokes to bone-crunching vulnerability. The chemistry with each of the three couples is based on subtle looks and touches, and they work so well.
A Few Bumps in the Road
Though I am infatuated with the leads, there are a few hiccups. The psychology speak is sometimes a tad much. I fancy a man of science, but sometimes the conversations come out like a psychology textbook. The middle episodes also feel a bit slow as the show relies heavily on a mobster drama for Dindin that doesn’t feel as serious as it should. The pacing with Sky and Nava is also a little fast compared to the main couple. Moreover, the biggest problem with the series was that there were too many storylines, too many plots to be explored and fewer episodes.
Episode 1 to 2: The First Spin
The BL begins with a bang, as Sailom literally explodes into Nubneung. We are quickly introduced to Sailom’s “aphenphosmphobia”, and it’s devastating. Tawan and Dindin are made for each other for an eventful one night, which then explodes into a workplace drama when Dindin turns up as the new baker. These episodes are fantastic in establishing the “found family” feel of the café.
Episode 3 to 4: Changing Gears
We begin to get serious as we explore Sailom’s past trauma with his stepfather. This is handled incredibly delicately. Nubneung is the green flag king by sending Sailom to a colleague for help to eliminate a conflict of interest since he was romantically interested in Sailom. And Sky and Nava are really hitting it off at the host club.
Episode 5 to 6: The Uphill Climb
The coffee shop is finally successful, but the brothers’ lives are a nightmare. Sky and Nava establish their relationship, which is sweet. Tawan begins to soften towards Dindin from punching each other to protecting each other. Episode 5’s beach party for group bonding is memorable, as the three brothers interacting in the same space made the world seem so real.
Episodes 7 to 8: The Finale
The finale offers a satisfying ending. Nubneung sacrifices for his biological sister, proving he is selfless, but Sailom catches him in time. Tawan overcomes his fear of a plane crash with the help of Dindin. The finale leaves with Sailom having real progress with his fear instead of magical healing.
Here’s Why the Finale Is So Satisfying
The ending goes for a gentle scene that resolves the bicycle metaphor. It stresses the importance of balance in relationships, just like riding bikes. All the unresolved issues about the shop are resolved, and we feel at peace. It’s a gentle ending to a show that made us feel secure.
Who Should Hop On This Ride
If you are a fan of slow burn and drama-free romances, you should definitely watch this. It’s an excellent choice for a weekend binge if you want to indulge in spectacular chemistry and gentle sweetness. If you are into action-packed rides or “mafia” flavours of BL, you may want to skip this. Otherwise, get on board because Love Like a Bike is a success.
Drama Info
- Title: Love Like a Bike (ปั่นไปให้ถึงรัก)
- Release Date: March 2 to April 20, 2026
- Total Episodes: 8
- Genre: Romance, BL, Healing, Drama
- Cast: Masu Junyangdikul (Nubneung), Tee Tanapol (Sailom), Us Nititorn (Tawan), Ta Nannakun (Dindin)
- Where to Watch: Channel 3, Netflix, GagaOOLala
Ratings
- Overall Score: 8.8/10
- Recommendation: Highly recommended for romance fans who love “green flag” leads and emotional growth.
- Rewatch Value: 7.5/10. The seaside bike rides and the bickering in the bakery are things I will revisit whenever I need a shot of pure serotonin.
- Story: 8/10
- Chemistry: 10/10
- Acting: 9/10
Check Out: Thai BL “My Romance Scammer” Review
May 3, 2026
Gold Land Episodes 1-2 Review: Park Bo Young in a Disney+ Crime Thriller
Park Bo Young is back, and her former “Nation’s Sweetheart” status is now a van of smuggled gold bars. I am so excited for this new Disney+ thriller, which premiered on April 29, after watching the first two episodes of Gold Land (골드랜드). Seeing a naive security officer at an airport fall into a world of crime is just what I needed this week.
Greedy Choices and Airport Chaos
In episode 1, we are introduced to Kim Hui Ju (played by Park Bo Young). Everything changes when she accidentally finds a vast amount of contraband gold while helping her pilot boyfriend Lee Do Gyeong. The drama of these first two episodes is palpable. I could sense her terror when she realised what she had in her hands.
Hui Ju is an ambiguous character. She is guilty of committing a series of poor judgments. Her greed for the gold becomes more apparent. This is a victim story, and it’s about how the good can turn bad in the blink of an eye.
Episode 1: Betting
In episode 1, Hui Ju is on a long work shift at the airport. She is bored and worn out with her job until her boyfriend, Do Gyeong, requests a “small favour” — a security pass. Things go south immediately. Rather than a small favour, Hui Ju is caught up in a gold smuggling operation.
The climax of the episode is when she finds 150 billion won in gold bars in a car. This moment sets the tone for the remainder of the series. Rather than calling the police, she flees. The final images of her terrified expression are chilling. It is a suspenseful scene that leaves you gasping.
Episode 2: Homecoming
Episode 2 explores the consequences of her spontaneous crime. Hui Ju has fled from the Geumsung Gang, headed by the highly deranged Park Ho Cheol. Lee Kwang Soo is utterly terrifying in this role, putting aside his lighthearted variety TV host persona. He is persistent and determined to recover his gold.
Image Credit: Hulu
We also see Jang Wook, a clever debt collector who quickly deduces Hui Ju’s secret. He offers to work with her instead of handing her over to the police. At the end of the episode, Hui Ju has stashed the gold in a safe house.
Character Deep Dive
Park Bo Young is rough and rugged. She’s desperate, which makes her hunger for more believable. We saw glimpses of her past where she was thrown around and used like a doll, where, at one point, even her own mother abandoned her and left her to fend for herself. There is a dynamic between her and Lee Hyun Wook, who plays her boyfriend Lee Do Gyeong. There is a tension between his love and the dire situation they are in.
And then there is Jang Wook (Kim Sung Cheol). He comes to the scene as a debt collector who sees the gold. His interactions with Hui Ju are shady. He licks his lips at the gold, making you wonder when he’ll turn on her. Even Park Ho Cheol (played by Lee Kwang Soo) is a mysterious and menacing presence with his gold tooth and violent fighting.
Image Credit: Hulu
It’s not often that a drama has hooked me this early. I am going crazy about Park Bo Young taking a “grey shade” role in 2026. The k-drama is making me anxious, particularly when Hui Ju doesn’t take simple precautions (for example, leaving her door unlocked when burying a bag full of gold).
On the other hand, I’m also upset with the female lead’s annoying actions. Not hiding the gold for back-up, for one. I want all episodes released simultaneously because the end of episode 2 is a tease.
The performances are excellent, but it has many tropes common to crime thrillers. The story about a civilian getting involved in the mob is one we’ve seen before on Disney+. The story is a bit on the nose at times if you are a fan of tough crime dramas. The tension is mostly centred around the mental stress of the situation, so the k-drama isn’t as fast-paced as a typical action thriller.
Ending of Episode 2 Explained
The second episode ends with Hui Ju rolling down the slope of greed. She decides to flee with the gold rather than report it, officially passing the point of no return. She’s in a tussle with Jang Wook, but impending trouble from the illegal smuggling operation looms. This is the beginning of a 10-episode game of cat and mouse with no one you can trust. This ending is only the start of her decline.
What do you think of Hui Ju’s first big mistake in episode 1?
Drama Info & Ratings
- Title: Gold Land
- Total Episodes: 10 (Ongoing)
- Review/First Impressions: Episodes 1-2
- Release Schedule: Wednesdays @ 4:00 PM KST
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime
- Cast: Park Bo Young, Kim Sung Cheol, Lee Hyun Wook, Lee Kwang Soo
- Where to Watch: Disney+, Hulu
Ratings
Overall Score: 7.9/10 for Ep 1-2
Recommendation: I highly recommend this for fans of A Shop for Killers or The Frog who enjoy seeing ordinary people pushed to their absolute limits. If you love “bad decisions” thrillers, this is your new obsession.
Check Out: Filing for Love Ep 1–2 First Impressions
May 1, 2026
K-Drama “Filing for Love” Episodes 1–2 First Impressions (2026)
Hey K-drama fam! If you’re craving a fresh workplace comedy packed with tension, juicy secrets, sharp corporate satire, and that irresistible enemies-to-lovers spark, Filing for Love (은밀한 감사) might quickly become your new weekend binge. I jumped in right after the premiere on April 25, 2026, streaming with subs on Rakuten Viki, expecting a breezy office rom-com. Instead, the first two episodes delivered a surprisingly witty and layered mix of petty revenge, audit drama, chaotic office scandals, and budding chemistry that left me hooked and smiling.
The Setup (No Major Spoilers)
The story centers on Noh Ki-jun (Gong Myung), the former ace of the internal audit team at the powerful Haemu Group. He was on the fast track, smart, capable, and about to receive a well-deserved special promotion after cracking a big case involving executive corruption. Everything was going smoothly… until the new audit department head, Joo In-ah (Shin Hye-sun), arrived and abruptly reassigned him. And now, frustration enters the scene. Ki-jun finds himself demoted to Audit Team 3, the team that handles the company’s messiest, most trivial scandals like office gossip, minor misconduct, and petty complaints. Now he’s stuck dealing with jealous spouses, suspected affairs, and everyday workplace chaos.
His first case involves a frantic wife named Young-hee, who storms in convinced her husband (from the food team) is having an affair. Ki-jun conducts interviews, gathers statements, and confidently concludes it’s nothing but delusional jealousy. But Joo In-ah isn’t convinced. She challenges his report, pushing him to dig deeper and questioning whether he missed crucial evidence. This sets the tone perfectly of a competent auditor meeting an eccentric, no-nonsense boss who refuses to let anything slide.
The real twist comes when an anonymous tip lands on Ki-jun’s desk, claiming that In-ah herself might be involved in an inappropriate workplace relationship. For a demoted employee seething with resentment, this feels like the ultimate golden ticket for revenge. What begins as a personal mission to expose his boss soon spirals into something far more complicated. As Ki-jun starts investigating, the lines between duty, attraction, office politics, and hidden truths begin to blur dangerously.
First Impressions of the Leads
Shin Hye-sun as Joo In-ah: She is absolutely killing it. In-ah is portrayed as a ruthless perfectionist, the youngest female executive at Haemu Group, with an eccentric and fiercely competent personality. She demands excellence, crushes anyone who falls short, and carries an icy professionalism that hides deeper layers and a mysterious past. Shin Hye-sun nails the balance between terrifying boss energy and subtle vulnerability. You can feel there’s something big she’s guarding, and her commanding presence makes every scene with her electric.
Gong Myung as Noh Ki-jun: Gong Myung is incredibly watchable and perfectly cast. He captures the exasperated, slightly petty, yet fundamentally upright auditor who’s equal parts annoyed and intrigued by his new boss. His facial expressions during the demotion moments, the awkward interviews, and the early “investigation” beats are hilarious. There are already some standout funny scenes, including a karaoke moment and charged staircase encounters that had me laughing out loud. The slow-burn chemistry between him and Shin Hye-sun is palpable; it’s all charged glances, witty banter, and that delicious push-pull dynamic that makes office rom-coms addictive.
The supporting cast adds excellent flavor, too. Kim Jae-wook as Jeon Jae-yeol (a third-generation chaebol tied to Haemu Group) brings intriguing corporate layers and potential chaos. Hong Hwa-yeon as Park A-jeong rounds out the audit team with lively energy. The ensemble feels well-balanced and promises fun side stories amid the main rivalry.
What Works So Far
The tone strikes a great balance, funny without descending into over-the-top slapstick. Much of the humor springs from realistic office frustrations, power plays, absurd corporate rules, jealous accusations, and the sheer ridiculousness of investigating petty scandals in a big conglomerate. The writing feels sharp, witty, and refreshingly adult at times. Pacing is solid. Episodes 1 and 2 move briskly, introducing the demotion, Ki-jun’s first chaotic case, the anonymous tip, and enough mystery around In-ah to keep you guessing. It doesn’t drag, yet it wisely avoids rushing the romance, exactly what a good slow-burn needs.
Visually, it has that clean, polished tvN aesthetic, having modern office spaces, good lighting, and crisp cinematography that makes the corporate world feel both sleek and suffocating. The trailer hinted at a romantic comedy with melodramatic elements, and the early episodes deliver on both fronts, with moments of genuine tension mixed with laugh-out-loud comedy.
What I’m Curious and Hopeful About
Will the revenge plot stay light and fun, or will it venture into darker territory as secrets unravel? How much will we learn about In-ah’s hidden past, and will Ki-jun really become the person who helps her move forward? Most of all, how long until the awkwardness of “investigating an affair while catching feelings” explodes into full-blown romance?
As someone who adores office settings with competent, clashing leads who start as rivals before they click, Filing for Love is checking all the right boxes. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but the strong lead performances, clever premise, and charming execution elevate it beyond standard fare. The gender-role flip (ruthless female boss vs. righteous male subordinate) adds a refreshing twist, too.
Thoughts After Episodes 1–2 Eps
It’s a classic office romance setup reminiscent of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim or Business Proposal, but with a sharper, more adult edge. Here, the romance quietly blooms right in the middle of the very department tasked with chasing down affairs and corruption. The irony is delicious, and the “I’m supposed to investigate you… but why am I drawn to you?” tension is already simmering beautifully.
Drama Info
- Title: Filing for Love (은밀한 감사 / Secret Audit)
- Total Episodes: 12 (Ongoing)
- Review/First Impressions: Episodes 1-2
- Release Schedule: Saturdays and Sundays at 21:10 KST
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Workplace
- Cast: Shin Hye-sun (Joo In-ah), Gong Myung (Noh Ki-jun), Kim Jae-wook, Hong Hwa-yeon
- Where to Watch: Rakuten Viki, tvN (and HBO Max Asia in some regions)
Ratings
- Overall Score (Ep 1–2): 7.2/10
- Acting: 9/10
- Chemistry: 9.5/10
- Cinematography & Production: 8.6/10
- Recommendation: Perfect for fans of Business Proposal and What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim who want extra corporate chaos, witty banter, and slow-burn tension.
- Rewatch Value (so far): 6.9/10
Check Out: Sold Out on You Ep 1–2 First Impressions:
April 27, 2026
If Wishes Could Kill: Honest Review (No Spoilers)
Put everything down and open up your app store… or don’t! April 24, 2026, was the long-awaited launch date for If Wishes Could Kill (aka Girigo), and I am losing my mind. The Netflix original is this year’s black-and-white, dark, twisted, and addictive K-drama. If you’ve ever watched a show where you feel like you’re trapped in a nightmare, like Night Has Come or the game is of life or death, like All of Us Are Dead, this is the show for you. It takes our real-life obsession with Facebook and Instagram and turns it into an action-packed horror show that kept me holding the sheets through all 8 episodes.
It has the best, worst, and most relatable premise for Gen Z. A group of students at Seorin High School finds an obscure, invite-only app called “Girigo”. All they have to do is film a clip, and their wishes will come true. Sounds easy? Maybe. But it’s a life-or-death situation. It feels like going from “cool thing to do” to “murder” in a matter of seconds. Trust me, once you watch this, you’ll want to smash your phone and flee to a cabin in the woods.
Meet the Seorin High Survivors
Image Credit: Netflix
Let’s chat about the cast because I’m head over heels. Jeon So-young is Yoo Se-ah, a sprinter and the brains and brawn of the team. She is so fierce! As she goes from confused to detective to save her friends is the best.
And her secret boyfriend, Kim Geon-woo (played by the literal angel Baek Sun-ho). Her and her boyfriend’s relationship is so cute. I screamed every time they were together! I wanted them to elope and live happily ever after, but the “Girigo” app says otherwise. And we have Kang Mi-na as the “it girl” Lim Na-ri. She begins as the stereotypical “it girl,” but her character development is one of the show’s most heartbreaking. Her fall from grace to being driven is so real.
On the tech front, Hyun Woo-seok stars as Kang Ha-joon, the prodigy who believes that he can hack his way out of a supernatural curse. You can’t! The paranormal aspect is even more interesting when his sister, Ha-sal (played by super-smoking-hot Jeon So-nee), enters the picture. She is a shaman, and the show’s blending of 21st-century technology and traditional Korean shamanic ceremonies is brilliant. It really helps to ground the horror of it.
The Good, The Bad, and The Bloody
Let’s be honest, though. This show is a wild thriller, but it has some issues. The first four episodes are perfect. It’s fast-paced, scary, and the mystery is excellent. But I think the story starts to become a bit too slow from episode 6. There is some decision-making from the characters that starts to feel a little bit like a “slasher movie” where you want to shout at them for walking into the basement.
We learn a lot of things very fast, and I would have liked to have had another episode to explore the lore of the curse. Also, this show is very bloody— so be warned if you are squeamish! So it’s not for everyone, but for horror fans like us, it’s a feast for the eyes.
The Price of a Wish: Ending Explained
Image Credit: Netflix
The finale is a total “doomed yuri” vibe with the backstory of the two girls who started the curse. The “Girigo” app is more than a disembodied spirit. It’s a computerised form of an ancient curse based on envy and hate. The app doesn’t generate evil; it merely provides a means.
The twist is that uninstalling the app won’t help. The curse is within the wish. To break the chain, a character needs to make the ultimate sacrifice to “overwrite” its “code” of the curse with selfless love. While the main cast manages to survive, the final scene shows a post-credit sting with a “brother-in-law’s eye”. The very last scene shows the arrival of another “recommended app” on Na-Ri’s phone with a different person, which basically means that as long as there are greedy and envious people in the world, the horror will go on. Chills!
Drama/Series Info
- Title: If Wishes Could Kill (Girigo)
- Release Date: April 24, 2026 (All Episodes)
- Total Episodes: 8
- Genre: YA Horror, Supernatural Mystery, Thriller
- Cast: Jeon So-young, Kang Mi-na, Baek Sun-ho, Hyun Woo-seok, Jeon So-nee
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Ratings
- Overall Score: 7.9/10
- Recommendation: This is a must-watch for fans who loved the survival games in Night Has Come or the dark supernatural vibes of Revenant. It’s perfect for a weekend binge with your bravest friends.
- Rewatch Value: 6.2/10. Now that I know the ending, I want to go back and see all the “glitches” in the app from the first episode that I missed.
Optional Ratings
- Story: 8/10
- Acting: 10/10
- Chemistry: 9/10
- Cinematography: 9/10
Check Out: Bloodhounds Season 2 Review
April 26, 2026
Sold Out on You Ep 1–2 First Impressions: Kim Bum’s Back on Screen
The premiere of Sold Out on You has officially sent me into a spiraling state. The first 2 episodes, released on April 22 and 23, offer a front-row look at the world of home shopping and the serene beauty of the countryside. I entered with no expectations and was totally infatuated with the sharp energy and the enemies-to-lovers tension brewing beneath the surface. It is cool, quick, and very fashionable.
Cornfield and City Smarts
Such a vibe check is shown at the beginning of the show. Having Ahn Hyo-seop play Matthew Lee, an earthy farmer who is called Mechoori by the villagers, is what my 2026 needed. He is an obsessive CEO who owns a hidden farm, and his energy with the people of the village seems so authentic. And on the other hand, we have Dam Ye-jin, portrayed by the terrific Chae Won-bin. She is a home shopping queen and literally the queen of Sold Out labels.
Their lives hit each other in the most awful manner. The dichotomous cinematography of the peaceful nights of Matthew and the sleepless nights of Ye-jin, with insomnia, is pure art. The initial two episodes create a setting in which work is all, but it is evident that it is not sufficient to seal the gaps in their hearts. It is a daring beginning that cannot be ignored.
Kim Bum is Back, and I am Screaming
Image Credit: SBS
Is it possible to discuss Eric Seo? The fact that Kim Bum is back on screen after three years is literally a gift. He stars as the Executive Director of a French skincare company and is the all-dimpled, naughty second lead that we need. It was a stop-and-stare moment for me when he walked in. He has a history with Ye-jin, which she does not quite remember; the manner in which he goes about her is already building so much good tension.
The romance between the three main characters is already electrifying. Matthew is hard and cold-blooded, and Eric is endearing and tenacious. I live to see them transform into business rivals, and, quite evidently, they are also going to fight over Ye-jin. All the scenes featuring the three of them seem to be a masterclass in screen presence.
Intolerable Flat Characters and Clichés
The writing is not smooth, but there are some rocky moments as the energy is high. Ye-jin is somewhat of a controversial character initially. She is so ambitious and a complete workaholic, yet she has an entitled attitude. It is a lot to deal with to drive the wrong way down a one-way street and then throw a tantrum. Others are terming her as insufferable, and I do understand why. She is so dismissive of her own personal life that, when her boyfriend dumps her in episode 1 seems almost warranted.
The love triangle is also quite noticeable at the very beginning. When you are weary of the usual formula of the healing countryside where the city girl ends up in the village, this may seem a bit clichéd. The car mirror being sideswiped by the tractor is one of the plot lines that could be anticipated.
The Heart Under the Sales Pitch
Image Credit: SBS
The story is full of heart, despite all the home shopping glamour and farm life. Ye-jin has chronic insomnia and had a previous traumatic experience with a cosmetic product that failed to work: this is a very realistic plot point. It describes the reason behind her current obsession with perfection. The fact that she is struggling to cope with the crumbling aspects of her personal life, and she is continuing her Sold Out streak, makes me root for her, despite her being a bit of a brat at the moment.
Matthew has his own dark loads, too. Why is a genius researcher who is staying under an alias in a small village? The romance is nice with the addition of the mystery to the usual rom-com fluff. I like the fact that both leads are evidently fractured in one way or another. It helps to make their subsequent “healing” process seem like it will be deserved.
Yay or Nay?
The first two episodes are an overall success for those who miss the days of opposites attract of the K-dramas. The show is very aware of what it is, and it does not shy away from the tropes. Although certain editing is a little predictable and the protagonist in the movie requires a serious attitude to refocus, the cast is even more than sufficient to keep me glued.
I am certainly strapped into this ride. I am eager to know how Ye-jin will be able to find peace in the quiet world of Matthew, and how Eric will be able to stir up the situation even more. This is a breath of fresh air to you in case you are in a drama slump.
Drama Info
- Title: Sold Out on You
- Total Episodes: 12 (Ongoing)
- Review/First Impressions: 1-2 Episodes
- Release Time: Wednesdays & Thursdays @21:00 KST
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Workplace
- Cast: Ahn Hyo-seop, Chae Won-bin, Kim Bum, Go Doo-shim
- Where to Watch: Netflix, SBS
Ratings
- Overall Score: 8.2/10 for Ep 1–2
- Recommendation: Perfect for fans of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha vibes who want a bit more corporate spice and a heavy love triangle.
- Rewatch Value: 7.2/10 for 1-2 Eps (Watching Kim Bum’s return and Ahn Hyo-seop’s rugged farm look is worth a second viewing.)
- Optional Ratings
- Acting: 9/10
- Chemistry: 9.5/10
- Cinematography: 8/10
Check Out: Yumi’s Cells Season 3 First Impressions
April 24, 2026
Thai BL “My Romance Scammer” Review (Episodes 1-12)
My Romance Scammer has released its final episode on April 19, and my heart is in backflips, and my brain is struggling to comprehend how audacious this plot is. GMMTV actually gave us a Sunday treat that is a warm hug, enchanted in a fever dream. In case you have not yet gotten to this Thai BL, you are missing out on the most addictive trope of the professional liars that I have experienced in years. It is sloppy, it is noisy, and it is brilliant.
The BL revolves around the lives of two rich brothers, Pai (Mark Jiruntanin Trairattanayon) and North (Poon Mitpakdee), who are, in essence, the number one targets of any conman with a good look. Then come two fraudsters, Tim (Junior Panachai Sriariyarungruang) and U (Ohm Thitiwat Ritprasert), who have no connection whatsoever to each other, yet they choose the same family at the same time! There is nothing like viewing them go about their business in their respective “assignments” as they stumble over their own emotions.
Tim and Pai: The Mature Duo
Tim and Pai are the definition of a strong, adult relationship. Tim is a revelation. He brings this seductive, cunning vibrancy to it so much so that it is entirely natural that Pai, who is normally so closed and practical, collapses like a lawn chair whenever Tim is in the room. The scam that Tim is involved in is a slow burn, which is based on years of planning and a wedding that is so real.
Mark Jiruntanin puts a faultless touch on Pai as a weary elder brother and hopeless love-stricken romantic. The gradual deconstruction of his walls in favor of Tim is beautiful and heartbreaking since we, the audience, are aware that it is constructed on a lie. They are natural and sticky-sweet, and boast a top-tier pair. When at last they reached that “after-noon delight” scene, the tension was through the ceiling.
U and North: The Duo You Will Cheer For
Where Tim and Pai are the mature part of the coin, U and North are the fluffy, chaotic part. Om Thitiwat as U is a breath of fresh air. It is a relief to find him portraying someone who is naughty, playful, and expressive rather than the stoic roles that he is known to play. A scam he uses is his secret marriage to North, which is a dark one, but the show makes it better by making fun of it in the most appropriate manner.
The only person who could play North is Poon Mitpakdee. He is able to turn gullible and naive into something cute instead of irritating. Episode 4, when North discovers the fake marriage, was a complete shocker since it took place so soon! Peak comedic moments were seeing North torture U by having him sleep in a literal giant dog pen- metaphorical dog house. U wait around North’s apartment like a puppy waiting to get the owner, and you cannot help but want them to work out.
Spoilers: The Lies That Bound Them
The BL ramps up in the second act. It was crazy to find out that the scam was far more than a mere cash grab. I had not anticipated the twist of the family expectations and the inheritance of the brothers.
The heartbreak of Episode 8 was well deserved. It was hurtful to see North come to understand that his marriage was a contract, and Pai handled the consequences of the marriage. The BL does not slow it down, however. It does not take us too long to languish in angst before a ridiculous plot twist (such as Tim in an actual accident when attempting to fabricate one) throws us back into the fun. It was the perfect end with a last-minute wedding, even though we are all still in awe of how a child like Da Zhan was able to plan half the guest list!
The Cracks in the Scammer’s Mask
I am not gonna lie, at times, the editing in this show is a mess. Other scenes were so abruptly cut that I had to wonder if I had missed a chapter. As an example, the shift of the so-called gecko scene in episode 7 totally ruined the angst momentum. It was also a missed opportunity that we never really got a clear explanation of how Tim and Prem, the lawyer, got to be friends.
The volume mixing is also variable. It is all romantic strings, then the next minute, someone is hitting another with some high-intensity music, which does not really fit in the scene. The grandpa and the rest of the Jiramongkolthanun family are also intended to be antagonists, but occasionally are cartoonish in comparison to the down-to-earth acting of our protagonists.
Why You Should Press Play
Despite the editing hiccups, My Romance Scammer is a gem. It is a mature rom-com that does not belittle its viewers but, instead, provides all the fluff we need. It does not save the main plot to the end of the two episodes as most other dramas do. Rather, it allows us to witness the couples going through the what comes next stage of their relationships.
It’s the ideal fluffy watch. Acting is high-quality on all fronts, and the clear contrasts between the two characters in pairs ensure that you will never feel like there is a waste of screen time. When you want a show that is a brain-rot, but does have a heart and a plot to keep you wondering, then this is it.
Drama Info & Ratings
Drama Info
- Title: My Romance Scammer (Rak Ching Lang Taeng)
- Episodes: 12
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, BL
- Cast: Junior Panachai, Mark Jiruntanin, Ohm Thitiwat, Poon Mitpakdee
- Where to Watch: GMM 25, GMMTV YouTube, Viu
Ratings
- Overall Score: 8.5/10
- Recommendation: Highly recommend this for anyone who loves the “scammer falls first” trope and wants a mix of high-heat romance and laugh-out-loud comedy.
- Rewatch Value: 7.5/10. The chemistry in the TimPai scenes is worth coming back to alone.
- Story: 7.5/10
- Acting: 9/10
- Chemistry: 10/10
- Emotional Impact: 8/10
Check Out: Thai BL “Duang With You” First Impressions
April 23, 2026
We Are All Trying Here Episodes 1–2 First Impressions
I am now officially buzzing with excitement for the premiere on April 18 and 19 of We Are All Trying Here. This show entered the room and chose emotional violence. It has a heavy title, and the first two episodes are a complete wreck, in the best sense of the term. I entered hoping to see a typical slice-of-life feel, but this is much more visceral and raw. The writers are as if they were reading my late-night existential crises and thought they would use them to make a K-drama.
My Liberation Notes and My Mister are everywhere with their DNA on this premiere. It is so logical that the silence is so loud and everyday life so heavy. This artistic team has an actual superpower to make a simple walk to the subway look like a spiritual experience. The intense focus on the ‘ordinary’ individual, with the silent weariness of simple survival in a capitalist world, is emphasized. You will feel at home here if you are fond of the honesty of the Yeom siblings. It is that same slow-burning soul-searching magic that causes you to look at a wall and re-evaluate your whole life.
Why Hwang Dong Man is My Spirit Animal
The star of the K-drama Hwang Dong Man (Koo Kyo Hwan) is flawless as a man whose own ideals are draining him out as he keeps on waiting for two decades before he can be a director. He is poor but proud, preaching to students the benefits of poverty being a blessing to writers, and evading his landlord to pay rent. His bitterness towards the successful directors of the successful ‘Eight’ is tangible. It is painful to watch a scene in which he slanders a lead actress and ends up with egg on his face. He is silent, but his eyes are worth a million emotions. He is a disaster, and I am up to it.
Byeon Eun A and the Weight of Perfection
Next is Byeon Eun A (Go Youn Jung), who is the exact opposite, at least at first sight. She appears to have it all figured out, being a smart producer, known as The Ax, but her personal life reflects a woman who is terrified of being found out. The imposter syndrome that we are all affected by is brought out in her character. Her stress is evident between the nosebleeds and the unknown emotions that were glowing on her watch. The highlight of the K-drama is her encounters with Dong Man at the railway crossing. It was clumsy and silent and was just like life itself.
Episode 1: The Architecture of Loneliness
Image Credit: Netflix
Episode 1 does not simply introduce characters; it creates the whole mood of desperate silence. We begin with the stamping of the bulky reality falling upon Hwang Dong Man on all sides. He is a male preacher who teaches that poverty is a blessing to writers and literally runs away, escaping his landlord. It is a superb, sour irony. The installation of the “Eight”, the group of directors who are elite, is the ideal antagonist to the career stagnation of Dong Man.
The best part of the episode is surely the introduction of Byeon Eun A. Known as The Ax, her professional coldness is obviously a defense against her personal case of burnout. This is not romantic chemistry when she and Dong Man meet at the railway crossing; it is the chemistry of two drowning people who see that they are not alone. The final scene, in which Eun A reads a screenplay by Dong Man, and even believes it to be beautiful, offers the only ray of hope in an otherwise gloomy hour.
Episode 2: Finding Your Voice (and Your Power)
Should episode 1 have been about the weight of failure, the second one is about the spark of defiance. It is a much more inward episode. We observe how Dong Man copes with literal physical pain of his awkward fall at Choi Film, which reflects his bruised ego. That the police arrived to answer a noise complaint because he is screaming his own name is an ultimate fangirl moment— tragic, funny, and so familiar.
Image Credit: Netflix
The idea of Power is the emotional focus of episode 2. The suggestion by Eun A that love is the missing element in his movie (and his life) is a turning point. Rejected by the Eight, the pettiness of the ‘No Dong Man’ sign at the bar might have ruined him, but instead, it results in that unbelievable fight with Director Choi. This character development is what is required when Dong Man makes a promise that he will be something amazing, only to get them mad. The last scene, in which they share side dishes and their watches say green, implies that their liberation will not come with success, but with each other.
Is It Too Depressing
It is not a baseless anxiety that the show nears being too much of a misery-focused. The gloom runs all the way up to Dong Man, paying off loan sharks to have his cat fixed to the ‘No Dong Man’ sign on the bar. All characters are at war, even Dong Man’s brother Jin Man, who is disallowed to defend him in the bar. This is not the k-drama to watch in case you are seeking the bubbly rom-com or a slice of life. It wants you to sit in the pain. The dialogue occasionally seems a bit too written, almost as a set of poetic quotations instead of real dialogue.
It is a strong beginning of a K-drama that obviously wants to convey something important regarding mental health and self-worth. I am wholly engaged now in the progress of Dong Man to the point of liking himself at least an inch more. The sight of Eun A giving him side-dishes and watching their watches tick off their green made me get that slight spark of hope that I required. It is a big timepiece, yet a requirement. I will be there for episode 3 with my tissues and a tub of ice cream.
Drama Info
- Title: We Are All Trying Here (Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness)
- Total Episodes: 12 (Ongoing)
- Release Time: Saturday & Sunday @12 AM KST
- Review/First Impressions: 1-2 Episodes
- Genre: Melodrama, Slice of Life
- Cast: Koo Kyo Hwan, Go Youn Jung, Oh Jung Se, Park Hae Joon
- Where to Watch: Netflix, JTBC
Ratings
- Overall Score: 7.5/10 for Ep 1-2
- Overall score plus Recommendation: Highly recommended for fans of “My Liberation Notes” who appreciate deep character studies and the beauty of finding comfort in shared loneliness.
- Rewatch Value: 6.5/10 The subtle acting and the gorgeous, moody cinematography make it worth a second look.
- Story: 8.0/10
- Acting: 9.5/10
- Emotional Impact: 10/10
Check Out: Yumi’s Cells Season 3 First Impressions
April 20, 2026
Reverse Eps 1-2 Review: Seo Ji-hye & Go Soo Lead a Dark Mystery
I am officially a fanatic of the premiere of Reverse. This show opens with a bang, with the explosion of a villa that literally changes our heroine’s whole life. The way Myo-jin (Seo Ji-Hye) manages to crawl through her lost memories in the midst of people who may be lying to her is just what I want to watch on a Friday night. It is as though the game were a puzzle, with each piece of the puzzle surrounded by secrets.
Episode 1: Accident
There is no waste of time in the 1 episode. We start with a nightmare explosion at a chaebol villa, which causes Myo-jin to become completely amnesic. The move between the hot commotion and the cold, silent hospital room comes as a shock in the most desirable way. Seo Ji-hye is a spot-on depiction of that hollow-eyed terror of waking up to a life you do not know.
And then we see her fiancé, Ryu Jun-ho (Go Soo). He is the next in line as the chairman of Seokwang Group and is an architect. He is the ideal gentleman-protector, rich, loving, and apparently distraught by her wound. The second he speaks, the vibe is off. When he tells her, “Remember? We are involved”, it is more of a command than a reassurance. The episode succeeds in giving the audience a sense of isolation of Myo-jin. She is an out-of-place person in her own body, and the only thing that holds her is a man who is acting like one.
Episode 2: Distrust
The 2 episode explores the theme of trust no one further. Myo-jin comes back to her life, but it is a setup. We see flashbacks of Hui-su (Kim Jae Kyung), the closest friend of Myo-jin and the owner of the villa, where the explosion occurred. They relate to each other in a prickly way and have an unspoken tension. Hui-su appears to be privy to a version of Myo-jin to which the Myo-jin at hand cannot gain access, and it is intriguing to observe.
The best part of this episode is the beginning of the push-back by Myo-jin. She is not merely sitting around feeling depressed about her loss of memory, but she is seeking inconsistencies. The scene of her espionage on her own fiancé, as he smiles and lies when asked about Hui-Su, is a thrilling energy at its peak. Go Soo, is amazing in this case. One moment, he is the loving mate, and the next, he turns stone-cold. There is certainly something big that he is concealing about the Seokwang Group and that blast.
The Mystery Hits Different
The plot is crisp and does not have the overdone amnesia tropes. Myo-jin actively takes part in her recovery. The intrigue is based on business greed and betrayal, and not mere random melodrama. It is a frosty-blooded search for truth in the form of a recovery tale.
I feel that the pacing is a little heavy, brooding. The dialogue sometimes borders on the unnecessarily melodramatic realms of the revenge thriller. Some of the scenes with the supporting detectives are temporarily somewhat out of touch with the overall emotional backbone. Also, I believe the evil chaebol is being overdone a bit, but the dynamic between the two main characters makes it feel new to me.
Is it worth continuing?
You have to watch Reverse in case you are a fan of a ‘trust no one’ thriller that has high production value. It is ideal for those who love mystery thrillers, and the main character must navigate through an atmosphere of lies. The initial two episodes establish a gloomy, addictive mood that foreshadows even greater twists. I am buckled into this ride, and I am eager to see Myo-jin pull down the lies surrounding her.
Drama Info & Ratings
- Drama Info Title: Reverse (2026)
- Total episodes: 8 (ongoing)
- Release Time: Fridays at 11:00 AM KST
- Review/First Impressions: Episodes 1-2
- Genre: Mystery, Revenge, Thriller
- Cast: Seo Ji-hye, Go Soo, Kim Jae-kyung
- Where to Watch: Wavve
Ratings
- Overall Score: 6/10 for Ep 1-2
- Overall score plus Recommendation: Highly recommended for thriller fans who enjoy complex character dynamics and corporate revenge.
- Rewatch Value: 0/10: The actors are amazing, but the plot is way overdone. I would not be going for a rewatch (but we can wait for the rest of the K-drama to unfold)
Check Out: K-drama “The Art of Sarah” Review
April 18, 2026
Yumi’s Cells Season 3 Episodes 1–2 First Impressions (No Spoilers)
And now it is time to wait no longer, and our favorite cells have been restored to business in Yumi’s Cells season 3! It is like following a best friend through the ups and downs of her life since Yumi has the most relatable and internal crisis as she goes through her thirties. Season 3 episodes 1 and 2 started on a very strong note in the same way that I fell in love with the show in the first place, although I already have a few bones to pick.
The Journey So Far
Season one introduced us to Yumi (Kim Go Eun) and her cute brain village. I saw her recover from a savage heartbreak and fall in love with Woong (Ahn Bo Hyun). Their romance was crude and natural, revealing how pride and time can separate two individuals. It was a sweet-sour start that set the stage for Yumi’s huge personal development.
In season 2, the emphasis was placed on Bobby (Park Jin Young). He was the green-flag boyfriend until the tiniest crack in his heart altered everything. Yumi preferred herself to a relationship that she could no longer consider safe and eventually followed her dream of being a writer. These previous chapters made Yumi the strong and independent woman I see on my screen today.
EP. 1: The Routine of Success
Image Credit: TVING
The season 3 premiere sees Yumi at the peak of her career. She owns her writing studio and even a personal assistant! The star of the village is obviously her Writer Cell, who now has a flashing new outfit and is bad-ass on the front lines. But the honey of success has changed her daily life in some way that I did not anticipate.
The climax of the show is the skydiving scene. It embodies the disorganized energy that I had been so deprived of. Yumi is having a good life, yet her Love Cell is still slumbering. The shift of the emotional drama of Season 2 to this subdued, professional achievement feels real and justified.
The animation is of high quality. Whenever the cells scramble to act in response to a social situation, it comes as though a call-out to a person. The wit is keen, and the action is fast, and the half-hour episode passes in what seems like a few minutes.
Episode 2: Meet the Reindeer
The second episode reveals the new source of Yumi’s frustration: Shin Soon-rok (Kim Jae Won). He is a fact and boundary-obsessed editor at Julie Publishing. Their introduction is a fiasco of a stack of strawberry and cream bungeoppang. His brash character is a complete wake-up call to his dormant cells, Yumi.
Soon-rok is also an interesting character to the cast. He is young, rational, and appallingly crass. He can commend the writing of Yumi via a brilliant email, but at the same time, he slanders her driving abilities in front of her. This hate-view romance energy is already making me feel more interested than any regular love at first sight cliché.
The cells are chaotic as usual. Reason Cell is working overtime to ensure that Yumi remains professional, and Naughty Cell is already seeking indications of a new crush. The village is livelier than the rest of the seasons, and new cells emerge to symbolize the life of a writer like Yumi.
The Slapstick Shift
Although I am pleased to have the cell village back, I was a bit jarred at the transition to Season 3. It is far more of a slapstick comedy than the earlier seasons. I am a big laugher, and some of the jokes seem a little artificial in comparison to the natural, gut-wrenching jokes of the old.
I have to speak about the casting also. The chemistry is a little stiff at this point, but the new lead is good. Soon-rok comes across as slightly robotic. This reversal comes after the amazingly warm-heartedness of the preceding male protagonists. I desire to experience that spark, and at this moment, it seems more of a cold business deal.
Also, the cell village drama is beginning to become a distraction of sorts. Episode 2 did have instances where the animated bits literally came in the middle of the emotional action of the live-action sequences. I would just as much like to see what Yumi would do in real life as I would like to see what the cells would debate. At this moment, the balance is a little imbalanced.
The Evolution of Yumi
Yumi and her development are the absolute anchor of this show. She was characterized by her desire to have a family in Season 1. In Season 2, her love affair with her partner characterized her. Yumi is eventually characterized by her name in Season 3. She is no longer the girlfriend of Woong, a soulmate of Bobby. She is Yumi, the Author.
Her inner monologue has changed considerably. She is more demanding of her editors and more guarded over her own time. This is the most inspiring of all versions of Yumi. She demonstrates that there is still much living and excitement to be made above thirty, even though you might not have it all figured out.
Image Credit: TVING
Although I was at first reluctant, Soon-rok adds much-needed tension to the program. Once the perfection of Early Bobby is achieved, it is truly refreshing to have a genuinely annoying male lead. The way he challenges Yumi is intellectual and not romantic. Their jokes are like chess, and I am eager to know who will take the next step.
He embodies the idea of a boundary, and it is exactly what Yumi has to journey through at this moment. As long as the writers can make the robotic corners less sharp and locate the heart behind his rational shell, it may be the most adult of relationships in the series.
Long-time fans like me will find these opening episodes a hug. Yumi is the most familiar character in the K-drama world. The quality of production is high, and a new plot is likely to give us a lot of laughs and heart-fluttering moments, as soon as we get over the initial awkwardness. I am buckled and waiting out the rest of this emotional rollercoaster.
Drama Info
- Title: Yumi’s Cells Season 3
- Total Episodes: 8 (Ongoing)
- Release Time: Mondays @18:00 KST
- Review/First Impressions: 1-2 Episodes
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life
- Cast: Kim Go-eun, Kim Jae-won
- Where to Watch: Viki, TVING, Netflix
Ratings
- Overall Score: 8.5/10 for Ep 1-2
- Overall score plus Recommendation: I would highly recommend this if you have followed Yumi’s journey from the start and need a “brain rot” show that makes you smile while teaching you about self-worth.
- Rewatch Value: 7/10 The cell animations are full of tiny details that are even funnier the second time around, making it a great comfort watch.
- Story: 8/10
- Acting: 9/10
- Chemistry: 7.5/10
- Emotional Impact: 8/10
Check Out: “Bloodhounds 2″ Full Review (Spoiler Free)
April 15, 2026
Perfect Crown Episodes 1–2 First Impression (Spoiler-Free)
I have waited for this since 2016, and I am so glad that Perfect Crown gave me the IU and Byeon Woo-Seok reunion that I wanted. My heart was broken by Moon Lovers, and I desperately wanted to see them again. Their appearance onscreen together in 2026 is a fever dream in its best sense. This modern-day monarchy is a pure sugar rush. It is as though it were the big-budget, polished follow-up to the Princess Hours that we all have been clamoring to see. The first two episodes are a storm of royal procedure, business-related greed, and enough budding romance to energize a small city.
Seong Hee-joo, the Ambitious Queen
IU plays the role of Seong Hee-joo, which is absolutely magnetic. She portrays this chaebol heiress with a wit that is razor sharp and an entitlement that is absolutely well deserved. Her personality is proudly preoccupied with her social status, and her intention to wed into the royal family is a cold-blooded political scheme. The way she manages to negotiate the palace procedures with the ‘fake it till you make it’ mindset is some of the best comedy in the premiere. She is the girlboss of all bosses. She has her own fan club and her stare is legendary; she can stare any member of a court royalty without blinking.
Hee-joo is a change from the traditional “commoner lead”. She possesses money and influence, but one thing that her competitors have over her is a title. Her vulnerability is expressed in the touching scenes when she discovers that, despite all her billions, she is not considered a native. IU is a perfect representation of this balance. Even when she is acting like a complete shark, she makes Hee-joo feel human.
Byeon Woo-seok is Every Bit the Melancholic Prince
The royal of my absolute dreams is the brooding and lonely Grand Prince Lee An. Byeon Woo-seok injects the role with a silent intensity that makes the absence of freedom of the Prince really heavy. He is walking with the burden of the crown on his shoulders in a burdened dignity that I would like to hug him. He possesses a remarkable screen presence, particularly in the scenes in which he is required to uphold a flawless persona but is evidently claustrophobic under the weight of tradition.
The romance between Lee An and Hee-joo is already off the scale. Their negotiations of the contract seem to be a game of chess with lots of love sparks under the surface. The manner in which he gazes at her, as though she were the most disorganized thing to ever come into his organized existence, is gold. Byeon Woo-seok has perfected the lingering stare, and I am there to take every second of it.
A 21st Century Royal World
The value of the production of Perfect Crown is simply incredible. The sets of the palaces are rich and green, with a mixture of traditional Korean architecture and smooth and modern technology. It is based in a manner that makes a monarchy in 2026 perfectly believable. Another highlight is the modern interpretation of royal costumes. The combination of conservative elements of the hanbok with fashionable tailoring is a visual delight. Each frame appears to be a glossy editorial.
It is not merely about an adorable romance. It deals with survival in two very different, yet just as cutthroat, worlds. The clash between business politics and royalty brings about a special tone that keeps the story going at a good rate.
The Subplot of the Corporation Can be a bit Extra
The romance is of the finest quality, but the corporate politics of the chaebol side are somewhat convoluted here and there. The initial episode takes a considerable amount of time to establish the power dynamic in Hee-joo’s family. These scenes sometimes distract attention from the more fascinating royal intrigue. The secondary characters also have a bit of a cliche at the moment. We get the standard jealous cousin and the plotting board director who comes out of every other K-drama. Hopefully, the show will have some more depth to its antagonists as the series continues, since now they are like cardboard cutouts when compared to our lively protagonists.
The premiere of episode 1 is very lengthy. The first episode is slow, at more than 70 minutes, with world-building. The first setup may seem like a slow burn to you if you are a person who leaps directly into romance. But I believe that the groundwork they have prepared is needed to make the eventual payoff seem deserved.
The ideal escapist watch is called Perfect Crown. It offers all the K-drama movie lovers would desire, including gorgeous lead actors, a juicy plot involving a contract marriage, and beautiful camera work. The conversation is brisk, and the timing is such that you are glued to it until the end. Episode 2 concludes on a huge cliffhanger, leaving us with the feeling that we are being truly punished by having to wait until next week.
It is a new version of the royal genre which pays tribute to the classics and provides us with two of the biggest stars in the business at their very best. This drama has it all, be it the fashion, the politics, or the fake-to-real romance that is inevitable in this place. It is a daring, lovely, and humorous adventure, which is at times a bit slow and boring, and I am probably going to drop it.
Drama Info & Ratings
Drama Info
- Title: Perfect Crown (Wife of a 21st Century Prince)
- Episodes: 1-2 (First Impressions)
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Modern Royalty, Drama
- Cast: IU, Byeon Woo-seok, Steve Noh, Gong Seung-yeon
- Where to Watch: MBC, Disney+
Ratings
- Overall Score: 7/10 for Ep 1-2
- Recommendation: If you loved Princess Hours or Moon Lovers, start this immediately. It is the ultimate treat for fans of the “contract marriage” trope.
- Rewatch Value: 2/10. It is extremely slow and confusing to me.
Optional Ratings
- Acting: 9.5/10
- Chemistry: 10/10
- Story: 8.5/10
- Cinematography: 10/10
- Emotional Impact: 8/10
Check Out: K-drama “Boyfriend on Demand” Full Review
April 12, 2026