Itβs a long weekend here in Singapore. I ended up watching one movie, finished Agent Kim Reactivated, and caught an episode of TXT Parenting Diary along with its behind-the-scenes clip. A very productive week indeed!
Once We Were Us: π₯ – Oh, what a bittersweet slice of life. Read my full review here.
Agent Kim Reactivated (Ep 8β10): β‘ – I had no idea it was only a 10-episode series, so I powered through the rest in a single day. Thatβs a real feat for me! Read my full review here.
TXT Parenting Diary (Ep 7 + Behind-the-Scenes): βοΈ – Soobin is going to have a whole queue of ladies lining up – and mothers practically offering their daughters in marriage – because, hello, absolute father material! How is this man so full of love?
π The Midnight Mood
π: Enjoying a classic local dessert my mom made: grass jelly with longans and attap seeds. Nothing fancy, and you can easily find it at hawker centers across Singapore, but it hits the spot every time.
πΆ: β’ I need to plug a new song from Tomorrow X Together called “Nice To Meet Ya” – itβs been on repeat!
π Looking Ahead
Since itβs a long weekend, I might try to figure out how to watch A Bonafide Killer right after posting this. It looks so intriguing!
Mr. Kim is a widowed single dad working at a bank and doing his best to raise his teenage daughter. After she gets bullied at school by the daughter of a wealthy construction tycoon, Mr. Kim steps in to apologize on her behalf – leaving his daughter mortified. Hurt and embarrassed, she runs away on her birthday. When she fails to return home and stops answering his calls, Mr. Kim starts searching, only to uncover a terrifying reality: sheβs in grave danger, or worse.
What no one knows is that Mr. Kim was once a top North Korean secret agent who was captured during a failed undercover operation in the South. Forced to complete covert missions for South Korea, he eventually chose to leave his dark past behind the moment his daughter was born. But with his daughterβs life now on the line, he has to reactivate his dormant skills – with a little help from his fellow former agents.
πͺ The Hook
A badass father stopping at nothing to save his daughter, flanked by two equally lethal (and deliciously quirky) friends? Thatβs pure fatherly devotion right there. Sign me up!
Iβm usually the type of viewer who can predict every plot twist miles away, but this drama genuinely kept me guessing. Every time I thought, “Ah, that person is definitely the mole!”, the very next episode proved me wrong. Though to be fair, that one specific character was playing mind games with the audience the entire time, so I don’t blame myself for flipping back and forth!
As for the action sequences, I expected nothing less from So Ji-sub. Watching him on screen, youβd never guess heβs 48. Meanwhile, I’m sitting here at 42 making an embarrassing groan just getting up from my chair after sitting for too long! Yet here is a man pushing 50, jumping over high walls and executing flawless high kicks.
π§ͺ Character Chemistry
The three dads are easily one of the best trios in K-drama history. Sure, theyβre lethal uncles, but their comedic timing is top-tier. Their friendship is surprisingly heartwarming – they operate on an unspoken bond where no words, phone calls, or secret distress signals are even necessary. They just instinctively know when and where to show up for each other.
πΆββ‘οΈ Pacing Check
I was genuinely surprised to learn this was only a 10-episode series. I hadn’t checked the total episode count before diving in, and suddenly I found myself at the finale earlier today! Wrapping up the entire narrative arc neatly in 10 episodes felt crisp and refreshing. Did I wish it were longer? Not at all. It hit the sweet spot without unnecessary filler.
π€ Final Sleepy Rating
β‘ – I actually paused my binge midway because I assumed it was 12 episodes and wanted to stretch it out. Turns out my self-pacing wasn’t even needed, but finishing 3 episodes in a single sitting speaks for itself!
π§ Status
Completed
βοΈ Notable mention
Idol Spotting: The moment the daughter’s crush appeared on screen, I immediately thought, “There is no way this guy isn’t an idol.” A quick Google search confirmed it – heβs Chael from the boy group LUN8!
Soundtrack Pick: Shoutout to the OST track “Go! Go!” by ALPHA DRIVE ONE. One of the members actually starred in one of my favorite BL dramas, Secret Relationships!
Eun-ho met Jeong-won by chance while on his way to visit his father in his hometown. After losing touch following the trip, Eun-ho searched for her, and a close friendship grew between them. Though Eun-ho held feelings for Jeong-won, he didn’t act on them until the day she discovered her boyfriend was cheating on her. Afraid that dating might ruin their friendship if things went wrong, Jeong-won hesitated – until Eun-ho promised that would never happen. But as the years passed, life brought its own strain. Following a pivotal incident, Jeong-won left. Years later, their paths crossed once more.
π The Highlights
For me, this movie is a true slice-of-life. Someone enters your life right when you need them most, but as time moves on, a person who was once your entire world can become someone you no longer know – or need. Instead of desperately holding on, you learn to let go. That is what this film captures so well. It isn’t tragic; itβs just the bittersweet reality of life.
Another detail I loved was the visual color palette, which mirrored the video game Eun-ho developed: During Ianβs quest to find Kelly, his world is stark black and white, but the moment he finds her, it bursts into full color. At first, I was confused because films typically use monochrome for the past and color for the present. Flipping that convention felt refreshingly deliberate – a very good choice.
πͺ« Low Points
If you are looking for pure comfort to unwind after a brutal week at work, school, or just life in general, this isn’t it. It isn’t outright doom and gloom, but it certainly isn’t lighthearted either. While it didn’t bring me to tears, it left me sitting with a quiet, heavy heart.
π€ Final Sleepy Rating
π₯ Bittersweet. The haunting “what-ifs” and the reluctance to release something so familiar feel painfully real.
π―ββοΈ Best Watched With
Your messiest hair, comfiest PJs, favorite comfort snack, and a plushie nearby – because you might just need a hug by the end.
Well, this feels like a restart of sort. There are reasons why I’ve not been writing my weekly wrap-ups, which you can find in my Siti Wide Awake blog. Head down there if you want to know what was up with me (or is up with me). Anyways, I decided to start watching Agent Kim Reactivated because that show starts to come up on my feed rather randomly. My friend did recommend the show because I enjoyed Teach You A Lesson. Similar but not really – the characters have a different purpose. This show has a group of bad-ass ahjussis. And earlier today, I watched The Devil Wears Prada 2 because I saw that is No. 1 in Disney+ right now. I’m also re-watching earlier episodes of TXT Parenting Diary (no, I have not finished the show yet) and just started this evening, Murder Club: Liar’s Table.
Agent Kim Reactivated (Ep 1-7): β‘ – Loving it so far. I love me some bad-ass ahjussis, say the person with probably the same age group as the characters π
The Devil Wears Prada 2: β – Nostalgic. Review here.
TXT Parenting Diary (Ep 1-6): βοΈ – Comfort show and the start of me being a MOA. They came at the right time for me (both the show and TXT). Soobin looks ready to be a parent π₯°
Murder Club: Liar’s Table (Ep 1): π€- Interesting show. It’s not a new concept, I feel. I know I’ve seen it somewhere before. The reason I decided to watch was Beomgyu from TXT. But his episode(s) aren’t out yet. I’m interested to see his episode because in TXT’s contents, he’s usually the chaotic one (or the bringer of chaos).
π The Midnight Mood
π: When I was watching The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Murder Club, I was eating lunch and then dinner. And munching on an Asian snack called rempeyek. Google that. I’m saying Asian because I do not want to offend any country. According to Google though, it’s Indonesian-Javanese cracker. Makes sense. I’m Javanese (new info). I’m Singaporean but Javanese ancestry. Anyways, it’s crunchy. Usually made with peanuts and dried anchovies.
πΆ: If you head into Siti Wide Awake blog, there would be very obvious answer to this question but I shall select just one song from the group and that song is Chasing The Feeling.
π Looking Ahead
I don’t know… I’m not making any promises anymore π
The fashion queen is back 20 years later and… things changed a lot. Andy was an award-winning journalist with The Vanguard but was unfortunately retrenched along with her other colleagues from the newsroom at an awards gala, no less. Miranda, in the meanwhile, was under fire due to an article that was released about a brand when she was due to be promoted by the boss, Irv. Andy’s brave remarks during her speech after getting retrenched via a text message got the attention of Irv, who then hired her to be the features editor, without Miranda’s consent nor knowledge. Andy had to, once again, proved her worth.
π The Highlights
The first movie was released when I graduated and first stepped into the corporate world and it’s back now that I’m much older and experienced, just like Andy. I feel like I grew up along with her and the other characters. It’s amazing that the movie was able to portray that. And those who watched the first one 20 years ago and watching it now, we will feel nostalgic. Other than that, and the fashion, of course, the music is so good. And having Lady Gaga guest-starring and performing on a fashion show, it’s so fitting. The movie also portrays realism with what’s happening in the working world right now. I’d have thought that what I’m experiencing would be restricted within my non-fashion, non-glamourous corporate world. But I guess, even the fashion world is feeling the pinch. And it makes absolute sense. 20 years ago, I was still purchasing and reading magazines – Her World, Cleo, Harper’s Bazaar. But now? I’m not sure if these magazines still exist. We consume things online – TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube. So, magazines like Her World and Harper’s Bazaar have to also pivot digitally to still be relevant. And I’m sure, due to that, some jobs are lost.
πͺ« Low Points
The only thing that I would point out and this will be a bit of a stretch (because I almost have nothing negative to say about the movie) was the lack of Asian stars. Why I said this? We are talking 2026 here, not 2006. This is an era where BTS and Blackpink are global stars and leading the fashion world. It would be hard to not find K-pop stars being part of a fashion show. You can just name anyone – G-Dragon, the literal muse for Chanel, Lisa, Jennie, Jungkook, Mark Lee, Jeno, Felix, Soobin, Yeonjun, etc. These are the ones I can name at the top of my mind. You can just imagine how many of them. And it’s not just K-pop, even Chinese stars like Xiao Zhan, who’s the global ambassador for Tod’s. The lack of Asian stars in this movie is very obvious for someone like me.
π€ Final Sleepy Rating
β It’s a perfect movie to watch in your pajamas at home while drinking Milo on Disney+ and feeling nostalgic.
π―ββοΈ Best Watched With
A good cup of Milo or chocolate drink of your choice and popcorns or nachos or whatever chips you have at home in bed and being all comfy.
It’s been a while, isn’t it? To know why yours truly was on a hiatus, go here.
π’ Seasons/Episodes Covered
Season 1, Episode 1-8
β¨ Quick Spark
Gu Cheon was an orphan who lived in a temple up in the mountains. He, who had the ability to see spirits, was kidnapped by the King and was forced to resolve the supernatural issue that plagued The East Palace – The King’s son was haunted by the pond’s spirit. Gu Cheon, who also had the ability to travel to the spirit’s realm, and with the help of the hidden princess, Saeng-gang, who had the ability to hear spirits, defeated the pond’s spirit. But they found out that there were more secrets within the palace’s walls than just the pond’s spirit.
πͺ The Hook
I was really excited for this drama when I first saw the trailer. This may also be the fastest I’ve ever reviewed a show. It was just released on 17 July. And I was not disappointed. The show is quite similar to The Haunted Palace, if you have ever watched the show. But this is more epic. The spirit realm created reminds me so much of a video game and you know what? They should really think about creating a video game out of this. The world that the creators had created is so cinematically epic, I feel it would be such a waste to keep it only in the drama.
I also have to say this as a non-horror fan: While Netflix tags it as horror, which may make non-horror fans avoid it at all cost, it’s not as scary as I thought and I watched this at night. And that made me realize what made horror shows or movies horror – the sound effect and jump scares. This one has little to no jump scares because you know the spirits would appear anyway – you’ll get a clue in whenever the spirits whispered into Saeng-gang’s ears.
And one other plus? The ggeomeoksali. That little cutie patootie of a spirit the internetz is now calling Joseon era labubu. You would think the spirit is bad/negative but it is the one spirit that helped Gu Cheon everytime that guy was on the brink of death. Release this as a merch, Netflix! I would buy it in a heartbeat.
Look at it! It’s just a baby π₯Ή
π§ͺ Character Chemistry
The show is non-romance; it’s dark fantasy so I don’t expect romance for this. While there’s a bond between Gu Cheon and Saeng-gang, I’m not sure whether I want to call it as romance or call it as a bond created due to everything that they both experienced together. The romance, if any, is so thin, it’s as thin as a tissue paper. So thin it’s almost non-existent and it’s not the center of the plot. But that does not mean the two characters have no chemistry, they do. Very much. They knew they needed each other to survive and they were also willing to sacrifice to save the other. I’m excited to see more of them hopefully in Season 2. Yes, it looks like there may be one with that ending.
πΆπ½ββ‘οΈ Pacing Check
It’s 8 episodes so it goes fast even with plot twists every time. You would think it goes one way and then it goes the other, it makes you pull an all-nighter on this show.
π€ Final Sleepy Rating
β‘ – I kept going “Next episode” that Netflix asked if I was still watching.
π§ Status
Completed
βπΌ Notable Mention
Two notable mentions: First would be that this is the first show for Nam Joo Hyuk after a long time since he finished his military enlistment two years ago. And what a role it is ππΌ
Second notable mention: The soundtrack. The soundtrack is as epic as the show itself and how it has some Korean traditional instruments at play as well. So so good! If you’ve ever watched The Day After Tomorrow and you’ve heard the music and felt how it helped to create the apocalyptic world in the movie, the same here as well.
This week feels like a productive one for me. I have decided to watch Xiao Zhan’s works while going to work (see whether I will pull that through) while slowly watching My Royal Nemesis (since the show is still ongoing). Since the episodes are all out for Teach You A Lesson, I added that in the mix as well and reading Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation. I love The Untamed so much, there’s zero hesitation for me to purchase all 5 volumes of the novel. My arms were doing a whole heavy-lifting yesterday carrying all 5 volumes plus a new book by Keigo Higashino because I cannot resist a new book from one of my fave authors even though I still have a lot of his books not read yet. Oops!
Teach You A Lesson (Ep 1-2): β‘- Guys, the satisfaction that I have watching these bullies getting whacked. Finally a drama that shows exactly what we, the audience, want to see whenever we watch such shows with heinous bullies.
The Untamed (Ep 1-4): βοΈ – I know, I know, I put Ep 34 in my last post and suddenly, it’s Ep 1-4? See, usually I skipped scenes after watching the 100th time. But I decided for this 101th rewatch to watch it properly and stop skipping even though I do not want to see Wei Wuxian getting hurt for the gazillionth time.
My Royal Nemesis (Ep 2-4): β‘ – This show is so funny. But seeing Cha Se Gye’s past life… man… I don’t want another Scarlet Heart. My heart wouldn’t be able to take this. So, I really hope it’s a happy ending.
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (Page 20): βοΈ – Because why not? I did read it before online but it was fan translated and it’s just a mess. So, this novel would be a properly written one. So, I’m super excited to read all 5 volumes of it
π The Midnight Mood
π: Still in my dieting era, guys! So, didn’t crave anything at midnight.
πΆ: Since I’ve been watching, somewhat, a variety show called TXT Parenting Diary on the side, let’s go with one of their songs called Deja Vu.
A community’s outlier, Eun Chae Ni, was dealing with a severe heart condition. Being aware that she was not going to have much time to live, she wanted to leave Haeseong City to see the world. But with no money, she planned to trick her rich grandmother, Kim Jeon-Bok, by pretending to be kidnapped, with the help of her two friends, Kang Ro Bin and Son Gyeong Hun. Unfortunately, things took a turn and she died. In panic, her friends were about to dump her into a secluded area but was found by Lee Un Jeong, a civil servant at the local city hall. Her body was accidentally thrown into a toxic chemical water. Un Jeong called the police and was reporting about the kidnap and murder when Chae Ni appeared behind them – alive. It turned out that the three friends gained superpowers. It led Un Jeong to investigate the mysterious incident. But it turned out that he, too, had supernatural abilities. Reluctantly, Un Jeong began to help the three friends navigate their newfound abilities and fight against a villain who threatened their city.
πͺ The Hook
Okay, I have to be honest: I stopped at Episode 1 and watched some other shows. It was quite boring in the beginning but what made me come back was Cha Eun Woo. Other than the fact that the man has an insane face card, his character is mysterious enough for me to want to know what is up with him. And I like that he took on this role. My image of him had always been the pretty boy taking on roles that are of popular high school guy that every girl fell in love with. Taking on this role which has a mysterious undertone fit him quite well. I almost forgot he is an idol.
Another thing that got me to stay and continue watching was how it reminded me of some true crime stories in Korea. One was Brothers Home and another was the cult – Shincheonji Church of Jesus. So, when watching, I was constantly reminded of these two stories. I’m not sure whether the writer of the show took these cases as inspiration but it’s uncanny.
π§ͺ Character Chemistry
All four characters actually make a really quirky group. You have the three outliers and then you have this supposedly clumsy, innocent young good-looking guy in the mix. I mean, it is a comedy so the idea itself is already hilarious to think about.
Aside from that, while I’ve seen other female leads with Cha Eun Woo, I think Park Eun Bin actually matched up well with him aside from Moon Ga Young (True Beauty). I still think Ga Young is his best but Eun Bin came in close second.
πΆπ½ββ‘οΈ Pacing Check
I mentioned it before: It was slow and quite boring to begin with. So it took me quite a bit of time to get into it and continue till I finished it.
π€ Final Sleepy Rating
π₯± – For me. It could have been shorter than 8 episodes. Some felt a little bit draggy. I still managed to finish it because it is a funny show so you can watch it if you need some laughs though it does get a little bit dark/heavy at some moments. It is not to say that it is a bad show.
π§ Status
Completed
βπΌ Notable Mention
When watching it, you may be reminded of another show by Disney+ called Moving. Some people will undoubtedly compare these two shows. Personally? I like Moving.
π§ Late night and your eyes are tired? Tap play below to listen to this week’s entertainment briefing on the go!
π The Week In Review
I thought after finishing Perfect Crown, I would be lost. Instead, I managed to finish Soul Mate, started on 2 new shows on Netflix and rewatched The Untamed, all in one week. Wow! Well, it feels like I’m revenge watching shows because I’m stressed about my job and this is my only outlet.
Soul Mate (Ep 2-8): π₯ – I put coffee last week, didn’t I? Nope, no… it’s not… it’s definitely not. I had to take 1 whole business day to get over it and write the review.
The Wonderfools (Ep 1): β – It says Comedy series. From the first episode, I don’t know what’s comedic about this. Cha Eun Woo’s character is mysterious though.
My Royal Nemesis (Ep 1): β – Now, this one I find funny. I’m glad I started this after Perfect Crown. Otherwise, I’d have been confused with all these royal stuffs.
The Untamed (Ep 34): βοΈ – I’m rewatching this because why not. I need to feel the tingles and the love and the beautiful storyline of everything. Okay, fine, I actually watched this because Soul Mate reminded me of The Untamed – the looks given to each other, the undying love, how censorship cannot masked these at all.
π The Midnight Mood
π: The last thing I ate/drank was a mug of Milo before writing this post.
πΆ: Let’s go with Wu Ji by Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo – the soundtrack for The Untamed – because why not. And there are some people who commented that this show is just a bromance. Guys, there’s literally a song for Wei Wu Xian and Lan Wang Ji. Let’s not kid ourselves here.
π Looking Ahead
I need to finish the two shows I started watching before starting something else, honestly.
Ryu, a star college ice hockey player, left Japan to visit his childhood friend, Sumiko, in Berlin, after being confessed to by a friend. He was ridden with guilt and was about to succumb to the fire that he was caught in while in church when he was saved by a Korean boxer, Johan, who was also carrying a deep trauma. As the two lonely souls connected, they found the meaning of life and love. They navigated life together till they faced a brutal fate.
πͺ The Hook
As a boys’ love fan, that’s the hook – the story of two guys falling in love without explicitly saying it or doing anything, except being there for each other and being extremely domestic. To anyone else, it’d have looked like a bromance story if Johan’s and Ryu’s actions went over their heads or the words of the people around them didn’t carry much weight to them. But it definitely didn’t go over mine. And I feel that’s what makes it even more beautiful.
π§ͺ Character Chemistry
The fact that Taecyeon and Hayato Isomura didn’t have to do anything explicit to be able to portray their characters’ relationship well is saying something. That is a mark of good acting from both of them. Words are easy, subtle actions and looks are not easy. They did extremely well to be able to show the audience the deep connection and relationship that they have.
πΆπ½ββ‘οΈ Pacing Check
It’s just 8 episodes and at least the first few episodes were relatively short and only close to the end was it longer but for good reason. While I do wish it was longer, it’s enough to tell the story of the couple. And to break my heart into pieces I was sobbing so hard, snot and all.
π€ Final Sleepy Rating
π₯ – I needed 1 whole business day to recover before I can even write this review.
π§ Status
Completed
βπΌ Notable Mention
Not so much about the actors or the show itself but this show reminds me so much of The Untamed I have the urge to rewatch it.
This Siti Never Sleeps At Night 