Useless Lies (2023)

It was fun and enjoyable!

***DISCLAIMER: These are just my thoughts while watching the show. We don’t have to agree and I’m not here to argue with anyone.***

If you’re like me and you loved "Yul" in Alchemy of souls, Keep watching this drama for the best of Hwang Min Hyun. It keeps getting better and better. I genuinely started this not knowing what to expect and I found the first 2-3 episodes slow but as soon as you’re midway through, the twists will keep you hooked to the show.

Kim So Hyun is really a good actress. In this drama, both her and Hwang Min Hyun show a lot of chemistry and cute moments. The storyline is also pretty decent and they complement each other in this drama. Hwang Min Hyun shows a different side of his acting too… each episode I found his character to be really cute, soft and endearing. He’s like a little puppy who is misunderstood and wrongfully accused. It’s sad because you can see the weight for his past affecting him daily and holding him back from pursuing his musical dreams to the fullest.

At first I found Sol Hui’s ex boyfriend (Kang Min) annoying but I’m glad he actually cared about solving the murder mystery and not just persecuting Do Ha because he wanted Sol Hui back. I respected him when he told her he was no longer able to hang around her and be “just friends” and decided to leave her alone for good. I also enjoyed Sol Hui’s parents’ arc and how they found their way back to each other and rekindled their love/romance. It was sweet how he waltzed in and showed the other guy up for not knowing his ex-wife. I’m glad Sol Hui’s mom came to her senses and chose love instead of money and decided to live simply and happily with the dad in the forest. I liked the supporting actors as well – especially the bickering couple who are totally into each other but keep pretending like they’re not. They are so adorable and deserve to be happy. I also would enjoy a bodyguard romance spinoff with Syaon and Chi Hoon I think they’d be cute and the writers could incorporate some drama into a whole new storyline with Do Ha and Sol Hui as guest stars (maybe?)

Honestly, Ji On is different in this role compared to seeing him as selfless, justice serving “Ryung Goo” in Tomorrow. If you enjoyed his character in Tomorrow, let me just say you’re in for a shock if you decide to watch in My Lovely Liar. I thought the resolution / revelation of Eom Ji’s real killer had us going in circles. I can’t believe Deuk Chan did it, as in I did not suspect his character at all and they almost fooled me with his brother Jae Chan taking the fall. I thought the writers could have expounded more on his relationship with Do Ha / Seung Ju – how he fell for him etc. The also could have wrapped up the story by telling us what happened with his wife / the divorce and his relationship with his daughter especially now that he’s in prison. I feel like they kind of lost the plot with his character in that aspect.

It’s by no means the best rom-com I’ve ever watched but thats not the point! It’s honestly so much better than a lot of higher ranked dramas that aired this year. I personally liked the twist of mystery / drama in it. Not to mention the visuals of the leads and chemistry between them is an added bonus. It’s also so hilarious and will keep you laughing/smiling throughout. Idc it’s a light-hearted little rom-com with mystery, drama and a touch of fantasy to keep viewers engaged & question the true intentions of someone and their heart rather than judging them based on if they’re telling the truth vs a lie.

I gave it a 7/10 because it was light hearted and kept me entertained.

Give it a try!

:)

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SIDENOTE:
To the person(s) trying to discredit my review and ratings, have a look on my profile and see my rating guide. I rate every drama the same way. It’s not rocket science and it’s also not my fault you are a bitter lurker who can’t understand people can have different opinions / tastes when it comes to dramas. When I watched this drama last year I was in the mood for it and the plot seemed authentic / refreshing. With more fantasy romance plots the tropes have become overused, recycled and unoriginal, if you don’t like my ratings or what I have to say then stay off of my profile and be on your way! I absolutely detest persons who act superior and like your rating isn’t credible just because they disagree with your opinion. It’s clear those individuals have an overinflated ego just because they have probably been reviewing dramas before I was even born or they simply lack respect or manners. I advise persons to tread carefully and not try to paint me / my reviews in a bad light just because you’re upset I don’t like a drama you “love”. These types of egregious behaviors are disgusting but far more telling about those persons than me. The drama someone gave a 10/10 and deems a "masterpiece" could very well be a big old 0 to me. We don’t have to agree, that’s life. Re-read the disclaimer and don’t be daft or disrespectful.

Thank you!

Leia Mais

Let down by a random plot

It seems that quite a number of dramas I’m watching at the moment have a lot going for them but are let down or even ruined by inadequate plot structure and this one is no exception.

So what went right?

Well the first half of the drama worked well for me. The premise for this show was good and could provide plenty of opportunities for tension. It gave a credible necessity for the superpower which featured throughout the unfolding layers of the plot.

The driving force behind the story was well handled, of being wrongfully accused and the resultant lack of trust destroying a life. It created sympathy for the character, Kim Do Ha, played by Hwang Min Hyun, as he struggled to release himself from the hole he had crawled into. I liked his performance but I can imagine that it was just a bit too underplayed for some. However, I wasn’t very enthused by Kim So Hyun’s performance as Kim Sol Hee. I think an opportunity was missed here (either by the actor or the director, or both) to beef up the character a bit. Given her character’s background, she could well have shown more edge. The blandness didn’t help the chemistry between the leads which was tepid rather than fiery. I think the most notable performances came from Yun Ji On as Deuk Chan and Lee Si Woo as Syaon.

There was enough differentiation in the secondary cast to keep me interested but that leads me into a discussion of how the plot was handled, because as far as minor characters went, the cup runneth over…

Nothing is more unsatisfying than loose plotting that requires an army of insignificant characters whose only purpose is to pass on information, overhear conversations or create contrived meetings. Knowing characters are being introduced for these purposes alone really gets annoying. Their fragmented stories float around the central plot like misshapen asteroids.

It smacks of the writer having a problem with the flow of information because of a lack of forward planning, and rather than thinking creatively, just introducing a convenient character to solve the problem. Sol Hee’s parents for instance had little impact on the plot and could have been easily dispensed with. Then there were journalists, gangsters, shopkeepers, composers, security guards and on and on.

Getting rid of most of them could have helped to change the story from an XXXL baggy sweatshirt and trackies into a designer suit. There was a lack of sophistication and it simply wasn’t sleek enough to create and maintain the tension, slobbing around like it had all the room in the world. The plot was fairly predictable from early on but the playing out of it was padded with over-complicated details (such as the rings) which failed to convince and required uncharacteristic motivations.

The flow wasn’t smooth either, with false resolutions splitting the whole story into segments sandwiched together with filler episodes. It felt like a revolving door that was clumsy and repetitive in nature.

So it’s back, yet again, to my favourite saying: Less is more. The real skill in plotting is to weave something close fitting with a few characters. Keeping things tight so that the viewer is wrapped up and has nowhere to turn to escape the tension. Then occasionally loosening a belt to allow them to breathe, before cinching it up again by a couple of notches. OK, I’ll accept that’s a bit OTT, it wasn’t ever supposed to be Through the Darkness. But the principle still holds and it could have been a much better drama with a little more attention and an editor’s blue pencil.

Leia Mais

Could have been as good as bong soon but turned into a disaster!

**Spoiler alert-
a messed up love story between a girl (mom sol hui) who can hear lies and a guy (Kim do ha) who is a murder suspect!**

well the starting few episodes were actually good to watch and gave the series a head start. but guess what, unnecessary dragging of plots, too much filler scenes made it into something that made me only fast forward the somehow complete the show.
the episodes with neighbours are still tolerable but the episodes with Sol Hui's monther are absolutely boring and unnecessary and pretty irritating! just couldn't understand why on earth they spent so much time on Sol Hui's parents!

the unraveling of the murder case could have been way better.

the romance! where is the romance!!!! where is the chemistry between the leads! neither emotional, nor sexual tension I could see between the leads. the second lead was better at least there was visible love for fl in his eyes...

i wanted to like both the leads but inspite of being cute they are unlikable. FL' s reactions were pretty much same for all situations where ML was stuck in poker face. i tried, trust me I tried to like them but just couldn't.

I really expected this to be masterpiece like Bong Soon and considering the girl's power it had the potential but bad and dragged up plot, zero chemistry and nonsense murder mistery made it a disaster!!!

oh please... not gonna watch again!!!!

Leia Mais

Didn’t know what to expect, easily got hooked.

When I first read about this drama, I wasn’t really sure what to expect of it. I have seen some dramas pull off the thriller and romcom combo before, but also some that haven’t been as successful with it. So, I decided to watch the first two episodes to see if this drama was any good.

After completing episode one, I knew I would be waiting for the rest of the episodes to air and watch them as they come out. The first episode was solid and got me hooked onto the show. I was sort of expecting to have to watch two or three episodes for it to get good at first, but that was not the case.

The second episode did not disappoint either. I really am enjoying the plot so far, and can’t wait to watch the rest of the episodes once they air. If you’re debating starting this drama like I was, please watch it. If you like thriller/mystery dramas and romcoms, you’ll like this one.

I’ll come back to keep this updated as the rest of the episodes come out, but I don’t think my feelings will change on this one.

Leia Mais

I don't understand why this is so popular

I tried. I really tried. I found the premise intriguing but the show just could not hold my attention. I do not feel any chemistry behind the leads. I find myself drifting off and doing other things while watching. There are endless scenes of people drinking, talking... It's all a blur. I dont think the male lead is bad in acting etc, I have seen worse, but he seems so bland and expressionless ?‍♀️

At first, I thought it was me. I have watched really intense wuxia cdramas before this and I thought I needed something more intense. Then I realised that it is nowhere near the standards of my favourite like Another Oh Hae Young.
Pretty puzzled why everyone loved this, because there's very little that makes this drama stand out ?‍♀️

Leia Mais

Useless lies after useless lies - a fresh premise with a weak wrap up

Sol Hee uses her ability as a lie detector for the wealthy. However, being able to hear even the smallest lie caused a lot of trust issues within her relationships, so she doesn't have any interest in dating until a mysterious famous songwriter, Do Ha, moves in next door. She's impressed because he never lies, but little does she know about his dark secret. *Trigger warning; The plot has a darker undertone as it deals with toxic relationships, self-harm, and suicide.

Off to a strong start with instantly mystery with a sprinkling of supernatural. The premise is fresh & the leads are fun! The first 4 episodes are 100% binge-worthy! The writers are dropping breadcrumbs for multiple different storylines and I enjoyed. Sadly it's quickly become a drag with no suspense, only suspicion here and there. The reveal just happened like that... Unbelievable, underwhelming and anticlimactic. Useless lies.. -.- The Korean original title described it best.

The leads acting are just fine but I’m not blown away. The other character with whom I am emotionally invested is only the ex, because he looked ambiguous, but his story was just kind of brush briefly. The show also has funny moments, some are a bit over the top.

My persistently recurring issue; so many toxic female characters; Not only hysterical mothers, but I also think our female lead is inconsiderate, i.e. Why she's so bothered with his mask? “Have you not heard of COVID?". There are many reasons that he could wear a mask, why make it a big deal? I'm also not impressed by how they handle the male lead's backstory… I was waiting for a moment when they flesh-out these issues, but seems that the message is not fully concluded.

-Sept 2023, Yovita
Find me on Instagram: @kdramajudge

Leia Mais

THIS DRAMA's COLOUR IS GREEN. GREEN FLAGS EVERYWHERE

This was such a breath of fresh air. So different from other kdramas and I have watched 150 of them. Intelligent and logical FL . ML was like a shy puppy . Both of them green flags. This drama has a love triangle but it so mature. THE BEST SECOND LEAD I REPEAT BEST SECOND LEAD in any k drama ever. Respects her boundaries, respects her bf , not a typical kdrama triangle plot. Also if you go to the drama without knowing any spoilers, you are in for a surprise. Like the plot will shock you a bit, that bein said it's a murder mystery too but don't go for just the mystery. It was so refreshing to watch , If you are in a mood for a happy ending romance kdrama, with no disgusting drama and green flags give it a chance

Leia Mais

"Useless Lies" should have been the Main Title

I binge watched first 6 episodes and it felt really good. The story is unique and the suspense part in the starting episodes made it more interesting and got me hooked. Also the lie detecting scenarios felt really good and funny in the first few episodes. To be precise - "A great Start".

I reason I said "Useless Lies" would be more suitable for the main title is because I felt even thought Female Lead can detect lies the situation or the questions might be inaccurate(If you know..you know). So, I felt week by week the story deteriorated but it was watchable and not boring at all. But it picked up again when the murder mystery came into light.

Their dating era felt surreal to me. But got to admit they have the healthiest relationship ever. I am happy it ended really well. But kudos to the writer and the team of "My Lovely Liar" I have not even a bit expected the plot twist with Deuk Chan.

Coming to the Acting everyone performed really well. But I kinda expected more from them but that's ok, the story made it up for me. Leads did a great job. Lee Si woo(syaon) is a great actress, she portrayed the character really well, can't wait to see her in a main role. And i'm happy for Chi Hoon, he finally acheived his dream........hahaha.Literally Chi hoon is the most aloof and a funny character.

In short, it started well, the mystery and plot twist is awesome, and it ended really well. Just another good fantasy K-drama. So, Go Watch it!!!!!!

Leia Mais

More questions than answers?

In lieu of the more traditional form of review, this author humbly submits the following questions:

Why is Hwang Min Hyun a more expressive actor when he is wearing a mask than after he removes it?

How many subplots can be introduced and left unsatisfactorily unresolved in a standard length drama?

Of the many dramas where one of the main characters is an idol, are there any that are actually compelling, complex characters? Why does an industry that is so heavily populated by idols so poor at portraying a fictional version of one?

Has anyone checked the family register of Hwang Min Hyun and Kim So Hyun to determine if they are siblings because if they were, that would at least explain the complete absence of heat in their shared scenes?

Since he didn't through the entirety of filming this show, does anyone know if Seo Ji Hoon has demonstrated any sort of emotional expression since production wrapped?

Has any paparazzi ever cared a whit about an artist who was strictly a songwriter?

Have the agent and casting director who thought Seo Jung Yeon should play a stonefaced, emotionally stunted assemblywoman been sealed in a homemade submersible and dropped to the depths of the Pacific Ocean yet?

Where does Park Kyung Hye rank among the legions of supporting actors that play the mischievous comic side relief best friend of female lead? All hail Queen Park Jin Joo obviously, but how far down the list after her is Park Kyung Hye?

Which creepy K pop agency CEO is the closest real life facsimile to Yun Ji On's Deuk Chan?

None of these are questions that really need to be answered because this is a show that the less it is thought about, the better. A point for novel concept and a strong soundtrack (if that matters) but everything else that followed was lacking. Not recommended.

Leia Mais

Just OK. ML had one expression on his face and FL tried her best.

I started liking the show at the beginning despites so many issues. However, as things went along. I realized this show had so many potentials but the writers just didn't know what to do with any of it. Story was all over the place.
The leads here are pretty average.. Two piece of woods have more chemistry than these two. But I think the blame is mostly on the ML.

The ML is just below average. They tried to give him some good scenes but he always came out very wooden.
The FL is OK/fine. She tried her best to what was given to her.

The writing and decisions just wow. Letting people go who clearly wanted to stab someone and who actually ended up stabbing someone, almost killed that person.

The murderer reveal was absolutely hilarious. Basically his gayness turned him into a murderer/violent ???
I just couldn't.

They tried to have many surprise twists, just didn't work since you can tell the manager was the guilty one.
And the last two episodes were basically fillers. Absolutely dragged on forever. Very boring.

I knew they didn't have much material for 16 episodes.
There weren't anyone in this drama, I liked and cared for. I was into the SFL but she didn't really change or improve at the end.She wanted to take some time off for herself but I don't think she really changes much.

It's OK to like this show. It just wasn't very good in my opinion.
At the beginning this was a solid 8 despites very bad leads but just the writing really brought it down, along side funny reveals and boring last two episodes.

Leia Mais

Start of with a mist of mystery but ends up kind of meeh

What do you get when you combine a Lovely Cast, a predictable plot, Cringe and a whole lot of annoying elements?

Well I guess you get a whole lot of watchers who want to enjoy this but end up just felling meeh... Was it worth my time? probably not? Was it bad? Not really... it just lacked that spark that could have made up for all the annoying elements that would make me go oh all is forgiven.

The drama starts off with a mist of mystery, a male lead who is some kind of Korean Phantom of the Opera with mostly mental scars, meets a supernatural... Our male lead has this mysterious unavailable charm that was almost captivating however once he took off the mask the mystery was kind of gone and all that remained was a beautiful face with a whole lot of cringe.

Our female lead had so many monologs I found myself bored off my mind and the people around them where 50 shades of annoying with one pretty good lookin Ahjusssi and well that is.

The story while predictable had a lot of good hidden inside and the good cast kept me from dropping this and stands for all the good so while I admit this was not the most enjoyable watch of the week, I still feel that the good does accumulate to a 7 ... So if you do not mind over the top annoying elements and love the leads in this it may just be a really good choice. But if you are just a fan of the leads you may just want to skip this.

Also will someone PLEASE give Seo Ji Hon a good romance where he is the male lead... Seriously this is getting ridiculous.

Leia Mais

Forgettable Drama

This drama unfortunately falls into the category of those easily forgotten. It's not a production to showcase Kim So Hyun's talents, not a drama to watch for fantasy genre, not a drama to watch for Hwang Min Hyun, maybe a drama to watch for the secondary character.

Great premise as usual but bad execution. It's the kind of drama that serves better as background noise. The mystery lacks depth and the chemistry between the characters never truly transcends the realm of friendship. The supporting cast tends to be more of a hindrance , being annoying and never changes, often repeating the same actions to the point of irritation.

The only nice people are the main lead and some people in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, the male lead's character comes across as bland, which may be attributed to subpar acting in this instance aka the male lead can't act in this drama.

In sum, this drama is easily forgettable and falls short of expectations. It's a disappointment that is likely to fade from the audience's memory within just a few months.

Leia Mais