<html><head></head><body>It looks as though the terrifying Lee Jin Uk may have met his match in JTBC’s upcoming drama “Beyond the Bar”!
“Beyond the Bar” is a new drama starring Jung Chaeyeon as Kang Hyo Min, a confident and compassionate but inexperienced rookie attorney at the law firm Yullim. Under the mentorship of Yoon Seok Hoon, a cold but exceptionally skilled partner at the firm, Hyo Min gradually grows into a true lawyer as she navigates the challenges of the legal world.
Yoon Seok Hoon, the leader of the litigation team, is notoriously hard on the rookie attorneys who are new to the firm. Because the litigation team is on the frontlines of the firm’s lawsuits, their schedule is extremely busy and hectic, with barely a moment for the lawyers to catch their breath. As a result, the no-nonsense Yoon Seok Hoon takes an especially strict and rigorous approach to leading his team.
In newly released stills from the upcoming drama, the intimidating Yoon Seok Hoon takes the mic at an induction session for newly hired attorneys. As he gazes out across the room with an intense, emotionless expression, the tension in the room spikes because of something he says.
While the rookie lawyers begin to grow nervous because of what Yoon Seok Hoon has to say, Lee Jin Woo (Lee Hak Joo) and Heo Min Jung (Jeon Hye Bin)—both associate lawyers on the litigation team—watch their leader anxiously. Every year, there are never enough applicants for the litigation team, and both attorneys are visibly worried that Yoon Seok Hoon will once again drive away all their potential recruits by scaring them off.
However, Kang Hyo Min appears unfazed by Yoon Seok Hoon’s words, wearing a confident smile as she listens to him talk. As Kang Hyo Min graduated at the top of her class at a prestigious law school, all eyes are on her as the entire team eagerly waits to see what team she will choose.
<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1764108" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=0cdbb2bc833b3845" alt="" width="1000" height="2000" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/02003135/Beyond-the-Bar.jpg 1000w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/02003135/Beyond-the-Bar.jpg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/02003135/Beyond-the-Bar.jpg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/02003135/Beyond-the-Bar.jpg 450w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px">
“Beyond the Bar” will premiere on August 2 at 10:40 p.m. KST.
And check out Lee Jin Uk’s film “Dark Nuns” below!
Source (<a target="_blank" href="https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/112/0003771934">1</a>)

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Lee Jin Uk Makes Rookie Lawyers Tremble In Fear As Jung Chaeyeon Remains Unfazed In "Beyond The Bar" - From Soompi  (Recently)

Lee Jin Uk Makes Rookie Lawyers Tremble In Fear As Jung Chaeyeon Remains Unfazed In "Beyond The Bar"

<html><head></head><body>MBC’s “Mary Kills People” has unveiled a sneak peek of Lee Min Ki and Lee Bo Young sharing an unexpected kiss!
A remake of the Canadian series of the same name, “Mary Kills People” is a new drama starring Lee Bo Young as Woo So Jung, a doctor who illegally provides euthanasia to patients with incurable illnesses. Lee Min Ki plays Jo Hyun Woo, a terminally ill patient with a brain tumor.
<h2 class="p1">Spoilers</h2>
On the first episode of “Mary Kills People,” Woo So Jung hesitated to help Jo Hyun Woo with his request of assisted death. However, after seeing him suffering and struggling with extreme pain, she ultimately changed her mind and agreed to assist him.
In newly released stills from the drama’s upcoming second episode, Woo So Jung and Jo Hyun Woo suddenly lock lips during an emotional moment. The scene begins with the two of them conversing as Woo So Jung tends to a wound on Jo Hyun Woo’s hand. While Woo So Jung averts her gaze as if trying to suppress her feelings of pity for Jo Hyun Woo, Jo Hyun Woo doesn’t avoid her eyes, and he stares determinedly at her with a resolute expression.
<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1764096" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=8ce0c0e75cfea038" alt="" width="1024" height="1280" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233707/Lee-Bo-Young.jpeg 1080w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233707/Lee-Bo-Young.jpeg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233707/Lee-Bo-Young.jpeg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233707/Lee-Bo-Young.jpeg 540w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> <img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1764097" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=e9480415a8ee799a" alt="" width="1024" height="1280" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233716/Lee-Min-Ki.jpeg 1080w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233716/Lee-Min-Ki.jpeg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233716/Lee-Min-Ki.jpeg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233716/Lee-Min-Ki.jpeg 540w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> <img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1764098" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=8756192cf06d39fa" alt="" width="1024" height="1280" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233726/Lee-Bo-Young-2.jpeg 1080w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233726/Lee-Bo-Young-2.jpeg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233726/Lee-Bo-Young-2.jpeg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233726/Lee-Bo-Young-2.jpeg 540w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> <img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1764099" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=e8393ad87055a355" alt="" width="1024" height="1280" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233735/Lee-Min-Ki-2.jpeg 1080w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233735/Lee-Min-Ki-2.jpeg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233735/Lee-Min-Ki-2.jpeg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233735/Lee-Min-Ki-2.jpeg 540w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
Despite both of them desperately attempting to repress their feelings for one another, the tension between them eventually reaches its breaking point, and Jo Hyun Woo suddenly approaches Woo So Jung and kisses her.
<img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1764100" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=c3cf4733665414d6" alt="" width="1024" height="719" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233808/Lee-Bo-Young-Lee-Min-Ki-2.jpg 1080w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233808/Lee-Bo-Young-Lee-Min-Ki-2.jpg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233808/Lee-Bo-Young-Lee-Min-Ki-2.jpg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01233808/Lee-Bo-Young-Lee-Min-Ki-2.jpg 540w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
“Lee Bo Young and Lee Min Ki will fully portray the emotional turmoil between a doctor who helps with assisted death and a terminally ill patient,” said the drama’s production team. “Please tune in to Episode 2 to find out what happens in the relationship between Ban Ji Hoon, who disguises himself as Jo Hyun Woo in order to catch Woo So Jung, and Woo So Jung, who develops deep feelings for him.”
The second episode of “Mary Kills People” will air on August 2 at 10 p.m. KST.
And check out Lee Min Ki’s film “Devils Stay” below:
Source (<a target="_blank" href="https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/609/0001017496">1</a>)

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Lee Min Ki Unexpectedly Kisses Lee Bo Young While Undercover In "Mary Kills People" - From Soompi  (Recently)

Lee Min Ki Unexpectedly Kisses Lee Bo Young While Undercover In "Mary Kills People"

<html><head></head><body>Mun Ka Young and Ryu Hye Young will be teaming up on the next episode of tvN’s “Law and The City”!
“Law and The City” is a drama that follows five associate attorneys—Ahn Ju Hyeong (Lee Jong Suk), Kang Hui Ji (Mun Ka Young), Cho Chang Won (Kang You Seok), Bae Mun Jeong (Ryu Hye Young), and Ha Sang Gi (Im Seong Jae)—as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of their daily lives.
<h2 class="p1">Spoilers</h2>
Previously on “Law and The City,” Kang Hui Ji and Bae Mun Jeong developed a close friendship as they opened up to one another about their problems and also bonded over their love of delicious food. Hui Ji was the first to notice that Mun Jeong was pregnant, while Mun Jeong warmly comforted Hui Ji when she was struggling with her father’s lawsuit.
In newly released stills from the drama’s upcoming episode, Hui Ji offers Mun Jeong a helping hand with her latest case. When Mun Jeong is assigned a case that involves alleged recipe theft, she and Hui Ji head into the field to personally investigate. Although Mun Jeong is having a hard time eating and walking because of her morning sickness and other side effects of her pregnancy, she is still determined to do her very best for her client.
In order to gather information about the case, Mun Jeong and Hui Ji visit two ddeokbokki (a Korean spicy rice cake dish) restaurants that have identical interiors and employee uniforms, but also the same name and food that tastes exactly the same. While sitting down to eat, the two lawyers furtively glance around the restaurant in the hopes of noticing anything suspicious.
Another photo shows the two women talking to Mun Jeong’s client, who is the owner of one of the two restaurants.
<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1764089" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=580655de204984f1" alt="" width="1000" height="2000" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01222003/Law-and-The-City.jpg 1000w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01222003/Law-and-The-City.jpg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01222003/Law-and-The-City.jpg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01222003/Law-and-The-City.jpg 450w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px">3
To find out whether Hui Ji will be able to help Mun Jeong win this case, tune in to the next episode of “Law and The City” on August 2 at 9:20 p.m. KST!
In the meantime, you can catch up on all the previous episodes of the drama on Viki below:
Source (<a target="_blank" href="https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/112/0003771914">1</a>)

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Mun Ka Young And Ryu Hye Young Set Out To Investigate A Recipe Theft Case In "Law And The City" - From Soompi  (Recently)

Mun Ka Young And Ryu Hye Young Set Out To Investigate A Recipe Theft Case In "Law And The City"

<html><head></head><body>tvN’s “Law and The City” has unveiled new stills of Kang You Seok and Ryu Hye Young from its next episode!
“Law and The City” is a legal drama that follows five associate attorneys—Ahn Ju Hyeong (Lee Jong Suk), Kang Hui Ji (Mun Ka Young), Cho Chang Won (Kang You Seok), Bae Mun Jeong (Ryu Hye Young), and Ha Sang Gi (Im Seong Jae)—as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of their daily lives.
<h4>Spoilers</h4>
Previously on the drama, Cho Chang Won found himself increasingly stressed out under the pressure of working for his boss Sung You Deok (Lee Seo Hwan)—a man who’s willing to do anything for money. From assigning absurd tasks, such as chatting with a chaebol heir in detention for stock manipulation, to penny-pinching by refusing to print business cards, You Deok’s antics tested Chang Won’s patience and integrity.
As Chang Won grew more and more disillusioned, he was further pushed to his limits when his pro bono case received an unexpected outcome. Facing professional and ethical hurdles, Chang Won is left questioning his path. How will he overcome the mounting tension with his boss and his growing doubts about his career?
<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1764065" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=3777e5e3fb073707" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085618/law-and-the-city1.jpeg 2025w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085618/law-and-the-city1.jpeg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085618/law-and-the-city1.jpeg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085618/law-and-the-city1.jpeg 540w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085618/law-and-the-city1.jpeg 1536w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085618/law-and-the-city1.jpeg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> <img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1764064" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=15f76a987c9a5bd1" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085607/law-and-the-city2.jpeg 2025w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085607/law-and-the-city2.jpeg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085607/law-and-the-city2.jpeg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085607/law-and-the-city2.jpeg 540w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085607/law-and-the-city2.jpeg 1536w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085607/law-and-the-city2.jpeg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> <img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1764060" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=4519dc94328cffa5" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085529/law-and-the-city6.jpeg 2025w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085529/law-and-the-city6.jpeg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085529/law-and-the-city6.jpeg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085529/law-and-the-city6.jpeg 540w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085529/law-and-the-city6.jpeg 1536w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085529/law-and-the-city6.jpeg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
Meanwhile, Bae Mun Jeong faced personal challenges of her own as she adjusted to a major life change—pregnancy. Struggling with nausea and fatigue, she pushed through late-night work sessions while trying to remain resilient. However, the realities of balancing her professional and personal life have been weighing heavily on her.
The uncertainty surrounding her maternity leave—once assumed to be an obvious right but now dependent on her firm’s circumstances—has added to her stress. With the familiar hustle and bustle of office life beginning to feel alien, it remains to be seen whether Mun Jeong will stay in her current role or seek a new path.
<img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1764063" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=2244654e00f4ec6e" alt="" width="1024" height="1536" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085557/law-and-the-city3.jpeg 1080w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085557/law-and-the-city3.jpeg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085557/law-and-the-city3.jpeg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085557/law-and-the-city3.jpeg 540w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085557/law-and-the-city3.jpeg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> <img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1764062" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=94cc1a97752b81bb" alt="" width="1024" height="1066" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085548/law-and-the-city4.jpeg 1080w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085548/law-and-the-city4.jpeg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085548/law-and-the-city4.jpeg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085548/law-and-the-city4.jpeg 540w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> <img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1764061" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=183e97b5d21e37f8" alt="" width="1024" height="1250" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085538/law-and-the-city5.jpeg 1080w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085538/law-and-the-city5.jpeg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085538/law-and-the-city5.jpeg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/01085538/law-and-the-city5.jpeg 540w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
The next episode of “Law and The City” airs on August 2 at 9:20 p.m. KST.
In the meantime, catch up on the latest episodes of the drama on Viki below:


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Kang You Seok And Ryu Hye Young Grapple With Harsh Realities At Work In "Law And The City" - From Soompi  (Recently)

Kang You Seok And Ryu Hye Young Grapple With Harsh Realities At Work In "Law And The City"

<html><head></head><body>SBS’s new drama “The Winning Try” is on the rise!
On August 1, the new comedy sports drama earned its highest viewership ratings yet with its third episode. According to Nielsen Korea, the latest broadcast of “The Winning Try” took first place in its time slot with an average nationwide rating of 5.1 percent, marking a new personal record for the show.
Meanwhile, MBC’s “Mary Kills People”—a remake of the Canadian series of the same name—premiered to an average nationwide rating of 3.2 percent in the same time slot.
Finally, JTBC’s “The Nice Guy” scored average nationwide ratings of 1.9 percent and 2.6 percent for its fifth and sixth episodes.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of “The Winning Try”!
Source (<a target="_blank" href="https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/241/0003457033">1</a>) (<a target="_blank" href="https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/108/0003353332">2</a>) (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ize.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=69538">3</a>) (<a target="_blank" href="http://nielsenkorea.co.kr">4</a>)

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"The Winning Try" Soars To Its Highest Ratings Yet As "Mary Kills People" Premieres - From Soompi  (Recently)

"The Winning Try" Soars To Its Highest Ratings Yet As "Mary Kills People" Premieres

<html><head></head><body>Fantasy historical drama “A Dream Within a Dream” follows struggling actress Song Xiao Yu (Li Yi Tong), whose life takes a surreal twist when she’s mysteriously transported into the script of a historical drama that she’s auditioning for. Suddenly living as Song Yi Meng, the ill-fated heroine is destined to die at the hands of the cold male lead, Nan Heng (Liu Yu Ning). Xiao Yu desperately tries to rewrite the story and escape her tragic fate, yet every attempt loops her back into Nan Heng’s grasp, as if trapped in a never-ending nightmare. Determined to survive, Xiao Yu hatches a daring plan to eliminate Nan Heng once and for all, igniting a wild, comedic, and unexpected romantic journey where every page of the story could change her destiny.
Looking for a summer drama that balances heart, humor, and a touch of fantasy? “A Dream Within a Dream” has quickly become one of the season’s biggest hits, surpassing 900 million online views and winning over audiences with its charm. Blending eccentric comedy with striking visuals, beautiful cinematography, and an OST packed with memorable tracks, the drama offers a fresh spin on the historical fantasy genre. With an ensemble cast that shares effortless chemistry and a story that’s equal parts lighthearted and heartfelt, “A Dream Within a Dream” is a must-watch if you are on the hunt for something dramatic but hilarious and easy to binge. Check out these four reasons why this drama should be at the top of your watch list!
<h3>Hilariously funny</h3>
<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1763046" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=4f0f44108dd16329" alt="" width="1024" height="576" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152834/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong.jpg 8089w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152834/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong.jpg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152834/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong.jpg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152834/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong.jpg 540w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152834/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong.jpg 1536w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152834/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong.jpg 2048w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152834/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
“A Dream Within a Dream” is a hilarious satire of the Chinese drama industry, playfully poking fun at every overused trope fans know all too well. From miraculous “no-death” falls to invincible plot armor, last-minute “save the beauty” rescues, and other clichés, the drama takes the most iconic elements from popular historical dramas like “Till the End of the Moon,” “Love Like the Galaxy,” “One and Only,” “A Journey to Love,” and “Story of Kunning Palace,” spinning them into self-aware, laugh-out-loud parodies. What makes it truly entertaining is that the show knows exactly what it’s doing and never takes itself too seriously, inviting audiences to join in on the joke as the characters themselves acknowledge the absurdity of their situations.
<img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1763047" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=3c8ff433b3c1ce1f" alt="" width="1024" height="1152" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152902/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong-liu-yu-ning1.jpg 5590w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152902/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong-liu-yu-ning1.jpg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152902/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong-liu-yu-ning1.jpg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152902/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong-liu-yu-ning1.jpg 540w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152902/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong-liu-yu-ning1.jpg 1365w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152902/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong-liu-yu-ning1.jpg 1820w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152902/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong-liu-yu-ning1.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
The humor lands especially well because it balances outrageous comedy with heartfelt moments, creating a ride that feels both fun and emotionally satisfying. There are clever winks at the industry, including a playful jab at the infamous hate campaigns against “A Journey to Love” and the male lead Liu Yu Ning, with the same production team seemingly using this drama as a cheeky “revenge” tribute. One standout scene is with Song Yi Meng insisting that she and Nan Heng leap off a cliff together despite his protests. She casually declares that main couples never die from cliff falls. Sure enough, they survive unscathed, and Nan Heng recovers from his severe injuries with comically unrealistic ease, showcasing the male lead plot armor. With its mix of meta-commentary, industry inside-jokes, and over-the-top parody, the drama is a delight for longtime Chinese drama fans who can laugh at the tropes while still enjoying the ride.
<h3>Double the charm male lead</h3>
<img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1763048" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=708020cafd2151bc" alt="" width="1024" height="652" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152934/a-dream-within-a-dream-liu-yu-ning.jpg 8192w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152934/a-dream-within-a-dream-liu-yu-ning.jpg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152934/a-dream-within-a-dream-liu-yu-ning.jpg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152934/a-dream-within-a-dream-liu-yu-ning.jpg 540w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152934/a-dream-within-a-dream-liu-yu-ning.jpg 1536w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152934/a-dream-within-a-dream-liu-yu-ning.jpg 2048w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152934/a-dream-within-a-dream-liu-yu-ning.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
Our male lead is Nan Heng, the seventh prince of the Jing Empire, but his life is anything but a royal dream. Nicknamed the “God of Death” thanks to years of being framed and used as a political scapegoat, he’s grown up battling court intrigue, exile, and betrayal from his own family. On the outside, he’s cold, stoic, and commanding, but underneath, he hides his deep loneliness. To protect himself, he creates a secret second life as Li Shi Liu, the masked and mysterious leader of the Waning River Crescent, a place where martial artists and outcasts called the Nightwalkers can find belonging. This alter ego grants him freedom from the hatred tied to his princely identity and allows him to connect with people on his own terms, including Song Yi Meng, the woman who mysteriously dropped into his world. At first, he’s cautious and calculating, but over time, his softer and fiercely loyal side comes out. By the end, Nan Heng isn’t just a brooding prince anymore, but a man willing to toss away his ambition and even challenge the “script” itself to be with the woman he loves.
<img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1763049" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=9df4479ce4cb6ecc" alt="" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152958/a-dream-within-a-dream-liu-yu-ning2.jpg 9932w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152958/a-dream-within-a-dream-liu-yu-ning2.jpg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152958/a-dream-within-a-dream-liu-yu-ning2.jpg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152958/a-dream-within-a-dream-liu-yu-ning2.jpg 540w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152958/a-dream-within-a-dream-liu-yu-ning2.jpg 1536w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152958/a-dream-within-a-dream-liu-yu-ning2.jpg 2048w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28152958/a-dream-within-a-dream-liu-yu-ning2.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
Liu Yu Ning is riding high off <a target="_blank" href="https://www.soompi.com/article/1749166wpp/4-reasons-to-watch-historical-romance-c-drama-the-prisoner-of-beauty">the success</a> of “Prisoner of Beauty” back in May of this year, delivering what many fans and critics call his best performance to date. He is hailed as the heart of the drama. He fully captures Nan Heng’s layered emotions; the ruthlessness born out of survival, the aching vulnerability of being an unloved son, and the unexpected tenderness of a man falling deeply in love, often communicating volumes with just his eyes. His crying scenes are raw and moving, while his subtle humor and charm, especially in Li Shi Liu’s playful moments, showcase versatility and growth as an actor. Audiences praise his smooth transition between Nan Heng’s cold, strategic persona and the free, mischievous side of Li Shi Liu, making both identities equally compelling. Many fans note how Liu Yu Ning disappears into the role, embodying a character burdened by injustice yet still capable of forgiveness, warmth, and romantic devotion, all qualities that make Nan Heng one of the most beloved male leads in recent historical dramas. His natural chemistry with Li Yi Tong, the perfect mix of intensity and humor, and his emotional depth is what keeps viewers hooked. Liu Yu Ning is not just a standout actor but the soul of “A Dream Within a Dream.”
<h3>Great supporting characters</h3>
<img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1763051" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=cafc8403560d250e" alt="" width="1024" height="727" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160042/a-dream-within-a-dream-zhu-xu-dan-riley-wang1c.jpg 7449w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160042/a-dream-within-a-dream-zhu-xu-dan-riley-wang1c.jpg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160042/a-dream-within-a-dream-zhu-xu-dan-riley-wang1c.jpg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160042/a-dream-within-a-dream-zhu-xu-dan-riley-wang1c.jpg 540w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160042/a-dream-within-a-dream-zhu-xu-dan-riley-wang1c.jpg 1536w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160042/a-dream-within-a-dream-zhu-xu-dan-riley-wang1c.jpg 2048w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160042/a-dream-within-a-dream-zhu-xu-dan-riley-wang1c.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
One of the standout elements of “A Dream Within a Dream” is how much care it gives to its supporting characters, making them feel like real people with their own stories instead of background props. Song Yi Ting (Zhu Xu Dan), Song Yi Meng’s younger sister, is sharp, independent, and unapologetically confident, a contrast to her sister’s more chaotic personality. She’s also the one offering advice to Yi Meng, proving she’s capable, intelligent, and unwilling to play second fiddle to anyone. There’s also Shangguan He (Riley Wang), the charmingly playful second-in-command of the Nightwalkers, whose easygoing nature hides a loyal heart. He’s the go-to love advisor for everyone but himself and needs a little nudge to face his own feelings. Rounding out the Nightwalker crew are Yun Long (Guo Xiao Tian) and Shan Hu (Li Qing), who, despite not knowing Nan Heng’s true identity for much of the drama, stand by him unconditionally once they do.
<img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1763052" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=9a23ff6effe25010" alt="" width="1024" height="512" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160115/a-dream-within-a-dream-lu-xing-chang-long-wang-cheng-si.jpg 14898w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160115/a-dream-within-a-dream-lu-xing-chang-long-wang-cheng-si.jpg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160115/a-dream-within-a-dream-lu-xing-chang-long-wang-cheng-si.jpg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160115/a-dream-within-a-dream-lu-xing-chang-long-wang-cheng-si.jpg 540w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160115/a-dream-within-a-dream-lu-xing-chang-long-wang-cheng-si.jpg 1536w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160115/a-dream-within-a-dream-lu-xing-chang-long-wang-cheng-si.jpg 2048w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160115/a-dream-within-a-dream-lu-xing-chang-long-wang-cheng-si.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
Other side characters bring just as much life and humor to the drama like Song Yu De (Lu Xing), the Song sisters’ father, stealing every scene he’s in with a mix of dry wit and quiet wisdom, managing to be both hilarious and insightful. Nan Rui (Chang Long), the silly 18th Prince, starts off as a lovable fool but gradually earns respect as he grows wiser, even saving his father, the emperor in the finale. Fu Gui, Nan Heng’s loyal attendant, provides plenty of comedic relief with his inability to read the room but often delivers simple truths that cut through the chaos of Nan Heng’s world. Together, these characters bring warmth, humor, and depth to the drama, ensuring that it feels like a rich ensemble piece rather than a story revolving only around the main couple.
<h3>High quality production</h3>
<img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1763053" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=b2b59af8eca0d640" alt="" width="1024" height="576" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160523/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong-liu-yu-ning2.jpg 5590w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160523/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong-liu-yu-ning2.jpg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160523/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong-liu-yu-ning2.jpg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160523/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong-liu-yu-ning2.jpg 540w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160523/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong-liu-yu-ning2.jpg 1536w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160523/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong-liu-yu-ning2.jpg 2048w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160523/a-dream-within-a-dream-li-yi-tong-liu-yu-ning2.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
“A Dream Within a Dream” is a full-on visual buffet. With its massive budget, the sets, costumes, and even the tiniest details all scream high quality. The Waning Crescent River Palace is so gorgeous that many fans joke about wanting to be locked inside it forever. The costume designs are beautiful, with Li Shi Liu’s unique martial arts outfits and Song Yi Meng’s stunning looks stealing the show, especially her red-and-white petal-covered ensemble. Since the drama is not tied to any specific dynasty, the designers had more freedom to go bold and creative, making every scene feel extra fresh and vibrant. Even the styling, makeup, and accessories are all&nbsp; stunning.
<img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1763054" src="/api/proxy/hash-image?hash=4c21320bef8ddadd" alt="" width="1024" height="1087" srcset="https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160642/a-dream-within-a-dream-zhu-xu-dan-riley-wang-liu-yu-ning-li-yi-tong.jpg 3566w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160642/a-dream-within-a-dream-zhu-xu-dan-riley-wang-liu-yu-ning-li-yi-tong.jpg 300w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160642/a-dream-within-a-dream-zhu-xu-dan-riley-wang-liu-yu-ning-li-yi-tong.jpg 768w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160642/a-dream-within-a-dream-zhu-xu-dan-riley-wang-liu-yu-ning-li-yi-tong.jpg 540w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160642/a-dream-within-a-dream-zhu-xu-dan-riley-wang-liu-yu-ning-li-yi-tong.jpg 1446w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160642/a-dream-within-a-dream-zhu-xu-dan-riley-wang-liu-yu-ning-li-yi-tong.jpg 1928w, https://0.soompi.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/28160642/a-dream-within-a-dream-zhu-xu-dan-riley-wang-liu-yu-ning-li-yi-tong.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
The soundtrack is just as captivating as the visuals, seamlessly blending emotion and atmosphere. With Liu Yu Ning lending his voice to two tracks, “Ballad of the Long Wind” and “Paper Man,” the OST feels unforgettable. It’s the kind of music that lingers long after each episode ends. It even features Liu Yu Ning’s famous singer friends Tiger Hu, Jane Zhang, Isabelle Huang, and Penny Tai, artists not usually found on drama soundtracks, adding to its appeal. The use of music is deliberate and dynamic, amplifying tension, heightening tender moments, and even adding a touch of nostalgia with nods like the “A Journey to Love” music insert. The Waning Crescent River theme “Night Wanderer” by Chen Xue Ran with its unique rap-infused sound is a fan favorite, perfectly syncing with the show’s mood and pacing. Even the lyrics sneak in tongue-in-cheek nods for fans, making the soundtrack feel like an inside joke shared between the writers and the audience. Combined with polished cinematography and fluidly choreographed action sequences, “A Dream Within a Dream” cements itself as a drama that not only tells a story but fully immerses viewers into their captivating world.
Start watching “A Dream Within a Dream”:


blacksesame88 is a long-time Asian drama and entertainment addict. She enjoys discussing her favorite dramas and sharing her knowledge of Asian entertainment. When she’s not watching dramas, she’s busy snapping aesthetic photos of delicious food on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blacksesame88/">Instagram</a>. Follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/BlackSesame88">X</a> and join her for recaps of the current dramas she’s watching, also feel free to say Hi and have a chat!
Currently watching: “Coroner’s Diary” and “The Immortal Ascension” 
All-time favorite dramas: “Go Ahead,” “Nirvana In Fire,” “Queen In Hyun’s Man,” “A Witch’s Romance,” “Love O2O,” “Skate Into Love,” and “My Mr. Mermaid.” 
Looking forward to: “Legend of the Female General,” “The Journey of Legend,” and “Fated Hearts.”
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4 Reasons To Watch Historical Fantasy C-Drama "A Dream Within A Dream" - From Soompi (drama) (Recently)

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