Before its premiere, "Derailment" was often compared to "Appointment with the Devil." Although one is a domestic drama and the other is a Korean drama, they have similar airing schedules, both belong to the modern romance genre, and share some appealing elements. As a result, there is some overlap in their target audience, and it's normal for them to be compared.

Now, let's take a closer look.

01 Cast and Appearance: Lin Yi vs. Song Jiang

Age: Lin Yi is five years younger than Song Jiang.

Attributes: Their official heights differ by just one centimeter, and it's difficult to determine who has a slight advantage in shoulder width and proportions. Both can be described as walking clothes hangers.

Status: Both are equally popular. Lin Yi, as always, exudes a dominant aura when wearing a suit.

On the other hand, Song Jiang, despite being 28 years old, manages to maintain a youthful appearance. Whether cool or innocent, he can effortlessly pull off green attire with red eyeshadow, creating a harmonious look. Overall, both male leads possess attractive appearances that won't be questioned in terms of their suitability for the modern romance genre.

Liu Hao Cun vs. Jin Yu Zhen

Age: They are approximately the same age.

Attributes: Both have good looks and figures.

Status: Both are at the peak of their careers. Liu Hao Cun leans towards the delicate and fragile type, with a touch of broken beauty. Jin Yu Zhen, on the other hand, embodies a sweet and adorable persona. Overall, both female leads have visually appealing appearances that won't be immediately criticized as being plain. In the competitive field of modern romance dramas, all four actors give off suitable vibes, and their pairings seem compatible.

02 Visual Atmosphere: "Appointment with the Devil"

"Appointment with the Devil" occasionally brings to mind the dreamy atmospheres of "Goblin" and "My Love From the Star." It immerses viewers in a fantasy world. When "Derailment" was first announced, it was expected to become a ceiling-breaking domestic modern romance drama. Even without resorting to extensive special effects and using light, shadows, and background music effectively, the daily scenes still look impressive. Both dramas have clearly put effort into creating beautiful and romantic atmospheres.

03 Plot Settings: "Derailment" vs. "Appointment with the Devil"

"Derailment" leans towards suspense in the modern romance genre, while "Appointment with the Devil" falls into the fantasy modern romance category. Although they have different genres, both incorporate elements of mystery that drive the story forward. In "Derailment," the focus is on guessing the truth behind time travel, while in "Appointment with the Devil," the audience is encouraged to speculate about the true culprit behind the scenes. However, the main emphasis in both dramas is undoubtedly on the romantic storyline. In "Derailment," the plot revolves around a fake substitute for the male lead, providing a refreshing and satisfying experience (moving from school to society without changing the character's clothes). Both dramas incorporate popular romantic elements and feature intricate plot developments. They include back hugs, tie adjustments, themes of redemption and protection, and jealousy moments. Although they may be criticized for following certain tropes and the plot can be scrutinized for its problems, both series manage to be visually appealing. The male lead's story doesn't become excessively oily, and the female lead's story avoids excessive literary clichés. The chemistry between the couples is present. In the realm of modern romance dramas, where quality productions are scarce in recent years, these two dramas are still worth watching.

Currently, "Appointment with the Devil" has already established its viewership ratings, and it's unlikely to experience a significant increase. However, its online popularity remains high. The lead actors' on-screen chemistry has attracted a significant audience, and their fan base is solid. Looking at their Instagram accounts, both actors have gained over a million followers since December, proving the effectiveness of their drama. As for "Derailment," to achieve a similar level of success as "Appointment with the Devil," it will likely depend on the sweetness of the plot and whether the chemistry between the leads can attract new viewers. What are your thoughts on these two dramas?