Shopping King Louie (2016)

This drama has a nice feel to it. The first episodes starts so aesthetically and it’s super cute right from the start. A different kind of cute. Everyone in this show is a child. The characters don’t put on airs and they are kind just because. It’s better than being mean just because. They are nice to each and very forgiving.
Both the main characters are new to living life like ordinary people.

I enjoyed aspects of this drama that I usually wouldn’t highlight (sad times, separations, secondary characters). In comparison, I didn’t enjoy the usual factors such as bromance, romance and family in this drama. Louis’ shopping talent entertained me and Bok Shil’s simple personality also made me smile. I wasn’t interested in the main couple all that much, but was more keen on the overarching story. Maybe it’s because I wasn’t expecting much but I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns of the story. I found the secondary characters (Ms. Heo, Mr. Kim, the office workers and even the mothers!) worthwhile and was interested in the bad guy schemes and machinations. The good thing about this show is that it wraps up each character and each concept neatly so it feels the drama comes full circle. A lot of this show is really natural. Things actually make sense.

Seo In Guk
Louis is a spoiled but a trapped character. And more so that the usual obligations of a male heir. He obviously compensates for his lack of living with shopping. He’s sad, he’s like an object that he buys. I liked the parallel. He doesn’t have a rebellious personality.

“I can’t make grandma sad.”

He just had no opportunity to mature with everyone spoon feeding him.

“Why does my grandma keep me locked in?”
“It’s because you’re precious.”

Louis lives in France so I’m glad he keeps talking in a spattering of English, French and Korean.
He reminded me of a puppy. His scared whimpers is particularly hilarious.

Bok Shil
This character gets a gold star for never being fazed. She is probably one of the few heroines that doesn’t make a fuss about skinship.
She’s also a wonderfully tragic actress. Her brother was a brat but her love and sorrow for him had me in tears.

Romance
“Why are you so timid?”
“I’m afraid of being alone.”

Oh my gosh. These two are hilarious and cute and dynamic. They’re funny because they are both so over the top at simple pleasures such as the sauna and the market. The best thing about this couple is they’re not shy about skinship. They’re snuggly and cuddly as friends. The couple really excels in doing romantic things without drama. They’re so comfortable with each other whether it be dancing, or holding hands, piggyback rides, or any close proximity. They’re not awkward at all and just smile at each other brightly like the whole world is awesome. Their first kiss was the best.

“I love it here.”
“Me too.”

It’s refreshing to have an innocent hero.
The pair have a simple trusting friendship that is straightforward and honest. It gives the show a lovely vibe without any contrived fights.

“It feels awesome to have someone on my side.”

BONUS: Their kisses were very mutual.

Cha Joong Won – second male lead
Despite his peacock tendencies, Joong Won is a decent person.
As the drama goes on, you can see how he doesn’t put people into a box and how if someone has the audacity to ask him for a favour, he’ll do it. It was amazing to see as much as he hated Louis’ sense of entitlement he also understood it so perfectly.

“Louis lived apart from his family for a long time, so he needs love and care more than average people. Treat him well.”
My favourite thing was how all the other characters made fun of him by imitating his throat clearing habit.

Ma Ri
“You’re the Mother Theresa of Goldline.”
Ma Ri's suffering at the hands of In Sung was funny for me too the way she was so freaked out by him but kept hanging around him.

Ms. Heo
This lady that I only knew from the gentle character in Reply 1988 is actually a really great personality in this show. So much fun! I probably only liked her because she was the sweet Sun Young and I find it hilarious to see her being called Ms. Double Axe in this drama. The flashback to when she was young is perfect and really shows how Grandmother Choi is such a great person that can see past people’s outer layers.

Mothers
I appreciated the silly spin on the mother’s perspectives of how they viewed people.

“You should also get a nickname so we can hang out.”

The mothers’ schemes in this one were more innocent and funny rather than evil mean-spirited. They are not set in their ways. The drama also showed their relationship with their respective husbands and it felt more real and meaningful that most other dramas I’ve seen.

Lees verder