Because This is My First Life (2017)

This drama is quite refreshing. It’s got adult themes, mature storylines and interesting messages; it’s clear in what it wants to say and bold in it’s deliverance. Sexual harassment, sexism in the workplace, and the hierarchy of marriage are prominent themes... “Because this is my first life” gives an important and interesting discussion on what marriage really means.

The plot was pretty basic, an arranged marriage where the two leads share a house and fall in love. The romance in this drama is pretty unique. It’s awkward, stilted and slow but very sweet and believable. The similarities between the two main characters worked really well; unlike other dramas, they complement each other really well because of the ways they are the same, not the ways they are different. They did have really really good chemistry, I think, and some scenes were very well delivered. They have such lovely moments together that I love to rewatch them. I especially loved their kissing scenes, it was the perfect demonstration of tension building up and up and finally reaching a peak. This slow burn is actually so good. Their relationship was often frustrating just because it’s more about the things left unsaid, rather than the huge romantic gestures we’re used to. But this actually fits the character’s personalities well, and to be honest they’re a perfect couple. People who watch this drama for the first time just have to be wary of the fact that this isn’t a dramatic relationship or a relationship based on large gestures. It’s just home.

The secondary couples were good too. I think Soo Ji and Sang Goo stole the show and were at times a more interesting and loveable couple than the mains. Their romance is literally so funny and they actually seem to genuinely like each other, which the other couples don’t express as well... plus Soo Ji was such a strong character and Sang Goo was so funny and sweet that there was no way they wouldn’t have worked well together. Many people have complained about Ho Rang and Won Seok but I did like them sometimes, plus it was refreshing to have an established relationship in a drama. I liked the message of healing and nurturing a relationship a lot and their emotional scenes were strong, though their storyline was dragged out massively and feels a little pointless at the end because they literally just go back to how their relationship was before.

The cast itself was overall pretty good, Jung Simon is a very strong actress and, though I know a lot of people dislike Ji Ho (especially towards the end of the drama) I actually really loved how she represented a complex, strong, adorable and interesting female lead. Lee Minki played a pretty average role, but there were definitely some points where he shined too. Definitely Eom was the best in this drama; the character of Soo Ji was amazing and so so refreshing, she was the perfect mix of strong, adorable and interesting, especially for a side character. Overall the cast was good and the characters were fun enough to keep the drama interesting, while having touching and meaningful backstories/storylines. I liked the friendships between the female characters so so much; solidarity between women is hard to find sometimes and it was so nice to have those healthy female relationships.

I’m a sucker for OSTs and I really really loved this one. So fun and sweet, totally fits the atmosphere of this drama. I listen to it a lot, actually. The atmosphere of this drama in general is really lovely, actually. The whole show is about making a home and finding a place to belong... the scenery, music and mood of the show fit that very well. There are a lot of silences and awkward moments in this drama... it really is realistic. I think that the whole vibe is just slow and homely.

If you’ve looked at this page even once you’ll know that people have a major issue with the last two episodes... I agree with this. Episode 15 in particular is just so weak? It’s boring, flat and there’s so much angst that it doesn’t have the same vibe as other episodes and just features stilted conversations. It was basically a filler and could’ve been left out if I’m honest... it just put me in a bad mood and left a bad taste in my mouth for an hour and fifteen minutes. (apart from the last scene, of course, which is so good (kudos to Lee Minki)). Episode 16 was marginally better, not as strong as other episodes but at least an attempt at a satisfying conclusion that wraps up the storylines. It is so much less realistic than other episodes, very idealistic and rushed. Seeing as the show deals with such serious issues and is so realistic, it does feel like a very typical happy ending and the catharsis therefore just isn’t as strong as it really could’ve been... there was so much potential for the last two episodes that just really fell flat? Plus the two couples getting back together was really bland, nothing really happened Like I said, there was potential there that was wasted and if the rest of the drama hadn’t been so excellent I wouldn’t have been as unsatisfied as I am. To be honest, I would’ve much preferred an open ending. I do feel like I might be being too harsh though; I did love some moments and I did enjoy it still!

What also bothers me is the representation of Ji Ho in the last two episodes... all through the drama she’s literally called transparent, and she never hesitates to talk about her feelings, so why make her into this secretive woman who leaves for no reason... the Ji Ho I loved was honest and kind, and that’s lost in the finale.

The final episodes kind of affect my view of the drama. Overall though it was funny, touching and I loved the characters. I love rewatching some moments, and the messages will stay with me for a long time (and I’ll definitely listen to the soundtrack a lot). The characters became a sort of family together and I have a lot of affection for them.

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