The Woman Who Plays (2024)

CRUSHES, CONVICTS AND CRINGE: A TALE OF SECOND CHANCES AND MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

I usually steer clear of rom-coms, but I decided to give this one a try because I'm a big fan of the male lead, Tae Goo. I'll try to give an unbiased review. Oh, and before you dive into this epic saga of a review, I’d like to apologize for the novel you’re about to read. If you were hoping for a quick, bite-sized opinion, I’m afraid you’re in for a full-course meal
*Positives:*

Firstly, the concept of a former gangster starting a company that employs ex-convicts is fantastic. It’s refreshing to see a story centered around giving people a second chance and the idea that redemption is possible. The narrative explores the belief that denying criminals opportunities often leads them back to their old ways, which is a compelling angle. However, it does raise questions about the criteria for who gets a shot at "Thirsty Deer," as some individuals may not be suited for reintegration.

The characters are another highlight. I absolutely adore the male lead. His portrayal of a man seeking redemption, although somewhat cliché, is well-executed. He embodies the belief that circumstances shape people and that change is possible. Despite his gangster past, he understands that nothing can completely erase his wrongdoings, adding depth to his character.

On a personal note, Tae Goo’s voice is incredibly appealing, adding to his charm. It’s interesting to see him in a role that contrasts sharply with his shy off-screen persona. His portrayal of a man in his late 30s who awkwardly navigates crushes feels authentic and relatable.

The female lead is equally captivating. She's a kids' content creator who makes educational videos and DIY toy tutorials, primarily for children whose parents may lack the time or resources. Her content is not only creative but also deeply meaningful, reflecting her own challenging upbringing. She's open and communicative, believing in people's potential for change, much like her "oppa." Her positive outlook and willingness to see the good in people make her a relatable and inspiring character.

The secondary characters are great too and are developed well. They add depth and richness to the story, each with their own unique backgrounds and personalities, contributing to the overall narrative in meaningful ways. Their interactions with the main characters help to flesh out the story and provide additional layers to the plot, making the series more engaging and relatable.

*Negatives:*

For a story centered on ex-convicts, the series falls short in providing sufficient background on the Thirsty Deer employees, especially the supporting characters. It would have been more engaging to see how they struggled after being released and how Thirsty Deer helped them reintegrate into a society that often shuns them. A deeper exploration of how Ji Hwan approached them or vice versa, showing them they could change their ways and look forward to a meaningful life, would have added a lot of depth. It would have been fascinating to see the challenges Ji Hwan faced while establishing Thirsty Deer and how he worked to create a supportive environment for his employees. Is it too much to ask for a bit more backstory and character development?

Another issue is the male lead's poor communication, especially with the people who care about him, like the female lead. While his struggle with his past and the stigma of being a former gangster is understandable, his lack of openness becomes frustrating. After the big past reveal, he should have communicated better with her. It's crucial to be open with loved ones, especially when trying to move past old mistakes. His tendency to withhold information, even with good intentions, can be annoying and detracts from his character development. Communication is key, my guy!

Additional Negatives:**

The second male lead is a significant downside. Honestly, most of the time he was on screen, I felt like fast-forwarding. For a guy who works in law enforcement, he doesn't seem to believe in the concept of change or redemption, which is baffling. Isn't the whole point of punishment to encourage rehabilitation? At least he stopped being a judgmental jerk and corrected his ways in the end. Also, get a girlfriend and stop obsessing over Eun Ha!

Also the female lead's recklessness adds to the frustration. For instance, after being kicked out of her house, she chooses to stay with the male lead, whom she's only met a few times, instead of going to her friend's place. Her reason—that she didn't pick up her phone—is weak, especially since her friend is like family. It's hard to believe she wouldn't feel comfortable just showing up. Another frustrating aspect is that she doesn't know when to draw the line, especially with the second male lead. Her interactions with him often blur boundaries, making it uncomfortable to watch. It's frustrating that she doesn't establish clearer limits.


As for the villains, they're utterly pathetic. They lack any real threat or depth, making it puzzling why Ji Hwan bothers with them at all. He should just let them continue their clownish antics and let the police handle them. They don't add much to the story and come off as weak antagonists.

The plot also starts to feel repetitive after a few episodes. The characters fall into a mundane cycle—wake up, have breakfast, do something, and go back to sleep. This monotonous routine makes the story drag and loses its initial appeal.

I was hoping for some fluffy, angst-filled moments and maybe a few steamy scenes (even though I know the actor's usual restraint). Instead, I got just a few kisses, a lot of clownery, and an overwhelming amount of second-hand embarrassment. Thank God for Tae Goo and his charming presence; otherwise, I might not have made it through.

*Conclusion:*

Guys, I was here for some gangster healing, and they robbed me of it. Uhm Tae Goo in a romance doesn't happen often (this is his first), and who knows if it'll happen again. While the series had a lot of potential and some standout moments, it ultimately fell short of delivering the depth and emotional resonance I was hoping for. If you're a fan of Tae Goo like me, it might still be worth a watch, but be prepared for some frustration along the way. Even though it seems like I have more gripes, this series actually kept me hooked until the end. For someone who usually drops a drama if it doesn't hold my interest, that's saying something. I guess it's a testament to the strong acting and the general storyline, which had enough intrigue to keep me invested despite the issues.

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