I’ll be the first to admit that this drama isn’t anything spectacular. If you were to create the definitive list of “50 best Korean Dramas ever made,” I doubt Fantasy Couple would make the cut. It’s light and simple, some of the direction is low budget and dated, some of the story elements are cliche and predictable, most of the acting isn’t anything spectacular, etc.

You know what? I don’t care. I absolutely ADORE this drama. Honest to god, it’s probably in my top 5 favorite dramas I’ve seen. I love it so much. I could watch again and again and never get tired of it.

What is it about this fluffy Rom Com that stuck with me so? The answer is simple: Na Sang-Shil / Jo Anna. More specifically, Han Ye-Seul provides us with one of the most unique and endearing female leads I’ve ever come across.

Some people were annoyed by Jo Anna, but I don’t understand how they could be! I loved her from beginning to end. It may be because I have a weakness for the “vain and cold-hearted rich girl” trope; regardless, Na Sang-Shil is a hoot. I love that while she does evolve as a character, she never loses that sharp, ice-queen edge.

She has no time for anyone’s manipulation and passive aggression, and will bluntly call them out on it. He savage interactions with the second female lead was so satisfying to watch. It’s so refreshing to have a female lead that refuses to keep quiet. She brought everything to the surface, and I never had to worry about annoying misunderstandings with her. Most importantly, Na Sang-Shil / Jo-Anna just makes me laugh. I don’t know what it is about her, but she makes me crack up everytime. (Oh, and when Na Sang-Shil is happy? It is the cutest thing ever!)

While Han Ye-Seul’s character and performance is the biggest draw for me, it’s not the only charm of this drama. Oh Ji-Ho does a great job as the stingy and stubborn Jang Chul-Soo, and he makes a great comic partner alongside Han Ye-Seul. Kim Sung Min as Jo-Anna’s husband Billy Park and Kim Kwang-Kyu as his right-hand man Mr. King were a duo I thought I’d get tired of, but surprisingly I was never bored during their scenes. In fact, I was surprised by how much I sympathized with Billy. Jung Soo-Young is great (as always) as the dim-witted Kang-Ja, and her and Na Sang-Shil make a surprisingly sweet duo. The three nephews were cute as well.

I was addicted from this drama from beginning to end. Even the slower parts, which were few, kept me engaged. It may not be objectively great, but it will always hold a special place in my heart.

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