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A FAILED ATTEMPT AT A KOREAN REMAKE OF ELITE
***DISCLAIMER: THIS IS JUST MY OPINION. YOU DON'T HAVE TO AGREE AND I'M NOT HERE TO ARGUE WITH ANYONE.***A/N: This review is long so please bear with me or just skip to the “final thoughts” section.
OVERVIEW:
The drama opens with a scared boy running away from somone who seems to be chasing him. It flashes back to some memories of him shouting at someone saying "you're all crazy". Then when he finally runs outside he is hit over by a car and bleeds to death. The camera zooms in on his ID card from Jooshin focusing on the motto which says “noblesse oblige” This is from French meaning, “nobility obligates” which touches on the belief that the wealthy and privileged are obliged to help those less fortunate. The boy who was killed is In Han who we eventually find out is the protagonist, Kang Ha’s brother. He then enrolls at Jooshin to exact retribution on those guilty and obtain justice for his brother.
GENERAL COMMENTARY:
The drama was, to put it mildly, unremarkable.
First things first, the high schoolers racing around a track driving million dollar sports cars in episode 1? Come on, be for real. This show is such a joke. That added nothing to the plot and I think they blew the budget on unnecessary things.
The FL irritated me. Although ML was seemingly in love with her, she only has tunnel vision for Ri-An. Watching her be so resolute was upsetting, especially in the beginning when everyone thought Ri-An was involved in In-Han's murder. It was clear that initially Jae-i was using Kang Ha to get over Ri-An, and she shielded him out of guilt that he might be related to In-Han. I was so annoyed by her passion for Ri-An but it just goes to show that someone can do everything for you and you’ll still mean nothing to them. I didn’t understand why Kang Ha didn’t just let go of her. He tried protecting her when on the flipside she told him she didn’t care about protecting anyone except Ri-an. I had assumed that the writers would have written the story that she was in love with In-Han (similar to Elite) but apparently not. It was just your typical rich boy in love with a rich girl and both willing to go to any lengths to keep the other safe.
It’s so ironic to me how she almost had to abort their baby because she couldn’t face her father’s wrath and yet she was still in love with him? Make it make sense. She knew they could never truly be together and so she breaks up with him but at the same time she still loves him and would do anything to protect him even if she knew he had a hand in In-Han’s murder? I’m sorry but Kang Ha deserves better.
This drama just shows that the rich will always have eachothers backs and do whatever it takes to step on those beneath them.
Which brings me to the another point, I don’t understand why she was so shocked / stunned to speak when ML finally revealed the truth than In-Han was his brother. That much was so obvious and even she was shown to have had a slight suspicion that he was related to him in some way because he continued to provoke the rich and popular kids.
I believe Roh Jeong Eui tried to create visuals similar to Han So Hee and Bona. However, I believe she overdid her plastic surgery, which is why her emotions don't translate properly onscreen. She was expected to play a cold, unfeeling and disinterested character but character lacked flavor and she had same expression throughout the drama. During the scene where she and Ri-An were lamenting the loss of their baby together, she cried but did not show any emotion on her face. It was quite unpleasant to watch ngl. Ji Hye Won reminded me very lot of Song Ha Yoon from Marry My Husband. She did her role justice and her performance was superior to FLs if I’m being honest.
Some claim Jae-i had no chemistry with either of the boys. That is not entirely true, as there was steam between her and Kang-Ha in episodes 1 and 2. I disliked how they built up the kiss so nicely in episode 2 and then nothing because the headmaster, Ri An, and Woo Ji had to intervene. But, while I agree that the chemistry / spark faded after that, her “slight” fondness for Ri-An and her friends was still somewhat present in the flashbacks. She tried but it just wasn’t good enough.
The show felt so flat and the romance between Kang Ha and Jae-i was just unnecessary like how did he let a trivial crush hinder his ‘revenge’? I swear so many characters needed to STAND UP. I hate how both of the guys were just pathetic simps for Jae-i. I had to ask myself if I was He-Ra in this situation? Bc I could not stand her AT ALL. Lmao those boys needed to bffr!
I will never see the appeal of Ri-an (I don’t get why Jae-i was so taken with him) I honestly preferred Kim Jae Won’s performance in KTL more. He was arrogant and insufferable not to mention the main reason for the violence on the less fortunate scholarship kids at the school and I doubt he was actually sorry at the end, he was just sorry he got caught. Imo he was just a one dimensional pretentious bastard and it took him learning that his baby died for him to break down his walls and have a heart? Spare me with the lazy writing fr.
Additionally, I couldn’t understand why Ri-an liked Jae-i and why her love for him was unwavering. I didn’t feel any warmth or real emotional or even physical attraction pass between them in the 7 episodes. I wonder if it would have been different had Chae Min played Ri-an and played Kang Ha. Idk why but I kept on thinking this through the entirety of the drama. The casting directors made a certain choice and I’m not sure if it was the best one. Chae Min would have carried the drama and stood out either way and so I applaud him for giving this role his best. Usually the poor characters have that wide eyed bambi look much like Ri-An and Chae Min has that evil / gold spoon look in my opinion. I also don’t think 2MLs acting is that strong of an actor. He needs more training so he can improve. People were raving about his acting in episode 6 especially and to me it was just a mediocre performance that felt quite stony and flat.
I was not surprised that the teacher and Woo-Ji had a hand in In-Ha bring killed. From episode 2 they were the most suspicious to me not to mention the most taboo / disgusting couple. The moment I saw them sleeping together that right there was a 0/10 for me. 18 in korean age or not… (which is 17 in international age) IDC THAT’S A WHOLE ADULT AND A MINOR… EW!
The teacher was pathetic. She only cared about Woo-ji and then fakes empathy in front of the kids at school like she even gives a singular f*ck about In Ha dying… LIKE BITCH YOU WERE THE ONE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE.
I got so sick and tired of her patronizing attitude. She must feel so accomplished to be f*cking a student half her age and then trying to hit over the girl Woo-ji loves after she is forced to resign? Did she want to be charged for a second hit and run? Lmao. She was the definition of immature and unserious.
Jae-i’s back story of wanting to abort the baby then having a miscarriage is sad but the build up towards that took too long. Everyone knew or could infer that she aborted or lost the baby. I get that she was grieving and couldn’t face Ri-An, but if she just communicated imagine the difference that would have made. Idk the plot was just unnecessarily dragged out and she quite literally treated Ri-an like she hated him for more than half of the drama.
The resolution was terrible. It's a massive eye roll that they always manage to have Ri-an look like the "cool guy". It was so cheap and performative of him to acknowledge his part in bullying at the last minute. Dramas like this constantly give the impression that problems are easily fixed. Someone literally died for God sakes! Furthermore, I don't think 2ML's acting is that good. While I thought his performance in ep 6 was merely passable, many were praising him.
I find it cliche that the writers always make it out that the rich are envious of the poor because they can do whatever they want and find joy in the simple things in life. I could have told you I saw that scene coming from a mile away.
The farewell scene between Jae-i and He-ra was unnecessary. Imo they spent almost the entirety of the drama being horrible to each other so I stopped caring about them & didn’t want to see them rekindle their fake friendship.
“Take care of yourself, my mean and beautiful friend." lmao, this was such a backhanded compliment that I side eyed. The FL had the opportunity to finally express her actual emotions in that scene, but she failed. Like she even finds it difficult to smile? Bffr.
The bike scene between Ri-an and Jae-i annoyed me because that was literally Kang Ha and Jae-i’s thing. Ugh is nothing sacred anymore? Honestly I couldn’t care less about Jae-i and Ri-an. But I suppose they suit each other in the way that they’re lowkey the same / have the same trashy morals. Imo their chemistry is nonexistent and it felt like the writers were trying to force their relationship down everyone’s throats. She didn't even appear to be enjoying the "toast" either — like girl not even you believe it’s good.
“Kang Ha once told me that I should find and protect whatever makes me happiest in life. So I thought about it and that’s you Ri-an.” they need to stop forcing this actress to be endearing because she can’t do it. Also I find it ironic how it took Kang-ha sharing his advice for her to realize it. Jae-i is pathetic if you ask me.
I hate that knowing each other since childhood trope that they use to show that two characters “belong” together or are “destined” to be together. I also dislike the fact that there’s no real reason that they like eachother other than that they are familiar and comfortable with each other. This is a case of the “just ‘cause” syndrome again. Like yes, give us absolutely NOTHING. I would have preferred they stayed broken up. It was annoying how much screen time they took up in the final episode, as that was where the drama became a complete drag.
The scene where Ri-an and Jae-i say farewell to their baby by allowing the ultrasound to float into the river was not moving (to me) at all. I believe both actors are inexperienced and have not dealt with a similar situation, hence it didn't translate properly on screen. I wanted them to delve into their grief and actually communicate. I needed Jae-i to open up him about how she felt about keeping the secret and how she felt when the baby eventually died etc. She mentioned it to Kang Ha, but we never saw her explain herself to Ri-an. A lot was missing and that scene seemed to lack a lot.
I said it once and I’m gonna say it again; dramas doing these sacrificial love arcs need to quit while they are ahead because it never hits especially with no real backstory or build up. I think 7 episodes hindered them from doing that but they could have cut out the unnecessary drama and tried to create more multidimensional characters. Even Kang-ha’s home life beyond his memories with his brother. We didn’t see his living situation with his uncle or what happened to his parents. I feel like the writers could’ve explored this more.
I hated the scene where Kang-ha pitifully asked Jae-i if there was ever a time she had real feelings for him and she just smiled and he figured she was lying. Enough with that bs! It’s sad especially when you realize she only felt guilt towards him and that’s because In-han was so good to her and she saw similarities between the two.
The scene between He-ra and Kang-ha came out of the blue but I believe the writers threw it in at the end because they wished they explored that dynamic / pairing more. It was cute but unnecessary imo.
Not Kang-ha running pathetically towards Jae-i when she’s about to leave and confessing / apologizing for the 100th time. She needs to put in the work and chase him. Mind you she should be the one apologizing to him! I think he needs to get over her. I didn’t care that she finally admitted she had feelings for him because it means nothing and if it came down to it she would still chose Ri-an. I hate how they wrote him to be a loser simp… like he really lost sight of his revenge all because of her?! BE SO SERIOUS.
To be honest, I don’t ship Kang-ha with any of those mean rich kids. He deserves so much more than to be a mere option / someone’s sloppy seconds!
I’m glad that Jae-i left on her own accord to find herself and ended up going to visit her mom but imo, the ending was just bathetic. I mean we don’t even get to see her mom’s face? Bye.
After the credits they showed another murder with Kang-ha smiling at his phone “appearing” to send a message to Ri-An which said “you look shaken up” was so dissatisfying. It’s obvious they’re teasing S2. I’m so over it. NEXT!
Throughout the entire drama I was thinking what if ML played Ri-An and vice versa. Usually the poor characters have that wide eyed bambi look like Ri-An and Chae Min has that gold spoon look. I can’t explain it but the casting directors certainly made a choice because at least if Chae Min was Ri-an we’d actually see some chemistry or sparks (like in that final hug)
LIKES:
The cinematography was good but I felt the color grading at times was a tad harsh on the eyes and made the FL appear like she belonged in the Addams Family. Her skin was super pale which emphasized her ghastly demeanor. She was emotionless and she looked like the FL of a horror film.
I liked the scene in which He-Ra viewed the video of Jae-i and Ri-An. Rather than using it as a weapon against them much like Jae-i's cruel brother, she scolded and then slapped him. I had mixed feelings while watching because I thought I'd hate He-ra forever for wanting Ri-an for herself and then trying so hard to get back at Jae-i for many episodes, but that scene alone showed me how much she still cared for her and was hurt knowing all that it was all she was dealing with. On the other hand, she has feelings for Ri-An as well, so imagine how she felt seeing them be happily in love. She had to put her feelings aside because she knew that the intimate moment between the two should never get out and should not have been recorded in the first place. He-ra is a complicated character, with some layers. She's not the textbook bitch I assumed she was.
The more experienced actors in this drama ate down. Lee Chae Min and Ji Hye Won never disappointed. They both carried the entire drama on their backs. Jae-i’s father (Choi Won Young) and Ri-an’s mother (Yoon Se Ah) nailed their roles. I was also impressed with the headmaster (Bae Hae Sun) and her son (Seo Bum June) I also liked Kim Min Chul's portrayal of In-ha and Kang-ha's friend Tae Ho (Yoon Seok Ho) The bullies also did a good job.
I loved the ending cameo of Oh Na Ra as the new principal of Jooshin.
I also enjoyed the OST, that for me was one of the best things about the drama.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The concept of this drama and it's execution does not stand out to me. You may have seen similar scenes in movies and tv shows in western media.
I don't think this idea is unique in Korea, which has had its fair share of aristocratic high school dramas (Bitch x Rich, Sky Castle, Heirs, BOF etc.) with affluent kids doing inconceivable things. But I still believe that younger audiences would appreciate this style of entertainment as that they now have a drama for their generation. Imo more recent dramas like Pyramid Game and The Glory do this type of plot far better.
Overall episodes 1-2 were the best, 3 was ok, 4-5 started dragging and had buildups that led nowhere / were resolved quickly, 6-7 were rushed, choppy and anticlimactic. I believe this drama is a waste of potential. The teaser seemed interesting, but the drama was a total letdown.
Imo the original Elite series is so much better than this, specifically seasons 1-3. I thought it would be a total copy of the plot but they changed things and put their own spin on it. For eg. I thought In Han was in a secret relationship with Jae-i and he was the father of her baby. This would've been more interesting and would explain how he got killed by Ri-an but it turns out they had other plans with the teacher being the culprit. That was predictable for me because when first came on the screen she looked very suspicious.
Hierarchy is not good by any means but not so atrocious that it’s completely unwatchable either. I think some persons can possibly relate where I couldn’t and find enjoyment in this series but sadly it was a miss for me. I’m not sure if this drama will be renewed for S2, if it is i’ll be very surprised.
In my opinion, this series is skippable. If you don't trust reviews then you'll just have to watch it for yourself and go in with little to no expectations. I say give it a try if you’re looking for something to binge quickly. This drama is primarily geared towards a younger audience, so beware if that is not your preferred genre. If it’s dragging for you then I suggest speed watching or watching something else entirely. Either way the choice is yours!
With that being said I give this drama a 4/10 and only because of effort from the more experienced / talented actors.
Thanks for reading and happy watching!
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SIDENOTE:
This is simply my point of view and I don’t intend to offend anyone who thinks differently.
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( ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ )<(thank you!)
/ づ づ ~ ♡
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I liked it but the ending was trash...
***Disclaimer: This is just my opinion, please don't take anything I say personally. We don't have to agree and I'm not here to argue with anyone.***
Tropes: Reincarnation, Vampire / Human, Grumpy / Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Roommates / Business Partners to Lovers.
I really enjoyed this drama. Watching it weekly was refreshing and I felt like every episode kept me wanting to know more.
I thought this drama was hilarious and light hearted in the beginning. I love Woo Hyeol and In Hae. They are soulmates and deserved to have a happy ending. It’s sad because it seems like they had more hard times because of the second leads interfering in their relationship / love. So in a way I feel like they were robbed of quality time. I’m saddened that it ended that way but then again I’m an angst lover and just eat up longing / yearning.
It’s funny because some people were initially criticizing the female lead for not matching her character description but I think she portrayed In Hae perfectly. She has a cold / standoffish demeanor. And when she smiles even when she’s happy there’s this sadness to her face a bit bc even though she wants to be happy she can’t fully be knowing that Woo Hyeol is giving up his life to save / protect her. I think Ji An captures that perfectly. It’s ironic how Woo Hyeol was dead (a vampire) and taught In Hae (a living / breathing human) how to live. They truly understood each other and supported / stood by each other through many difficult times. Their love story is both touching and heartbreaking.
The very last episode was so sentimental I almost cried. I think that the supporting actors (the butlers — Dong Seop and Sang Hae) were soooo good, I could literally feel all their emotions especially the heartbreak, betrayal and confusion when they realized Woo Hyeol was going to die. I really liked Rose since she was the actual rose of the bunch. She was hilarious, but don't underestimate her because roses have thorns. I especially admired their dedication and how they all came through for one another when they were in need or danger. I'm sure they'll miss Woo Hyeol for the rest of their lives, and things won't be the same without him. I'm delighted Dong Seop finally got a haircut (he no longer looks like Dora haha).
I'm glad Man Hwi died, but I'm curious why Woo Hyeol didn't also combust into dust when he stabbed himself with the Hawthorne Wood and silver knife. Perhaps because Woo Hyeol had a pure heart and mind?? Or that he was willing to die and sacrifice himself to save someone else? Or maybe because he was half vampire / half human. I wish the show had explained and expounded on that part more thoroughly. I'm disappointed that insufferable man lived because Woo Hyeol willingly gave Do Sik his blood. Everything about that is icky, especially when you consider In Hae was crying over his bleeding body and Sik most likely drank the blood... I'm not sure what the details are, but I'm slightly grossed out either way. Worse, his guilt drives him to donate money to all these charities and foundations for children with heart problems, but would he have done so if Woo Hyeol hadn't saved his life? No, I don't think so. I know I'm being harsh, but I never liked him and still don't! I wish he had died. In my humble opinion, Woo Hyeol deserved so much better than to die sacrificing himself for that cunning man.
I don't want to get too emotional, but this drama is sad... you go in thinking that it will be just a humorous little drama and that they're going to get a happy ending, but they don't. But I suppose it's also true to life, because not everyone has a happy ending – sometimes things don't go as planned, and you have to live with the consequences of your actions. But I go forward with the knowledge that they loved each other to the end, that everything happened for a reason, and that they will meet again in another life. This drama has touched my heart, and both Taecyeon and Ji An have impressed me. Job well done!
Also just wanted to remind persons considering watching this that each episode got ratings of 8 to 9 out of 10 excepting the last episode. So it truly was good up until the finale.
I gave this drama a solid 7.5/10 because I enjoyed watching this despite the ending leaving me somewhat empty and dissatisfied. I wish there was a way for Woo Hyeol to live longer, like a few drops of In Hae's blood every day, or that the fact that he sacrificed his life for a human finally made him complete his transition and become human, or something. He was far too selfless and kind for a vampire... far more compassionate and caring than other humans, in fact. But, I guess he knew, and everyone knew, that his time on Earth as a vampire was coming to an end. I liked how it happened because if In Hae hadn't opened his coffin one day early, they would never have met and had this amazing and painful love story.
It's literally just a silly supernatural drama so nobody should go into this with very high expectations or judge it too harshly. It served it's purpose and kept me entertained me for weeks. It truly felt like a hidden gem, especially considering how less persons watched it in comparison to more mainstream dramas like KTL, SYIM19L and Revenant.
I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a whimsical drama with comedy, romance, fantasy and a touch of mystery.
Thanks for reading & happy watching!
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A cliche love story about your pick me ex-idol next door & the ordinary boy she falls for.
***DISCLAIMER: This is just my opinion, we don’t have to agree and I’m not here to argue with anyone. This review is kind of long so please bare with me.***A/N: I went into this drama blind without reading the webtoon or having any preconceived ideas.
Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, friends to lovers, love/hate relationship
General Overview:
I kind of liked this drama because it is really nostalgic and takes you back. The cinematography is beautiful and it seems like it was meant to be a documentary or memoir of sorts recounting Doona and Won Jun’s experiences and how they crossed paths and essentially changed the trajectory of each others lives forever.
An ordinary guy and a superstar girl – that’s a cliche if I’ve ever seen one. I found it kind of tricky getting into this drama because the first 2 episodes are slow and you’re not really sure what exactly is going on because theres not much context but as you keep on watching and bridge the gap between episodes 2 & 3 and really delve into episode 4 & 5 things start heating up and becoming more interesting. I like the relationship between Doona and Won Jun because it shows us what a new adult / young love is and how at times it can be messy especially when there’s a lot of miscommunication thrown into the mix.
Their love story is by no means perfect but it’s also realistic in the way that other people watching can definitely relate to it and look back on their own past relationships / first loves and be reminiscent of a similar time / experience in their lives. Even if you have never experienced something like there are a lot of important life lessons to be learned.
I honestly feel like this drama lacked depth and they could’ve done so much more to better capture the struggle between wanting to live a normal life with your love and choosing to chase/ follow your dreams and be an idol. The ending sucked big time but again, I had already predicted it would be a sad/open ending by episode 5.
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A More Detailed Review (spoilers ahead):
Doona opens with Doona submerging herself in a pool of water and seemingly sinking to the bottom of it and drowning… I believe this is a reflection of how she truly feels on the inside.
The drama follows Dream Sweet Doona, a kpop idol who has fallen from grace and has taken a hiatus from being an idol due to an on-stage accident in which she stated she could no longer sing. We see her smoking profusely in a lot of the shots... we're not sure what's going through her head. Doona appears forlorn and despondent, as if she is fighting to find her place in the world while being neglected by the individuals she most badly wants to hear from. The number one person is P (her agent), who does not respond to any of her texts or phone calls.
As the story progresses we see Doona meet Won Jun and a love/hate dynamic develops between them. She can’t believe Won Jun doesn’t know who she is and that he’s not a fan as she sees him sporting a sweet dream hoodie. Anyways a uncanny dynamic develops between them and Doona finds herself annoying him and asking him out to eat for the fun of it. Won Jun thinks she’s only teasing him and is not actually serious. They get into a spat one night as Won Jun says something that hurts her feelings and sends her over the edge.
From there they make up and you see them hanging out and Doona giving Won Jun advice on love as Won Jun still seems to have feelings for this girl (Jin Ju) from his past. It seems they were almost high school sweethearts and did like each other but in the end things did not work out. Now a year later, Jin Ju has re-entered his life and Won Jun wants to obviously be more just friends but they keep missing the timing. I think this is essential to the plot because Jin Ju is a symbol of the past… and past memories while Doona is a symbol of Won Jun’s present and future. Back then, Won Jun was weak timid and was not able to confess to the girl he liked and win her over. This past Won Jun seemingly no longer exists as he is intrigued by Doona. He enters unfamiliar territory when he is with her and so she seems enthralling and fun to hang around. Even though Jin Ju and Won Jun have all the history and memories, it shows you can only hold onto a person for so much and no more. This was demonstrated when Jin Ju finally starts showing interest in Won Jun and was able to confess her feelings, he had already mentally moved on and was now interested in pursuing Doona.
Insights:
Doona lacks emotional intelligence because she has never led a typical/normal life. She also has trouble controlling her emotions, which I believe is related to her lack of emotional awareness. As someone once said, you have to be good with yourself before you can be good for other people. I think Doona needs to take care of herself and prioritize her mental health. It was very saddening watching her go through these psychotic breaks and moments of weakness completely alone. If “being in a room of crowded people and still feeling alone” was a person, that would be Doona.
Given that Donna appeared to have been groomed from the age of 13 or 14 until her early 20s, my heart ached for her. Doona became codependent on her agent as he effectively made her into an idol. It's obvious that the agent did not view her as a real person, but rather as a product or item. He was a manipulative man who only valued her when she was complying with his wishes. Her agent was simply emotionally absent and only doing his job but Doona misinterpreted it for love and concern. In essence, he exploited her as a tool as Doona only piqued his interest when she brought in big bucks and advanced his career. The moment the flip switched in her head and she told him she could no longer handle the idol life he became very cold and distant. It just showed that his affection for her was conditional on her performing and acting a certain way.
It's clear that Doona is a complex individual who has led a very one-dimensional existence. She had a one-track mind because her life was always regimented and linear. Her walls and fences gradually started to come down when her celebrity faded and she had some alone time without others chasing her, revealing the shell of a girl who genuinely needed to repair her inner child. Her mom dropped her off and was too busy coning others out of their money, so only her grandmother took care of her. She did not regard Doona as her daughter or child, but rather as a paycheck. She seemed more liberated and at ease when she spent time with Won Jun. I feel like hanging out with Won Jun made Doona feel free and ordinary. In a way he came into her life as a blessing.
Likes:
I enjoyed the cinematography and the setting. It was a very cozy and fitting drama to watch in the fall!
I liked Se Jong’s performance as Won Jun. It was refreshing to see a very emotionally intelligent man grace the screen. He literally was such a green flag and gave off the impression of a man who was ready to open his heart to someone who didn't appear to deserve him. Se Jong portrayed his innocence and naivety to perfection. It was endearing, but it also demonstrates how males are capable of feeling emotions and having strong feelings for the person they love. I can understand why he was only able to see the best in Doona because love is blind and gives people rose-colored lenses.
The chemistry between Won Jun and Doona was off the charts, if that's what you were mainly watching for. Warning if you are currently single this drama will definitely make you feel even more so. I felt like a third wheel or like I was intruding when watching some of their scenes because it was a bit intense and caught me off guard.
I thought Ha Young’s portrayal of Jin Ju was endearing. Her character brought so much light even in darkness and was one of the best to come out of this drama. Ha Young is seriously so charming on screen and has one of the best smiles I’ve ever seen. Her story was so tragic and she smiled and pretended to be happy on the outside to conceal the fact that she was actually breaking inside. She has strict parents which I’m sure people on here can relate to however the emotional and physical abuse she faced daily was so uncalled for. I liked how Jin Ju handled it with grace and eventually left her home situation. I was lowkey rooting for her and Won Jun in the beginning because she seemed like the of ray of sunshine he needed in his life. To me their personalities seemed more compatible than Won Jun and Doona but they took too long to confess how they felt. Even though her and Won Jun did not work out I am glad they are still friends… and you never know they might have missed their timing now but they could always reconnect years from now.
I also enjoyed the performances of the supporting cast. I-Ra and Jung Hoon were cute and I am happy they got together in the end. The friendship dynamic between everyone was refreshing and I’m glad they still met up to hang out and drink together rather than the friendship being lost after everyone moved out of the building.
Dislikes:
I must admit that Suzy's performance was not the best and it felt flat to me. I feel like she could have put more effort into truly selling the role. She mostly just posed in the scenes and kept on smoking and sighing which got really repetitive. She seemed to be in unfamiliar territory and did not have a similar experience to channel when playing Doona (a pop star fallen from grace) This led me to believe that she had never really had a had first-hand experience with despair, mental health concerns, and depression / loneliness as an idol. This role was clearly daunting for her and it showed.
In the 3rd act conflict when Doona saw her ex (the agent) and dropped Won Jun’s hand not once but TWICE I was pissed. Like that was an immediate red flag! And then she legit got in the car with the ex and didn’t like that he wasn’t reassuring her and saying all the things she wanted to hear then she opened the door, threw herself out of the car and hurt her foot?! That was absolutely psychotic and batshit crazy. Then she wants to come crawling back to Won Jun and playing the victim?! LOL this was so toxic and messy but at the same time realistic portrayal of young (blind) love. But more seriously, in those moments I questioned if Doona actually had any care or sympathy for Won Jun or his feelings. She was saying one thing but her actions always consistently proved otherwise. I guess this is what people would call a contradictory character but to me it was apparent she needed to work on herself because her behavior was deplorable.
The miscommunication between the leads was absolutely unnecessary and they could have fixed their issues with a simple and honest conversation. When Won Jun asked her if she’s back bc her agent didn’t want her I was like damn! Get her again for me. Being the other person, who appears to be someone's fallback or backup plan in case they can't get the main person they're seeking, is a tragic situation. The exchange between Doona and Won Jun eloquently encapsulated how awful it is.
I was irritated by the agent's attempt to minimize Won Jun's significance. He pretended to be concerned about Doona's welfare, but his true motivation was to use her as a means of generating income for himself. He presents himself as superior to everyone else and shows pretends like he has no concern for those so-called "kids." Mind you he's in their business 25/8 and suggested they break up immediately. In my opinion, the agent acts like a whiny boy who gets upset when he doesn't get his way in a situation.
9 episodes seemed too short but also too long because if you think about it this drama could’ve easily just been a 2 hour movie lmao… there’s so much unnecessary dragging out of the plot.
As I reviewed my episode ratings, I realized that I only ever gave one episode an 8 out of 10, while the others received ratings between 6 and 7. In my opinion this drama suffers from a severe lack of depth and overcompensates by focusing too much on ridiculous relationship drama. It does far more showing than actually telling. Then again, there is only so much they could fit into 9 episodes. Realistically speaking this drama only needed to be about 5 or 6 episodes long, after that it became tedious and started to drag on.
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Quotes I liked:
"Of course we won’t always know everyones story entirely because we all have a version of ourselves that we want to hide from the world."
“You once said to me that you and I come from two completely different worlds. That you never could’ve imagined we would ever cross paths. So to find ourselves sitting side by side was purely by chance. Or maybe even an act of destiny.”
“You may be right that we met by chance. But I’m still happy you were the one I met.”
“But do you know what’s really hard? It’s not the people who were never there to begin with. But it’s when you lose the people that were always there from the start. That’s enough to drive you really insane.”
“You’re selfish and unstable and you hurt me without even thinking twice about it.”
“You came and totally flipped my world upside down! But still I’m feeling crazy because I want to be the one that you want.”
“Blaming the winner when you lose is really only going to make you look a lot more pathetic. It’s a bad look.”
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Final Thoughts:
Overall this drama is the definition of a friends to lovers, toxic love story with miscommunication at the forefront. It was comforting and nostalgic in the way that sometimes you need a soft drama which you can relax and watch without focusing too much on a heavily plot driven story.
If you ask me honestly, I would say majority of people only like this drama because of the “steamy” or “hot” kissing scenes, which to me is viewing this drama through very low standards and a one dimensional lens. Chemistry alone is not enough to sell me on this drama or make me give it a high rating, if that was the case for all dramas what would be the point of watching and rating? Exactly. Additionally, ML also had chemistry with SFL but majority don’t care about that or don’t want to recognize it simply because toxicity sells.
Should people should watch it or not? I have no idea, it depends on your taste and if you enjoy cliche and predictable dramas or not. It seems like a drama for persons who enjoyed Nevertheless. As I said it's difficult getting into the drama because of the slow pace and I'm not sure how many people would actually stick around to see their relationship "progress." Their relationship is chaotic and toxic so if you do decide to watch brace yourself!
Would I rewatch this? Absolutely not. Once was enough for me, I don’t think I could put myself through all this drama again. These miscommunications could’ve been fixed with a simple conversation but no, the writers just wanted to drag out the plot and make it seem deeper than it actually is.
In my opinion, people encounter stories like these on a daily basis, but most of them romanticize the toxicity and fail to highlight the difficulties that come with relationships and the desire to be wanted or chosen in the same capacity / way that you pour love and care into your partner.
What was frustrating while watching was the fact that both characters had their short comings but Won Jun was willing to overlook all that and give Doona a chance but she was not emotionally available / mature and just carelessly played with his feelings because what she needed at the time was therapy not his attention and comfort. Even though Doona knew they wouldn't last in the long run, she effectively used Won Jun as a place holder in her life. Doona is a real emotional wreck, and I was annoyed to death the entire time I was watching.
Nevertheless, even though the plot is superficial and shallow, I also believe there are many valuable things that both younger and older individuals may learn. First and foremost this should serve as a warning or guideline for people who attracted to emotionally unavailable, toxic individuals and manipulative individuals. It's common to overlook signs and view your partner positively / want to see the “best” in them due to love or fear of loneliness or abandonment. However, it is crucial to recognize these patterns to avoid getting caught in harmful cycles. Doona and Won Jun both lack secure attachment, I believe she leans towards dismissive avoidant where he leans towards anxious attachment. That, coupled with Dona’s BPD, abandonment issues, her constant mind games and breadcrumming can be exhausting. In my opinion, what they both need is professional help.
On a brighter note, another messages that can be taken from this drama is to cease the moment, learn to be emotionally intelligent, go after what / who you want before it’s too late. Some people believe Won Jun and Doona ended up together but I believe they met each other at a time in their lives where they both needed each other. Simply put, not everything is meant to last forever and if you ever want to find happiness, you have to learn to be okay with that.
I gave most episodes somewhere from a 5 to a 6 but after assessing everything I decided on a 6/10.
Once again, this is just my opinion, you can watch it and see for yourself!
(Ty to those who read this far!)
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LOVE ISN’T BLACK AND WHITE, NEITHER IS LIFE!
***DISCLAIMER: This is just my opinion after watching the drama in it's entirety. I will try to remain unbiased and give an honest review. We don’t have to agree and I’m not here to argue with anyone.***
This show should really be called “The Price / Cost of Love” , “Understanding Love” , “Walking With You” , “The Time of Us” or “Sandcastle” (iykyk❤️)
I enjoyed this drama so much. Contrary to popular belief that this show is “ trash” blah blah blah (insert other bad comments / non-constructive criticism) I feel like it was realistic and people can take various life lessons from it. The biggest lesson that was emphasized was for people to stop sitting around wondering “what if” and instead seize the day, go after what you want / who you want because it might turn into a missed opportunity and you will have to live with regret. The second was don’t make rash decisions in the spur of the moment or lie because you’re afraid of confronting and dealing with your feelings. And lastly, stop running away from your problems because they will eventually catch up to you.
Imo this drama was refreshing considering I’d only ever known Moon Ga Young in juvenile roles. It was nice to see her portray an adult and go through “grown up” issues. I feel like I can finally relate and empathize with her character now.
General Overview:
Su Yeong is a young woman with a dismissive avoidant attachment style who struggles with depression, scars from the past, grief from her brother's death and a broken relationship with her family. She first meets Sang Su when he comes to the bank and she’s his senior who has to train him and help him learn all the tricks to being a bank clerk. They got closer and she really was there for him. Fast forward 3 years later he has been getting promoted while she has remained in the same position. Su Yeong feels as though her life is stagnant and she won’t move forward in her career compared to her peers because they all have college degrees whereas she does not. She develops a bit of a complex because of this and realizes no matter how hard she works or tries she’ll never get promoted. She realizes her place in society as she is from a poor background and has no degree. Everyone looks down on her and makes up rumors about her even though they don’t have a clue about who she is. Sang Su seemingly has a crush on Su Yeong and at the beginning of the drama he attempts to pursue her. They go on one date and agree to go on another however when Sang Su was on his way to meet Su Yeong he hesitates. She can see him from the restaurant… notices his hesitation in coming to see her and she feels horrible. She immediately leaves and essentially shuts him out of her life.
As the story goes along you kind of understand why Su Yeong ignores him and pushes him away. For the first time in her life she was willing to let someone in and truly be happy but in the end she realizes they would’ve never worked out because of their places in society. She ultimately decides it’s better for her to go on without him and pretends to date Jong Hyeon instead at first to get rid of Sang Su and quell her feelings for him but along the way you can see her tenderness for Jong Hyeon as she feels sorry for his unfortunate circumstances and invites him to live with her instead of quitting his job as a security guard and moving away. Enter Mi Gyeong — a college friend of Sang Su who is clearly into him and will do anything to get him wrapped around her little finger. She eventually senses that there is something between Sang Su and Su Yeong and goes out of her way to befriend Su Yeong by giving her gifts, taking her to dinner and finding out what she likes / dislikes. Anything to keep Su Yeong at bay and also guilt trip her into backing off from Sang Su for the sake of friendship. If keep your friends close and your enemies closer was a person, that would be Mi Gyeong. Nevertheless, her plan doesn’t work out because as it is Su Yeong and Sang Su are incapable of staying away from each other.
There’s a lot of unnecessary drama in between of them fighting feelings for one another, entering relationships they had no business being in because they were still hung up on each other / pining for each other unintentionally. There was literally no need for them to bring other characters into their business/drama. I hated Mi Gyeong, Gyeong Pil, and Jong Hyeon just a little bit more than usual because even when they found out the truth they tried so hard to make Sang Su and Su Yeong’s life more unbearable. That to me proved that their desires were more important than what the people they claimed to “love” needed. If that’s not selfish idk what is. People can call Sang Su and Su Yeong selfish for wanting to break up with them but they were selfish in different ways. Like be so frl, I got sick of them acting like they got the short end of the stick and were done the worst injustice by Sang Su and Su Yeong breaking up with them. Like sometimes people have to make tough decisions for themselves even if it hurts someone else’s feelings. I feel like Su Yeong and Sang Su both always spent their lives putting others before themselves and the one time – THE ONE TIME, they wanted to choose themselves (be selfish) and go after love / the person they truly wanted to be with it was such a huge problem. At least they weren’t trying to stay with their partners and cheat behind their backs. That would’ve been so much worse / messy. The worst part is that they both tried so hard to spare Mi Gyeong and Jong Hyeon feelings but ended up doing the opposite and hurting themselves in the process. They even admitted their faults and apologized multiple times but somehow it was never enough… especially for Mi Gyeong.
Lmao don’t let me get started on her. I just hate how she pretends to be a “nice girl” when she is in fact very self-centered and mean. She befriended Su Yeong because she sensed that there was something going on between her and Sang Su and she thought that if she was nice to her and kept on buying her things she’d feel guilty and back off. It was so disgusting to me the way she’d worm around situations and try to have everyone bend to her will. She wanted to be so different from her father but eventually she realized she was just like him and then defended him by saying "that’s probably how he shows love"??? That was bullsh*t. Not her condoning her father's actions in order to justify hers, then perpetuating her continuous desire to control everyone and everything by trying to buy their favor.
In my humble opinion, Sang Su and Su Yeong’s moments were precious… anytime they talked — really talked and listened to each other on long walks, drank (playing the “truth” / “lying” game), or hung out by the seaside — it was really beautiful. I felt their emotions pull on my heartstrings and bring me to the point of tears several times. For me, it was like “How can two people be so right for each other yet not stand a singular chance of being together?” They had mutual understanding, comfort, and peace whenever they were with each other. The harsh reality is that both were stupid and allowed society and other people's opinions of them ruin what they had. People told them they shouldn’t and couldn’t be together and they believed them instead of believing in their relationship and what they had.
Her leaving Sang Su the last time — I’m sure he saw it coming. She always runs away except this time he decided not to chase after her because he felt like that’s what she wanted, he respected her choice and decided to give her space. Even after four years passed, Sang Su always kept Su Yeong close to his heart. While I’m sure he respected her decision he just couldn’t understand it. I’m guessing Su Yeong just wanted to disappear and have a fresh start but I’m sure a part of her also wanted Sang Su to chase after her or convince her to stay. It’s so messed up when someone feels like a burden and that they’re to blame for all the misfortunes that happen to them in their life. It’s like they feel like they deserve it but ultimately they also think they deserve nothing at all. This is why I can understand Su Yeong distancing herself from everyone and not believing she deserved love or even happiness.
One thing I disliked about this drama was the miscommunication trope. Don’t get me wrong it’s okay when it’s done right but there were a lot of moments you know could’ve been fixed with a simple conversation. Sang Su would’ve listened to her and appreciated the truth. There was so much sneaking around and lying for no reason. Like I can try and understand/empathize with Su Yeong’s reasons… she rather destroy everyone/everything and burn it all to the ground + run away rather than face and conquer her greatest fears. She is distant, cold unfeeling, and avoidant but that legit doesn’t excuse her always wanting to run away / disappear. Sang Su on the other hand never speaks his mind and prefers to suffer in silence / take on the weight of other people's problems. Yes, I get that he’s protective and always wants to save the day but lol some girls (ie. Su Yeong) don’t want to be saved. They just want to be understood and seen/heard for once in their life. Yeah, it sucks but that’s pretty much what I got from their dynamic. In the end, it worked because they really balanced each other out.
Another aspect I absolutely hated about this drama and a lot of others is that they always have all the characters make up with each other. Like even if there’s a huge falling out they always have that plot point where years later they come back and everything is all hearts and flowers. I wouldn’t say that’s realistic because sometimes a person really isn’t for you / meant to be in your life. Sometimes the friendship/relationship was toxic and you know that you’re better off without having them in your life, meeting up to discuss what went wrong, or even making amends. Usually it’s better to just let things be and move on. Live and let live as they say but idk maybe Mi Gyeong and Su Yeong are just super mature to see past their differences… though I doubt it because she legit had to remind Su Yeong how much she resented her in the past but at the same time she missed her ? Make it make sense.
The truth is, some people are just happy knowing you’re not as happy as they are in life — it brings them peace knowing they won and you lost. And I feel like that’s truly how Mi Gyeong sees Su Yeong… she looks at her life as small and inconsequential in comparison… saying it “suits her” Like bffr Su Yeong owns a drawing cafe while she’s a big manager in HQ. Su Yeong gave up her job and her life in Seoul because she knew she wasn’t and would never be accepted. I kind of wish she spent the last four years in college getting a degree so she’d feel better about herself and able to face the world and people with more confidence. Sigh. I also didn’t like the fact that Sang Su never rlly tried to move on from Su Yeong in those four years. I guess he decided a long time ago that she was the one for him and made her occupy all the space in his heart and mind. It’s kinda sad… I know Su Yeong would’ve wanted him to be happy regardless.
Final Thoughts:
If I could sum up this drama into a few words it would be “will they or won’t they?” ahhh if you don’t like slow burns, slice of life dramas or melodramas then do not watch this. Trust me it’s super slow and it’s more pining / longing than the leads actually getting their happy ending until the very last episode. I have to say though their chemistry is really good and you can feel the angst / tension through the screen.
Don’t watch this drama if you are going to view it from a one dimensional lens and blame the characters for being flawed as adults. People mature at different stages and as it turns out some people have to fall down and make mistakes in order to learn and grow from them. Nobody is perfect is what I’m saying and these characters all have their shortcomings, baggage, trauma and scars.
If you’re not willing to see them as actual human beings with issues and trauma to deal with / faults to overcome then again I reiterate do not watch it.
If however you want to stick around for these two love struck idiots who actually deserve a real chance at happiness and a shot at a real relationship together then do continue / start watching. It’s a rollercoaster ride (an unreasonably slow paced one lol!) so you're definitely going to go through the emotions and really feel for them (especially if you are emotional / have a big heart / empathize with others) If you’re looking for a drama that is more insta lovey and doesn’t have much plot / story building then I suggest you go watch something else.
Overall I gave this drama an 8/10 (initially it was a 7.5 however, I figured disliking the ending alone isn’t fair) My rating is primarily because still find myself thinking of these two and their tumultuous story. I can’t ever let them go / forget and I think that’s the point. They were the definition of “right person wrong time” and I just ate it up. This drama was enjoyable for me and I don’t regret watching at all. I think more people would’ve given this drama a higher rating but the open / bittersweet ending made them take off some points, so to each their own.
Long story short, this drama really stuck with me and I stuck with it because it’s a realistic portrayal of people living their daily lives, experiencing love, kindness, jealousy, heartbreak and everything else in between. It highlights the fact that that love is hard work. It’s not perfect, it’s not a fairytale and not everyone gets a happy ending. It’s solely based on people’s efforts and how much they are willing to compromise for someone else. Love is overcoming obstacles, facing challenges and choosing / fighting to be together. It’s putting another person before yourself (no questions asked) and rooting for their ultimate happiness. It’s choosing to let them go even if it hurts, even if they are happy without you because if you love them you will respect them, their choices, and ultimately want the best for them.
I would recommend this drama to persons who like slow burns, second chance love and slice of life dramas. Honestly, I really liked it — I mean the first episode really drew me in because I was so shocked and had to know what happens next. Obviously this show isn’t for everyone but if it’s for you / worth watching then you should know by episode 3 or 4. Also I'm not sure if speed watching helped me enjoy it more bc I watched this drama on x1.5-x1.75. I find that the pacing in these types of dramas are unnecessarily slow and that tends to make it seem like it just drags on forever. So maybe you could try speeding it up if you're having a hard time getting into it.
I also really enjoyed the OST. It has the perfect balance of fun / flirty upbeat songs mixed with sad and emotional / heartfelt ones. I still listen to it from time to time.
Would I rewatch it? Yes because I am a sucker for slow burns, I loved their moments / interactions and even though the ending is sad / bittersweet… it’s their story. It’s a little messy but it seemed real and I felt like I was with them the whole time — watching, waiting and rooting for them to make it along their individual journeys + also finally coming together, to find peace at the end of it all.
There’s this quote that says “The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.” And I feel like it perfectly captures Sang Su and Su Yeong. Even though though their journey came to an end, I believe that the open ending still offered a great deal of hope for them to eventually let go of the past, move forward, and create a new “future happiness” one filled with better memories and without regret.
All in all, I think that the drama did a fantastic job of portraying the ups and downs of love. Sang Su and Su Yeong are not perfect (so far from it actually) but they’re special in their own little way. In my eyes some people are meant to be, just not made to last.
This drama is not for everyone but what I will say is:
THE PEOPLE WHO GET IT GET IT!!!
Anyway, that’s my two cents <3
(Sending love to everyone who stayed and read all this ily!)
Happy watching!
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
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A (LATER IN LIFE) COMING OF AGE STORY ABOUT SURVIVAL AND LEARNING TO TRULY LIVE !
***DISCLAIMER: This is just my opinion. We don’t have to agree and I’m not here to argue with anyone.***
General Overview:
This is the story about a girl named Seo Mok Ha who lives with an abusive father. She yearns to be a singer in order to get away from her mundane life in the country. Like her idol Yoo Ran Joo, she aspires to relocate to Seoul and pursue her dreams as a singer. She enters Ran Joo’s singing contest with the help of a fellow classmate, Ki Ho. At first he doesn’t want to help her but then finds enjoyment in seeing her light up as she performs Little do they both realize they have more in common than they though. Ki Ho is also being abused by his father. Ki Ho has to submit Mok Ha’s entry on her behalf since she is unable to do so after getting badly beaten up by her drunkard father. When she finally wins the competition, she gets to meet Ran Joo in Seoul, but she has to figure out a way to get there because she knows her father won't let her go. Upon learning of Mok Ha's ordeal at the hands of her father, he offers her a safe haven and instructs her to knock on his window should she require his help. They make a plan to leave together however things don’t work out. Her father finds out that she attempted to flee to Seoul by boat and goes ballistic trying to find her and bring her back home. Ki Ho spots him and goes to distract him / ward him off however he is too young so he falls powerless to him and loses the fight. When Mok Ha’s father finds her he end up chasing her aorund the boat until they get into an argument. Seo Mok Ha falls overboard and her father jumps in after her.
Eventually, she regains consciousness after washing up on the shore of a deserted island. She soon learns that she is alone after finding her father's remains. We see a glimpse of her survival during the fifteen years that she is abandoned on that island. Fifteen years later, she is discovered by a crew cleaning up the beach on a deserted island while using a drone. After chasing the drone, Mok Ha is found by the crew and is later rescued and brought to safety. From then on, we follow her as she embarks on a quest to fulfill her childhood ambitions and locate Ki Ho, the love of her life and a long-lost friend. When she returns to Seoul, we watch her attempting to make her way through a world that is so foreign to her while she learns how to be an adult and grow up, fight for her dreams, and stand up for the people she loves. Amidst all of this, tensions build, people get hurt, secrets are revealed, and Mok Ha has to decide for herself what is really important and where her loyalty lies. She must ascertain if she possesses the necessary qualities to become a DIVA!
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In More Detail (Spoilers Ahead):
This drama surpassed my expectations… I went into this not expecting or hoping for much. To say the least, I was not captivated by the first two episodes as much as everyone else. I found it extremely boring and struggled to find the will to finish episode 1 and 2. I would occasionally watch it, I got up to episode 4 then I stopped. Resuming, I binged the remaining 6 episodes when they were at episode 10. Then I was able to watch this drama along with everyone else when the last 2 episodes aired. For me the story started picking up in between episodes 6-9. But unfortunately this experience was nearly ruined / cut short because I saw a spoiler and was so irritated. Nevertheless I continued and I am glad I did.
Likes:
First of all, I think Ki Ho and Mok Ha's story was really brought to life by the young actors Lee Re and Woo Jin. They embodied their characters' anguish, despair, and desperation on film because they were so emotionally invested in them. I doubt the story would have had the same impact if any other young performers had played the roles. Moreover, their resemblance to the leads were uncanny! That casting and directing here was quite excellent.
I felt that Mok Ha's voice over and monologue gave this production and plot a lot more depth. There were many touching and heartfelt moments, and I believe Mok Ha took (as well as us viewers) could take away a meaningful lesson or message from each episode.
Park Eun Bin’s performance was really good. I particularly felt like she nailed the emotional aspects. I also commend her on her light hearted comedic country bumpkin-esque presence. She really had me convinced she spent 15 years on an Island. Her naivety was at times shocking but you come to realize she just has a good heart and always tries to see the best in people. But do not be fooled she is way stronger than she looks because of how much she had to endure for all those years on the island. As the story progressed you see how those events shaped Mok Ha into the strong individual she is today. I am a fan of strong female leads and it was interesting to see such a complex character grace the screen.
I really liked Bo Geol / Ki Ho… I was so impressed by Chae Jong Hyeop that i’ll be sure to check out his other projects His character was such a green flag and total softie at heart. When Bo Geol eventually tore down those walls and was prepared to let Mok Ha in, it was incredibly charming. Previously, I had always assumed that his icy demeanor toward her was him trying to protect her. I realize that later on he was either unable to hide his feelings or chose not to, which is why at times I felt he was acting a little too strongly or unexpectedly. I think that also explains Mok Ha's expression, as it caught me off guard numerous times.
The chemistry between Eun Bin and Jong Hyeop has to be discussed more. Even though it was just one moment, the intensity, tension, and passion were palpable on screen. I’m sure we could all feel it. That kiss was the result of all those years of longing for one another, wishing, and praying that the other was okay, wherever they were. I couldn't help but smile and kick my feet, especially when it appeared like they could not get enough of each other and had no intention of stopping LOL.
The relationship between Mok Ha and Ran Joo was fantastic. They seemed like sisters to me. Sometimes Ran Joo was the elder sister, offering Mok Ha insightful counsel; other times, the roles were reversed, and Ran Joo was gaining a lot of knowledge from Mok Ha. It seemed as though Ran Joo's singing career was over, but with Mok Ha, she had a future in songwriting and producing/directing. They seemed to be mirror images of one another, with Mok Ha reminding Ran Joo of her past self and what it was like to be young, fresh, and ready for the world and all its opportunities. In contrast, Mok Ha Ran Joo was teaching her the importance of strength and determination in order to succeed in the industry. She made Mok Ha realize how important it is to put herself first rather than giving of herself all the time and then allowing other people to take advantage of her. In any case, you could sense their love for one another and that they only had one other's best interests in mind at the end of the day.
I also thought the competition between Mok Ha and Mo Rae made for an interesting dynamic. I definitely I rooted for Mok Ha through and through but I'd be lying if I didn't admit I eventually warmed to Mo Rae and I’m glad in the end they ended on amicable terms.
The assistant Yong-Gwan was sour at first but I liked his backstory as it gave us insight into his character. In the past he aspired to be an idol or celebrity but fell short due to lack of courage and being a pushover.
I have to say I enjoyed most of the songs although I felt the song Dream Us was played way too much. It got annoying so quickly in my opinion. The poignant ballads "Here I Am," "Until The End," "Someday," "Open Your Eyes," and "Fly Away" by Mok Ha are my favorite songs. I was particularly moved to tears by the last song "Fly Away" It was breathtakingly beautiful and just magical. I was really moved by Park Eun Bin's vocal performance. Mok Ha really slayed with that last performance and I was sold on her actually stepping into her destiny and becoming an idol / international sensation. When the song is finally released, I'll be listening to it on repeat because I loved it so much!
Dislikes:
To be fair, there’s not much I disliked. At times I felt like Mok Ha was too naive, trusting and easygoing and it made her seem like a pushover but at the same time – I’m glad she remained true to herself / who she's always been and did not let people’s influence or the industry pull a wool over her eye and change her / her morals.
I think the whole plot of Ran Joo and Mok Ha being outed on that live television broadcast was insane. I’m not sure how I thought she would have gotten recognized for her singing or for the truth to come out but I was not expecting them to go that route at all. It seemed like too many events revolved around that one singing TV show / set area. I wished there was a little bit more to it than just that.
The love triangle involving Mok Ha and the brothers was perhaps the aspect of the story that I found most irritating. It was superfluous, in my opinion, especially considering that Woo Hak had no chance at all because Ki Ho had been on her mind all these years. I felt horrible for Woo Hak, especially once he realized that he wasn't Ki Ho at all, after being misled into thinking he was. It was difficult to see him avoid Mok Ha, especially after he discovered that Bo Geol still harbored affections for her. Instead of arguing with his brother like we see in other shows, Woo Hak just wanted him to be happy, which is why he is such an amazing person! It's admirable, in my opinion, that he honored their decision and only wanted Mok Ha to be content, even if it wasn't with him. I literally teared up when his father consoled him after he admitted to having developed feelings for her. Like Woo Hak, I think that Mok Ha is quite endearing and gives others a sense of being seen and valued. Seeing Woo Hak go through that was difficult since, as previously mentioned, he is such a kind soul. Both brothers are such good guys who deserve the very best.
Additionally I feel like the father got off too quickly with such an easy death by suicide. He deserved to rot in jail and worse for all his crimes toward his so called “family” I really hated how he literally just walked up to Sang Doo in the middle of the street and stabbed him. That just made my blood boil… the fact that their family went through so much because of that psychopathic stalker and there was no real sense of justice was so heartbreaking. Woo Hak, Bo Geol and Ha Jung deserved so much better.
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Quotes I Liked:
“In my eyes, you seemed to lack a lot. You lacked maturity, manners, and thought. You also lacked worries, gloominess, concerns, or reasons to cry. So whenever I looked at you, I was annoyed.”
“Become so famous that no one could dare mistreat you.”
“15 years ago, I liked her because of how much she lacked. She lacked worries, gloominess, and concerns. But she seems to be full of them now.”
“No one is cowardly or deceitful because they want to be. We all become desperate and make choices for our own reasons.”
“In life, it feels like the world mistreats you. And you take your anger out on the wrong person.”
“How long can a secret remain a secret? If we cover the secret under layers of lies, can we keep the secret from surfacing?”
“If you keep worrying about the future, then you’ll end up with just as many regrets down the road. From now on, I’m going to do whatever I want in that moment.”
“Relationships often change depending on the circumstances. We couldn’t share the same path in the past. But now, things have changed.”
“I’ll probably regret it a little. But I’d regret it even more if I never even try. At least for ten years, I’d be doing what I love the most.”
“They say failure is the mother of success. I’ll just take it as learning a lesson from another mother and move on.”
“It was all or nothing. Do or die. I made up my mind and jumped into the water. And then, before you know it, you’ll learn how to swim and you might be able to catch a ton of fish.”
“Let’s become the best at all costs.”
“I guess it’s true that givers create takers.”
“Why are you a taker? You’re a gift.”
“One person is lying to protect his children, while the other is lying to punish them. Then, which one do you think is the real father?”
“In life, you’ll learn that some people become happy over other people’s misfortunes. You’ll learn that many become jealous of other people’s success. That’s because when their lives become pathetic, they refuse to blame themselves. That’s why they blame it on others and want to bring them down. Because that’s easier.”
“When we almost lost dad, I realized not expressing your feelings can be the biggest regret in life.”
“There’s a sword in my hand so I might as well wield it.”
“Having gone through it now, I learned wishes don’t always come true right away. They don’t come true when you want them to. They take a long time. You forget about them, then suddenly, they come true.”
“Don’t cut ties just because you don’t like them. And don’t give up even if it gets tough.”
“Stay strong, endure it, and hang in there. Then one day, your wishes will come true in unexpected ways.”
“Let the failure of others become a lesson to you. Learn what you can and ignore the rest.”
“By replacing those answerless questions with other things to fill up the time, I survived one day after another.”
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Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, I believe that the drama needed more romance and additional episodes. Although the kiss between our protagonists was beautiful, I thought there might have been more at the ending. The promise, tension, and chemistry were all there. Then again, maybe I'm just being greedy. Since Ki Ho and Mok Ha have reconnected as adults, I also wish their relationship had progressed further. It seems like we missed out on seeing them be an actual couple who hang out / go on dates and get to know each other all over again. Additionally, I also needed to see what happened with Ran Joo’s career, Mok Ha’s climb to success, the tabloids interfering with her private life and how she was coping with her instant fame etc.
Would I rewatch this drama? Yes, I think I’d rewatch it when the events are not so fresh in my head and if I had nothing else to watch. Again, it was hard for me to get into but I’m glad I stuck with it and waited for it to get better. If you told me a month ago I’d end up liking this drama as much as I do now I would not have believed you.
Overall, I think the difficulties were handled quite nicely. In the span of 12 episodes, Mok Ha underwent significant growth. Her monologues conveyed her emotion and heart, and I found her to be a rather trustworthy narrator. We had the pleasure of accompanying her on this coming of age journey and I just feel so blessed we got to see her transformation.
If you love mystery and intrigue with a dash of lightheartedness and sad/heartbreaking backstories, then I think you should definitely check out this drama. I adore how this drama strikes a perfect mix of comedy, drama, mystery, music, heartfelt moments, and excellent voiceover/storytelling to give us a glimpse into Mok Ha's mind. There are so many things to enjoy and you wouldn't want to overlook this drama at all.
With all that being said, I give this drama a solid 8.5/10.
Thanks for reading and happy watching! ❤️
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**Disclaimer: This is just my opinion, please don't take anything I say personally. We don't have to agree and I'm not here to argue with anyone.***"Destined With You" is one of those dramas that you have to stick with until it gets better. I’m not going to lie it was so hard finding motivation to keep watching but after episode 7 it started to pick up and I have to say I started enjoying the plot twists, mystery and thriller aspect of it. It is seriously so interesting. I especially loved the backstory of Mu Jin and Aeng Cho. Though their love was ill-fated from the start you can see he killed her to ensure they would not dismember her and that she would live on through the curse. The fact that Mu Jin said in another life let them be happy… and this life they want to be happy but were unable to because of the curse and that crazy psychopath of a man (Na Jung-Beom) was so frustrating and unfair.
Rowoon looks so gorgeous in this drama… that was enough to keep me watching haha ? Idk but something about him with the slick back hair as the serious / brooding lawyer is. He also was giving a buzz and then when its all combed down he looks like a cute puppy / golden retriever. AHHH I love how he’s giving us rangeeee and I can’t wait to see him in his next projects.
Bo Ah is such a good actress the way she conveys what she’s feeling through her eyes alone is literally a talent.
For once I actually prefer the latter half of a drama rather than the usual trend of the drama falling off / being disappointing the end.
Let’s talk about Rowoon and Bo Ah's chemistry in episodes 13-15, 15 especially – it was off the charts! I'm talking about that kiss, whew! — I can see why shaman lady (Eun Wol) called the next morning and was like Shin Yu and Hong Jo would be conceiving a girl. I mean, I got pregnant just watching that scene haha. Jokes aside, I'm not sure why people were doubting their incredible chemistry, but you know, there will always be haters or people who don't receive media in the same way and have no appreciation for the effort / artistry that goes into it. I think the writers did a good job of neatly wrapping up the ending. Obviously they would have needed more episodes to really delve into the magic and the lore of Hong Jo’s shaman powers / lineage etc… but so far they did well with the little they were able to keep / use.
I also liked the various side characters stories especially between Mr. Gong and Ms. Ma. They were kind of on / and off all the time but I'm happy they worked out their differences and got married in the end. At first I did not like Hong Jo's workers but I warmed to them because they are very funny / silly. I also liked the side story about Shin Yu's mother and father... it seemed like they were always playing cat and mouse with each other, and you thought they were going to divorce - but in the end, they're going to have a baby. To say I was surprised is an understatement. To be honest, I thought the mom was starting to like Shin Yu's lawyer friend and that they'd end up together, but the drama didn't go in that direction at all.
I didn't particularly like Mr. Kwon / Jae Gyeong, but I'm glad he remained a good guy until the end. Life is all about timing, and he completely missed his with Hong Jo, so he can only blame himself. I thought it was a little cheeky of him to tell her that if she doesn't marry Shin Yu within the next six months, she should call him, but whatever - at least it ended amicably.
One aspect of the show that I dislike is their inability to finish the shamanism/curse storyline. They expect me to believe that the curse has been magically broken and Shin Yu is completely healed? Honestly, I was wondering if there was something missing or if there was more to it because the final scene shows Mu Jin, of the past ,walking away with a spell book of the heavens or something? I'm also curious if Hong Jo's near-death experience, which included almost being poisoned and then being resuscitated... is what broke the curse in the end? Little details like this being forgotten / not being explained is what kind of irritated me about the drama and made me take off points.
In my opinion, the ending was very touching and adorable... I was smiling the entire time and was relieved that it didn't end on a sad / bittersweet note with the main characters suffering. Spoiler alert: Hong Jo is not pregnant, but they will get married and live happily ever after. It took them 300 years to get here, but they did it!
The OST they chose is just so beautiful and heartfelt. The songs perfectly complement the story and will stay with you long after you finish watching the drama.
I for one am impressed and proud of myself for not dropping this drama and I guess I would rewatch it for the vibes and cute moments.
If you enjoy light fantasy, mystery, and reincarnation dramas, you should give this one a shot. Hopefully, you will not be disappointed.
With that, I give this drama a resounding 8/10.
Thanks for reading & happy watching!
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
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GARBAGE ON STEROIDS!
***DISCLAIMER: These are just my thoughts on the show as a whole. We don’t have to agree and I’m not here to argue with anyone.***AND THE AWARD FOR WORST KDRAMA OF 2023 GOES TO STRONG GIRL NAM SOON!!!!! (Except nobody is smiling, cheering or clapping and all you hear are crickets)
THIS SHOW IS SOOOOO BAD I WANT TO GIVE IT A ZERO BUT THAT’S NOT POSSIBLE SO I GIVE IT A ONE. It is the definition of unserious. Though this review may come off like I’m hating (which I most definitely am) it’s mostly shock and disappointment. I had high hopes going into this and it just did not meet the mark AT ALL.
This show just lacked depth. The plot made no sense whatsoever and you basically have to turn off your brain to watch it. The focus shifted from Nam Soon to the mother, Geum Ju, and her heroic tendencies / saviorism, and unwavering determination to bring down Pavel and the Korean drug cartel. Even Nam Soon's grandma and her whole love affair got more attention than her. To say this drama did not live up to the hype or potential would be an understatement.
All the characters were unlikeable except for Nam Soon (earlier episodes) and Shi Oh… at least when he was around Nam Soon he didn’t treat her like a 5 year old. I sort of feel like her being childish / silly with him was healing his inner child so I was happy to see him smile and be content with her. I also liked Nam Soon's father... he was so supportive and seemed to genuinely care for his children unlike the mother who was always working / busy and could never see what was going on under the surface or spare five minutes of her time to get to know them better. Geum Ju was a horrible mother and I will not stop saying it. Her over the top emotions and tears coming out whenever her children were in danger and on the verge of death says so much. I don't even want to get into her fat phobic / insensitive comments and how that took a toll on her Nam In's mental health. While this show masked it as humor, it was in poor taste because it just was not funny at all.
It is safe to say I wasted almost 2 months of my life watching this tom foolery. That’s time I will never get back. The last 2 episodes were absolute bullshit and they lost the entire plot. Tell me why Ryu Shi Oh died by suicide within 20-25 mins of episode 16, Bread Song turned out to be Nozh, Grandma was supposed to die and didn’t and Nam Soon who is such a half witted, untrained and reckless girl became a cop? MAKE IT MAKE SENSE.
Ugh and don’t get me started on Hee Sik’s gold digging family, Nam Soon’s mom flaunting her wealth and the obvious lack of chemistry between Nam Soon and Hee Sik. That last kiss was an immediate no, no hate to Yoo Mi, but why did she kiss him like she was eating noodles??! Everything about that kiss seemed weird / unnatural and awkward. Anyway I know people who shipped them from the get go would have eaten it up, but it just was so cringe in my opinion.
It's the way they tried to outdo SWDBS and FAILED. Again, you seriously can't outdo the doer and this show is proof of that. The plot was lackluster / sucked big time, the acting was over the top and it seemed like they were putting on a comedy sketch (a seriously bad one) rather than a serious drama / tackling real issues. Except for Ryu Shi Oh, the characters were dull, one-dimensional, and devoid of depth. Nam Soon was even more childish at the end than at the beginning. When she received her award, she acted like an immature hyperactive toddler / a crazy person in serious need of a mental facility. Not to mention her continual lifting up of Hee Sik (bridal style) was another a major turn off. I need someone to me why she was always acting RIDICULOUS?! My goodness, it was like she didn’t have an off switch and was always behaving like damn fool or a deer in the headlights. She appeared to always be on drugs and that’s putting it LIGHTLY. If you told me she snorted 5 lines of COCAINE and also did METH or MDMA I WOULD BELIEVE YOU! In my opinion, Nam Soon doesn't appear mature enough for a relationship, let alone marriage... and when Hee Sik eventually proposed – it was so underwhelming. NEXT!
I could not feel anything for the main couple or root for their happiness because there was no development whatsoever, it felt like they just forced their relationship down my throat. Nam Soon clearly had better angst / chemistry with Shi Oh and it was easier to see their potential because they had so many good moments together. Even Bread Song and the mom had more tension filled interactions – which is saying so much. The way the proposal was at the same cherry blossom tree as in SWDBS was a major eye roll moment. Also, the stupid, overbearing heartfelt moments between the Joong Gan and Jun Hee like? PLEASE SPARE ME. LITERALLY NOBODY WANTED TO SEE THAT. Even in the end, they attempted to build up the suspense and make it appear as if it would be the death of her character after she had used a lot of her power, but they still let her survive. It would have been more dramatic if she had died... and Jun Hee and her ex-husband were obliged to mourn her together.
I still can’t believe Jun Hee was just a bland / flavorless and spineless character (literally such a freaking simp) had no connection to the Russian mafia and didn’t turn out to be a secret bad guy. THAT WAS SUCH A MISSED OPPORTUNITY. The fact that he was just there to be Joong Gan’s sidekick and lover sent me over the edge. The amount of screen time the grandma's whole arc took up just because the writer was trying to live vicariously through her character was so annoying!
Additionally when Nam Soon and her adoptive mom both happened to nearly be killed by bombs was just so predictable. Your telling me the writers couldn’t have come up with a better plot?! Even bringing in this new guy to play adult Bin Bin at the end was strange – he had no connection to the people we previously knew and never popped up in the story before (at least not as an adult), so it was difficult for me to feel pity or anything else for him. Yes, he spared Shi Oh’s life by not betraying him / killing him as ordered and that was the only bonus. Everyone literally thought Bin Bin would have been either Bread Song or the kind man at Opulentia helping Geum Ju out with her investigation. AGAIN, ANOTHER MISSED OPPORTUNITY.
The only thing I liked about this drama was the fact that the girl vagrant took the money back from the male vagrant after he discarded her / threw her to the waste side. I have been praying on his downfall ever since he broke up with her and I’m glad to see he lost everything in the end and ended up penniless and homeless while she was free to live her best life without him. I also liked when Nam Soon's father suggested that all the single males live together. I could definitely see it because they would have started their own "weak men" empire (for lack of a better name) or something like that! Now that is something I'd watch. When Nam In said te refused to live with them out of fear of ending up like them I DIED, he was so real for that!
Needless to say I really HATED this drama and would never watch it again. I would rather kill myself or rip out my eyeballs instead. Even banging my head repeatedly on the wall would be better than rewatching this ridiculous parody. I stuck around for Shi Oh and in the end they gave him the worst possible death, no redemption arc and completely ruined his character. He had so much potential to be a better person and a changed man but the writers destroyed everything. I still refuse to believe he actually tried to kill Nam Soon and her family when he found out her identity. Though, what is enemies to lovers without both parties trying to kill each other? (iykyk) It’s even more sad when you think about the fact that he tried to help his birth father out and even bought an orphanage and turned it into a boxing gym. I won't stop saying it but – RYU SHI OH DESERVED SM BETTER THAN THE HAND HE WAS DEALT!
Anyway, I guess they just couldn’t allow him to live after he spiraled, went off the rails and took so many innocent lives. What gets me is that Geum Ju and Nam Soon believed Hwa Ja was capable and worthy of being saved but they could not extend the same right or courtesy to Shi Oh. I mean seriously? Hwa Ja even tried to murder Nam Soon at one point…. just because she was unsuccessful in her attempt does not make what she did excusable or justifiable. I don’t care what anyone else says but the fact that Nam Soon’s mom forgave her after all that and basically adopted her as a daughter was absolutely insane and I will never understand it. This show proves that Geum Ju's and Nam Soon's empathy is conditional on whether they feel pity for someone's situation or not. Ryu Shi Oh never chose this life and it's unfair because he had gone through so much as a child to just hang on / survive. Literally everything he did was just so he could finally escape / find a way out from Pavel's control. He was a victim or circumstance but the stupid characters in this show could not even see that. It's ironic because when they were starting to realize at the end it was ALREADY TOO LATE.
My favorite character was and always will be Ryu Shi Oh. They could never make me hate him! I understood all his motives and rooted for him endlessly — even when he was on his killing spree. Honestly he was not evil enough in my opinion. I’m not gonna lie, if I lived his life I would’ve been worse. It’s unfortunate Byeon Woo Seok was not enough to save this drama and make me turn a blind eye to how horrible the overall production and acting was. If the writers had gone with an enemies to lovers plot / dark romance, this show would have been so much better. I mean – most people were watching for the villain and rooting for him instead of the ML or even Nam Soon and her family. This drama was way too childish, and it was difficult to find benefits or reasons to stay. Each episode progressively got worse, and I had to force myself to watch for the sake of completion.
I sincerely hope the writer gives up and just ends this TRAIN WRECK / TOILET FIRE IMMEDIATELY. This shit show does not need a part 3 or spin-off. Whatever she writes next she will ruin it even further and it would just be wise of her to stop now.
I could have lived my life without watching this drama or knowing it was a sequel to the original Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. If you are contemplating starting this because you liked SWDBS, I suggest and strongly advise you skip this drama entirely and watch some edits instead. Their five minute screen time is not worth over 18 hours of torture and misery. Please save yourself and quit while you are ahead.
If you think I'm lying / joking then watch this circus act and see for yourself.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you though.
__________________________________________________
P.S. No hate to new watchers or persons who enjoyed this drama. I'm happy for you, truly. I'm glad some people were lucky enough to be warned beforehand and able to go into this with very very very LOW expectations.
__________________________________________________
(If you actually made it this far ilysm!)
(づ ᴗ _ᴗ)づ♡
As always,
Thanks for reading & happy watching!
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
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Yomei Ichi Nen no Boku ga, Yomei Hantoshi no Kimi to Deatta Hanashi.
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3 Gerberas, 2 Funerals and A Match Made In Heaven
***DISCLAIMER: This is just my opinion. We don’t have to agree and I’m not here to argue with anyone. This review contains spoilers so I suggest watching the film first before reading.***「 ❝An untimely frost upon the sweetest flower of all❞ 」
I just finished watching this, and I must stress that it is not for the faint of heart. If you are super sensitive still want to watch, I recommend bringing a box of tissues because you will probably cry. If you liked 20th Century Girl, you will definitely appreciate this.
General Overview:
Drawing Closer is an astoundingly beautiful film that had a great influence on me, with both its narrative and visual brilliance. From the first scene to the end credits, the film immerses the audience in a universe where every frame is precisely produced, with each shot a monument to the director's vision and the cinematographer's talent. The emotionally charged tale delves into the complex complexities of human relationships, capturing moments of joy, sadness, love, and loss with a raw honesty rarely seen in film. The characters are well developed, their journeys realistic and moving so much so that the story elicits a wide spectrum of emotions that remain with you long after the film has concluded. The performances are outstanding, with each actor adding a distinct and compelling presence to their role, heightening the film's emotional impact. The eerie and evocative musical composition perfectly compliments the storyline, increasing the emotional experience while adding levels of meaning to the plot. "Drawing Closer" is more than a film; it's an experience, a work of art that speaks to the heart and soul, leaving an unforgettable impression on anyone who sees it.
In More Detail:
The plot revolves around two terminally ill teenagers who come into each other’s life.
What to expect:
- Characters dealing with grief/death and how to overcome the inevitable.
- Two artists and how their passion of drawing / painting and seeing the world in different colors binds them together.
- Friendship and familial ties.
- Longing / yearning and first love.
- Secrets and misunderstandings (with good reason)
- A heartfelt, coming-of-age plot
The performance was convincing and well-done. Haruna has a fate she cannot escape, yet I really admire her positive view on life. Akito was a really endearing character. He was so charmingly sweet and soft boy coded. His hopeless romantic side really shined through. I adored how he wanted to make the most of his limited time by assisting Haruna in having a happy and fulfilling life while she still had hers. It's also great that they seemed to have saved each other. She was Snow White and he was her Prince Florian (iykyk)
I would rate this an 8/10 rounded up to an 8.5/10. It was so good it made me cry multiple times (after the 5th time, I stopped counting lol) The emotional side is undeniable, but I wish our leads had more moments together, including the kiss Haruna requested. I think I am being greedy but that would have definitely ended me. I have to say, this is a very pure and sweet story. It's simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming.
I loved it and I now have a much deeper appreciation for Gerberas and their symbolism.
I believe anyone of any age can watch this; I highly recommend it, especially if you want a good cry.
I don't think I'd rewatch it "right now," but maybe after some time has passed. I believe Drawing Closer is one of those films you save for when you want to feel something. It's a movie you can watch on a rainy day to let you reflect on the beauty of life.
With that being said, this is a tragic story, and it may not be for everyone, so proceed with caution.
As always,
Thanks for reading & happy watching!
(P.S. If you are in withdrawal please go watch edits of the Drawing Closer couple, you won't regret it)
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
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Defying the Odds: Navigating Friendhsip, Life, Love, Grief & Growth in 'Love Next Door'⌂ᰔᩚ
***Disclaimer: This is just my opinion. We don't have to agree and I'm not here to argue with anyone.***TLDR: My review is long so if you don’t have time, just skip to the final thoughts section.
OVERVIEW:
The FL, Seok Ryu (Jung So Min), unexpectedly returns to Seoul, hinting at a complicated past. She is portrayed as a disorganized and emotional character, contrasting with the ML, Seung Hyo (Jung Jae In) who seems apathetic and aloof yet driven. Seok-ryu's life takes a downward turn when she quits her job leading to her return home, seeking refuge and facing her family's reaction. We follow her on this journey as she faces life's challenges and reunites with her family and childhood friends. Love Next Door combines various tropes and drama elements, drawing on past shows for inspiration. The key to its success lies in offering something unique and charming, with a focus on contrasting family dynamics, captivating chemistry and bonds between the characters.
COMMENTARY (SPOILERS AHEAD!):
I adore this drama as it leans more toward slice of life and melodrama rather than a traditional rom-com. The writers skillfully blend happy and sad moments, allowing a deeper understanding of the characters, family dynamics, and traits as the story unfolds. It offers a perfect balance of emotions and insight into how they navigate relationships and the world around them.
Seok Ryu's life has not been easy. It's been long and difficult because she comes from a low-income family and is the eldest child (typical eldest daughter syndrome) Seok Ryu faced immense pressure to fulfill her parents' high standards, leading to success but also fostering hyper independence and perfectionism. Eventually, she quits her job and returns home, displaying how these pressures negatively affected her mental health, causing her to face burnout. It becomes clear that she struggles with the guilt of wanting to pursue her own dreams instead of conforming to her parents wishes. We are led to believe this coupled with her broken engagement is the main cause of her depression, however it is revealed that she hid her cancer from her loved ones. Her silence exemplifies the gravity of the situation.
On the outside, Seung Hyo seems to have a perfect family, but his parents are often absent due to work. He was raised by Mi Suk (Seok Ryu's mom) and they spent a lot of time together. Seung Hyo is reserved and tends to suppress his emotions, but his abandonment issues and jealousy surface occasionally due to lack of parental support. Seung Hyo's hidden feelings for Seok Ryu become apparent early on, but his efforts to conceal them make him seem arrogant and uncaring. It's not until later in the drama that he faces these emotions, leading to intense angst / tension that captured my interest. At some point on their individual and joint paths, they both recognize their sheer fondness for one another, blurring the lines a bit.
Love Next Door marked Jung Hae In's stellar debut in the rom-com genre, setting him apart from his other more somber romance dramas like Snowdrop and SITR. While some may find his character arrogant and overbearing towards Seok Ryu, it's clear that his actions stem from a place of deep care for her. Seung Hyo may not be vocal about his feelings, but his actions speak volumes, as he helps Seok Ryu with everyday tasks and supports her dreams. Despite Seung Hyo not fitting the typical mold of romantic leads nowadays who tend to be either a loser/simp or a green forest, his unique way of expressing affection sheds light on a different perspective on love.
Similarly, Jung So Min did an excellent job portraying Seok Ryu, making her struggles and triumphs feel relatable. The chemistry between the two characters is palpable, making their interactions seem genuine. Seok Ryu's unwavering support for Seung Hyo adds depth to their relationship, showing a genuine understanding of each other. Through small gestures and meaningful actions, Seung Hyo and Seok Ryu's relationship blossoms into something special, proving that love comes in many forms.
MIXED EMOTIONS:
The banter that forms the basis of Seok Ryu and Seung Hyo’s relationship felt childish at times rather than a mature adult relationship, considering their ages. Nonetheless this unique dynamic between them is still cherished.
I appreciate the unique portrayal of exes in this drama, avoiding the typical villain stereotypes. Seo Ji Hye nailed her role and her character, Tae Hui stood out because of her strong performance and charisma. She recognized the boundaries in her relationship with Seung Hyo, acknowledging the differences in his behavior towards her and Seok Ryu. Many viewers, like myself, were drawn to her relatable journey from seeking passion in her youth to desiring comfort as she grew older.
On the other hand, I disliked Seok Ryu’s ex, particularly his persistence and stalker-like behavior when he was introduced. His eating of her mother's food and his lack of awareness were irritating. Seok Ryu's attempts to end the relationship were futile as he refused to accept it. I believe he came to Korea due to guilt, as shown by a harsh argument where he brought up her illness and mental health. Seok Ryu’s cancer drained her physically and emotionally, but her ex seemed emotionally unintelligent when it came to her depression. For someone who claimed to love her, he failed to understand or empathize with her struggles. He disregarded her needs and made her feel like a burden.
It was the fact that he went along with the lies about her illness that raised a red flag for me; I believe if he truly cared, he would have told her family the truth and found a gentle way to break it to them so that Seok Ryu would have people to lean on and support her. While he appeared to care during her treatment, afterward Hyeon Jun failed to provide the support she desperately needed, leading to their breakup. I found his behavior selfish and felt he would have cheated on her if given the chance. His insensitivity was evident in his inability to empathize with Seok Ryu’s needs, resulting in their failed relationship. Despite this, Hyeon Jun is not irredeemable, as their breakup was handled maturely, with an appreciation for the good times shared. Even though he was not the right person for her, their relationship ended amicably. Seung Hyo, while protective, allowed Seok Ryu closure, showing maturity. Some relationships end, but her growth from it shows its value despite the breakup.
I think the cancer storyline was kind of unnecessary as conflict could have been created between the main characters in other ways, such as showcasing gender roles and expectations in society or exploring her ex’s toxic behavior (cheating) due her depression etc.
Controversial take, but I also think Seung Hyo was justified in confronting Seok Ryu for hiding her cancer. He expressed the thoughts many of us had - calling her selfish and saying she was only thinking of herself. Although his words were harsh, her silence for 3 years was even more painful. I believe his anger also stemmed from his guilt for not recognizing her struggles and pushing her away while dealing with his unreciprocated feelings (ignoring her texts and calls) Seok Ryu's reluctance to burden others is understandable, but her friends and family would have supported her. Her ex initially agreed to help with her illness, but later switched up, focusing only on her therapy and medication so they could “move on”. Because he lacked empathy for her emotional struggles she felt isolated and alone despite his supposed assistance.
I had mixed feelings about the emotional journeys these characters took us on. It was overwhelming and frustrating, yet added to the authenticity somehow. This mix of reactions brought relief and humor, reminding us of their humanity. Her family's dramatic responses, though exaggerated, show their care and reveal unhealthy coping mechanisms. Everyone handles tough situations differently so I think that breaking down those walls & being vulnerable is what led to them healing and mending their relationship.
DISLIKES:
The first 4 eps. moved slowly due to establishing the scene and characters with a focus on the uninteresting architecture company. The workplace scenes seemed like filler and didn't appeal to me.
Seung Hyo's mood swings and unpredictable behavior were challenging to handle, especially when he would quickly switch from being affectionate to distant toward Seok Ryu.
Seok Ryu has low self-esteem and always apologizes even when she’s not at fault. It was concerning because she did not choose to get cancer. During her reconciliation with Hyeon Jun, his failure to stop her and assure her she did nothing wrong was disappointing. He seemed oblivious to the fact that she wasn’t in control of her cancer or depression.
Seok Ryu's behavior with Seung Hyo's ex revealed her tendency to people please and seek approval from others. It is interesting to note the contrast between her reactions to seeing her ex in a compromising position with a woman in America compared to Seung Hyo with his ex and other women. I suppose this inconsistency suggests a stronger emotional connection with Seung Hyo, leading to increased jealousy.
I didn’t like how persistent they made Mo Eum's character in befriending Yeon Du, and felt that Dan Oh setting boundaries was crucial. Her jumping straight to wanting to be a mom seemed unrealistic to me. She skipped so many steps, it gave me a headache. Also, the delay in revealing that Dan Oh was Yeon Du’s uncle, not her father could have been clarified earlier on. The writers misled me to believe he was still grieving his wife, or assuming blame for his family’s accident.
Dong Jin's storyline was lacking, but I enjoyed episode 13 where he expressed feeling overshadowed by his sister and inferior as a son. I wanted to see more of his development and romance with Na Yun.
LOVES:
The emotional toll of this drama took me by surprise, evoking tears in both intense and tender scenes. The confession moments were especially romantic, thanks to the talented directors and actors involved. While the portrayal of an Asian mother may be exaggerated, it resonated with me on a personal level. The argument scenes in ep. 2 and then the big reveal in ep. 8 made me cry buckets. Episodes 11-15 stood out as particularly impactful. Episode 14 brought tears of joy, while episode 15 left me devastated. It was incredibly well-executed, breaking and healing my heart simultaneously.
The chemistry and banter between the leads was exceptional, despite their frequent arguments. I came to appreciate their dynamic and accepted it as part of their relationship. As a couple, they are becoming more comfortable, especially now that everyone knows and approves of them.
The side characters: Mi Seok, Hye Seok, Geun Sik, Gyeong Jong, Mo Eum, Dan Oh and Yeon Du added depth and emotion to the story so much so that I became invested in how their arcs would play out. When the main characters frustrated me (which was often) I found solace in rooting for Seung Hyo and Seuk Ryu’s parents, their friendship with eachother and the side couples. Dan Oh and Mo Eum’s relationship had ups and downs, but when they embraced their feelings, they won over my heart completely.
One of my favorite dynamics were the relationships between the parents. Mi Suk and Hye Suk's rocky relationship highlighted the challenges of misunderstandings and feelings of inadequacy in friendships. I also enjoyed Seung Hyo's parents' storyline, anticipating the cheating plot to be a misjudgment. Their relationship reflected the reality of marital ups and downs, ultimately bringing Hye Suk and Gyeon Jeong closer.
The dads stole the show with their amazing rapport. Jo Han Chul and Lee Seung Goon, the actors that you are! Their brotherly bond was heartwarming and I could not get enough. I also liked the contrast between the two parental couples and how they showed coexistence is possible from two very different families. I appreciate that Love Next Door showcases a messy yet intimate family dynamic that is impossible not to love, flaws and all.
I love the parallels and inverted moments that we saw as the drama progressed. This is shown by Seung Hyo finding Seok Ryu at the same beach she ran away to in the past, mirroring the past when Seok Ryu brought him out of his cave when he was depressed. The Jungle Gym represents shifting emotional dynamics, with Seung Hyo now expressing his feelings openly. Mo Eum's wingwoman tactics added humor, with a role reversal in her kiss with Dan-Ho. Seok Ryu reading Seung Hyo's letter brings their secrets into the open in the same way that she read the letter he placed in the time capsule years ago. The neighborhood community's gossip highlights the pros and cons of living in a small town, showing both the lack of privacy and the strong sense of support in times of need. These full circle moments and evolving relationships add depth to the story as characters navigate personal growth and romantic entanglements.
I also admired the characters' efforts to compromise with each other, even if they didn't fully understand. Their reconciliations moved me to tears. LND delves into themes like love, family relationships, grief, friendship, identity, isolation, determination, change versus tradition, and more. The drama exceeded my expectations with well-developed characters and a complex plot.
While the pacing could improve in some areas, conflicts were resolved swiftly, maintaining an engaging storyline throughout. The natural conversations added realism, and the progression from friendship to romance felt beautifully executed, with a perfect balance of slow burn and tension leading up to a poignant kiss in episode 11.
The cinematography was also stunning, particularly during the pool scene, bike ride, and the romantic kiss in the flower field. The evolution of Seok Ryu and Seung Hyo's relationship, from initial awkwardness to genuine connection, was portrayed beautifully. Small details like Seok Ryu calling Seung Hyo "babe" added a cute touch to the storyline, making this drama truly memorable.
The OST is amazing, with standout tracks like "Wall" by Kwon Jin Ah, "The Truth" by Jung Hae In (which imo is so impressive!) and “What are We” by Ha Sung Woon. Honorable Mentions are “Fantasy” by An Da Eun, “Reach For You” by ZEROBASEONE and “Any Day With You" by Muzie which built anticipation for the next episode.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Overall, this drama deeply touched my soul. Love Next Door is more than just a feeling, it's a genuine experience that shouldn't be missed. This drama healed something in me and I’m grateful that I committed until the end, as the characters made me cry, smile, and laugh all at once. The show strikes a perfect balance between seriousness and lightheartedness, handling tough situations with care while also bringing humor into the mix. I appreciate how it doesn't downplay hardships but still conveys meaningful messages.
One thing that struck me was the idea that being understood is more important than being loved. It is possible for someone to love you without truly understanding you, as shown with their ex’s Hyeon Jun & Tae Hui.
It reminded me of the quote “To love is to understand but to be loved is to be understood." Love may develop naturally over time, but making the effort to truly understand someone is a conscious and deliberate choice. It involves putting your own needs aside to focus on the other person, which is far more valuable. Real and unwavering love means knowing someone inside and out, accepting their flaws, and STILL choosing to stand by their side. Seok Ryu and Seung Hyo’s 30-year friendship laid the foundation for their romantic relationship, which ultimately led them to be woven into each other's lives and hearts forever.
The drama may have begun with some clichés, but I found it endearing for its heartfelt moments, emotional depth, and intricate relationships. This drama may not be suited for everyone, as it requires a certain kind of endurance and perceptiveness that may not be immediate. The complexity of the characters and their realistic portrayal can be frustrating yet captivating. Around ep. 7 or 8, you'll likely know if it's the right fit for you.
Would I rewatch this? Yes, in a heartbeat! I can see LND becoming a comfort drama for me. I’m so attached and I don’t want to let them go. Not gonna lie, I’m kind of salty we didn’t get the wedding however, I like the non-traditional ending that gives us a glimpse into post-credit scenes that we don’t usually see between the main couple, adding realism to the drama. The open-ended conclusion feels more like a new beginning, leaving the possibility of a season 2 or a spinoff which is different from typical dramas. A drama with Mo Eum & Dan Oh as the leads or Lavender / the parents travelling during retirement would be something I would eagerly watch.
I don’t think words can say enough… so just buckle up and hold on for the ride! If you’re someone who loves stories with a lot of heart at then you’ll enjoy this.
Despite some flaws, I gave this drama an 8.5/10 mainly for its emotional impact. Objectively, it is an 8/10. However, it made me feel so deeply, unlike anything in a while. I appreciate every character’s complexity in addition to the sincerity and warmth the actors brought to their roles. Love Next Door is a drama I won’t be forgetting for years to come!
Thanks for reading & happy watching!
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
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Single’s Inferno Season 2
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IT WAS A MESS
DISCLAIMER: this review contains my thoughts and feelings. You don’t have to agree with me I’m just giving my opinion.Season 1 >>> Season 2
Everyone felt super performative at first. Especially Seo Eun and Seul Ki. Like you could tell they were conscious of the cameras watching them trying to appear sweet and innocent etc. Over time some got better, some got worse so let’s get into it:
Singles inferno could’ve done so much more to improve this season and entertain the contestants. There isn’t enough to do in the inferno and quite frankly paradise should only be for deepening a connection that has already been established. They act like age and career is so pivotal in getting to know someone when to me that is the least. I’m sure the contestants can find other things to talk about and be more engaged and have an interesting conversation without feeling like they have to tiptoe around everything they’re saying in fear that they might give away their age or career. Imo everyone should have an opportunity to go at least once and the show should force people out of their comfort zones and allow everyone to truly get to know everyone. For example, a person shouldn’t be able to pick the same person twice or 2 days in a row and the dates / challenges should be more inclusive. They could also throw in a wild card like if the contestant is not enjoying time with the person they chose then they have the opportunity to switch partners or something like that.
A major issue I had with the show and the men was how obsessed they were with Seul Ki. She is a positively bland person and I can’t even begin to fathom how she had all three men chasing after her. It’s obvious they only liked her because of her looks (ideal in Korean beauty standards) and because she is rich. Nothing else! It was very sad watching Dong Woo still choose her even after being rejected. And it was insane seeing her develop feelings for Jong Woo overnight just because he gave her the attention Jin Young was unable to express. I still believe Jong Woo is just a replacement for Jin Young. The way she phrased her choosing him as finally choosing the guy who chooses her first instead of going after the guy she likes??? Lmao if I was Jong Woo I would feel so hurt watching that back because I literally cringed. Anyways, I hear they’re still together now so I can only hope it worked out for the best. The back and forth with Seul Ki and her feelings which she was unsure about until the night before was so unattractive to me. Ino she is way too grown to be acting so immature and being so indecisive. I wish she and Jin Young didn’t take up the screen time but that’s exactly what happened and what the producers wanted.
Out of all the men the one I hated the most was Yoong Jae… he gave me cocky / narcissistic vibes with the way he treated So E and even Han Bin. Obviously the girl I hated the most was Seul Ki… she filled up the screen time and it wasn’t like she was interesting or had much to say. I’m sure she’s a great person deep down but I do not think dating shows are for her. The second person I found insufferable was Min Su because she stayed choosing Jin Young even though she knew Nadine liked him. Ugh it’s the way Jin young upset me with choosing Seul Ki even though he had the best connection and best vibes with Nadine. Platonic or not they were great and he would’ve been better off choosing her. But no he had to come with his bullsh*t talking about how he knows he likes a girl in 3 seconds and if he feels sparks or what not.
My favorite contestant by far was Nadine. Idc if people wanna keep saying that she was only there for her Thesis and how she spoke English to try and "flex" on the others. If you watch her YouTube channel you can see what kind of person she really is. I appreciated her genuineness because even though she was nervous and shy at first (especially because she had to speak Korean) you could tell she was a really down to earth person. And even though she didn’t end up with anyone I feel like she grew from the experience and learned to be more vulnerable and stop being afraid of approaching guys first. I love her and I will be rooting for her beyond paradise because she made the show enjoyable and made me want to stick around.
With that said, another person I think deserved so much better was Se Jeong. You could feel the colorism dripping from the screen with each episode lmao. Because she was not paper white like the rest she did not have a chance to go to paradise, make it make sense! She was gorgeous and all of the men overlooked and forgot about her just because she didn’t fit their “ideal” In the end as Jin Young said she was only “girl crush” material indicating that she wasn’t even potential girlfriend or wife material. That comment was so insulting and you’d think that the world was becoming more open and progressive but no. People still judge others by their skin color first calling it preference or “ideal” type. I don’t think Se Jeong had a real chance in the inferno and it was sad to watch her day after day be lonely. I know people are gonna say she doesn’t have a personality and is bland but that isn’t true. People should be blaming the producers and editors for not showing her scenes and overlooking her like the rest. In small moments you could see her efforts in trying to get to know the guys but they just weren’t interested in her the same way. Some of them claim to have picked her on day 1 for ideal type and changed their minds but we don’t know how true that is. I say Se Jeong just had bad luck and was around the wrong group of men.
The only couple I truly enjoyed was Se Jun and So E. So E definitely came a long way since the initial episodes… at first I did not like her and thought she was fake and willing to steal other peoples men. But that wasn’t the case… she was naive and upsetting when you’d hear her say stuff like how she’d keep trying for Yoon Jae no matter how many times he rejected her. That in itself infuriated and annoyed me so badly because we were finally seeing her true nature however it was like she couldn’t recognize that she deserved better and should stop settling for less.
I was so happy when Se Jun arrived in paradise and finally saw So E. He truly saw her and accepted her for who she was and didn’t even care about her previous connections with any of the other guys before he arrived. He really put her first and took such good care of her. His kindness and compassion towards her warmed my heart. You could really see that he just wanted her to be happy and make the most of the experience. He didn’t want her to feel obligated or pressured into choosing him, he wanted her to explore her options and make decisions of her own free will. In my humble opinion Se Jun was the best guy in paradise.
I’ve watched the reunion episode with them reacting to their clips and I have to say I’m glad the cast members have remained in contact with each other and seem friendly / like friends. That was the only outcome of the show anyways because it’s just so unrealistic for people to “fall in love” in nine (9) days. Plus in eastern culture it takes so much longer for them to trust and have a connection or even get physical. Watching this show is such a let down in comparison to other shows. If I didn’t have anything better to do I probably wouldn’t have watched. The show needs more spice but lmao this is coming from a western viewer — I like shows like too hot to handle, the bachelor / bachelor in paradise, love island etc.
I just feel like the people they show casted are all adults and should be more forthcoming with their feelings especially if they choose to sign up for a dating show that only lasts for 9 days. They’re all grown so it’s so annoying watching them keep up the innocent childish act to preserve their reputation or what not. Like cut the bs. It’s why I have to give the show a 5.5 /10. I literally feel like I wasted my life and those are hours I’ll never get back. My own fault, obviously but I’m glad I got to see persons like Nadine, Se Jun and So E. Watching them made it worth it somehow ??
Overall, I felt like the show was predictable. If you’ve watched season 1 it’s the same exact thing to expect in season 2. There’s no difference except for the cast and I presume as the seasons go along it will only become more boring because persons want to appear a certain way to the audience watching and don’t really know how to be their true authentic selves. Also parts of the show are scripted like you can’t tell me each season there will be a girl who has 3 men choosing her??? Be fucking fr
Would I recommend this to others? Probably not. Not unless you want to purposely drive yourself insane for 8 out of 10 episodes or you want to stick around for the rare gem of a couple (So E and Se Jun)
Anyway, thanks for reading!
❤️
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It Was Just Ok... Nothing Special!
**Disclaimer: This is just my opinion, please don't take anything I say personally. We don't have to agree and I'm not here to argue with anyone.***(I'm so picky so please take this review with a grain of salt.)
Tropes: Workplace Romance, Rich Guy / Poor Girl, guy falls first and harder, grumpy/sunshine, enemies (ish) to lovers, forced proximity.
Idk usually I love rom-com's like this but they had me in the first half and lost me in the second half. It really seemed like Gu Won's character was built around his love for Sa Rang and he didn't have much development outside of that. I feel like they did more telling than actually showing us how hard he fought for the hotel and why he deserved to be president. Idk there could've been more obstacles at work and between the two leads imo. I think I would've loved to see them develop the tourist hotel together and be happy outside of the city. Or imo they could've actually have Sa Rang and Gu Won Break up bc she feels stifled by him his dreams and wants to chase her own dream of managing her own hotel / the tourist one. I also think the arc between his mom and his sisters hatred for him could've been expanded more and their resolution could have been more developed. I feel like the last 8 episodes lacked a lot of depth / actual plot. The last 2 episodes especially seemed rushed and episode 16 specifically seemed unnecessary. I felt her entire desire of owning her own hotel was quite lame... even the name of her hotel, "Amore" (Love in Italian) What were they thinking? As in she could've used her own name (Sarang) LMAO. And the fact that she wasn't able to find any personnel to assist her, and they wanted me to think that the president of King Hotel, Gu Won, had time to assist her (whilst managing King Hotel + all those international branches and trying to expand the franchise to Europe?) – that part was so unbelievable I had to laugh.
It was honestly a struggle for me to finish this drama. The leads chemistry was just "okay" but at times I wasn't feeing it as much. I think I prefer their BTS footage as they seem less in character and more silly and free. I fell in love with the airport couple (Pyeong Hwa and Ro Woon) I thought they were cute and I'm glad they got together. It took forever but they actually made it. I thought her other friend's storyline (Da Eul) with her dirty husband was completely sidelined and her giving her husband a taste of his own medicine was questionable. It's obvious their relationship is toxic and they should get divorced. I can only see the husband not learning anything and then trying to find ways to hurt her back – like cheating on her or something. I feel like the writers didn't have a clue how to wrap up the story or create more obstacles for dramatic effect. They almost got me invested when I thought Gu Won and Sa Rang were gonna break up but they failed and immediately lost me, again.
Overall, the ending of the entire drama was what you would expect, a pathetic male lead who's whole character arc is about him being in love with a woman who does not like him at first. ML falls first and harder. FL starts catching feelings then there's the slight forbidden relationship where people don't want them to be together. Them deciding to be together anyways, dating period, proposal (but not? because the FL wants to achieve her dreams first). ML still supporting her through everything a year later, her finally accepting the proposal. Then finally marriage and them living happily ever after.
This drama was boring and severely overhyped. I don't think I would rewatch. It definitely could have been wayyyy better especially when you compare this to other workplace romances like Business Proposal, Touch Your Heart, Suspicious Partner, Her Private Life, My Secret Romance, What's Wrong With Secretary Kim etc. Like they had so many blueprints and yet... it did not live up to the expectation. It's disappointing because I feel like I wasted my time and then felt like I HAD to finish it for completion sake.
Anyways, what you see is what you get so if you're looking for a lot of romance with barely any plot then this drama is right for you.
After careful consideration, I gave it a 6.25/10 (my real and objective rating) however, I decided to round it up to a 6.5/10 (purely because of how much of an independent girl boss Sa Rang was)
THANKS FOR READING AND HAPPY WATCHING!
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
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DISAPPOINTING AT BEST, INSUFFERABLE AT WORST.
***DISCLAIMER: THIS IS JUST MY OPINION. YOU DON'T HAVE TO AGREE AND I'M NOT HERE TO ARGUE WITH ANYONE.***To sum everything up in simple terms:
- Disappointing storyline, plot and flow of events.
- I lost interest at episode 9 and forced myself to watch the rest.
- Watching became a chore and it felt like the biggest waste of time.
- Female MC was badly written (I hate her character and I wish she died)
- If not for the ML (Jo Jong Suk) most people wouldn’t think of rating this drama kindly.
- This drama totally missed the mark for me and to be honest it was boring.
- I definitely would not recommend, you’re better off watching any other ongoing drama or critically acclaimed historical drama.
- I didn't even find the political schemes interesting because it seemed like child's play and was not very engaging. I felt like they were going around in circles for the entirety of the drama. ML did not have anyone on his side and they were all trying to undermine and sabotage him in some way / shape or form. The worst part is the woman he loved tried to kill him even though he tried being very honest with her.
- The whole narrative of being captivated and how they tied it in was bs. If you watched from the beginning you could easily see see that the FL falling for ML would be her downfall and she was the one who would end up captivated.
- The chemistry between the leads were lacking and their love / kissing scenes sucked. In the last episode especially it was painful to watch them interact because it seemed so forced. Their love was not believable at all and the FL looked very uncomfortable. I wish I could erase their scenes from my mind bc they just gave me the ick.
- The drama pissed me off, especially due to the fact that they were sleeping together and he didn’t even figure out her name or demand to know it until the last episode. They’re just so irksome. FL especially she is so trifling ughhh.
- I believe FL should try another career. She's pretty so she can model or do brand deals instead. I feel like I have given her enough chances to redeem herself but she is still the same as she was in Black Knight. She has the same expression (looking like a damn deer in the headlights) throughout the entire series and was almost always crying.
- If you want to watch this drama for the romance I advise you not to. You will be disappointed. If however you still want to give this drama a chance because you love Jo Jong Suk and political schemes (which imo were cliche) then by all means be my guest. I however, would not put myself through that again because I believe that one person should not be expected to carry the weight of the entire drama on their back.
- With all that said, I give this shit show / mess of a drama a 5/10
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The Best Korean Dating Reality TV Show Ever!
I don’t usually give shows 9.5 stars but I really enjoyed watching Transit Love / EXchange. Going into it I didn’t know what to expect and I was pleasantly shocked at the emotions this program brought out of me. The storytelling was amazing and you could feel how genuine the cast was as they expressed themselves. I loved how they were all anxious at first but eventually everyone became comfortable with each other as if they’d known each other all along. I went through so much and I feel like I got invested to the point where I became attached to certain cast members. My emotions went from 0 to 100 at times. You’re going to feel happy, sad, angry and confused while watching their stories unfold but remember these are real people and it’s their life and their decisions so there’s nothing you can really do. The last 3 episodes stressed me out the most but I was happy because one of the couples I was rooting for since the beginning came through. Yeah… couples you may be rooting for won’t work out but don’t worry too much because in the end everyone grew from the experience. I even felt like I learned so much from watching these ex couples talk about their breakups, find closure, love and more importantly friendship. You can tell that the producers really put effort into choosing the cast because they all seem to be very charming individuals. I hope the friendships and relationships formed there last for a very long time. I hope they make season 2 with a new cast so I can experience a show like this again!Parts I didn’t like: The ending. It seemed too rushed (especially when the persons who brought in at the end only had a week to get to know everyone and make a decision) I didn’t like how everyone ended up confessing their feelings to each other. It would’ve been nice for them to meet each other individually as the car scenes made the environment and situation really tense / pressurizing. I also think next time around the producers should have challenges and actually pick the dates for persons so that everyone gets to go on a date with people they wouldn’t normally choose and get to know each other instead of picking the same persons all the time (at least in the first & second week) After that the contestants can be free to continue picking the person they feel a strong connection with and going on dates etc.
Other than that she show was definitely worth the watch. I don’t regret stumbling across this because it’s a show I feel like anyone can watch and easily like.
**I highly recommend it to persons who don’t know what to watch but want to watch more Korean dating reality shows like Single’s Inferno :) **
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Just ok, not the best!
***DISCLAIMER: This is just my opinion. We don’t have to agree and I’m not here to argue with anyone.***To keep it brief, they had me and then they completely lost me.
GENERAL REMARKS:
Listen I’m not really a fan of any of these actors so i’ll try to keep this review as unbiased as possible. When I heard this drama was being produced I was unsure because I don’t really like Song Kang’s acting. I was only convinced to watch because I have been impressed by Yoo Jung in some of her previous works and thought hey maybe if this is not the best she will at least carry on her part.
But I was wrong. This story was lackluster in every single way. I only was kind of intrigued for the first 5-6 episodes of the show but then everything started to go downhill after Gu Won rescued Do Hee from the burning gas station / shop in episode 8. They built up the plot so much at that point only the bring it back down and then throw in a lot of other useless side plots and the past lives / reincarnation trope. It was not necessary to say the least.
I feel like all Yoo Jung and Song Kang have in this show were their strong visuals. I feel like the color grading was over done… they made them look paper / milk white and you could not see one pore or any texture in their skin at all which was kind of off putting. Yes their visuals are good but what else? To me it felt like they could not really deliver on the chemistry after a the first time they kissed and did the do. It just seemed like as the drama progressed it was unnatural and they were both trying too hard to convince us the audience. I see more of a friendship bond between the actors especially in the BTS videos (these were super cute ngl) In my opinion, when they were bantering / not on the best of terms it was better than their romance / relationship and marriage era in the drama.
It’s so ironic and hilarious how most of us suspected Seok Hoon would be a bad guy but he turned out to be one of the good ones from the beginning with no hidden agenda or plot twist. Not gonna lie it was a bit of a let down just because he's a good actor and it would've been refreshing to see him take on the role of the villain, but no he's always the second guy and it's almost like he plays the same character every time.
Gu Won was brought back far too soon in my opinion, and there was no build-up or explanation of what happened to him after he vanished or even if he could still see what was going on in the mortal world. Also I believe they incorporated the story of the deal Do Hee’s father made with Gu Won so quickly. I kind of predicted that he had saved her mom and her as a baby after they were in some kind of accident and I was right. To be honest, they tried to make it seem like her father was desperate enough to make a deal with the devil for his personal gain but I knew that could never be the case.
The way she learned that Gu Won was the man her father had struck a bargain with and then seemed to be shocked when he performed his demon responsibilities since the contract had expired really irritated me. Like come on, she was aware of who he was the entire time, so her sudden display of shock and surprise irked me so much. She started off as such a formidable character, but as the drama progressed, it was like her character development stalled and she grew weaker. She became a damsel in distress who was always waiting for poor Gu Won to come along and save her.
I’m happy Do Hee and Gu Won got their happy ending but I can't help but think at what cost. Do Hee lost so many close / precious people to her and that asshole Noh Su Min is still alive and able to be living while rotting away / losing his mind in prison. To me not enough justice was served, I needed to see Gu Won fight that man and hit him harder for real.
The uncanny bromance between Gu Won and Seok Hoon became so heartwarming. I’m glad both he Gu Won and Do Hee are able to consider each other as friends / family and get along well even if it did start out with him being madly in love with Do Hee. I’m actually glad they didn’t write the drama where he still would’ve tried his luck at pursuing her even after Gu Won disappeared like most other dramas. It was refreshing to see him give up from early on.
I cannot believe they made my man No Suh Min Ugly. His poor face (I’m half joking half serious but he was good looking before him taking such drastic measures and burning himself) I could not bear to look at him anymore as the drama went on. I have to say I really enjoyed Tae Hoon's performance. He had me convinced he was an abusive father and husband, the devil reincarnate and a psychopathic murderer all in one.
The last scene where Ga Young / Star Jin met the little girl who was being abused by her father broke my heart and tore it into a million pieces. Oh my gosh the tears kept flowing… her character arc / redemption is one of the best to come out of the show. I am so proud of her… the way she looked at the child it was like she herself was finally healing her inner child and able to protect someone the way Gu Won protected her all those years ago.
Unlike Gu Won she told her “Don’t forget angels always come and save you.” Finally she changed the narrative and gave the littler girl the hope and words of encouragement she needed all those years ago. To me that was just a really full circle moment and the only moment in the show that literally brought me to tears.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
In my opinion, this drama had a good beginning, an alright to mid middle, and an unimpressive conclusion. The drama twists Christianity and Demonism while maintaining certain aspects of the familiar; if you watch closely, you'll see all of their subtle allusions. I liked this drama to an extent, but I didn't believe the plot was properly developed or that the ending was plausible.
The Gu-won recantation sequence was one that I thought should have received more attention because I didn't think it was compelling enough. Do Hee is human, while Gu Won is still immortal. To be honest, I honestly believed that they would have caused her to spiral and become into an immortal or demon herself working alongside him or they would have caused Gu Won to reincarnate as a human or be reborn somehow. Simply put, it makes no sense for them to be together if Do Hee has a limited amount of time left on earth, which means that Gu Won will have to survive without her. Like LMAO? They really should have watched more supernatural movies/shows (eg. Twilight) before making this show so they can understand how human / immortal relationships have to play out. Granted, this story was written by a 13-year-old, but that's no excuse because the writers could've tried harder to improve the story and make it more logical.
Honestly the only good thing about this drama was the occasional funny moments, heartfelt moments and most importantly the OST. I could listen to it over and over again though I do think the song "Say You Love Me" and "The Way to Lose You" were played much too frequently. I like the songs don't get me wrong, but they used them so much that it was just a bit of an overkill.
I don’t think I’d recommend this drama to anyone because they’d be disappointed or feel that it lacked a lot. Unless cliche / underdeveloped fantasy romance is your thing I'd advise you stay away or just go into this with lower expectations. If you decide to press play just remember you're primarily here for entertainment not so much groundbreaking acting or even a half decent plot.
With all of that said, I give this drama a 6/10 mainly for the acting.
✌️
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SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE !
***DISCLAIMER: THIS IS JUST MY OPINION. YOU DON'T HAVE TO AGREE AND I'M NOT HERE TO ARGUE WITH ANYONE.***LONG STORY SHORT:
IF THEY WRAPPED THIS DRAMA UP IN 10-12 EPISODES IT COULD'VE BEEN SO MUCH BETTER.
1ST HALF – GOOD / WATCHABLE, 2ND HALF – A HOT MESS.
OVERVIEW:
The drama opens with a married couple putting on a show for the cameras then the scenes pan to reality as the husband is actually miserable in the marriage and desperately wants a divorce. He convinces himself he hates his wife and can no longer live with her / remain by her side. That is until she is diagnosed with a rare condition called cloud cytoma which affects her brains cognitive functions. She loses track of time, hallucinates and begins to lose her memory. Eventually Haein tells Hyunwoo about her medical condition and he is overjoyed because now he can just wait until she dies instead of filing for divorce. Hyunwoo’s friend (Yang-Gi) convinces him that he may be able to inherit Queen’s group if Haein leaves it in her will. Consequently, he decides to be a ”perfect” dutiful husband until then so nobody will suspect him. From there we follow this couple and their family through the ups and down of their marriage on a backdrop of another family scheming for their very downfall.
COMMENTARY:
The drama gets a bit silly from episode 8 onward. It would have been so much better without the parasite plot. Don’t get me wrong at first it seemed interesting but the evil guy turning out to be the mothers son who she abandoned and put into foster care then he was adopted then she orchestrated his adopted parents death was just WILD. Too much was going on and not in a good way.
I have to say this drama quite literally pulls out every cliche from the book. I would've preferred if the writers focused more on the main couple's marital issues, the process of healing each others wounds and dealing with grief / loss of a loved one etc. It could’ve been so much more developed and I feel like even the actors could've utilized their skills more in showing how they confront those emotions by dealing with them as a whole.
QoT was just not executed as well as it could have been. It could’ve been amazing had they leaned into the "slice of life aspect" of it more. Yes the disease was fictitious but that doesn’t mean they couldn't have tried to make the plot more feasible. Even after her surgery… she had no hair loss, no chemotherapy, no check ups. After she came out of surgery she was just magically cured with the exception of her losing her memories? Once again, that was so unrealistic.
I didn't connect to the side characters at all and a lot of the storylines with them were so irrelevant. Honestly I didn't care for Soocheol and Dahye's story especially because he just accepted her back so easily, no questions asked. They did not communicate or have an honest conversation about her abusive ex, who was the reason why she kept on running away without a second thought. Which brings me to Haein and her mom’s relationship. They had an opportunity to show the complexity of it but Haein forgave her so easily just like that and there was no period of the talking things out and healing their own individual trauma and then finally coming together to work through everything? Some people would argue seeing that would be boring but no… with a drama like this it needed more depth and more layers.
The leads have visually stunning scenes but I didn't feel any sparks or fireworks between them. I'm not gonna lie, at times it felt forced. They had me rooting for them in the beginning but lost me towards the middle especially when there was no real breaking point or indication of them working through their issues. I felt like they behaved more like teens falling in love for the first time than a married couple who had been through so much. There was also too much back and forth one minute they were ready to fix everything and reconcile the next they were pushing each other away and then back to square one, AGAIN.
Honestly this drama was sad and exhausting more than anything. The way everyone talks about this drama you’d think they had so many romantic scenes when in reality it was just heartbreak and grief because they anticipated Haein's death. But they didn't work through these emotions they just kind of accepted the inevitable.
LIKES:
First of all, the OST is amazing!
The epilogue scenes were really well done and I liked the fact that they gave us some insight into the couples past through Haein's memories. I really loved that scene where Hyunwoo got drunk and then told Haein he loved her.
I thought the cinematography was beautiful and everything looked picturesque especially in the flashback scenes.
I think both actors did a good job, particularly in the tear-jerking scenes. I believe Soo Hyun always nails his emotions. I wished we could've seen more expressions from Ji Won but I guess her character was more stony and cold so she represented that as best as she could. Again, the scenes where she broke down crying were notable.
Although I hated the villains they nailed their roles. I loved the acting from the aunt, I thought she brought some humor to the drama.
I also like all the fan edits of the lead couple as I feel those edits tend to capture their moments / emotions better while tuning out the background noise. Lol when I say edits are better than the drama itself, Queen of Tears would be the perfect example.
DISLIKES:
I have a problem with how no one is allowed to criticize this drama. I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion even the persons leaving bad reviews or who were let down after watching.
Initially I really was happy to see a drama dealing with marital issues but the problem is they didn’t really show them dealing with or working through their issues together.
In the earlier episodes, Hyunwoo wishing Haein's death was brutal and I would literally not wish cancer upon my worst enemy. Haein had her own flaws as she is a bit of a narcissist and a control freak. She also came off very condescending and cold towards others. I guess that’s her characterization but her realizing she only had 3 months to live made her drastically turn into a whole different person.
It truly felt like Haein and Hyunwoo didn’t even try in their marriage. After they lost the baby it’s like everything just fell apart, and they both allowed it. They didn’t even try couples therapy or delve deeper into their grief. I assume Haein poured herself into her work while Hyunwoo distanced himself from her, moved into the baby’s room and also got consumed by work. But I genuinely needed more than that.
The writers were unable to strike the perfect balance between showing and telling because they wanted to do flashbacks and also present day, but they didn't really delve into the loss of their child and why their marriage essentially fell apart.
I believe the writers wanted to create multidimensional characters but failed in their execution. It is clear the writers adored Eunseong and expected people to sympathize with him but they were sorely mistaken. Anyone who defends Eunseong is nuts. No matter how bad someone's life is or how terrible they feel about others, that doesn't give them the right to become a deranged vengeance-seeking murderer. Furthermore, the mother-son duo with their tumultuous relationship took up far too much screen time. It took so much out of me to not just skip over their scenes especially when a lot of it was just showing them scheming to take down Queens group.
The “happy ending” was bittersweet and left a sour taste in my mouth. We didn’t get a lot of happy moments between Haein and Hyunwoo for the majority of the drama, so I was hoping for at least some good moments between them in the finale. But no once again the writers had other plans. They wanted to end the story on a tragic / somber note, with Hyunwoo carrying flowers to Haein's grave. However, she did not die as early as expected. It was implied got to enjoy her life, they had a child etc. but Hyunwoo still had to mourn her before eventually following her to "heaven". The scene when they saw each other again did nothing for me, just made me have conflicting emotions to be honest.
OVERALL:
QoT had too many storylines. Most of the arcs were unnecessary rendering the storylines improbable. The side characters were poorly developed, annoying and didn’t add anything. It’s only watchable because of Kim Ji Won and Kim Soo Hyun. I felt like something was missing since the beginning because there was just so much to unpack that they never did.
The plot is very early 2010s formulaic and I believe this drama's weakness was its production in 2024, as well as the overdone cliches. Everything was completely anticipated and not shocking at all imo. The showrunners tried to hold people's attention by throwing in the most bizarre plot lines but this got tiresome / old quickly. It was as if whenever there was anything good, something awful had to happen to balance it out, which just didn't seem realistic or practical.
THE WRITERS NEEDED SOMEONE TO TELL THEM TO PUT THEIR PENS DOWN! They truly needed someone to slap some sense into them and tell them to stop the overdramatic makjang plots. Imo, most of the characters were just used as plot devices to further the storyline and create illogical chaos.
Would I rewatch this? No. I would only watch scenes I liked and an edit would suffice instead of the entire drama as a whole.
With all of that said, I would rate it a 7/10 (my objective rating)
However, I decided to round it up to a 7.5/10 and only for the leads.
At the end of the day if you don’t believe some of the reviews you just have to watch the drama for yourself and see if you like it or not.
Happy Watching!
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
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