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Amazing, underrated but NOT a lighthearted drama - Funny, Sad, and Relatable
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75
Trigger Warning - this drama covers many issues and might be difficult to watch for those who are sensitive. I’ve listed the potential triggers at the end of this review.
“Salon De Nabi” aka “Fly High Butterfly '' is an underrated drama that was not released in Korea due to the bullying scandal of supporting actress, Shim Eun Woon (Jen). The drama was released in Taiwan instead and then on Amazon Prime in selected regions. It’s really unfortunate that “Salon de Nabi” did not get its deserved release and promotion because it’s a great drama. It tackles many important social issues through the lives of the 7 individuals working at the salon and their customers. Initially, I thought this would be a lighthearted watch, but I was wrong. I did laugh a lot, but I also shed many tears for the characters. I was shocked at how funny and depressing the first episode was.
I realized that I had to pay attention to this drama as not all the events and explanations are openly and graphically shown. There's quite a bit of subtlety to the storytelling, e.g. the uncle greeting the teenager and touching her arm, the character calling out their mother’s name outside the police station and then the camera panning to the cross hanging in the car, which then reminded me the scene where the character left a cake outside their family’s door. These scenes are shown to us, but not explicitly explained.
We get to know each of the 7 unique main characters in the salon, some with a bigger focus than others. The drama uses a lot of humor when introducing them but along with the laughter, there’s a lot of tears when we learn of the challenges each of them faces. I would not have liked this drama as much if there were only funny parts.
Gi Bbeum, as the female lead, has the most screen time and the biggest character development. Her story was the first to be introduced in episode 1 and also sets the tone for the rest of the drama. It’s lovely to see how she’s changed from an introverted, quiet but hard working intern who battles social anxiety, to a more confident and outspoken designer/hairdresser-in-the-making. Despite her flaws, she’s not afraid to keep learning and asking questions. Her questions might be weird but she’s trying very hard to improve. Her romance with Moo Yeol is really cute. They’re destined to be together as Moo Yeol seems to be the only one that can understand her mumbling speech. The love confession does seem to have come out of nowhere despite the weak explanation that she might have liked him from day 1. I think Moo Yeol brings Gi Bbeum out of her shell and helps her become a better version of herself. He is quite attuned to her moods, and is not afraid to ask her questions. Gi Bbeum, though shy, is very honest with Moo Yeol.
None of these characters are perfect, and a couple might be very annoying. But these flawed characters feel relatable thus we care about them and root for them to overcome their challenges. I particularly like the odd pair of Jen & Kwang Soo. Jen is the best ‘wingwoman’ and she’s so badass. Kwang Soo is the weirdest and most self-absorbed jerk, yet he can be very perceptive and can shut you down with his no nonsense facts. I probably like Michelle and Soo Ri the least, and find them slightly annoying. Poor Teacher Woo is just there. He doesn’t get a lot of screen time or lines, but I think that’s because of who he is. This weird bunch of individuals don’t necessarily like each other and are not the found family in other dramas that give you the warm and fuzzy feeling. But when one of them is in need, they rally behind and have each other’s back. There are a few circumstances where I don’t agree with the initial reactions of the characters. But when I think clearly, their reactions and actions are very normal. These are flawed characters and it takes time for them to digest the information, but will also act appropriately at the end.
My main criticism is probably the number of issues they try to cover in this drama. Sometimes, I feel like the drama is trying to do too much, therefore, a few of the storylines are fully developed. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend this drama if you want a slice-of-life drama that covers some relatable issues in a very funny yet human way.
Other Random Observations:
1. Some bad wigs are used in this drama.
2. It’s funny how dissatisfied customers all run to the public restroom to check their hair.
3. I have enough fat girls being criticized plot, forever stay in the friend zone and have low self-esteem.
4. FL’s fake smiles are haunting me.
5. It’s so sad that a character refused to go to the hospital after being stabbed by a pair of scissors.
6. Jen & Kwang Soo’s romance could have developed more.
7. Great advice from Jen about FL’s first time having sex - looking back to see if it’s a fond memory.
8. Love the interesting way of telling the ‘origin’ story of the 7 individuals in episode 15.
9. Ep 15 is technically the season finale. Ep 16 is only a bonus episode.
10. I did not like Ep 16 - it’s all fun but I was bored because I am missing the human element of the drama. Comedy only is not enough for me.
Potential Triggers (spoilers): bullying, weight issues, fat shaming, transphobia, sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts and attempts, depression, terminal illness.
Completed: 3/19/2023
Trigger Warning - this drama covers many issues and might be difficult to watch for those who are sensitive. I’ve listed the potential triggers at the end of this review.
“Salon De Nabi” aka “Fly High Butterfly '' is an underrated drama that was not released in Korea due to the bullying scandal of supporting actress, Shim Eun Woon (Jen). The drama was released in Taiwan instead and then on Amazon Prime in selected regions. It’s really unfortunate that “Salon de Nabi” did not get its deserved release and promotion because it’s a great drama. It tackles many important social issues through the lives of the 7 individuals working at the salon and their customers. Initially, I thought this would be a lighthearted watch, but I was wrong. I did laugh a lot, but I also shed many tears for the characters. I was shocked at how funny and depressing the first episode was.
I realized that I had to pay attention to this drama as not all the events and explanations are openly and graphically shown. There's quite a bit of subtlety to the storytelling, e.g. the uncle greeting the teenager and touching her arm, the character calling out their mother’s name outside the police station and then the camera panning to the cross hanging in the car, which then reminded me the scene where the character left a cake outside their family’s door. These scenes are shown to us, but not explicitly explained.
We get to know each of the 7 unique main characters in the salon, some with a bigger focus than others. The drama uses a lot of humor when introducing them but along with the laughter, there’s a lot of tears when we learn of the challenges each of them faces. I would not have liked this drama as much if there were only funny parts.
Gi Bbeum, as the female lead, has the most screen time and the biggest character development. Her story was the first to be introduced in episode 1 and also sets the tone for the rest of the drama. It’s lovely to see how she’s changed from an introverted, quiet but hard working intern who battles social anxiety, to a more confident and outspoken designer/hairdresser-in-the-making. Despite her flaws, she’s not afraid to keep learning and asking questions. Her questions might be weird but she’s trying very hard to improve. Her romance with Moo Yeol is really cute. They’re destined to be together as Moo Yeol seems to be the only one that can understand her mumbling speech. The love confession does seem to have come out of nowhere despite the weak explanation that she might have liked him from day 1. I think Moo Yeol brings Gi Bbeum out of her shell and helps her become a better version of herself. He is quite attuned to her moods, and is not afraid to ask her questions. Gi Bbeum, though shy, is very honest with Moo Yeol.
None of these characters are perfect, and a couple might be very annoying. But these flawed characters feel relatable thus we care about them and root for them to overcome their challenges. I particularly like the odd pair of Jen & Kwang Soo. Jen is the best ‘wingwoman’ and she’s so badass. Kwang Soo is the weirdest and most self-absorbed jerk, yet he can be very perceptive and can shut you down with his no nonsense facts. I probably like Michelle and Soo Ri the least, and find them slightly annoying. Poor Teacher Woo is just there. He doesn’t get a lot of screen time or lines, but I think that’s because of who he is. This weird bunch of individuals don’t necessarily like each other and are not the found family in other dramas that give you the warm and fuzzy feeling. But when one of them is in need, they rally behind and have each other’s back. There are a few circumstances where I don’t agree with the initial reactions of the characters. But when I think clearly, their reactions and actions are very normal. These are flawed characters and it takes time for them to digest the information, but will also act appropriately at the end.
My main criticism is probably the number of issues they try to cover in this drama. Sometimes, I feel like the drama is trying to do too much, therefore, a few of the storylines are fully developed. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend this drama if you want a slice-of-life drama that covers some relatable issues in a very funny yet human way.
Other Random Observations:
1. Some bad wigs are used in this drama.
2. It’s funny how dissatisfied customers all run to the public restroom to check their hair.
3. I have enough fat girls being criticized plot, forever stay in the friend zone and have low self-esteem.
4. FL’s fake smiles are haunting me.
5. It’s so sad that a character refused to go to the hospital after being stabbed by a pair of scissors.
6. Jen & Kwang Soo’s romance could have developed more.
7. Great advice from Jen about FL’s first time having sex - looking back to see if it’s a fond memory.
8. Love the interesting way of telling the ‘origin’ story of the 7 individuals in episode 15.
9. Ep 15 is technically the season finale. Ep 16 is only a bonus episode.
10. I did not like Ep 16 - it’s all fun but I was bored because I am missing the human element of the drama. Comedy only is not enough for me.
Potential Triggers (spoilers): bullying, weight issues, fat shaming, transphobia, sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts and attempts, depression, terminal illness.
Completed: 3/19/2023
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