Subjective Gut Rating - 7.75

The romance in “The Secret Romantic Guesthouse” isn’t that romantic. I think the title is giving me false hopes.

Let’s do a quick fire bullet-point review;

1. Supposedly smart leads making dumb decisions - Is that really a good idea to send a secret message by throwing it over the wall into the pond, when anyone can pick it up?? Why would you leave an ornament by the grave for others to find and know that you are alive?
2. The secret identity was kept for 8 years and all of a sudden, everyone found out. People can't keep their mouths shut.
3. The main romance is not working for me. I don't feel the chemistry and am not moved by their challenges. Ryeoun is cute and has boyish charms, but his acting is not as good as the other two male leads. He also lacks charisma.
4. I much prefer the sister's story and romance.
5. Kang Hoon as Kim Shi Yeol is probably my favorite character. I think his acting is the best out of the 3 male leads.
6. First half of the story is interesting and kept me guessing their identities. The bromance/brotherhood is fun and interesting. I love the family feel.
7. Then the pace becomes slower when the secret is revealed. It continues to be moderately slow through all the politics.
8. Well, at least there is no annoying character and the overall acting is quite good, esp the veterans.
9. Does this drama need to be 18-episode long? At least you don’t have a rushed ending.
10. The crazy king is entertaining and the actor did a pretty good job.
11. No fish kisses!

Do I recommend this? Only if you are a fan of the actors and you have time to kill. It’s not bad, but also not as good as I thought it would be.


Completed: 5/24/2023 - Review #310