O Toque (2020)

Seriously.
I was one of the people who were a bit iffy at the age difference. Its not the age gap itself that bothered me (12 years isn't that wild for me really, knowing lots of couples irl have similar of even larger gaps) It was the visual age gap. Joo Sang Wook looks his age (maybe a bit older) while Kim Bo Ra could probably get asked to check her ID if she tries to buy a drink. It's not a key element at the drama at all for the most part though, rather just a nagging based off my own bias.

The story was forgettable. I honestly couldn't tell you a thorough synopsis even though I literally just finished the final episode. I think there was some business war and some ex-lover mess in there somewhere? something about suicide awareness maybe?? Touch tried to arise too many problems and themes for anyone to have a real grasp of the "story". I honestly think this could've been a really cute and relaxing drama if there was less attempts at edgy business wars, chaotic relationships, and missing people. We could have a cute little rom-com following and ex-idol discovering a new path while inspiring and falling in love with her mentor but instead we got Touch.

Acting having a 6.0 is only thanks to side characters. The ML and FL failed to serve any type of romantic chemistry, even when they straight up kissed. No matter how hard I tried, I just could see anything but a mentor and pupil. My heart never fluttered watching them. I wouldn't even say this was due to age gap, I just truly felt NOTHING other than a developing friendship between the two, maybe a bit of adoration on Se Yeon's side. Them kissing was equivalent of two pieces of stale bread pressed on eachother. Yes, for me it was that bad. Luckily we had actors like Hong Seok Cheon (Dong Min) and Lee Taw Hwan (Do Jin) to brighten this shows excuse for romance and plot. The only times I ever laughed, swooned, or felt sad during this show were during their (and other support) scenes.

This show was a first class waste of time. It may not be the worst out there but it's definitely far from good. Please only watch this if you need to fill out a challenge requirement or if you need to something other than watch paint dry.

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To preface I'm not sure what it was about touch that kept me coming back but objectively I know that the drama was a solid So-So.

The Good
Whilst many complained about the lack of romance within the series, this is what endeared me the most about it. The
"romantic couple" were not wrapped up in each other in the obsessively aggressive way which is norm that is usually portrayed by other dramas. I liked that they had their own lives and problems and being together was not the magic cure that fixed everything. It was a quiet love that they came together to support each other when needed and even give the other a gentle push when needed. During the episodes you can see how they cared for each other. It wasn't a bells and whistle kind of romance but I liked it just the same.

The So-So
The casting was a major problem for me. I tried not to be but I was often bothered by the age difference and I think it largely had to do with watching Kim Bo Ra as a high school student last year in Sky Castle and then switch it up to this. Although they kept saying she was 25 she came across as a 20 year old which I think is why I enjoyed their luke warm romance.

The side stories really didn't help the drama along and it was at these moments where I loudly questioned why I was watching this drama to begin with.

The show also touched on a lot of controversial topics but didn't quite accomplish it the way they had expected. The age gap, domestic abuse, chaebol power struggles where the daughters of the family are mostly considered inferior and the pressure of fame with balancing your personal life with your public image.

I was also not a fan of Lee Tae Hwan character as he didn't seem genuine in the least. His feelings were all but superficial except in the part of the friendship.

My Feelings
As I said in the preface I was weirdly drawn to this drama. In my heart I gave it a solid 7 but my brain was ranting 'why why why?' Being a Joo Sang Wook fan probably had a lot to do with it and maybe he mesmerized me for a time. I'm not even sure I would recommend but I guess I kinda liked it.

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