Café Minamdang (2022)

Apparently Cops Breaking the Law is Cute

Cast does a great job in this drama but the characterization of the female officer turns what could have been a funny and intriguing new show into an unwatchable disappointment. I have two major problems that I tried to just push through until the final events of the second episode. Then, the female lead's actions were a bridge too far - or in her case, a doorway too far.

First, writers need to stop depicting female-on-male unprovoked physical violence as a form of comedy or girl power. It is not cute or funny in any context. Here, a cop repeatedly assaults an unarmed, unthreatening citizen. If your actions upset a cop, is it somehow alright for them to kick you? You disappoint a cop's expectation and the cop can throw you over their shoulder and hurl you to the pavement? In what world is that remotely acceptable? That officer should be immediately fired and sued. But here somehow there are no repercussions or even a hint that anyone in this universe thinks her actions were wrong to commit physical violence against a citizen she dislikes! It's ridiculous. Okay cool, way to go venting your anger like an absolute child who should not have any of the power or responsibility entrusted with law enforcement. It's criminal. She could absolutely have been arrested for her actions.

Second, a related point, writers need to stop allowing the "good guy" cops to break the law and get away with it/frame it as fine as long as it's in pursuit of the greater good! The female lead seems to have admired and looked up to the male lead during his past as an officer. He explicitly told her that police protected both victims and criminals within the bounds of the law. Has she taken any of that to heart? Obviously not if she believes the presence of a victim would justify the cops illegally gaining evidence against the perpetrator. Or if she believes she can physically attack those who have differing views or sides than her. Or if she believes she is justified to break into a citizen's home because she perceives him as a barrier to her. She's not police at this point she's a criminal herself. Two wrongs don't make a right. Her sense of morality and faith in the law "blessing" people seem to only apply when others break the law - not herself. Now I love a morally grey character! But, not when it's a cop trying to arrest people without following the proper procedure demanded by law and the show frames this person to be the good guy acting for the greater good.

For these reasons, I am quitting what may otherwise be a gem of a drama. The flagrant criminal actions of the female lead police offer prevent me from continuing. I could be absolutely wrong and the show will address my concerns in subsequent episodes. Even if it doesn't, it still may well be a lovely drama viewing experience. I am not trying to dissuade anyone from watching the drama. In this review, I merely wanted to highlight these two important issues that I believe should not be brushed over blithely with a comedic tone.

Leia Mais

On the fence

Cafe Minamdang intrigued me for two reasons: 1. The plot and 2. Seo In Guk.

I've sat through some questionable dramas during my time simply because of an actor I liked. I always have a principle of watching at least three episodes before giving up on the drama.

Cafe minamdang started okay and progressively became an effort to watch. When a drama becomes something you watch just for the background noise, it's better to drop it. However, since this drama has recently started and has one of my favorite actors, I've put it on hold and will decide whether to pick it up or drop it entirely once it has finished airing.

That being said, the plot had a lot of potential, and I think most of the drawback lies in the female lead. Many viewers have dropped the drama because she has a very dislikable presence on the screen, which isn't suitable for any drama. Additionally, there is little to no chemistry between her and Seo in guk. I have watched his dramas, and he's always been able to convey sizzling scenes when it was needed. If the drama is to survive, something needs to be done about the female detective.

It doesn't help that it is airing around the same time as two trending dramas: AoS and Attorney Woo. For people who don't have enough time to catch up with airing dramas and have to choose, Cafe minamdang would not make the cut. It promises flair but falls short severely.

Nonetheless, I hope it succeeds through some miracle. I'd recommend waiting and observing how well it does on air and then deciding whether to watch it.

Leia Mais

A little odd but fun to watch

This is not my usual cup of tea, but I’ve got a thing for crime dramas at the moment so I’m here for it. The premise is really engaging and despite the upbeat OST you can tell it will handle some serious topics. I look forward to seeing where they take it.

The actors are funny and engaging and it helps you look past some of the other downfalls. One that I think is important to mention though is that the FL is supposed to be younger than the ML and you can really tell she’s not, for me that’s a little hard to overlook and is a bad casting choice in my opinion. It also makes the chemistry between them awkward I think, at least for the first couple of episodes. Hopefully that’s something that improves as the story goes on.

Though be warned, if you’re not a fan of seeing the “good guys” bend the law this probably isn’t for you.

Leia Mais

Disappointing.

The trailer made this drama look so fun, but halfway through the first episode and I had to force myself to complete it. The character intros were pretty fun and the potential to be similar or better than Chief Kim is there, but it felt too forced. There’s exaggerated humour that grows on you and another that fails, and sadly for me CM fell on the latter. I felt like the writers couldn’t find he balance between making it intense and thrilling while keeping the humour and light parts. The comic scenes even felt too slapstick. I will try to give it another try, hopefully it improves in the next episode.

Edit: I couldn’t get back to it eventually, didn’t hold my interest after all.

Leia Mais