Ok so this review is dark and full of spoilers. aand I'm going to vent a lot my frustration so you may hate me if you liked this drama. Then just don't blow your bubble and stop reading now. xD
I found this drama on netflix and at first it was our typical, full of cliché (and occasionally cringeness) love story: marriage contract between a poor thing who has a desease and the only donor compatible: the youngest and richest CEO of CEOs history that every woman would like to approach - but for some reasons he doesn't seem to be attracted by anyone, and rumors have him being in a triangle with his secretary male assistant and his male actor friend.
Asians are rather conservative about lgbt so none of them is actually gay, or at least bi. Bi would be a nice plot twist.
But instead we had a really shitty plot twist that will make your jaw drop underground.
Well the signals were there and some bells happened to ring for me, but I know that dramas are often a bit extra, so I wouldn't imagine what was going to happen.
First of all: she had to beg him several times because even tho he was on the donor's list (it means he signed himself in) he didn't want to agree to save her life. That's quite nasty for a premise even for the tsundere archetype to be honest.
Then as they start to "fake" their marriage (he asked her to marry him in exchange of her life, basically. She tought he was gay and needed a cover up - but that's her assumption, not a deception.) he starts to be a bit too controlling: he stated she - a grown woman - was forbidden to drink alcohol (not getting drunk, just to drink a beer for instance), was forbidden to wear skirts over her knee and things like that.
Actually the very alarm for me went on the moment she was walking at the mall with her friend and some guy stole her wallet, only to come back minutes later scared with that same wallet intact, begging forgiveness. How did her hubby knew? Wasn't he supposed to be at work, doing all that office stuff? (seriously I am always amused to see how much free time heads of conglomerates have to roam around instead of directing thousand people in dramaland. And they just sign stuff or scold people when they're rarely seen at their workplace LOL)
Some time passes and they spend lovely time together, they say cheesy stuff and flirt all the way.
And then the ugly thruth: we get to know that the marriage in fact was the masterpiece of the dick moves to approach a girl you like: he stalked, photographed her, got reports about her FOR TWO FREAKING YEARS and planned ahead the whole marriage thing by bribing doctors and forging documents about her having leukemia, when she was just anemic!! That would be GENIAL if only this drama was tagged under "thriller". But it's a rom com instead. How romantic! Let me spread some rotten flower petals here.
Because asking her for a coffee was too mainstream? We get to see in flashbacks she wasn't a cold, difficult to approach person, the exact opposite!! In fact he fell for her because they met by coincidence and she helped a stranger (him) without asking anything in return.
Even with his turbolent past with a severe father and a uncaring mother (she was a real bitch, let me say it moreover because she seemed a poor victim of the father too when she tried to steal his son's company at first occasion. wtf.) I think that's not logic at all. And also why his loyal assistant didn't warn him about the consequences, about how frong this was?? He planned to deceive her and confess the truth only when she had already fallen for him so she would forgive his actions: yeah sure, feed that to the dogs.
If only that she did exactly as he planned.
She discovered the truth, she got angry, she told him how suffocating is his behavior, HE LOCKED HER UP IN THE HOUSE WITH TWO GUARDS "FOR HER SAKE" when she wanted to leave and after couple of episodes they're back together. No consequences, no therapy.
Not to mention he begged her, telling her he wanted to change and after all that, she discovers he bought her apartment in secret. Psycho much? Hello? You didn't learn anything from all that mess?
But let's being serious for a second here because yes it's a fiction, it's a drama so "over the top or die trying" is our national anthem but I felt rather disturbed to see how lightly all the matter was treated. The friends, from both sides, just said: "oh, that's not cool" and that was it. Leaving aside the fact he didn't yell or hit at her, he, in fact, abused her. This was plain domestic abuse. He said what every perpetrator say in this circumstance "it's for your own good, I did it for you".
For the rest of the drama I kept being disturbed by it, I kept thinking the target of this stories are teens and they are easily influenced by everything around them. (It's not an asian only thing, I can use "after" by Anna Todd as another bad example.)
I just don't think it's a good idea showing manipulative characters justified and forgiven like that, without at least some therapy. Yes, he's a victim of his father too and I am prone to be more comprehensive, but it's not enough for me to excuse him or giving him a second chance right away.
I think it's also disrespectful towards all the people out there who are abused by their partner, trapped in this nightmare.
You may think "yeah but it's just fiction!" and I may agree with you except that seeing often those things as normal and romanticized even is very harmful for young minds. If he wasn't rich and handsome would you be on the same page as now?
Here's a really fitting example of what I'm trying to say: we're all educated that pink is a feminine color. A boy would be ashamed to wear pink (Jia Fei was more convinced that Wen Li was gay because he liked that very color) but isn't it just a pale hue of red? That's how our brain works: we get used to things and finally think they're normality. Ling Yi Zhou himself is a perfect example: he's so used to be manipulated by his father he thinks he's normal to treat his partner as some pet.
I was sad to see people willing to cheer for them at the end, while they were so severe to the second fem lead girl who basically did the same thing to Ling (she ipnotized and drugged him to forget his wife so she could stand a chance. This reminded me of Tom Riddle's mother. She tricked a guy to love her with a potion and when he woke up he left her pregnant with the dark lord. That would be a great lesson for both An Ran and Ling Yi Zhou).
I liked how Xia Lin and Chu Yan's friendship developed and that left me with the infamous second lead syndrome. He started as a bitchy rival, then he learned to respect her as a person and they become friends, they talked about stuff and helped each other: sometimes she rescued him, sometimes he rescued her. The true example of an equal and sane relationship.
For me the perfect ending would have been her escaping with him and the controlling dude being on therapy and then after few time trying again to have a relationship with another woman in the right way (or die, while trying to kill the girl and his friend who "stole" her), I think I will pretend that happened and forget about this whole stuff right away.
if it wasn't clear enough I won't recommend this at all xD I would rather keep watching the same old stuff full of clichés without abuse :/

Leia Mais

Actually, first episodes had me hooked. I liked that the heroine was more like an "anti-hero", selfish and a bit rude, the contrast between thriller and comedy was interesting at first, but then...I don't know, I got confused. There was too much stuff in there, and none of that was developed the right way.
The comedy was horrible. The gang (the poop liquor and the beatings. UGH just NOPE), the monk (I mean what's the point of introducing a new irrelevant character at almost the end of the show??), the abused father...what's funny in that? I can save the gay misunderstanding only because both male leads had great chemistry LOL
DBS's mother was the worst mom I've ever seen so far, mine included. She abused the poor husband and told her daughter to force herself on the male lead :/
Also it bothered me a lot that DBS never took her job seriously (well it's HS in the first place who hired her just to have a children-sized desk in his office -.-''') or seriously get a thought about her powers and responsabilities.
The thriller part was the one that got me disappointed the most. Basically the culprit is a random psycho dude and he has really nothing to do with DBS except for they live in the same area...
I think this show could have been something but it just tried to be so much things and failed everyone, except maybe the fluffy romance

Leia Mais

Well, this is a good comedy drama to pass the time, but I won't say it was impressive, and I probably forget it soon.
If you're in for the "summer readings" then give it a try.
I liked that they tried to put more depth to the prosopagnosia trope (now, this desease is a trend in dramaland and it seem to affect a lot of young ceos LOL can you please not be so obvious when you take inspiration?) by comparing Min Ik to her blind brother (even tho it was a very weak and short moment) and describing it as something scary and anxious. I mean you can't recognize people around you, that could be a setback, especially for someone who needs to recognize friends from foes.
I also liked the fact they talked about how some workplaces are a real hell (this thing was also treated in "Jugglers") for employees as maids, secretaries, drivers and so on, and they have a sort of will of change it.
But they kinda didn't handle it very well, the whole plot about the "robin hood secretary fight club" who sell the bribes their boss get from other people and use that money to cover employees issues is a bit boring, moreover because it doesn't concern the two leads or second leads, at least not entirely.
I liked a lot Veronica Park. I was scared when she was introduced because I thought she would be THAT annoying second female lead character, but her being too extra is, in fact, refreshing and amusing. I liked how she was somehow "naive" (not with love relationships LOL) but supporting towards the female protagonist AND her sister.
Well, what I didn't really liked was how much episodes and focus was spent for the whole "I pretend to be someone else" thing, it's something we saw a lot of time, also in western shows and movies, so I don't think it was needed...the show could've take another road without it and it would have been fine.
I find it hard to cheer for the protagonist if she pretend to be someone else, taking advantage of his illness, in order to obtain his love. It's lame and honestly if you think about it, it never ends well. I especially despise her sharade because she knew he had issues with his family and trust issues...she was too greedy, Our fictional characters are lucky their partner are sooo in love and understanding they come to forgive them, but in real life...well suing is the very least imo.
And the plot was pretty much stark...there are some evident plot holes, especially about the disguise and the assault thing that made me wonder if they thought I was too stupid to realize it.
I mean why in the world the driver would change a lightbulb in his boss office at night and why, when Min Ik finds out, he attacks him instead of saying "I'm your driver" . This doesn't make sense at all.
Also I wont' even try to analyse the medical aspect of it: his illness can be "cured" if he has high pressure or if he sees the one he loves....even sticking to it, there were moments were he was supposed to be excited or nervous (like when he confessed to Gal Hee, when they almost made sex and so on) but nothing happened. Conveniently at the end he has a scare in the elevator and his illness just goes away. I'd rather use the fantasy elements than this.
The last thing got me a bit annoyed it's an aspect of their romance. They were cute yes, but a bit too teenage-style to be 30 something. Min Ik hinted he had other relationships in that "stocking moment" (LOL) but they were awkward just by holding their hands or hugging (while in the first episode, when she was just the secretary I thought they were more chill about touching). I'm not saying I wanted hot stuff or whatever, it's just a bit surreal to see them being too much naive for their actual age.
I would rewatch this? I don't know, honestly. I was annoyed at her lies and I don't know if I want to face that again...but overall was cute and not to dramatic, LOL in the first episode Gal Hee's mother death was comic instead of sad.

Leia Mais

It was overall a cute drama, but I can't say neither I loved it or I hated it, and I think this is worse, because it's ought to be forgotten (by me at least). I'm not an exo fan (please don't kill me xD) so it was a little more difficult to watch, because I didn't have the fangirl motivation here xD
Someone said is a shopping king Louis in joseon and...well that's where the problem lies. Everything, like every trope of this drama it's already seen and already done. The similarities with skl are many, but also with like every period drama I have seen. (Speaking of which: there is a saeguk not focused on the royal family? Or at least not only, like there's nothing else to write about that period??) There's no suspance, no really twists in the story or mysteries - we all knew that the assassin brother was the father of the queen's baby. Even the death of the evil vice minister was unsatisfying...well the whole plotting against the crown was too bland and boring.
Also! There was the "solution agency" which was an interesting thing, but they drop it pretty soon only to bring it back at the end just to feign ignorance about the fact they forgot about it lol

Ps. My extremely unpopular opinion: I had the second lead syndrome... I felt much more chemistry between Hong Shim and the magistrate...maybe because I liked more his characterization or to me he has better acting skills (not saying the ml sucked...I just preferred the sm) when he almost proposed at the end I hoped they would've take the "realism" route and have the prince marry a noblewoman (ugh bitter isn't it?) and let them become a couple.

Leia Mais

I liked how the drama started, the concept wasn't something unseen but it had his elements of uniqueness.
That element were the kids and the neighborhood. I especially liked how the clueless parents actually discovered key informations without even knowing, it was refreshing and I felt good because usually in spies movies and shows the organization members are too superior to commoners (must be that way to protect the country right? Still, to me flawless people are annoying) and the whole babysitting was cute to the max (those two kids are so pretty and sweet! And I don't even like kids lol).
Also Go Ae Rin was a good female lead, some of her decisions and justifications were not the best (you won't poke your nose around to a dangerous place like j int. out of mere curiosity, they could've make her connect her husband death to that place in order to give her a solid motive to investigate. Like not the whole plot, it would be marysueish xD just an hint...) she still was a complete character with a growth through the drama. I liked her courage.
I think tho, the husband was forgot pretty fast...even if that character is just a catalyst for her to be introduced into the spies world, he was her loved one, the man who was the father of her chilchildren...they tried to justify with "I have to stay strong for my children" but still it felt weak to me.
The spy plot...let's say I like all the reference to all the famous spy movies like mib, 007, kingsman, uncle, and so on. As I said I really find exciting to see how this world collided with the commoners world, but this faded away, especially towards the end. I guessed who the evil ones where and their motivation/plan was really predictable. I admit I skipped towards the end.
The romance was meh..., they started too fast but more consistently and then they backed up in the middle. There are no kisses, just that nose-nose thing with the child and occasionally with the male neighbor who's lowkey gay for the main lead. (There is an hint of bromance between them and the two male leads)
Another interesting character was Young Tae, the conman/thief that's not really the worst person in the drama. I saw this actor in Go Back Couple and I really liked him, he's not as handsome as Terius (truthfully I am not in for the looks, but I fall hard for charisma xD) but he was more interesting to me. So Ji Sub is not a bad actor, but he has always that stoic emotionless scheme in every drama I watched with him (maybe I just picked the ones that are similar), I admit it was a good contrast with the children but the second male stole some spotlight!
The worst thing probably was the product placement. I can forgive the plot holes since I watched it as comedy (so I did't pay too much attention to the evil people plot xD), but the advertisement was a little over the top. Too many products and too much footage of them sponsorizing coffees, fast foods, beverage, jewelry and so on. It was too obvious and ruined the mood :(
It was cute but not to the extent of rewatching it in the future.
I don't recommend it if you like mystery and romance, more like if you're into cute comedy and slice of life

Leia Mais

Actually I didn't like very much even the japanese version, I still tried this because maybe would have been different.
First of all in both versions I don't understand why the title "rich man, poor woman"...isn't it kind of a thing in 97% of dramas?...could have been named "the ceo and the employee" or "cheerful and naive girl falls for her boss who have some sort of past trauma" at this point.
The female lead's motivations were so weak when she claimed she wanted to stay in the company or beside the ceo (first time that she rejected the vice-minster woman) and I really can't understand what kind of character she should be...how can someone that can memorize an entire book and do all that administrative work (when they founded dancing whale) is considered dumb? The world is divided only in magical geniuses and idiots? And why she let people call her that way? She showed a little of attitude only in the last episode but so drastically that she seem another person entirely...
And why all that shareholders/meeting whatever footage?
The male lead was sorta okay, but in comparison with the japanese one he lacks a bit of charisma. I personally not really into that type of character so I even found him annoying sometimes.
The romance between the girl best friend and the womanizer guy was more interesting that the leads one.
Second female lead was annoying, I liked the one in the japanese version because she was competing fairly without being bitchy with the fem lead.
Some scenes (crying scenes mostly) were a bit weird, they overacted a bit.
Overall it gave me a Steve Jobs biography vibe with a little of Zuckerberg (the mini file/big file project), probably the original writer was inspired by those.
I found it very boring, won't recommend if you're looking for cute romance or comedy.

Leia Mais

Honestly I don't know where to start with this. Maybe it's my fault, for having such high expectations after reading the synopsis. I waited a lot before starting it because I read a lot of negative comments about it, but I liked Won Jin Ha in Just between lovers and I was really looking forward to her next project.
This drama felt so off in many aspects, primarily because it's not really clear what it wants to be: rom com? sci fi? thriller? comedy? Well, not that mixing genres is necessarily a bad thing, but it was like..."compartmentalized"? There are comedy scenes, romance scenes, sci-fi scenes but they don't blend together...it just jumps from a scene to another and you're left with the feeling you're watching 3 different dramas at the same time.
One thing I really disliked in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (from the same writer) was the unnecessarily abuse of violence for "comedy" purposes. This time is Mi Ran's ex boyfriend that got beat up to a pulp several time. Was he a douche? Absolutely. But let me repeat myself: a woman who abuses a man is not different from a man abusing a woman. It's not a "strong woman" trait. It made me uncomfortable seeing the man getting abused in almost every scene.
Another thing that felt off was the way the two leads adjusted to their new life, there was some heartwarming sibling scene but I didn't feel any real grief from a guy who lost his father "yesterday" (knowing he died on a stroke while still searching desperately for him I don't know, I would have been devastated), somehow they adjust and beside of the "keep your temperature at 31° or you'll faint", it becomes an office rom com at some point. Even his ex was quickly left aside (well compared to those old dramas where the guy keeps wavering till last episode I suppose I prefer it this way LOL) I probably would have left out some of that unfunny comedy with the broadcasting staff and the ex to explore more the consequences occurred to them and their families.
I mean there was this premise earlier when we see some of their "99 life", where I felt this sadness slowly creating the atmosphere between both leads and their relatives, and when they reunited instead of a moment of pathos (with the only exception of when Nam Tae reunited with his sister) there is this chaotic scene with everyone screaming like crazy, crying loudly and objects falling noisily on the floor. Ruined to the core.
The romance was plain flat, they went to 0 to hero in half episode and it felt odd till the end: the first kiss was sudden and completely uncalled for, as for Dong Chan's reaction when he got jealous of the ex-boyfriend (in the police station, when Mi Ran hit him AGAIN - I cringed because they barely know each other, it was too soon for me). Just like that, to me there was no building, no climax and at some point I realized I didn't even cared about it much.
The mystery part was messed up and completely uninteresting, I found myself skipping a lot and I didn't even felt "lost" for doing so, the plot was too predictable.
In the end, I just finished it for the sake of the cast (Won Jin Ah mostly)
The idea wasn't bad, but was really wasted.
Also. If Mi Ran never actually even kissed Hwang Byung Shim, do they count as a couple?? To me is even a mystery how laws of attraction worked in this drama LOL

Leia Mais

Actually I won't ever understand why rude jerks are so popular (in general, even outside dramaland) and why the girl would have any interest in him, since she's not after money nor handsomeness. But still somehow she ends up falling in love.
The plot is not maybe that bad, even tho body swapping and rich man x poor woman are not at all unique tropes, some parts were interesting and even funny but the romance and character development of the two leads was kind of wrong. I really felt his way of chasing her creepy and the fact that he trashed her for her status was utterly irritating at the point that I felt angry in the girl's place (also they presented her as a really strong and independent woman and they just flattened her personality episode after episode). He even repeatedly barged into her workplace to "play" and chase her, like "what you do is not even important". I mean are you for real? This is the kind of guy that most of girls fall for?! It could be okay if his behavior would have changed gradually at some point but beside the final part he stayed a rude jerk with not even a bit of respect for the girl: how come his character didn't have any development at all even tho they literally put each other shoes? I am not blaming the actor so don't get me wrong but just let me say that romanticizing this kind of toxic relationship is really not a good example. I witnessed how abusive love is and it's not something to daydream of.
So, this is to me the only big flaw that make me say no, don't waste your time over this.

Leia Mais

Kiwi commercials and romanticized abused, YAY

Dear writers, honestly I fail to understand how you expect me to cheer for such abusive male lead when compared to a soft, kind, caring, with wild hair and the cutest smile second male lead.
The female lead must be an idiot, ok with naivety but just how on Earth she developed feelings for someone who treated her that poorly, belittled her, almost raped (it's a bit unclear I'd rather think he made her believe they had sex when drunk), grabbed her wrists several times, imposed his will to her (curfew? oh hell no.) Massive giant red flag to me. He was better off with the gold digger gal imo.
Same dough as his gramps who tricked the fl's nonna just to steal her secret magic herbal pill whatsoever and have a fancy life. Like he could've at least send her some money to thank her, just saying.
I didn't expect such a wholesome story but this is impossible to redeem. I resisted only because of the second lead x_x

Leia Mais

cute and cheesy but

Overall a cute thing to pass the time. I liked that the fl is skilled and not whiny and the dynamics between the couple are cute and funny.
I think the fact he discovers right away her identity made me like it better because his reactions and schemes were interesting xD
This drama won't really dwell into sexuality: she doesn't think he could not be straight based on their attraction, not knowing he saw her. Also the other team guy crushes on her (not knowing her identity tho) but he doesn't ask himself anything. Crossdressing dramas can really be a good trampoline to introduce that kind of conflict, like it happened in kdrama Coffee prince.
But the thing I really couldn't forgive is the fact that they didn't hide her chest with clothes, the actress had eyeliner and cherry red lipstick while disguised and as I want to look over this I really can't believe no one noticed her true identity!!
I appreciate there are no tiring plots like annoying second leads (and I mean the irritating kind, there is a clingy girl but she gets paired with the brother and is pretty much comic relief), nasty parents and such

Leia Mais

Cute story, bad parenting examples D:

I'm writing this rec for both season one and two because I watched them together like a regular drama (why netflix has to cut things like that /: )

Overall I liked the show, it was mostly light and fluffy, ideal if you don't feel like thinking too much, also it was very pleasing aesthetically, really cinematic!
I was mesmerized with that Seul scenery on the rooftop *_*
The theme of this drama is basically the transition from friends to lovers with teens so it implies a character growth as well (more or less)
Tae Oh was my favorite character even tho in the beginning I felt he was too childish, but I think that flaw blends well with the role and his journey. He was cute and really caring for his friends and very very supportive, I really liked the characterization and the actor really played him well imo.
Also Song Yi was pretty cute, she looked a bit drained (?) but overall she wasn't annoying or dense.
As well the friendship relationship between all the characters was pure and cute.
Ga Rin and Choi Hoon were more comic relief than else, their story lacked in screen time and complexity. Cute, but meh.
Do Hyun was the "problematic" one but I liked the fact that there was not just black or white. Yes, he wasn't there for her when she needed him the most, but he had his own issues and they were as serious as hers. Sometimes in life happens that it's just the wrong moment, the wrong place. It made me sad not being able to blame a villain (?), it's just how life goes sometimes.
That said I didn't like Do Hyun from the start because I knew he was going to be messy: and not the money issues itself, Song Yi too was penniless, but the fact he seen himself inferior to Tae-O especially, the fact he thought a man had to solve his issues by himself instead of relying on his girlfriend. He was ashamed of his status and he thought he wasn't worthy because "he couldn't protect her", while a genuine relationship is made of reciprocation and support from both sides. He was stuck with this ideal of the brave knight so he couldn't see that Song Yi didn't need a perfect guy, just someone whom she can rely on. In the end he clearly understood his mistakes and that are some brownie points to him.
I gave only 5.5 on the story because it was pretty much it, mostly is about Tae Oh trying to replace Song Yi in his heart with that stupid gal and Do Hyun being insecure about himself.
Though I loved the spontaneity of Tae Oh's confession at the pub, without annoying slo-mo or dramatic stares, candles and all that heart shaped and pink stuff they usually decor for their grand confession, it felt sudden? like there was almost no progress for almost the whole second part, because they focused more on the guys finding back the moms (gonna talk about it later. - note that the period here indicates angst) so it's like a time skip but in fact it happen in the same moment. There was a more noticeable transition from friend to love interest in his part, while she jumped from a boyfriend to another. Yes, they both had some feeling from each other but Idk it felt weird and unexpected...maybe it's exactly because I was expecting candles and hearts xD

But let's talk about the parents: we have two moms abandoning their children, a dad telling his son to quit school because of debts, a stepmom saying "I don't like him" referred to her stepson, one that beaten up his son with a golf club because he wanted to be a musical actor and subsequently trying to parachute him into a play with bribes...wtf! Ga Rin's mom and Tae Oh's dad were supposed to be the scary and bitchy ones but they were pretty good compared to these...at least they cared for their kids even in a weird and distorted way.
Both Tae Oh and Song Yi mothers neglected and abandoned their kids in a way that doesn't even make sense, especially Song Yi's mom. I thought she had a serious reason to stay away...idk anything - usually is illness - or maybe she was a criminal (?) idk ...but she just met a guy and neglected totally her daughter while strolling in the night marked with her sweetheart??? I mean she didn't even thought about giving her some money or else to help??? she was on the freaking streets!!! What if Tae Oh wasn't there? What if he was living with his family??
I went through a similar path and the way they painted the mom as sorrowful is making me puke. there's no freaking excuse for abandoning your child! Even if she's not a minor.
Same thing about Tae Oh's mom...even tho she was forced by her gangster brothers (?) to leave...couldn't they just transfer somewhere else together?! And after all that time why keep going on with the lie??? Absurd.
Another character I despised was Se Hyun, and not because she was confident...she was pretty much flat. Who's she? what did she do when she wasn't with Tae Oh? why was she so bitchy and demanding? What were her struggles? She just treated Tae Oh like a carpet most of the time, playing with his feelings because she knew she was pretty, I call that lazy writing, sorry.

I suggest to give it a try if you search something unpretentious, just to fill in or when you're in a slump (lately I'm always in a slump. I don't know if it's me being more selective or dramaland becoming more boring and uninteresting ç___ç)

Leia Mais

“miracles don’t exist. it’s the little heroes inside us working together. The donations that quietly pile up. The small acts of kindness done by kind people. It’s just the result of all the good deeds you’ve done. You just think it’s a miracle”

Finally a drama that succeeded to keep my attention constantly through all of it. This drama is very unique in its own way, without using some over the top or incredibly original tropes (that means that even simple plots can be interesting if well written and well executed!). I love the concept of the single mom having to deal with her bills, her past and also her neighborhood (and the fact it's not even set in Seul for once xD )
At first what hooked me was the mystery, then I fell in love with almost every character in the drama (I didn't liked the bully ajummas because they remained bully ajummas till the end and they caused a lot of problems for that poor girl for no reason. Tho, I liked how the whole block was some sort of a family and they finally got close but they stepped over the line several times to me D: )
Most of all, Hyang Mi. She is some sort of dark character, she blackmails more than one character, giving them a motive to be the killer, but ultimately you can see how this character is three-dimensional and deep, even if she may be not a GOOD character (I really liked this "grey zone" she felt like a real character! That said: I didn't liked a lot of her choices). She had reasons for being as she was and her habits where forged by the environment she grew up. I especially liked when she told Jessica "you and me are the same: if you get lucky you'll become a Jessica, if not a Hyang Mi".
Her relationship with Dong Baek was also a cool surprise (usually the trope "we knew each other from childhood" is boring, but this time gave emphasis to how people in the same situation can take different roads) - and I felt really sad when she was waiting for her in the bar.
Yong Shik was a pure gem. I loved him, even if in the beginning was a little pushy (?) but he meant really no harm. It was a refreshing male lead (and not a ceo!! Incredible!), supporting and patient. In many other dramas there would have been a LOT of stupid misunderstandings.
Both Dong Baek and Yong Shik are flawed characters but I liked them with those - I understood when Dong Baek came from, why she was the way she was (as I said before I could feel a connection to her, that's why I probably understand better some choices she made)
Jong Ryul was also a complex character, but his trying to be the father actually got me on his side: he didn't know she was pregnant and he didn't just turn the car and went back to the city. It's just that he didn't know how to approach him. I felt his pain and I think he had the right to know it or a better chance to be a father. (I appreciated they didn't drag the love triangle for more than 2 eps because it was unnecessary xD)
In the end the drama gave me a satisfying mystery in the first part (because they insinuated a lot of possible suspects beside the killer, a 3D characterization, a fluffy romance and finally a warm overall sensation.

The only things that left me "meh" where:
- Dong Baek's mom: from someone who suffered the same condition as Dong Baek and Hyang Mi it was a bit overcoating (?) She abandoned her because she was running away from an abusive husband and had no means to let the both survive. Just that some people don't have such noble soul, they just throw away their children like that. Probably there's a bit of a subject matter because I felt really connected to Dong Baek.
Also the fact that they miraculously saved her from kidney failure was idk, it was a bit given? At some point I thought "oh maybe the mom knows about the killer / is related to, or there some reason she was in danger, like she's the daughter of a married man (?) something like that xD
- Yong Shik's mom: I understand that she felt scared for the son but eventually the neighborhood accepted the two. There's nothing wrong in taking care of "someone else's son" - but I think this concept includes also the culture factor, divorcees and single parents are demonized as I saw in many other dramas (emergency couple treated pretty well this issue)
- Gyu Tae and Ja Young: I would have shipped them if the only reason to divorce was the alleged affair, but they just couldn't stand each other so having them back together got me a bit like the writer just wanted to give them all an happy ending (Gyu Tae wasn't happy at all, not that happy ending means everyone paired xD)
- Why tf Dong Baek should go alone in an abandoned mall, knowing that some psycho killer is watching her??? mmh I would have used idk, Hyang Mi's phone to lure her

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Starts lightly, become a mess

It's actually the first time I'm writing a rec on a drama that is currently on air, but I feel I can't bite my tongue anymore.
I'm going to write a lot so prepare your pillow xD
As almost every drama, it starts with a lot of comedy and the premise is interesting enough to make you eat the first 5 episodes. Hurray!
Then, after the half (usually, because it's a common pattern, just like the writer ran out of ideas along the way) there's an abrupt "dramatic" u turn that makes you wonder if it's the same title... when you start to hear "we need to talk" at least 200 times per ep (aren't they supposed to work at some point of the day?? Lol), screaming, crying, throwing trash at the poor guy and so on, you know it's time to let the violinist quartet have their last concert while you throw yourself into the first lifeboat available. Let's say not at a makjang level but winks at it sometimes.

I am disappointed at the lack of screen time between Ha Nee and her mom. They're more like roommates than relatives...this girl spends more time with the barista than her mom because she's busy having those boys slash satellites around all day...tbh I admit I don't really know in what consists the job of a film producer, but this drama surely made me more confused about it lol

I'm actually very sad, because I think there were a lot of possible paths for this story, (I had some hopes and expectations ಥ‿ಥ) a lot of interesting stuff and interactions left with the time they could find...the drama focuses on the old well known bullshit: a misunderstanding tore the couple apart 14 years ago and a long list of miscommunication issues that could have been literally resolved at episode one if only that female lead would have given us the honor of saying why the heck she disappeared from everyone's life. (I'll rant about the injustice towards the kid and the dad later I promise).
And assuming things on their own (especially on who the father may be) only to act accordingly to that wrong assumption. Jeeez check your facts!

But I liked the back and forth in time kind of introduction for the characters, they revealed bits of them (would have been much more interesting if they kept doing so)

The character I liked most is the gangster daddy, I clearly remember (because I saw it yesterday) a scene where Ae Jung and Dae Oh were sitting in Koo Pa Do's garden and he was very distinguished in comparison to the male lead. And he can cut the finest sashimi. Not to talk about the fruits. LET'S JUST SAY SHE ISN'T WORTHY OF HIM BECAUSE HE'S TOO REFINED FOR HER. At some point I invented an alternative plot with the male lead being the gangster in my mind because a)it was hella more interesting and b) I knew that wasn't even a ship to begin with. Because c'mon, we know from the start that the father of Ha Nee and the ultimate winner of Ae Jung's heart would be Dae Oh, the others are there only to slowly been cooked and trashed. I kinda hoped for Ryu Jin to be the dad, to add a bit of realism (and maybe a real motive to disappear...I mean you did the vertical tango with another guy and got the presento, is a valid reason and it makes also the fl more human and less oh, so innocent) just to make him have a purpose on this drama beside being mad in love with the fl for 14 + years like a fool. (You know like in "when the camellia blooms)
In the beginning I didn't expect him to be such a loser and even the relationship between Ae Jung and him looked different. Can we talk about the fact two grown ass adults had a one night stand and they didn't even talked about it like adults but they was behaving like nothing happened?? I know it's an old story buuut she left him with a freaking post it. The level of selfishness of this woman.
Speaking of Ae Jung...she didn't seem to like any of the suitors tbh, even Dae Oh...I felt like she started to date him just because he insisted and even tho there's a whole flashback explaining at some point she loved him more I don't know, it doesn't resonate with me. Maybe it's just my vision idk.
She irked me so much because of the damage she did to Dae Oh and their daughter: the fact she avoided the topic really made me feel bad for the little girl, it wasn't her place to decide she couldn't met with her dad. It wasn't her place to decide he shouldn't be involved, even if they were apart IT TAKES TWO (2) HUMANS TO MAKE ANOTHER YA KNOW. I felt sad for this girl desperately trying to figure out things on her own and being sad all the time because her mom wasn't willing to open her heart to her, 14 is old enough to know the truth. Ae Jung legit robbed 14 years of their lives to me. (if the guy was toxic or else I could have understand, but it's all based on a misunderstanding for the big fat holy lasagna).
Dae Oh on the other side was too dense...this actor played a really similar character on go back couple (but that was a gem, is not even comparable to this one) funny, seemingly chill even when he's boiling, talkative but mostly childish (he can be serious tho). The fact he didn't get the hint that he could possibly be Ha Nee's dad for 10 episodes left me dumbfounded. I like tho how he slowly and casually built a relationship with Ha Nee, without the "I'm your father but I discovered it yesterday" kind of stiffness. Another aspect I'll gladly follow.
Yeon Woo was so uninfluential for the girl and for the whole story...the usual nice guy who keeps being nice even when the selfish love interest literally poops on his head (it isn't a kdrama without a poop joke (: ) and won't really understand when it's time to move on. I can't be angry with him, he is a pure soul, but too dense to read the atmosphere: get out of the mess, she only saw you as a little bro, it's been 14 years are you going to die alone? She isn't worth your sacrifice. (I kinda ship him with Ae Jung's assistant).

The movie\book was one of the columns of the drama, because is the common point that brings the investor, the writer and the actor together. Sadly it becomes something in the background (the movie studio or wathever has only 2 people working in it, where is the staff to actually make the movie?? Aren't more people supposed to work on the numerous aspect of it? Then what are those lists of names at the end of every movie or tv show? Obituaries? Excusez-moi if I made a mistake out if ignorance but it looks odd to me. Feel free to correct me otherwise).

OH right I almost forgot THEM, a bunch of chicks obsessed with this or that male character who, of course, need to vent their frustration of being in a one sided love (that includes mom\son rejection) on the female lead. Let's note how the second female leads are usually depicted as obsessive crazy stalkers while the second male leads are just suitors.. worst case they are too sweet and "boring". There's a pretty big use of double standards in our society, just saying uh. Jessica and Ae Rin are creepy and made to be not only flat but totally unlikable... they even trespass the private spaces. YW's mom is annoying...only the ripped dress part made me like her a bit...like oh, maybe she isn't an harpy, but heh.

In conclusion I really really really wanted to like this drama but they threw to much poop on me to pretend my nose isn't about to fall for the smell.
I'll watch only for Koo Pa Do's storyline (that is really poor written omg it has no depth. They wronged you so much. ) while fantasizing for the rest of the time about an ex mobster with an honor code who slowly falls for an energetic, stubborn girl with anger issues who works as a private investigator (plus ghosts to make it more visual). The main point would be redemption (because he really did bad in the past and it's indirectly related to the fl. Cliched but it goes well for conflict), prejudices and rebuild. I'm totally ready for this. And there won't be noble idiocy nor sudden breakups. Only slow cooking with some sugar here and there to keep the sauce tasty ಡ ͜ ʖ ಡ

Ps. I loved the barista: she is mysterious and charismatic, classy, if they added that she reads the future in the liquor glass bottoms I would have been sold...but she's more like a guest star.
Ps2. I need a spinoff with Dong Chan and Ha Nee. They're cuteness overload (♡ω♡ )
Ps3. That samsung shell smartphone is all over the place nowadays uh? She was supposed to be poor....uh did I say all 4 men are filthy rich? Because they are (θ‿θ)

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At first glance this drama may seem absurd and too extra. But on a closer look, you'll find how there some depth into it.
I loved the fact that Kyohei and Sunako were so alike in their opposite situation: she closed herself up because she was called ugly, he did the same because he was too beautiful that people only got close to him for his appearance (is extremized a bit but it works here). They had a way of understanding each other right from the start that made their relationship kinda realistic in a total nonsense context with a sparkle of supernatural.
Another thing that this drama exceed is to show how gradual is to change, how difficult is to overcome your fear and basically defeat yourself. I applaud at the fact they didn't do the makeover thing, or they did but everytime they make her ladylike, is just to understand and accept her being the horror-onna.
Also instead of focusing on her exterior look, it focused on the inside, and the guys just stopped at some point to change her appearance, Kyohei got even mad for it because he completely embraced her true self and that's rare to see in fictions where the ugly duckling usually after a makeover get her confidence boosted and every problem is solved magically. You may think that being and hikikomori just because someone rejected you would be too much, but actually it shows how much words can affect each other. Sunako is presented as a really introvert yet caring, perceiving and very sensitive girl so those words and the rejection from the whole class just because she was into creepy aesthetics made her lose herself. Being scarred is not something that can improve with make up or shiny clothes, it's a journey and who walks through that path must have the strength and the will to do so, that's why the guys and the cousin were fundamental in her process.
I would have appreciated more depth in the other three boys but it's a 10 episode drama, that would've been to much filler I suppose xD
Still the mixed manga styled comedy it's a bit cringe to watch and there are few plot holes here and there but the main message and the cute protagonists just overcame those. I recommend it!
Ps. Also it gives a little more sense of conclusion, while anime and manga have some sort of open ending xD

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First episode got me hooked. I almost gave up 2019 because there was barely anything that kept me intrigued, but I thought with Camellia and this that things were going better!
I liked the fillers with the case after case format, and the fact that they successful blended thriller and romance. The slow burn made it evenly distributed through the drama and you don't have the impression of watching 2 different series.
The concept for the killer wasn't that unique tho, but it could've worked very well. The interesting part was how the killer planned the grasshopper thing to make himself an alibi. It's just that the pace was odd (they revealed those too early imo) and some tiny holes kept bothering me at a point I really couldn't ignore them like: how did the killer traced back all his victims? I mean his plan was to rob their wallet to lure them in dark places (and who sane in their mind would just enter those tbh) but how did he knew where to strike? What the metro police did those 2 years? They investigated...what? Both side leads where kinda unnecessary...the girl was just bitching because no one believed in her (tho I think the male lead was a dick not to tell her the reason to break up. Is this noble idiocy in reverse? Lol) while she was unprofessional and she put her personal feelings into the investigation (and seriously, 3 episodes on that damn telephone booth), the male side cop was intriguing at first...it was purposely suspicious but then he became just the trigger for the ml jealousy...meh. I thought that maybe he too had lost someone because of the ghost, but unfortunately they didn't delve into his character.
Also those are the worst cop and criminals I've seen in all my life. Cops that let criminals that they've been chasing for 3 years escape so easily (actually it even happened offscreen lol), criminals that keep their phones while on the run, fingerprints on cigarettes, coins and wallets. Like seriously those are legendary thiefs? XD
Female lead was annoying but I accepted that in her pov cops are untrustworthy (but why she couldn't judt trust the ml remained a mystery as why they go on night duty to sleep and how the ml lived after selling his house) and she was blinded by her sister's death (presumed lol) .
But usually autistic people are followed by professionals, they said she was taking care of her ALONE by the age of 10 and that's absolutely impossible xD
Overall wasn't that bad, but I was so excited at first that my expectations skyrocketed and I felt hard the disappointment twt I had a lot of theories, involving people like the nurse friend, the caretaker, the mysterious lady with red shoes, the other cops, that mystical door with the abandoned project of another line and it was very simpler than what I imagined xD

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