Yes, as others have mentioned, this is very slice-of-life. Possibly not even that, since it skips forward a bit from time to time. It gives the feel of little vignettes, I guess. Anyway, I didn't mind that at all. The thing that sticks with me, thinking back to watching this, is that it made me laugh. For real. It's just so wacky and out there and I guess I like that. As for the role that food plays in the drama, it's central, but varies depending on the episode. I am glad it didn't veer into either straight food porn (because that just doesn't interest me) or something sentimental (a la the k-version of Late Night Restaurant, which I liked, but that would absolutely not have worked in this drama, with these characters).
I was unfamiliar with Ahn Young Mi going into this one (even though I must have seen her in Reply 1997), but she impressed me by embracing this oddball of a character. She's brash and insecure, opinionated but willing to reconsider her stance (eventually). In short, the character grows a tiny bit (and believably), even over the course of this very short drama, without losing what makes that character who she is. No Min Woo is adorable as good-guy Byung. Byung's a bit like No MIn Woo's character in My Unfortunate Boyfriend in that he's kind of sweet and naive, but someone you root for. Cute, but not too cute. If that makes any sense. He's good at that.
I liked the music a lot, which kind of surprised me, frankly, since I usually find very little drama music that I actually like. It either sets my teeth on edge (ballads) or it's just generic (most of the rest, with some exceptions, obviously). This was very low-key, but fit well.
I'm not sure I would rewatch, but then again, it's so short that who knows. I might watch an episode or two again just to laugh some more.
Was this review helpful to you?
Though there are the skeletons of a plot there isn't really anything else to this story: not unless you dig real deep. Every now and then it moves a little forwards in abrupt lurches but I found myself not really caring about any of the developments, and those that I DID care about didn't get enough screen time! Yet for 8-10 minutes per episode it is enjoyable in its own little, time-filler way.
I started watching Eating Existence expecting very little and it's a good job I didn't. A lot of my enjoyment came from Yong Tae Won v2 in all his adorable wackiness - though he didn't get anywhere near as much time as he should've! There are quite a few scenes which cracked me up (and it's probably worth watching just for those) and there's a peculiar kind of sweetness to the whole show that saves it. The characters were appealing and unusual enough to keep me watching.
So if you're heartbroken after your latest drama and need a few minutes of respite then this is a good choice. Personally I used it to amuse myself for a little while.
(I gave the music such a low score since I don't even remember any of it. Like...not even a few notes. I'm almost starting to convince myself that there wasn't any but in the end credits.)
Was this review helpful to you?
I found it rather surprising to find Noh Min Woo in this project. Yet, I sense it might be his all-time best performance in acting. I really felt he was being himself. And I think that is the message in the story, to just be your honest self.
Naturally, the so-called protagonist is full of slacker qualities, but there were little truths in each of the segments. Which should one prefer? Living for food or have a relationship? And is there somewhere in between?
This is so indie and far off the beaten track of a K-drama, but I loved the character study of it with many tight scenes, which is somewhat uncommon in many dramas.
Was this review helpful to you?
aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa
Was this review helpful to you?
I will individually talk about each category.
STORY - 6.5/10
As I said above, this web drama lacks an actual plot that is well defined. The series is all over the place, but it's main focus is character development and the development of Yang and Byeong's relationship. In that regard, I have to mention one thing that I found a bit strange, which is the speed at which the relationship develops. It is a bit too fast-paced, but I guess that is a bit unavoidable considering that this is just a web series, not a full drama.
ACTING/CAST - 7.5/10
To be honest, the acting was a bit off at times, but overall it was pretty decent. What I loved about this show is the choice for the female lead. In my opinion, casting Ahn Young Mi was a really good decision, because it gave this web drama uniqueness, making it stand out a bit. Also, I think her experience with TV shows and skits (like on SNL, where I originally discovered her) helped shape Yang into a likable and funny character. Also, I think Noh Min Woo was a good choice for the male lead, and I think the pair work together in this type of setting really well.
MUSIC - 6/10
I don't have a lot to say about the soundtrack, but overall it was decent and I think it suited the romcom, lighthearted aura of the show and it went well with it.
REWATCH VALUE - 8.5/10
I don't see myself watching the entire drama again, but I do think I'll come back to some of the cute scenes sprawled across the episodes. Most of the interactions between the main characters were absolutely adorable, and I definitely see myself rewatching them.
OVERALL - 7.5/10
Even though it could have been better at times, I really liked this kdrama and the direction it went on. As a drama that also focuses on the characters' love for food, I found all the eating scenes truly adorable, and I felt that they fit in well.
That probably wasn't the best review of a show ever, but that's my view on Eating Existence. Thank you for reading!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Was it worth it: … Not really.
What I liked the most: No Min Woo’s face/body. I can’t really think of anything else.
What I disliked the most: The way the story was told and the mountain of vague metaphors. Also one scene that was borderline phallic in an awkward way.
Moment Meter: 1/10 – Meh.
Other thoughts: The episodes are <10 minutes long so it’s not a long drama, and yet I was eagerly anticipating getting it over with. The story was choppy and not very touching. The characters were too off-the-wall and erratic for my tastes. I can’t think of anything that I found endearing about this drama.
Conclusion: Would have been a complete loss if not for No Min Woo. I wouldn’t watch this again no matter how much I wanted to see him in a drama, though. I’d rather re-watch Full House Take 2.
Was this review helpful to you?
Not much food porn to report either. Each episode was centered on a different dish, but don't expect delicious looking food shots that make your mouth drool. I think the only reason I finished it was because the episodes were so short. I'm not willing to rewatch this. There are other much more entertaining things to watch in my opinion.
Was this review helpful to you?
