Was it worth it: Just barely.
What I liked the most: It had a romantic element to it, and I’ve been starved for that lately. Also bloopers!
What I disliked the most: The romance in it didn’t amount to much. Also Kang Min Hyuk’s acting.
Moment Meter: 2/10 – The seedlings were there, but nothing bloomed. I guess the age gap was too daunting.
Other thoughts: Kang Min Hyuk is not built for melo roles. His acting made me really uncomfortable most of the time. Ji Sung was phenomenal. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of Hyeri in the future. The story moved well and didn’t get too gritty for something that revolves around a band. The focus was more on the band than the music, which I appreciated. There were a few emotional moments that got to me and I teared up a bit. It was consistently entertaining and rarely lulled.
Conclusion: Not bad, but not amazing either. I probably wouldn’t re-watch it but I don’t regret seeing it the one time. Watch past final episodes credits for bloopers!
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This review may contain spoilers
BROMANCE- this drama in a nutshell. Instead of focusing on romance, it puts its focus on teamwork and growth/maturity, which are common elements found in school dramas (this is not a school drama though). Normally that fact itself would turn me away from it, since I tend to stick to cheesy romances, but somehow I decided to try it anyway. The story, while not totally original, was pretty well written. Character development was this show's strong point, and really shows through in Shin Suk ho the protagonist. His change is so naturally woven into the story line that by the end, I was really shocked to see how far he had come. This drama did a wonderful job and adding in touching scenes; some were so wonderfully unique that they really surprised me. They had me sympathizing with almost all of the characters, which really was the only thing that kept me invested. There were, however, some minor issues that were left unresolved at the end. I wont state them here, because no one likes spoilers right? But they weren't too noticeable and could really be ignored so it was not that big a deal for me. The plot line did not interest me all that much, but I did continue and I'm glad I did. I'm sure many of you know that it was extended for two episodes, and I think that was part of its downfall. I was really interested for the beginning and the end, but somewhere along the middle they nearly lost me.
As I said before, Ji Sung's character development was phenomenal. He was able to make you hate him in the first episode and love him in the next. His emotional portrayal was superb, as expected of course, because he's an amazing actor. I was really happy to see that Kang Min Hyuk from CNBlue would be in this drama, because he is one of my faves. Because he is an idol, I didn't expect much, but damn he blew me away. His emotional scenes were absolutely amazing, and could possibly even rival an A-list actor. I know a lot of people have complained about Hyeri being cast, but actually I think she did a fine job. She was a bit stiff at times, but she did what she needed to do for the character. What I do think though, is that her character did not need to be in this drama. She didn't really play a crucial role in the plot besides giving Ji Sung a love interest, which even as a hopeless romantic, I didn't feel that it was needed. The other actors who played the guys in the band did an awesome job as well. You'll fall in love with every single one of them and watch out for the little boy. He's going to melt your heart <3.
This drama was about music so of course it had to have a great OST. I love love love the OST for this show, especially "I see you" (which yeah can get a bit old since they played it so often) and "Lost Child". I've listened to them on a loop like a million times.
Personally, I would not rewatch it. I'm not saying it's a bad drama, but I very rarely rewatch dramas so it has to be really really good for me to do so. That said, it's a solid one time watch and I'm really glad I decided to watch it. I wouldn't say it's a must watch if you've got other shows you want to watch, but it's definitely worth a try! ^.^
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When I started watching I was like Oh my god! I did really not expect what I got and I loved it.
The story was so sweet and you could follow so easily that you really get addicted to it.
I hit freewill with watching nearly the whole Drama in one Day....
The Story is an emotional rollercoaster that you don't want to get off.
I absolut loved this Drama and would recommend it to everyone who like good music and dirty secrets ....
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This review may contain spoilers
Hidden Gem. Enjoyable watch. Interesting glimpse into Korean boy band music industry
ReviewMy rating is 9.5/10.
"Entertainer" (also known as "Ddanddara" or "Ttanttara") is a rare hidden gem that will puts a smile on the face of those that love dramas that have well developed characters, a glimpse into the music industry for boy bands. An unlikely group of characters who were burned in a variety of ways by the industry take on impossible odds carving out their own bit of success in the tough Korean music industry. The story has a bit of romance, some revenge against the big entertainment company, and tons of realistic behind-the-scenes glimpses—like the real struggles of rookies chasing their dreams. The bromance aspects are amazing (the band really feels like family), the music is super catchy, and there's a great mix of humor and inspiring moments. Romance isn't the primary focus there is a lot about personal growth, friendship, and never giving up. Perfect if you're craving something uplifting without heavy angst. I would rewatch it, and I highly recommend it for an underdog story that'll warm your heart!
Spoilers
I loved pretty much every minute, but I couldn't rat it perfect because I just wanted more closure. The ending felt soft and a little too open for me—everything wraps up happily, but so many things are left hanging. Like, do Geu-rin and Suk-ho ever get a proper full-blown relationship? They're still stuck in the flirting stage with all the lingering looks and age-gap vibes. I prefer something more definite! Na Yeon-soo (the drummer) quitting the band to help his family mom and focus on his education was such a letdown. He was there for most of the series and to have him fall short just when they had hit some success was disappointing. The Entertainer Band was starting to do well, but we never see them hitting it big—no sold-out crowds or real breakout success. Just steady but not stellar. Ha-neul (our lead singer) starts getting close to the new female drummer toward the end, but it's barely beginning. No idea where that was headed. And Geu-rin being in veterinarian school? That felt random—we never saw her have any real passion for animals to make that land properly. And she struggled so hard to be the manager it also felt like she quit before the finish line. A bunch of storylines just end softly: nice and positive, but not fully tied up. I wanted more payoff for the band's future especially. What bothered me most was the forgiveness stuff with Lee Ji-young (the one who falsely accused Ha-neul of harassment) and that sleazy KTOP director Kim Joo-han who set it all up. Ha-neul forgives her and him way too easily, and then Suk-ho helps her get an acting gig and even assists the director with his new restaurant? They barely show any real remorse, yet their bad actions get rewarded. I get the theme of moving on, but it didn't sit right with me. Also, Ha-neul's name gets cleared, but there's no big public reveal that fully sets the record straight in the industry. Still, the heartwarming vibes, band chemistry, and messages about dreams and second chances are wonderful. So the softness of the ending and not having every storyline did not ruin the show. It just would have improved it. I also did not like that Jackson's Ji-noo was never cleared. It was pretty obvious he had been set up but there was no official press conference or public acknowledgement that he was also a victim. It never fully showed what happened with that incident. How did he come to be drunk or drugged. What was the deal for "Luna"? And the real Luna never got anything either. Basically she was forced out so that lying girl that was willing to falsely accuse someone who befriended her could have a spot. And there was no repercussions from that either.
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A drama about finding yourself and becoming a true human!
This series is different from other dramas I've seen and it is particularly great.The main focus wasn't romance. They touched it very gently and realistically in a classical novel way. I like it. It felt real and heart-warming.
The main focus was hanging on to your dream, fighting your insecurities, finding yourself and the hardship that lies within. Also the harsh side of entertainment industry. It was an emotional roller-coaster. I cried a lot. I especially want to praise actor Jo Bok Rae. He is a true scene-stealer. Hats off.
There was a lots of fun too. All those bromance, not only between the band members but also with Ji Sung, everything was very entertaining. It was really a stand out drama for those who are not interested in rom-com full of puppy romances.
But Ji Sung's love for Hyeri, his agony, struggles, his backing off, his shutting himself off, getting wet in heavy rain, everything really made my heart ached a lot. He even portrayed very realistically how all these agony making him tired. But they didn't drag it too much. They just lightly touched them mainly with Ji Sung's expression. Which is even better. And it's a happy ending.
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The songs in this drama were really good, catchy, and sometimes tear-jacking. The theme of teamwork was really enjoyable to watch and I also felt like the romance or slight romance between Suk Ho and Geu Rin was unnecessary but Geu Rin's managing skills were also admirable.
And I especially loved Chan Hee he was such an adorable and wise kid.
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One of the things I wished had been different was Ha Neul and Geu Rin’s equation. Although it was reasonable, it wasn’t necessary to the story. Another thing that irked me was the ending. Up until the 14th episode, the pace of the drama is brilliant. All plot lines are ticked off in due time. But then the last three episodes are so rushed, I felt that they tried to cram too much story in too little time. If they had included 2 more episodes, everything could have been beautifully explored and concluded. Lastly, Suk Ho and Geu Rin’s feelings lacked conviction, as in it remains stagnant, which bothered me a bit. But then again, all dramas don’t need to focus on love. So I guess, it’s alright.
Two of the songs on the OST are absolutely spellbinding – Go Ahead Cry by Jo Bok Rae and Lost Child by Han Seo Yoon. Lee Tae Sun who portrays the character Yun Soo does so very charmingly. I liked the fact that the drama incorporated the “single father” angle and played it out very well. Seldom, do you see such characterization. Jae Hoon and Kyle (other members of the band) were the “cool” ones with a difficult family background. They too gelled well in the story and helped create an enjoyable package. Quite a few times during the episodes, I was a blubbering mess. That is not to say it is entirely sad or sappy. It is equal parts funny and lamentable. This drama is definitely worth watching once. So do give it a try.
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If it weren't for Ji Sung, I wouldn't stick through this. Anyways, I still enjoyed the story of the other characters. I like Chae Jung-Ahn's character the most. Also, Yun-soo's struggle as a single dad trying to live his passion while making a living foe his son is what really sold to me. I enjoyed the daily relationship among the band members and didn't care much about the drama on how the entertainment industry works.
To the show's credit, there were a lot of fun times and it proved that no matter how much obstacles people face, one can overcome them to fulfill a person's dream.
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Great Cast - Would love to see them together in another kdrama.
Hi all, so firstly I'm not a huge fan of idol centric kdramas but I gave this one a try just and purely for Ji Sung. I didn't even research about this kdrama before starting it and just blindly followed Ji Sung haha. I was pretty surprised after I started watching it. because the whole cast is a costly and great Cast. The reason I said I don't like the Idol centre dramas in the beginning is because they usually start well but get really long and boring to the end with some unnecessary plots. I would say it was the same with this kdrama as well. i would give a solid 10 to this one. It started well, with Ji Sung being the rude guy and he changes eventually. The subplots are great. I was hoping to get more of Kyle's story. 18 episodes were literally unnecessary as they did not even show the stories properly. Yeon Soo and Min Joo's story could've ended differently atleast with them starting to date each other. The drama felt incomplete even with 18 episodes. I don't really understand why some writers turn the most villainistic persons into the good one's right after the main leads forgive them. i mean Lee Ji Yong was definitely not good person kim joo han neither. Over all, the kdrama was funny and would recommend it if you want to have a good laugh and want to watch Ji Sung for like 18 hours.Was this review helpful to you?
Acting/Cast: I liked the cast, but I couldn't really get into the romance too much in this drama, unfortunately. Hyeri doesn't look or sound old enough to be a love interest for the more mature Ji Sung. That's the only reason that my rating for acting isn't higher. Ji Sung shines in every role I've seen him in.
Music: The music was pretty good; I liked the title track and a few of the other ost tracks. It wasn't remarkable otherwise.
Rewatch Value: I'd probably put this in the "good for one viewing" category. There are other dramas that are worth re-watching more than this one.
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