Plot-wise, they did exceptionally well. It was really nice to see this drama tackling hard subjects that I think Korea's mainstream society tend to avoid. I'm particularly proud of the fact that they didn't change our female protagonist in any way. I loved how she never gave up on the people and the things she loved for the guy she loved, and I think that's a lesson we should all learn. Plus, it's nice to know that at least one person has got her priorities straight. Unlike me, who is choosing to write reviews at four in the morning over sleeping.
The chemistry on set was clearly great because the two main leads end up dating even in reality. And although they've already broken up, I sincerely hope this drama will continue to remain as a good memory for them both to look back on. I think Lee Sung Kyung is undeniably talented when it comes to acting. However, I don't think she was the best candidate for this role. I'm not saying this because I think she's too skinny. I'm well aware of the fact that she went to extra lengths to try to look the part for this role. However, she also admitted later on that the weight gain had caused her depression because she could no longer fit into her old clothes. To me, that was disappointing. She took on the role of a character who truly has the power to help women (especially women in her culture) feel confident in their own skin. But if the woman behind the character isn't confident in her body, what is that supposed to tell other young women out there?
On the bright side, I ended up loving if not all, most of the original soundtracks. I'm not exactly sure about why that is but maybe it's because I connected so well with this drama. I didn't even know I remembered them, however, I just found myself automatically humming along to the music. It definitely took me by surprise because I hadn't seen this drama in an entire year.
Overall, this series was just so full of SWAG that there was not a moment I didn't love. Despite the fact that I do have a slight problem with its casting, there was nothing wrong with the drama itself which is why I would still recommend it to people. It was a smooth ride from start to finish and I'd simply be lying if I said I couldn't see myself coming back for more. I don't think I've come across any other drama that has shown us such a perfect depiction of what young love should really look like.
With that said,
Llama out.
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A must, must watch
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is simply special. I just discovered this show 2 weeks ago so i'm kinda late to the party but i already watched the show twice lol. Everything about this show just feels so natural and cute at the same time and it's all because of Nam Joo-Hyuk and Lee Sung-Kyung amazing chemistry. The way Jung Joon Hyeong and Kim Bok Joo talk, look at each other, worry for each other, care for each other is just so well portrayed in this show. Yes, they are weaker point about the show like the older brothers relationship and Song Shi Ho backstory but these were soon forgiven because everything else about the show is just perfect and hits home. I was so happy when i learned they were possibly dating in real life during the filming but i wasn't suprised too much just because of how well they played their roles. So yes a big 10/10 must watch for me!!Was this review helpful to you?
Great acting
I rewatched it after some years.First I gave 9/10, but now I think it deserves 10/10.
The cast was such a good actors. I forgot that actors can act like this. They have funny expressions, strange face that I didn't know what they think about. Just great.
It was so much fun.
But why the main character needed to say that he looks better than her? It was strange. She is pretty!
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I definitely rate this drama high because it's perfect in all aspects. The story is original, though this is not the first drama about sports but highlighting Weightlifting as a sport was refreshing to watch. The pacing of the story was superb, it was not rushed. We know in a way that it's going to be a romantic drama but we do not see the romance between the leads in the first 9 episodes. The characters was well developed.
Lee Sung Kyung as Kim Bok Joo was just perfect, she is such a versatile actress. Give her a role and she'll definitely pull it off. There couldn't be a fitting actress for the role but her. After watching her as Baek In Ha in Cheese In The Trap, I could tell that she is a very talented actress. Nam Joo Hyuk as Jung Joon Yung is perfect as well, it seems like he's not acting at all, it was so natural. And the chemistry between the two was superb that it was not awkward or painful to watch them together doing those silly and funny antics. The supporting cast, ahhh I couldn't say anything bad because they were all perfect. From Bok Joo's bestfriends Nan He and Sung Ok who gave colors to the story and the ever persistent of a best friend of Joon Yung Tae Kwon. Who can forget Bok Joo's father and uncle, Joon Yung's ex Si Ho. And Bok Joo's first love interest Jae Yi.
The characters surrounding the leads was perfectly put in place. From their families, to teammates. The balance was just impeccable. I just love how the story progressed. I admire this story so much because it anyone can relate to it, themes like friendship being tested were shown, the annoying ex, the quirky parents and uncles, the nice brother, respect, hard-work, perseverance, rivalries and peer pressure. Though comedic in most parts, it did not fail to tackle the emotions of all the characters, it was played well, especially their vulnerabilities and how they handle it.
So "Do you like Messi?"
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Comfort Drama for Youth
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is such a comfort drama! I was feeling very down past few weeks , rewatched it for fourth time,still felt refreshed...This drama always made me so happy about life and friendship! This is pure show
Specially the end quote:
"Everyone has a youth. A time that’s more beautiful because it’s awkward and clumsy, a time that shines brilliantly. A time when you’re not afraid of anything because you have nothing to lose, and a time when you’re excited because you can have anything, everything. That’s now, age 24, my youth. Although I’m still uneasy and nervous, I’m perfect without needing anything else.” - Kim Bok Joo
Other shows I have rewatched for this reasons are Home Town Cha Cha Cha and Whats wrong with secretary kim ,but those show have different aspect and genre caveat. This show resonate more with you when you recently graduated...
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So nice
There is really nothing i can complain about. This was such a nice lighthearted show and it delivered exactly what i was expecting.Story:
Really refreshing story with athletic theme. The fact that this show avoided some of the notoric korean cliche is great to see.
Acting/cast:
Both ML and FL were great. I really liked all of the characters personality and there were not really annoying characters. Maybe the second lead character (Si Ho) could have been little bit more resolved in the end but i didnt really cared about her that much.
Music:
I love when some of the music in the show get stuck in my mind. " From Now On" is such a good happy song!
Overall - NICE
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This lighthearted drama had so many good intentions within that its difficult to find a fault in the execution. The acting was great. LSK has shown great range in the roles she's taken so far. The OST is very good and the story is very much like a fairy tale which may lead back to its name choice, Weightlifting Fairy.
The theme of self-worth is present. Some have too much and others don't have enough but it's a very good message to get across because you give as much as you get. All these characters understand that and in the ever-hectic world of kdramas, it's very rare for that to happen. There's a sense of empathy and compassion throughout and it's very infectious.
Even if you're not the biggest sports fanatic, I'd recommend a viewing or two.
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Coming of age tale that looks into perception of beauty, self-worth & finding love
I watched this series in December 2023 during year end break. A hilarious clip that featured the water splash scene led to me watch this series. I expected a light, fluffy tale of college romance but oh boy, I was shocked. 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo is a coming of age tale that tackles issues such as perception of beauty, self-worth and finding love.What I liked:
1) Friendship - This drama shows the start of a friendship between Kim Bok Joo and Joon Jung Hyeong in first 2 episodes. I like how the series show the growth of their relationship from friends to best friends then lovers. When one was facing hardships, the other person was there for him/her. A true friend.
2) The romance - Because we see the grow in their friendship, the change of their relationship trajectory, from friends to lovers, was believable. I like that after ML realised that he had feelings for Bok Joo, he acknowledged them and took action.
3) Perception of beauty - I love this drama for showing the perception of beauty and for featuring a female lead in an unconvetional setting. She is a weightlifter & was raised by a single father so some perceived her femininity as "lacking". That scene when her crush (Jung Jae Yi) saw her in her "least feminine" form truly broke my heart. I couldn't stop crying because I felt her anguish.
4) Sports - I love watching massive sports events such as Olympics and FIFA World Cup and always fascinated with sports drama. I love that this series was set in a sports university and as vieweres, we were exposed to several sports discipline such as weightlifting, swimming, artistic gymnastics. I also appreciate that this drama demonstrated performance slump and post-tournament depression.
5) Writing - This is one of the best written tv series I have watched. Both Bok Joo and Joon Hyeong experience tremendous character growth in this series.
6) Acting - Brilliant acting by Lee Sung Kyung & Nam Joo Hyuk. This drama is the first work of them that I have watched. Definitely keen to watch their other work.
What I disliked:
1) Selfishness - I find Bok Joo's best friends were selfish at times. They were self-absorbed with their own feelings that they could not see that Bok-Joo was actually suffering mental block.
2) Fat-shaming - Joon Hyeong fat-shaming Bok Joo at the start of the series is not cool.
Favourite scene
When Jung Jae Yi saw Bok Joo weightlifting
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cozy wholesome
I finished this drama with the biggest smile on my face and my heart filled to the max, it was a very cozy watch, I had many laughs and tears, Bokjoo is the realest main character :') I love that in the end everything was in place even for side characters, I kept wondering about a certain situation but I let it go (won't mention in case is considered a spoiler). Definitely joining my list of comfort series, I will love to rewatch it in a year or more maybe. I want to finish writing how much I loved it!Was this review helpful to you?
