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Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo

역도요정 김복주 ‧ Drama ‧ 2016 - 2017
Completed
taoez674
0 people found this review helpful
May 7, 2026
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

surprisingly fresh and heartwarming

This drama starts off surprisingly fresh and heartwarming. The main strength is definitely the natural chemistry between the leads. It feels very easy to watch, especially in the beginning, and there are a lot of genuinely sweet and funny moments that make you smile without feeling forced.

The main couple is the real highlight – their interactions feel organic and emotionally convincing, which is something not every romance drama manages to pull off.

However, the pacing is not always consistent. Some episodes feel slightly stretched, and there are parts where typical K-drama misunderstandings and repetitive emotional loops slow things down. A few side characters also feel a bit exaggerated or written more for comedic effect than realism, which can be hit or miss depending on the viewer.

That said, the drama manages to recover with its charm and warmth. Even when the story becomes a bit cliché or predictable, the overall vibe remains comforting and enjoyable.

Visually and emotionally, it’s an easy watch – not groundbreaking in plot, but very strong in chemistry and feel-good moments.

Overall: A light, charming drama with excellent leads, occasional pacing issues, but a very warm and satisfying viewing experience.

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Completed
habeebm
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 23, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

a perfect school romance

this is i think the predecessor to 2521, my previous favourite show, but this is better. it has everything 2521 had and more, cool characters, a nice friend group, a fun romance, is funny, good sideplots, everything. i do wish jae-i was treated a bit better because he does get shafted a lot. And also the dogs i wanted to see more of. i found the ending a little disappointing, i feel like i wouldve easily watched 10 more episodes and the timeskip i didn't like much. AND i'm mad we never got the intro wink scene because that was cute
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Completed
PHope
0 people found this review helpful
May 26, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
Honestly, the title is a bit odd and rather than creating interest, it might stop you from watching this drama. Which would be a mistake. Sure, the story is very simple and maybe I'm giving it 8 out of 10 because:
1 I love Nam Joon Hyun, he is a really good actor and played in many hit dramas of 2016, like Scarlet heart and Cheese in the trap
2 My favourite theme is school life But, part from those two, this drama has one thing that many others lack; a strong couple. The chemistry between them was amazingly powerful, even though their romance didn't start till probably the tenth episode. But even so, the dynamics were great! Cute and romantic, they were the it couple!! The story is nice too. The performances were nice and the soundtrack was great. One thing that maybe wasn't that good, was that the leading lady supposed to be overweight, or at least not skinny to be able to do weightlifting, but the drama only had her wearing buggy clothes and she not even looked strong enough. But other than that it was a quite enjoyable drama.

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Completed
Kala
0 people found this review helpful
Apr 15, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Everything about this drama was absolutely perfect. I was sort of skeptical at first because I had a dislike for LSK because she played a btch in every drama i've seen her in but she's an awesome actor and can play good protagonist roles too. :) Nam Joo Hyuk and LSK had undeniable chemistry and every human can relate to WFKBJ in some way.You will not regret watching it.
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Completed
Aureaklg
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 4, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0

Weightlifting fairy Kim Bok-joo swag

With a full heart and uncontrollable giggles, I felt like I was 15 again, watching those classic romantic comedies from the 2000s. This drama had a magical power to transport me away from reality.

All the credit goes to Nam Joo-hyuk (Jung Joon-hyung), who absolutely shone in his role. He played one of the cutest and most lovable male characters ever. His temperament, personality, kindness, humor, and sensitivity were spot on. Without him, this drama wouldn't have been the same.

And Kim Bok-joo? She was simply adorable. Her cuteness, authenticity, and silly moments left me completely charmed. Sure, sometimes her immaturity and insecurity, along with some selfish and inconsequential actions, could be a bit frustrating. But most of the time, I was just mesmerized by her.

The secondary characters were just as amazing. The coaches, in particular, won me over with their warmth and guidance.

While the overall story was interesting, the script sometimes struggled to keep me fully engaged. Some of the smaller plotlines didn't quite capture my interest, and the main storyline of the weightlifter felt a bit underdeveloped. It could have been done differently to make a bigger impact.

But honestly, the charisma of the characters made up for any flaws. This drama wasn't about overcoming and growing in sport; it was about a girl's insecurities and her journey to self-discovery, and I'm totally okay with that.

Criticism aside, thinking with my heart, this drama was a delightful experience that will stay with me for a long, long time. It doesn't need to be perfect to be unforgettable.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo is unforgettable and...

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo ✨ swag✨

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Completed
Irene
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 29, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
THIS IS THE SHOW TO WATCH IF YOU ARE INTO FIRST LOVES AND GIDDY ROMANCE

Lee Sung Kyung was not a convincing weightlifter to me, although I did appreciate that she put on weight for this drama. Other than that, I loved the whole drama from beginning to end.

Rather than annoying conflicts that don't get resolved, what you will get from the show instead is a lot of satisfying giddy moments from all of the cuteness. Cuteness in the leads' relationship, which has me smiling ear to ear, cuteness in the friendships and the family relationships to the relationship between athlete and coach.

Can't say enough good things about this drama. Don't watch if you are looking for an intricate plot line and heart thumping action. Instead, get a cup of hot chocolate and curl up to this show and enjoy it for all it has to offer.

Highlights / uniqueness of the show:
- the sound effects had me cracking up all the way through (you will have to watch to see what I am talking about)
- natural chemistry and skinship between leads as the relationship progresses
- one of the best portrayals for female college friendships I've seen in recent dramas. cute bromances also

No critiques for this show other than casting an unbelievable weightlifter. But I fell in love with the actress LSK after watching this (who knew pouty lips can be so adorable) and she is simply beautiful. Both leads were beautiful to look at and fulfilled my eye's need for candy :)

I was fully satisfied after the show and only wished there was more cuteness to watch!

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Completed
whit3butt3rfly
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 19, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 5.5

Sweet and light

If your looking for light and sweet romance this one wins! Needed something sweet like this.

The mains have amazing chemistry!

The storyline wasn't over dramatic but I teared up a few times because of how lovely the relationships and connections were. Some of the secondary storylines were so lovely.

There's some boring bits but overall I couldn't help but laugh out loud at this.

Also loved that she wasn't just fitting the skinny beautiful mould. Also that the actress actually lifted weights for the role!

And the swimmer actor.. be still my heart.

Worth checking out if you want something nice and sweet and fluffy!

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Completed
Chinchin Langala
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 6, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

A Fun Rom-Com Sports KDrama

This is one of the best rom-com Kdramas in 2016. The leading couple Lee Sung-Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk is like eye candy to watch. Such a well matched on screen couple and the chemistry between the two are so good that their acting appears to be flawless.

The flow of the story is great. Unlike in most Korean dramas where the plot makes a twist in the last 1-2 episode, this drama gradually develops to a predictable, yet well-suited ending.

The drama tries to portray real hardships and situations faced by athletes who are majoring various sports like weightlifting, swimming and gymnastics in Sports Universities.

This drama is definitely recommended as a stress reliever and fun to watch.

Personal Rating:
Story: 10
Cast & Acting: 10
Music: 10
Cinematography: 10

Overall: 100/100

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Completed
baddie
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 27, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 7.5

this drama ruined dramas for me because it’s so good

I watched this a while ago it was like my fifth kdrama ever and I still can’t get it out of my mind. Every drama I watch now I compare to this in terms of how much I like it.
Honestly just wanted to write a review because this show deserves atleast nine stars

The acting was amazing the storyline flowed really nicely. They used common romance tropes but did it WELL!! they also subverted/reversed some tropes it was so fun.
The cinematography is so beautiful. The colour Pallete is blues and pinks. Just soo pretty. Everything is so magical and it’s crazy that this is technically a sports drama because the romance was so amazing. The sports parts were also really well done. I really love the actress it was so fun to see a tall couple in a k drama idk the girls are normally small lol.

Rewatch value is not as high because I do not rewatch anything lol but this is the one thing that I have considered rewatching and I made it halfway through episode one lol before i just wanted to skip to the end because it’s so good I mean the build up is also good but arghhhrheheujsjehsv lol


Anyways if you’re thinking of watching it just please do. It’ll make you laugh and cry and feel anxious and then swoon. So much swooning. If you need more convincing the main leads literally started dating after this like the chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS!

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Completed
AlphaGirlReviews
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 28, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.5
Romance is my favourite genre and I have been binging on romance fiction forever. But for the first time ever I felt terribly sad for being single. I felt bad for not having a boyfriend in my adulthood. It is very easy to fall in love when in your teens and today when I look back on those days I wonder what the hell was I doing when everybody around me was busy nurturing their relationships. I tell you I never craved for companionship even then but after seeing this drama I wanted to smack my head hard for leading a boring teenage life. I am not too old to love (no one ever is), but I am definitely not young enough for puppy love.
bawling in a corner
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is the sweetest, cutest and loveliest young love story I have seen till date. Bok Joo and Joo Hyung’s love made me want to go back in time and re-live my college years. (OK! I just remembered the boys in my class and now I do not blame myself for being single. Sheesh! Even time travelling would be of no help in finding a decent option in that desert of a class I was in.) This drama faced some serious competition from two popular shows but of the three shows, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo wins my vote for being the best. Hands down.

Let’s weigh the cutest romantic drama of 2016 on our show beam balance and see what makes the drama click with the audiences.

Good Weights
Bok Joo and Joon Hyung Romance: Though the main romance on the show starts in the latter half of the series the build-up to it is reasonable and entertaining. The circumstances under which Bok Joo and Joon Hyung fall in love may not be totally believable but it all makes sense in the drama world. Once the two start dating their journey becomes so saccharine that I wanted could put them both in my cup of coffee and sip it for a long long time. The nervousness in confession, fear in admittance of feelings, the rush of love, the excitement of initial days of dating, jealousy, possessiveness, bickering, fighting and then kissing and making up, all of these phases in love was shown in the most adorable and convincing ways. Lead actors, Lee Sung Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk may be four years apart but the chemistry they brought on screen was adorable to the point that I envied them for being so much in love.

Sportsperson’s Challenges: Sports is the backdrop of this drama and the show writers have shown as many hardships faced by athletes as possible. The drama is mainly about Bok Joo who is a female weightlifter. Weightlifting itself is an underrated sport and in such a case having a drama based not just on weightlifting but a female weightlifter is a commendable attempt. However, the drama focuses not just on the struggles of Bok Joo but also Joon Hyung who is a swimmer and Shi Ho who is a rhythmic gymnast. The drama shows how weightlifting is an unpopular sport compared to glamorous sports like swimming and gymnast. But popular or unpopular, every sportsperson has his own set of trials that we rarely get to see. Though the writers did a good job depicting Joong Hyung’s set of struggles, they took a rather obvious option of an eating disorder for a rhythmic gymnast. I am sure gymnasts have more problems than what’s on their platter. Nevertheless, that was the least of my concerns when it came to the overall content.


Bad Weights
Slow Start: The first few episodes go into showing the daily life of athletes. Though it was necessary to give a background of the characters, it was too bland. After episode 2, I was contemplating if I wanted to continue watching this show or not. The story picks pace after episode 3 and though it slumps a few times, it does manage to pick instantly and move forward with fervour.
 
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo hits all the right notes of first love and makes itself stand out in a crowd of teen romances (though the characters in the show are not teenagers). I have followed this show religiously and waited impatiently each week for its telecast. I have fallen in love with all the characters on the show and have wished to be one of them.

This utterly sweet and delightful romance between two most unlikely athletes will make you want to fall in love for the first time, every time. Loved this drama. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
 

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in

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Completed
deep_ng
0 people found this review helpful
Mar 16, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

Comfort

I really like this drama. It is one very few drama's that i rewatch. I really really like this drama. A very comfort drama which doesn't need your mind worry too much . soothing I revisit this drama whenever I feel like watching. Really motivated me. and ML I watched this and fell for him and her.
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Completed
Julianny Bacelar
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 14, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

Eu amei

A história me envolveu de uma maneira incrível, o dorama é leve e engraçado, te prende logo de começo, os atores tem uma química incrível que te cativa e te faz querer maratonar o dorama em um só dia, é uma história simples mas que funciona e prende o telespectador de uma maneira incrível.
O plot é esperado mas aquece o coração, pois desde do início todos torcem para eles ficarem juntos, o fim é muito fofo, é um dorama de conforto, para assistir em momentos que você precisa de algo leve e engraçado.
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  • Score: 8.7 (scored by 154,546 users)
  • Ranked: #223
  • Popularity: #8
  • Watchers: 271,700

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