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I honestly don't get why some are rooting for the man-child Sun Oh. He selfishly went after his best friend's long time high school crush, and even after growing up he blamed his best friend for using him while caring for him all these years. WTH??? His character is so annoying, as if the world revolves around him and if anything doesn't go his way or people reject him - it's an immediate betrayal. HY and Jojo doesn't need that negativity in their hard-working life. I'm glad Jojo dumped Sun-Oh, so his ego will deflate a bit. HY is more of a man than he will ever be and deserves the girl so much more. The scenes between them are more fluttering and innocent, while the scenes between her and Sun-Oh are always so dramatic & she always ends up sad. Honestly, who needs that baggage in their life. Him & Gul Mi should be together instead. Was this review helpful to you?
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I heard this show through Instagram and thought it was quite an intriguing drama. the concept was really unique and I loved how the developer of this supposed app ''Joalarm'' wasn't an individual high up in the hierarchy, but rather an ordinary high schooler that developed the app from the comforts of their own home. As I am a sucker for high school romance dramas, I might as well have given this one a watch. The storyline wasn't something I was very fond of. The falsehood of how the characters acted in certain situations within the series made me frustrated with the drama. I'll start with Kim Jojo. Although I did moderately empathise with her feelings through the series that led her to break up with Sun-Oh on top of her family circumstances, I thought it was an idiotic and quick-witted decision to make before considering other factors like how her partner would feel and the position it would put him in. Jojo didn't outright give a clear explanation as to why she did it and she could have easily spoken to Sun Oh about her situation. He clearly told her to speak to him when she is worried, but she didn't take that chance and now things ended up for Sun-Oh's misinterpretation. I understand maybe it could have been difficult because they haven't dated for that long, but then again we can see she regrets it later on; why doesn't she bother to even fix it or at least talk to him about it within the 4 years time-lapse?
Next, I'll speak about Sun-Oh. When he was first introduced to the drama I knew instantly what kind of a character he would be. And I was not wrong. the drama portrayed him as romantic and cool. But he's immature and selfish, not once did he think about his childhood best friend, he just thought of him and Jojo. Sun-Oh is aware that Hye Young had a crush on Jojo from the very beginning; Hye Young didn't openly admit it, but he did make it clear and semi-obvious, but no, he decides to chase her instead and pulls her into an alleyway to kiss her, show each other's love on Joalarm and boom they're a couple. Another thing that ticked me off about him is that he had the decency to claim that Hye Young was using him and is even saying Hye Young is moving out because of Jojo. like I kinda get he feels betrayed in some way because someone who has been by his side and entrusts his life with is leaving, but seriously, that's what happens in life and to question his decision really shows who is actually the true friend
Hye Young is a sweetheart and is the most loving character from this drama, however, I don't quite understand why he didn't tell his viewpoint on the real reason why he is leaving and actually stand up for himself because like with Jojo, he could have been understood by Sun-Oh if he told the truth. The drama didn't do much justice on his character as he was quite silent in the beginning, but only really got the spotlight when it came to the end. It bugged me throughout the drama that there was barely any interaction between him and Jojo, maybe that was the whole point.
DESPITE my long-winded rant about the storyline as well as the characters, I quite enjoyed this frustratingly good drama. The cute romantic scenes of SuhJo were definitely a highlight, but I also treasure the adorable moments that we got with HyeJo . I loved how they touched upon society perspective and made us viewers aware of the fact that
I thought the cast was amazing, everyone played their roles well and I wouldn't imagine this drama without them. The acting was immaculate for a high-school drama.
The music was really nice and suited the drama amazingly.
Although the story did bug me and there were plot holes throughout the series, I would rewatch the drama again for the moments we had with both male leads and Jojo.
Overall, in my opinion, I think it's an okay drama, definitely a cute one, but a frustrating watch and if you are that type of person that likes to watch a frustrating romance, then I would recommend it. I hope that there is going to be a season 2 soon
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If you've seen dramas before...do NOT watch this
*sighs* Firstly...Kim Jojo is a mess.This was my first ever Korean drama show and as a first time watcher, I did not know why it got so much hate. But now that I've seen more dramas, I understand why. Sooo many plot holes that left me wondering "wait, what happened?". An example is the falling out of Kim Jojo and her friend, like WHERE IS THE FRIEND I WANNA SEE WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FRIEND!!!!!
The love interests: wth?
Like Sun Oh is a creep if I am being fr. He does not act like a friend AT ALL and is sooo self absorbed like if Jojo does not want you then LAY THE F OFF. There are other fish in the sea brother. I feel like he was not even in love with Jojo but rather just playing with his friends feelings. If you are a fan of Song Kang DO NOT WATCH THIS. It is not worth it and he is in such better shows.
Please save Lee Hye-yeong. You deserve so much better that Sun Oh AND Kim Jojo. He was the only character I could tolerate. Just kinda basic and wish I could have learned more about him. Sweet character, but really confused about some of his backstory to really call him a "favorite character".
Kim Jojo needs help. She is so dumb and makes stupid decisions but does not do anything to fix it. Like girl just make up your freaking mind about who you have feelings for. Stop being difficult. There are so many times in the show when I would just yell at her to stop being stupid.
Also, the cousin is a bitch.
Music is not that special. I only really like "Falling Again" but that is it.
Final thoughts:
Do not watch this if you have seen many dramas, it is not worth the watch. If you have not seen any dramas...then maybe?? If complicated romance is your thing, then give it a try. But I would personally recommend 'True Beauty' for first watchers. No hate for any of the actors, they are just in better shows and movies. This show rang so many alarm bells in my head.
Thanks for reading!
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This was essentially a typical Korean high school drama but with an element of fantasy brought in by the app Love Alarm. The characters were not extraordinary. You have your quintessential poor hardworking orphaned heroine with a tragic background. Right now I don’t know who the first or second lead is. The male character who does date the heroine is rich and attractive whose otherwise easy life is made more difficult by a ignorant mother, so I’m going to call him first lead. The second lead is his best friend however he is a kind and thoughtful boy who lacks confidence. I’m totally rooting for the second lead. The way the first male lead betrayed his best friend was truly cruel and I guess I easily forgave him because he was so kind to heroine. The heroine and first male lead definitely gave me the heirs vibes but I suppose the male lead was up to date because he asked for consent before kissing. The heroine ends up breaking up with first male lead as the show progressed. There was answered to why she did that but I hope it’s because she realised how he betrayed his best friend.
Why everyone liked the heroine is quite unclear. She succeeded in having handsome boys to fancy her but yet had no healthy friendships.
Whilst the show clings to cliche, it was interesting and enjoyable to watch.
I finished it all in one day. It’s definitely a guilty pleasure. The music was amazing too. The actors did a good job, although there was nothing special brought in by the writers.
I will half-heartedly recommend this.
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Don't get me wrong, it's not all negative, as the 40 minutes of episodes didn't feel like they were dragging at all. I'm just disappointed that the opportunity of a great premise wasn't seized as well as it should have. Plus, what the hell was that ending? Overall, good show but could have been WAY better.
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Now coming to the story. It's filled with a lot. Especially till the end the story gets very pumped up and I can't wait for next season. There's so much mystery to be revealed and it's something great and different for Korean Dramas as most Korean Dramas end in 1st season. I like how they are brining the concept of seasons. It's a new thing and it makes me interested in Korean Dramas even more.
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When I saw the trailer, I honestly didn't care enough to see it, I mainly looked at it for the cast, but I have to say it was a great decision because from the first chapter you get stuck in the story.
It is a drama with only eight episodes that when you finish it leaves you wanting to see more and waiting for a second season.
All actors are extremely good at making you feel the same as they causing you to get excited about what happens to them during the drama.
The characters all seem very characteristic to me, it is true that initially Kim Jo Jo seems a bit cowardly about the decisions he makes but I also understand that at that time he was very young and was not in the best personal situation, in addition to that we can observe how he regrets the decision he makes.
If I had to describe Hwang Sun Oh, it would be immature, mainly because in moments of drama you really think about how he might put himself in that position with what he did to the friend, besides he seems to be a very loyal person.
Lee Hye Young is the best character in the whole drama, he is such a good and forgiving person that he mainly considers the feelings of the people he wants and takes a step back, I sincerely hope that Kim Jo Jo stays with him.
The characters that I clearly hated were his "family", seriously there are chapters in which you want to break their faces, on top of which they are super brazen. The poor girl kills herself by working to be fucked later, really I was angry at those moments.
In conclusion it is a great drama that you have to see if you like drama and love triangles, I hope there is and QUICK THE SECOND SEASON!
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Love Alarm (좋아하면 울리는)
"Love Alarm" is a Korean drama and it’s ideal for anyone who likes to watch shows with technology, good looking cast members and a lot of romance. This is one of those shows that you can easily fall into binge-watching, so I've warned you in advance that it can be addictive. It has just the right amount of realism, science fiction and fantasy to be somewhat believable, and highly entertaining.Based on the webtoon by Chon Kye-young, Love Alarm tells the story of three young people who come of age when the world changing app called Love Alarm is released. The app, if turned on, allows users to know who within a 10 meter radius has romantic feelings for them. Because the app is synced with the user's heart, there's no way to lie, which causes some trouble when two childhood friends - model Hwang Sun-oh (Song Kang) and his housekeeper's son Lee Hye-yeong (Jung Ga-ram) - both fall for the same girl, Kim Jojo (Kim So-hyun).
Actually "Love Alarm" is unique for Netflix. It’s their very first Korean original series and it’s offered in a variety of languages. If you’re an English speaker you can watch it English or it’s cool to watch it in Korean and use the option for English subtitles. Each episode of the show lasts for an hour and there are eight per season. The show focuses upon the app that gives the series its name. Actually there you can appreciate the fact that you can visit the "Love Alarm" attractions if you’re ever in Seoul. That’s how popular the series has become. The characters in "Love Alarm" will move you to the point of feeling intense emotions.
I'm not going to give away any secrets here, but this is one of the things that fans of the series love. It’s riveting and addictive and you can’t wait to get to the next episode so you can find out. "Love Alarm" is a very different kind of series and if you’re into Korean drama, this may be right up your alley. If you’re looking for something new to fill the void left by the hiatus of your favorite television series, and you like what you’ve heard about "Love Alarm" so far, these are the reasons why you might want to give it a shot.
P.s. I'm in Team Hwang Sun-oh!!! ^-^
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Now coming to the story. It's filled with a lot. Especially till the end the story gets very pumped up and I can't wait for next season. There's so much mystery to be revealed.
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this is literally the same old "two friends fall in love with the same girl" story, the only difference is the complications that come from the "love alarm"...it really doesn't need 8 more eps, like in these 8eps we had the girl breaking up with her bf that she only dated for looks? and getting with the hot mysterious guy just so she breaks up with him over a melodramatic reason (twilight much? xD)... like I get wanting to be "safe" and keeping your emotions a secret, but she literally became this fragile girl who didn't want to get hurt? after the accident? or what? I still don't get it ;p
anyway, then add the now finally got some courage actual ml and the 2nd dude now wants a claim? after going after his friend's crush? like sure ml (though incredibly cute with his shyness) took his sweet 4 years to finally say something, but it's still better than 2nd guy who's stringing this new poor girl??? lol melodramatic much??
I think people like the real ml (though incredibly cute with his shyness) could be frustrating and intimidating? like dude has 4+ years of bottled up emotions and he wants to get it all out xD also, he could have 4+ years of fantasy he built around how jojo is like, and he could end up disappointed....
either way though, I just remembered 2nd guy's victim mentality, and I still prefer 1st guy ;)
also, KSH is better than this... they give her THE model poor suffering everyone-hates-her character, and she still made her bearable...
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