Chicago Typewriter

Go Kyung Pyo MAKES The Show!

A writer in a slump, a happy-go-lucky woman, and a stranger in a suit all have something in common, but what exactly is it? A dark secret between half-brothers, and a deeper, darker secret from 80 years ago during a revolution begins a series of events that years later can't be stopped. The power of love and friendship has brought three souls back together decades years later and the bonds made are unbreakable as they reconnect. Whether drawn together by fate, or by chance, is up to the viewer to decide.

Go Kyung Pyo STEALS the show! From his constantly serious and deadpan delivery in "Love in Contract" to this expressive character, I couldn't stop laughing. The story is a fabulous spin and was so unique and adorable to me. It had its passionate moments, the true feelings of frustration when one suffers from writer's block or creative panic, and the heartbreakingly tragic moments that I didn't expect at all, especially in the first half of the drama. I also didn't expect myself to get drawn into the story as aggressively as I did, but I started it late last night and couldn't stop watching. I'm still awake now, and writing this review.

Many people would consider this to be a somewhat 'reverse-harem' concept because there are SO many suitors. The main female lead must be like catnip to cats only to men. This is a common trope in MANY kdramas and cdramas. However, I've often felt that if you're going to watch a love triangle story, then it's the QUALITY of the suitors, not the QUANTITY. And whereas two are basically filler (one of course is a bad guy), the two main leads love passionately.

Whereas at the beginning one is a hate-to-love, the other is someone who loves wholeheartedly and unquestioningly. Even when he refers to their past life, he refers to the FL as 'THEIR comrade and lover'. There was no questioning of where his, their, or her loyalty lie. He simply accepted that they all loved one another, whether as brother, friend, confidante, or comrade -- together they shared love (and her love), and he never questioned it.

That is a rarity in itself. I've only seen a character like this created ONCE in Western media, much less in a kdrama and that was in the movie "Savages" (2012). It is unusual for a drama to ever accept the 1st/2nd lead's love for the main character. Whether it be a female or male first lead that is being 'fought over' -- there is rarely ever a middle ground or a complete understanding that the love by both characters for the lead is acceptable. It is more often verbal or physical fighting that happens in a drama.

The storyline itself was fun for me. I particularly enjoyed the mention of Stephen King, and even quoting him. As a Stephen King fan, I was surprised by this and enjoyed it immensely. If you're looking for a love triangle that's not really a love triangle (it is but it isn't -- I don't know how to explain it unless you watch it), with a unique storyline, hilarious and awkward moments, with adorable characters and BEAUTIFUL architecture featuring a LOT of books, and many quotes from wonderful authors -- this is the drama for you.

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This s my first review on MyDramalist.  
I remember this drama on second page under top drama in2017 so I decide to register on this site and write  a review. 
I watched Chicago Typewriter weeks before Christmas. Its really beyond expectation.  

Ohh I like  the main actors. I watched Yoo ah in Six Flying Dragon I keen on character he played.
Somehow Korean know how to make a good drama.

Almost forget OST ......yes CT got the best OST ever . Satellite, rhe melody is so lovely  (lyric not that great???? )
I love Boni Pueri. This Czech boy choir is so great. I spent time listen to the ost over n over again on Youtube.
Thumbs up !

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The reason I started watching this drama was because of Yoo Ah-In. After seeing him in Six Flying Dragons and The Throne, I knew his talent is extraordinary. When I heard this has a bit more romance in it, instantly, I wanted to see how he portrays himself in another character.

It took me a bit of time since this show was out in 2017 and here I'm watching it in 2020. The reason why I didn't jump to it straight away when it aired was the concept of past and present lives. I got a bit tired of it as several dramas had that concept.

However, Chicago Typewriter blew me away with how well the plots came together. I actually was more invested in the storyline of 1930 than the present. I believe the writer did this splendidly keeping viewers on the line of wanting to know more of what happened.

There was only one minor reason why I didn't give the plot a 10/10, it had to do with the past and present people. I don't want to give any spoilers but personally, I thought it was a bit too "coincidental". The music fitted the timeline and captured each moments, however, it's not the best I've heard. To be fair, I couldn't give it a 10/10 because there are other dramas that no doubt excel in OST.

All the other casts were brilliant. Im Soo-Jung impressed me with her crying scenes, the emotions went straight into my heart. The friendship between the main characters truly lifted my soul.

Let's just say, I bawled my eyes out and wasted many tissues. I didn't expect the last few episodes to be that magnificent but what can I say? Yoo In-Ah is my my weakness, all his gestures and the looks in his eyes. Hoping he'll do more dramas because a movie length is just not enough of him! Give me the 50 episodes, 1 hour long each please!

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Second best kiss ever

It didn't draw me in like other dramas. But I think it's a drama that is absolutely worth watching. The last episodes sometimes tend to be standard, but the story is original, the acting excellent. The cinematic component is also excellent. Han's (Yoo Ah In) house is as fantastic as his haircut in his current life is terrifying. In his past life, however, he is very sexy with that messy fringe.
Like everyone else, I loved the sweet and faithful friend who plays the part with extreme naturalness. An excellent actor that I didn't know.
In the accidental kiss between the two protagonists, Han manages, with very few, small gestures, to put a disturbing passion. The second best kiss of the hundreds I've seen.
The soundtrack is also very pleasant without being unforgettable. I hope that Yoo Ah In will be allowed to give us, in the future, other interpretations of his great talent as an actor. Yoo Ah In, fighting!
I never rewatch (2024)

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Great story a must watch for kdrama fans

This is a 2017 South Korean drama with 16, 70 minute episodes

Han Se-joo / Seo Hwi-young (Yoo Ah-In) is a famous author who hits a slump shortly after he meets one of his top fans, Jeon Seol / Ryu Soo-hyun / Anastacia (Im Soo Jung) Jin Seol was an Olympic level shooter who lost her desire to pursue the sport when holding the gun would bring on flashes of disturbing memories. Jin Seol is thrilled when her delivery service leads her to drop off a package at none other than Se-joo’s house. However, Se-Joo is not a fan of people in general and particularly this fan who finds excuses to seek him out. The package contains a typewriter that Se-Joo admired in an antique shop but was told it was not for sale. Seems the owner had a change of heart. The typewriter is not just any typewriter but holds a secret that ties Se-joo, Jin-Seol and a third character associated with the typewriter, Jin-oh / Shin Yool (Go Kyung-pyo) together. Collaborating on a novel about their past may break Se-joo out of his slump, allow Jin Seol an excuse to be around Se-Joo and reveal how and why the three are drawn to each other.

Spoiler 🚨. I liked everything about this. The reincarnation angle was interesting and the back story with the ghost was compelling. It was clear that their past story would be sad so it did not fall too heavy when the sad part occurred because it was expected. It kept you guessing just enough to make you want to keep watching. The love stories were believable and relatable. The friendships were heart warming. Getting a slice of life of that era in Korea was interesting.. The only thing that detracted and kept the ending from feeling thoroughly happy was not knowing what the future held for the ghost. It is a thoroughly engaging story with great character development, an intriguing premise and interesting plot. I highly recommend this for a wide audience but those interested in modern history, that like mystery, action, supernatural elements and romance will particularly enjoy this one.

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For me it started slow. At the start of this drama, I wasn't really attached to it. I just watch the episodes for the sake of Yoo Ah In ( because oh god, in all dramas of him I watched, he's hottest in Chicago Typewriter). But as the story progressed (around episode 5) I got attached to it and I found myself glued the whole time. While I was watching it, I was reminded of my country's National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, like at first I thought "wait is this based on Jose Rizal's story?".  Like Hwi Young he is a doctor and a writer. Although he is not a leader of any movement (but was accused as a leader, leading to his death), he wrote novels which changed and influenced the revolutionist at that time, also like Hwi Young, he is a great and brilliant man. I think if this drama will be aired in my local channels, many will also find similarities with Hwi Young and Dr. Jose Rizal. ( Hands up fellow Filipinos! Did you feel that too ?) Anyway, the reason why I mentioned that is because of that fact that I liked this drama. It feels good, surprising, exciting to find a drama from another country that also reflects my country's history.  Although I did not have first-hand experience  with the Japanese occupation of my country, I really emphatize with the it. I read of real stories of what happened during that time and I am sure that it is similar to what Korea have been through. Although those weren't explicitly seen in the drama, I know the cruelties of the Japanese during that time.

I hope my review will not scare those drama fans who doesn't like history type of dramas. This drama is not about history at all (which is boring), it is not about what we've read on books (which are politically corrected). It is a story that focuses on the point of view of the youths stuck in that era. An era were in falling in love is a luxury, and they got no time for that. Also it showed how privilege we are now, that we are living in a liberated country (yes I hope the one reading this also lives in a liberated country). So thank our freedom fighters for that. Kudos to this drama, I hope I will see such dramas in the future too.

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Beautiful and Otherworldly

This is one of my absolute favorite shows. I didn't know what to expect and just tried it out randomly, and I'm so glad I did. The music and cinematography alone give this show a leg up, especially with the flashback scenes. The show has a quality I haven't felt from any other show. It's at times dreamlike and ethereal; mystical and playful but also grounded in the harsh reality of the past.

I really love all the main characters, and all of them have an emotional and important place in the story. The female lead is one of my all time female leads, because in my opinion she's authentically fierce and interesting. Sometimes a female lead is called strong while she doesn't actually do all that much, but that's not the case here.

The story started with a few threads of mystery and ended up tying them together in a satisfying way. The audience is given hints of what happened, but I was still taken aback at how emotional the whole story was. Chicago Typewriter is certainly not the most depressing show I've watched, but I really couldn't help but cry for the characters at some point. This show just ended up being really fun, intriguing, and emotionally satisfying.

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Just watch it!

I've developed affection for the main trio and the fusion of ghost story and historical drama really worked for me. Chicago Typewriter sometimes is laugh out loud funny and some moments are terribly tragic; there are scenes that make your heart flutter and scenes that give you the feels; the settings and costumes are on point; there are unexpected twists and turns, a lot of character development and, for the faint of heart, there are two paralel endings that leave you satisfied with the ride.
By the last third, things slow down a bit and get tropey, but the slump is overcome and the show reaches a very satisfactory conclusion, revealing that the writing is solid and that there is cohesion for the show as a whole.
Do yourself a favour and don't look up for recaps or spoilers. Just watch this show!

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A passionate tale

Chicago Typewriter has so much going for it. By far, the best quality is that none of the characters (that matter) are annoying and our three leads can seriously ACT. Plus, the story is intriguing — dual timeline shows can feel choppy, but somehow the past and present were weaved together smoothly.

This is a story of passion: passion for one's country, passionate love for the ages, and passionate youth burning brightly. It strikes deep chords of nostalgia and showcases unbridled joy in the midst of chaos. It's hopeful and full of life. Above all, the friendship was worth witnessing. It's true that this show may be a bit frustrating in the first six episodes, but it really does pick up steam. I'm glad I stuck with it.

There were a few minor lowlights. There were a few too many flashbacks and repeat scenes — or perhaps it felt that way since I binged the show instead of watching it week-to-week. I felt that the stalker's subplot was left hanging. I wish we got some hope for Seol's friend, who just wanted to be loved. Then again, all the other characters were less compelling and less fleshed out (thinking of people like: the Shaman, Han Se Ju's dad, his agent, etc.). The story was so complex that I'm glad the show focused on its leads above all else.

I laughed out loud and I cried. What more could you want from a show, really?

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