I absolutely love the whole time I spent watching it. but probably wont rewatch it, nothing beats the first time you see a movie or series. the first time is always different.
Just happy that I watched it and hope you do as well.
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The plot was pretty basic, an arranged marriage where the two leads share a house and fall in love. The romance in this drama is pretty unique. It’s awkward, stilted and slow but very sweet and believable. The similarities between the two main characters worked really well; unlike other dramas, they complement each other really well because of the ways they are the same, not the ways they are different. They did have really really good chemistry, I think, and some scenes were very well delivered. They have such lovely moments together that I love to rewatch them. I especially loved their kissing scenes, it was the perfect demonstration of tension building up and up and finally reaching a peak. This slow burn is actually so good. Their relationship was often frustrating just because it’s more about the things left unsaid, rather than the huge romantic gestures we’re used to. But this actually fits the character’s personalities well, and to be honest they’re a perfect couple. People who watch this drama for the first time just have to be wary of the fact that this isn’t a dramatic relationship or a relationship based on large gestures. It’s just home.
The secondary couples were good too. I think Soo Ji and Sang Goo stole the show and were at times a more interesting and loveable couple than the mains. Their romance is literally so funny and they actually seem to genuinely like each other, which the other couples don’t express as well... plus Soo Ji was such a strong character and Sang Goo was so funny and sweet that there was no way they wouldn’t have worked well together. Many people have complained about Ho Rang and Won Seok but I did like them sometimes, plus it was refreshing to have an established relationship in a drama. I liked the message of healing and nurturing a relationship a lot and their emotional scenes were strong, though their storyline was dragged out massively and feels a little pointless at the end because they literally just go back to how their relationship was before.
The cast itself was overall pretty good, Jung Simon is a very strong actress and, though I know a lot of people dislike Ji Ho (especially towards the end of the drama) I actually really loved how she represented a complex, strong, adorable and interesting female lead. Lee Minki played a pretty average role, but there were definitely some points where he shined too. Definitely Eom was the best in this drama; the character of Soo Ji was amazing and so so refreshing, she was the perfect mix of strong, adorable and interesting, especially for a side character. Overall the cast was good and the characters were fun enough to keep the drama interesting, while having touching and meaningful backstories/storylines. I liked the friendships between the female characters so so much; solidarity between women is hard to find sometimes and it was so nice to have those healthy female relationships.
I’m a sucker for OSTs and I really really loved this one. So fun and sweet, totally fits the atmosphere of this drama. I listen to it a lot, actually. The atmosphere of this drama in general is really lovely, actually. The whole show is about making a home and finding a place to belong... the scenery, music and mood of the show fit that very well. There are a lot of silences and awkward moments in this drama... it really is realistic. I think that the whole vibe is just slow and homely.
If you’ve looked at this page even once you’ll know that people have a major issue with the last two episodes... I agree with this. Episode 15 in particular is just so weak? It’s boring, flat and there’s so much angst that it doesn’t have the same vibe as other episodes and just features stilted conversations. It was basically a filler and could’ve been left out if I’m honest... it just put me in a bad mood and left a bad taste in my mouth for an hour and fifteen minutes. (apart from the last scene, of course, which is so good (kudos to Lee Minki)). Episode 16 was marginally better, not as strong as other episodes but at least an attempt at a satisfying conclusion that wraps up the storylines. It is so much less realistic than other episodes, very idealistic and rushed. Seeing as the show deals with such serious issues and is so realistic, it does feel like a very typical happy ending and the catharsis therefore just isn’t as strong as it really could’ve been... there was so much potential for the last two episodes that just really fell flat? Plus the two couples getting back together was really bland, nothing really happened Like I said, there was potential there that was wasted and if the rest of the drama hadn’t been so excellent I wouldn’t have been as unsatisfied as I am. To be honest, I would’ve much preferred an open ending. I do feel like I might be being too harsh though; I did love some moments and I did enjoy it still!
What also bothers me is the representation of Ji Ho in the last two episodes... all through the drama she’s literally called transparent, and she never hesitates to talk about her feelings, so why make her into this secretive woman who leaves for no reason... the Ji Ho I loved was honest and kind, and that’s lost in the finale.
The final episodes kind of affect my view of the drama. Overall though it was funny, touching and I loved the characters. I love rewatching some moments, and the messages will stay with me for a long time (and I’ll definitely listen to the soundtrack a lot). The characters became a sort of family together and I have a lot of affection for them.
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This review may contain spoilers
"Words are born from a person's mouth, and die in a person's ear. But some words don't die...they go into a person's heart...and continue to live."I was honestly shocked and pleased by how progressive and feminist this show was, considering the mostly patriarchal and conservative nature of Korean culture. But as I'm still fairly new to watching Korean dramas, I am by no means well versed in the realities of life there. After all, these are drama shows with heightened and exaggerated storylines for the purposes of telling the story. But this drama resonated because it was so wholly focused on not just the aspect of love/marriage/sex all being a component of one thing but instead separate entities that may or may not go together depending on what each person finds suits them in life.
Not only do we have a great pair in the main leads with Ji Ho and Se Hee but we get a whole trio of gals with Ji Ho, Soo Ji and Ho Rang. I loved all them all and their different viewpoints and expectations on life and the topic of how sex/love/marriage aren't always hand in hand. Soo Ji's flippancy towards love and marriage and her badassery in taking on the world and her opening up for Sang Goo; Ho Rang being adamant about what she wanted and fighting tooth and nail for Won Seok to be her happy ending.
And of course, Se Hee and Ji Ho's journey from housemates to married to just "psycho" unmarried couple who are happy to be together but not married as that construct is what threatened to ruin the love they grew to share. Se Hee starting off with the distant coldness and suppressing any chance of happiness before Ji-ho is so sad but it's so tender to see his poor little frozen heart melt by her. And from the no smiles to the smirks to full on smiling was lovely.
Ji-ho's spitfire personality really resonated with me. When she got assaulted by that director and refused to just gloss over it and demanded to be called a victim. I was impressed to see that and so glad she continued to play defense like in soccer.
So many great quotes, that gives in a rewatchability factor. I didn't want to stop and write down everything because it was so much but the introspective and deep, meaningful words about life and love really brought this drama up to another level.
PS. Kitty/Our! Such a wonderful purrball. Very vital to the plot. Truthfully. :)
Some great quotes I did write down.
“I noticed you washed the instant noodle bowl.”
“Yes, it’s a habit.”
“You have a really good habit.”
"No man who loves animals is a bad guy."
"It's better to be a crazy bitch than a pathetic wench."
"A heart isn't something that is taken or grabbed. It just comes to you."
"Just because you've lived yesterday, it doesn't mean you know everything about today."
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What is marriage? That is the question - In this way, this drama makes you think. Honestly we all have our own view on marriage and what we think it's about but after watching this drama I do believe my view on it might have changed a little.
The story is beautiful, weird, but beautiful. The awkwardness of the main couple just added the right amount of spice to this drama and you couldn't help but ship them. No iceberg was gonna take this ship down. hahaha. Se Hee was awkward but so adorkable. Yes, adorkable. And Ji Ho. Gosh I loved her. Her personality would be everything I would look for in a girl...if I were a man. I loved SeHee and JiHo together and couldn't get enough of them.
The side couple also added their own flavor to the drama. With Won Seok and Ho Rang, I felt an air of seriousness. Their relationship was probably the most thought provoking one. I mean, who do you side with? One time I'm like she's being selfish and then I'm like he's being selfish...you know what? They were both selfish. Yeah. But in a situation like that, what do you do? On the other hand, there is the other side couple that's always ready to make you laugh, Soo Ji and Sang Goo.Just loved them.
The acting was superb! This is my 'first time' with most of the actors in this drama and it was truly wonderful and the casting couldn't have been better. I've just found a lot of new favorites which means I've got drama/movie hunting to go do.
Don't know if this review will be helpful to anyone but I just had to have my say. I tried not to spoil anything. Overall, well done!
Now on to the next drama!
I'm out...
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Underrated
Genuinely one of the best dramas I've ever seen. Top to bottom, front to back, beginning to end, it was GOOD. It was INTERESTING. Usually dramas like this have some ups and downs in terms of the pacing, and they get boring...NOPE. Not here.I loved every second of it, and the relationship of the main leads is one of my all time favorites. Wow...just...everyone please watch this drama, PLEASE I BEG YOU!
Also I love the soundtrack too! It's so good?!????
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One of my favorites
I came across this drama in Netflix trying to find something to watch and I'm glad I watched it because this is such a gem. Guess I relate so much with all the three main female characters as I'm at that age where I struggle about my career, financials, relationships.For people who likes reading books, or drama where the overall vibes is around books or characters who likes to read/write, this is the first drama that I always recommend. I love all the literary pieces mentioned in this drama. I wish I could read them all. There were so much to learn. I had a lot of realizations that helped me through life. A lot of nice quotes surrounding the drama. One of my faves that has always stuck to my heart. “Just because you lived through yesterday doesn't mean you know everything about today.” - Jiho. And I live by that.
The ending could've been better, but the overall premise and concept of the story was wonderful. The narration was beautiful. Watching it feels like I'm watching a play. Wish I could watch this again for the first time!
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STORY : It is quite simple. It involves 3 couples. Might seemed to be boring for some people but it is very relatable to our daily lives, our surroundings. The plot also goes really well. It carries us to the peak slowy along those 16 episodes. You will definitely feel the warmth inside this drama.
ACTING : Yes! The best! Casts were so good that they were really suited wth the characters. Acting was so great that throughout the drama, u won’t notice that they were acting out. It’s like they are real people living outside in the world.
MUSIC : I dun normally listen to OST that much after the drama ends nor like all of the OSTs but this drama makes me fall in love wth each and every piece of OST. Moreover, each track really suits wth the drama storyline so u can literally play the drama frm the start to end while listening all those tracks. OSTs were really great at portraying the characters’ feelings.
REWATCH? : Definitely yes! I, too, rewatched 3 times and yet it’s still my all times fav. The drama depicts people’s emotions so well that everytime i rewatch, i get to understand more and more of each character.
OVERALL : It’s totally a mature drama. Might be boring for some whilst might be the best for some. No strong love triangles, no melodrama mess, simple, lightweighted yet so deep emotions are in there. U can laugh, cry, sobs, angry, happy together in this drama. It is definitely the best one for me. So much to learn in there abt people. I hope everyone will enjoy.
P.S. wht i love the most in this drama is character portrays and the scripts, each and every line in this drama touched me so deep into my heart that i literally noted down my fav lines. It will give u strength in ur hard times.
Thanks to actors, producers and the scriptwriters. This is one of the best products and nth can replace this drama❤️
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This review may contain spoilers
Great performances, but :too much family drama & spiciness void of romance
Jung So-min & Lee Min Ki are VERY good as the main couple. Just watching them together is a treat, but what goes on around them frustratingly detracts from any good feelings I developed over the storyline.There are SO many negatives.
It's A romance , BUT with an incredibly jaded view of marriage: an outdated, unnecessary thing -a conclusion derived from the fact that [ridiculously] ALL the character's parents are in bad marriages ). Which makes the ending completely juxtaposing & baffling.
Too much family drama ,patriarchal fathers, submissive mothers pressuring thier children to get married is the "engine" that supposedly drives their children's dismissal of marriage .
A cavalier attitude towards sex is presented as an enlightened, modern sensibility-(said literally Every generation!) Side female characters pursue sex like a game of cat and mouse while they dismiss romance. Too many- open discussions about sex. Too many scenes of people jumping into bed with each other.
The character's touted generational superior worldview did not actually seem to lead to happiness and thier lives seemed devoid of anything meaningful, making them unlikeable sad people.
I Do like a story with strong women, but don't find it comedic relief for women treating decent men as inferior in a way that's toxic.
The bits that ruin the drama: [Spoilers]
1) girl walks in on her younger brother having sex. (AGH ! NO !!!)
2) BFF#1 whines like a baby & continually coldly bosses around her boyfriend of 7 years
3) BFF #2 carries around a condom in her purse,(just in case) wears no bra & bosses around the guy who likes her.
4) Male lead lived with a girl & got her pregnant 12 years before this story takes place. This IS integral to the plot & it's resolution And explains why he is the way he is - making the choices he makes.... but for me : it's a Nope !
Positives:
ALL the young people & couples grow alot but it's only shown at the very end.
All the younger generational characters decide that marriage is stupid, BUT all the couples get married!!!
I liked the OST but they did repeat one song way to much.
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Where should I start? Everything was so perfect in my opinion. The chemistry between the leads was by far one of the best I've seen in dramaland, it was cute, heartwarming and it felt so real. The stories of the rest of the characters were also very interesting ; I enjoyed watching the 2 other couples so the episodes never felt too long or boring. I think this drama was not as cliche as other rom-com I've seen, the lead couple acted very maturely, the ex was not annoying at all, there were no misunderstandings and no fights for no reason. This drama has also one of my favorite OST (Moonmoon <3). I usually never rewatch dramas, but I might rewatch this one because I already miss it!
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Great lead actors with tons of chemistry, amazing supporting cast, wonderful OST.
It's funny, romantic and deep all at once. It definitively became one of my favourites.
Last but not least, I found refreshing that more and more K-dramas are finally including believable physical interactions, even when they're not actually shown. Apparently, producers are slowly realizing they can have their characters talk about and have sex without being too hypocritical about it or turning the show into a porn. This is one of those (recent) cases and I'm genuinely surprised.
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Love, Life, and the Courage to Choose Yourself
This drama doesn’t rush romance. It asks what it’s for.Because This Is My First Life is quietly profound, peeling back the expectations placed on love, marriage, and adulthood with honesty and care. It speaks to anyone who has ever felt behind, unsure, or pressured to live life according to a script that never quite fit.
Ji-ho and Se-hee’s relationship begins as an arrangement but slowly transforms into something deeply intentional. Their love grows through conversations, silences, and shared space rather than dramatic declarations. It’s awkward, cautious, and beautifully real. The drama understands that intimacy isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s choosing to stay and learn someone, one day at a time.
What elevates the series is its broader lens. The stories of friendship, career struggles, gender roles, and societal pressure are just as compelling as the central romance. Each character represents a different way of navigating adulthood, reminding us there’s no single right timeline or definition of success.
The writing is thoughtful, reflective, and often disarmingly honest. It doesn’t offer easy answers, but it offers reassurance. That it’s okay to start late. To start over. To live imperfectly.
🌱 10/10 for emotional intelligence, quiet courage, and a drama that feels like a companion during moments of self-doubt and becoming.
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