Because This Is My First Life

이번 생은 처음이라 ‧ Drama ‧ 2017
Completed
Penelope79
1 people found this review helpful
Dec 3, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10
I'm in love with this show! It's basically flawless!
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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Completed
soleilvelayo
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 1, 2026
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

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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Completed
PapayaSammy on twitch
1 people found this review helpful
May 14, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I read a review that said this show was a hidden gem and I originally had it on my list as filler but because of the mixed reviews but I honestly shouldn't have taken that statement for granted. Because I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. I really thought I was just going to be watching some cheesy drama where the roommates fall in love with each other because they spent time with each other, your typical stuff but it wasn't that. It was about 2 very different people that had 2 very different goals and outlook in life but clicked in every way possible. There was nothing to complain about and nothing was toxic. They were different and selfish in their own ways but also not selfish all in all. The other 2 couples had their own complications but I was really just in it for the main couple. I was curious to see how things will go, how things will fall and all in all, things were just right. There was the right amount of ups as there was downs. It was for the more mature and heavy minded souls. The ones that have that deep feeling in their hearts that not everyone can really connect with.

The acting was spot on. You put a great actress and actor together that just know what they're doing and they do it well. You have people that all around clicked and just entertaining families in general and it was great. ALSO THOUGH SHOUT OUT TO MY GURL BO MI. She out here, to my fellow pink pandas. Lmao.

The OST was nice, very fitting, loved it.

Would I rewatch it? I would on a rainy day. Like today was for me. On a day where I just have time and I need something that is easy going. It was long but flew by. I didn't feel the need to forward through draggy parts and all that. It never crossed my mind honestly.

So to those who stated this show was a hidden gem. They were not incorrect. This show was definitely a gem.

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Completed
sarang_eul
1 people found this review helpful
Oct 31, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I don't generally write reviews but this has by far been the BEST DRAMA i have ever seen, and i just don't mean as a kdrama, it's something that i love as much as or even more than friends or how i met your mother. And i never say something like this so easily about a drama.
THE BEST PART ABOUT THIS DRAMA WAS SIMPLY EVERYTHING! THE SCRIPT, THE DIRECTION, THE PRODUCTION, THE ACTING, THE CAT AND THE AESTHETIC AND COLOUR PALET OF THE ENTIRE SHOW, EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS SHOW WAS LIKE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR.

There wasn't a moment in the entire 16 episodes when i got bored, the story was simple but yet so well written, this show taught me some of the best quotes to remember and the dialogue delivery by both jung so min and lee min ki was amazing, especially the narration parts by jung so min were so beautiful, there is just something so soothing about her voice that it grasps your attention AND makes you feel nice!
The entire show was so realistic in describing human emotions, feelings and relationships that one couldn't help but feel connected to the story.
Each episode was eye opening and made me introspect about my own life.
The side stories of their friends were so cute as well! and they showed different types of relationships different people have.
And the last few episodes made me bawl my eyes out but the emotional ride was worth it because the ending was just perfect, it honestly couldn't have been better, i know some would disagree but if you watch the drama carefully you will understand why she did that.
If someone actually read my entire review and reached the end...THANKS!!! <3

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Completed
FoxFae
1 people found this review helpful
Oct 18, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

I did NOT plan to get that invested...

Have you ever randomly clicked on a show just to have something playing in the background as you do something else? This was one of those shows for me, only when I clicked it, I fully intended to just let it play as I went about my work buuuuut... from the moment it started - there was no cutting it off. Even my family stopped what they were doing to start watching this show.

My ONLY warning to you if you see this show and want to watch it, clear your schedule because you are about to miss a lot of sleep to finish this show.

I ended up loving every single one of the characters.... and I do mean Every. Single. One. Those from the start that you just hate with a passion and want to hit with a car.... loved. Lol. Hats off to the writer of this show because it is really hard to take a hated character and make them loved. Least for me it is. Because when I hate someone, there is no changing it. Lol. It goes to show that the growth of all of the characters are powerful.

The twists man. Oh gosh!! This is the PERFECT example of the quote "that's what you get for assuming." *hides in shame* I was so ready to hate so many of these characters only to have it shoved in my face that what I *thought* was actually HELLA FREAKING WRONG!!!

Because This Is My First Life is one of those shows that you need to watch every single scene though because you'll be lost for a while if you don't. Not that I minded; it was like crack. Lol When I finally did need sleep - I had to actually force myself to shut it off. Which... did last long, mind you. Like I said, it's crack. Hahaha

I want to say this is probably the first drama I have watched where I haven't completely ripped into something or someone. X_X Though don't get me wrong, there was one character I love/hated. He was such a amazing person in the end but he reminded me of someone that makes my skin crawl. So it was always mixed feelings with him.

"Sounds like a personal problem to me." Lol - it is, bro. It is.

So do yourself a favor, check the show out. You know you wanna.

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Completed
bloomingspring
1 people found this review helpful
Jun 27, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Story - 10/10: The plot revolves around 3 couples but the main one with Se Hee and Ji Ho had such an impact on me. Although the other couples were amazing, they truly blew my mind away. Usually, I don't like the fact that there are multiple main couples because I feel like they aren't expressed well enough and divide up my attention. However, the director did a fantastic job with all of them.

Acting/Cast - 10/10: Incredible chemistry between all of them. The way they interact with each other doesn't feel fake in any way. There are so many moments that made my heart melt.

Music - 10/10: The OSTs are incredible. I didn't pay attention to the music much in the drama but I feel like it indirectly influenced my emotions as well.

Rewatch Value - 10/10: Writing this review actually makes me want to rewatch the drama even though I'm currently watching a different one right now. I don't usually like to rewatch dramas so giving this such a high rating really means something.

I truly think that anybody can enjoy this drama, but especially romcom genre lovers. There are so many sweet moments in this. I was actually hesitant on watching this in the beginning but now, I am so glad that I did not skip it. It definitely became one of my favorites. I definitely recommend it!

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Completed
ivoryblood
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10
this drama, to put it in one word, is lovely. even the term 'lovely' wouldn't do it justice, oh my god, it's making me squeal all over the place. i didn't have too many expectations when i first started this, but as i watched through it, it got addicting, which was unfortunate because i began watching this in a week where i was very stressed and had some pretty important things to do. and i never even expected to love this! romance isn't my area of forte, but this was just so consuming i couldn't stop, and this is coming from someone who isn't very fond of the romance genre. i hate watching k-dramas that are centered around romance, but this one was just mindblowing. it was strange and it was beautiful, and the ending was, yes, it was strange for the main couple but everything ended up being wonderful and if it hadn't i probably would've spent the next two days crying about it. the other two supporting were just so lovable, i swear. the badass took my breath away, and even though she and the guy didn't look particularly well together, i shipped it so much it hurt. and the couple that fought alot, that was just adorable and irritating and it's my 3rd ranked couple but i was on edge wondering if they'd get back together. it wasn't just some stupid romance; it explored so many other things, so many things that are basically the reality of life. marriage, love, yeah sure, but it explored an independence you don't find alot in marriage. i loved the independence that was portrayed through the main married couple.

but bok nam, the beautiful little potato, i fall in love with every single time i see him, and he isn't given half of enough credit. he should have an entire mini series to himself, oof. he was my overall favorite character, and came first to the badass woman's boyfriend (i'm sorry i just finished watching and can't remember his name) who i'd rank second as my favorite character because of his idiocy but he's just adorable.

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Completed
Iulia
1 people found this review helpful
Feb 29, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

My favourite drama ever probably

I love this drama. I love the setting, the characters, the story and just everything really. I do get the complaints about Ji-ho in the last few eps, I really get it, I didn't like it either. However, I love the rest so much that I can just ignore it and forget it ever happened lol. The couple from this show is probably my favourite drama couple ever, I loved how they talked and interacted with each other, ugh I just loved everything about this drama. The secondary characters were also solid and entertaining and I really liked them. Everything was just perfect to me. 10/10.

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Completed
Meru
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 28, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0

Better than expected!!!

I watched this drama because it was gonna be taken down from netflix and also because I heard good things about it and it’s been on my list for too long.

This drama was AMAZING!!!! Here are a few reasons why I loved it and why everyone should watch it:

Reason no.1: The quotes in this drama were some of my favorites!!! I literally wanna take them all and write it down somewhere! Such beautiful quotes!!!
Also the fact that this drama is centered around writing was already a big bonus point!

Reason no.2: The characters!
I loved both Ji-Ho and Se-hee as well as both their friends!!! One of the few dramas which has such amazing friendships and friend groups! I loved how the drama didn’t only focus on the Main leads’ stories but also on the stories of their friends. It made this drama so much more relatable because in real life, not everything is always just about us. We meet friends amd share their joys and sorrows in life as well! This was actually one of my favorite points about this drama! I feel like every secondary couple got as much screen time as the main couple!!!! I have never seen this in any other drama before!!!! Soooo good!!!!

Reason no.3:
The comedic relief!!! Se-hee’s character and reactions were HILARIOUS!!!! I laughed everytime he came up with a rational explanation for everything or whenever he was confronted with the irrational behaviours of crazy humans (like his colleagues or Ji-ho’s family) 😂😂😂 The misunderstandings were funny too and CEO Ma always killed me with his flashy behaviour 😂😂😂 Especially that scene when he walks out of his office and kisses one of his nerdy colleagues on the forehead 😂😂😂I literally diedddd!!!!

Reason no.4: The CAT!!!! Omg! This must be the most beautiful K-Drama pet I have ever seen!!!!

Reason no.5: The soundtrack!!!!! IT WAS SOOOO BEAUTIFUL!!!! Definitely one of my favorite soundtracks ever!

Reason 6: The messages of following your dreams, womanhood and feminism, the question of marriage or love etc, were so deep and meaningful and often got me thinking about life while watching this drama…

The things I disliked were few which I won’t mention here now because it might have spoilers.

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Completed
AugieshaKyaa
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 27, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

realistic and refreshing

The premis is new, but it's so relatable especially for people in 25+ age group. This drama shows you how different people in their age group has concerns about love and marriage. What I like the most about the story is that the main leads have unique way of thinking about that issue. This drama doesn't suggest you the "right" answer to the concern, but rather give you the assurance that you can find your own way or the best method to overcome that issues. The actors are incredible, the setting is unique, the story is refreshing and satisfying. Worth to watch! I already watched it multiple times :D

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Completed
KarenMk
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 28, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 1.5
Rewatch Value 2.5
This review may contain spoilers

Just ok

The concept and direction of the relationships were at times very realistic. It's so true that love and marriage are not the same thing.

However, the timing of the conflicts at the end (episode 15!?) gave so little time for viewers to really process the resolution.

The stalker storyline was bad and added pretty much nothing to the story. The main woman Jiho had a dull personality, not crazy like the other characters claimed she was. I had zero rooting interest for her. She isn't bad, but I honestly didn't care of she had a happy or sad ending. The other characters had me rooting for them.

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Completed
natijim
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 24, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 6.5
This review may contain spoilers

Recommend!

I liked this show A LOT. I loved the main characters, but i found the other side couples annoying. I liked how the show was trying to be relatable and slightly show hoe couples are. I just could not with her friends though. The friend in a relationship was crying 24/7 and i just found it very annoying. And I felt like the whole time the "single" and "cool" friend was being lowkey being exploited as this "easy" girl. I liked the message they were trying to put out about how woman should be respected, but they did it while also not?
Now, the main couple was my fav part. Their plot kept me on my toes, and i was so nervous i almost hated it? I was so stressed wondering what would happen next. I love jung so-min and this show is what really started it for me. she did a great job and this show, even with it's flaws, i really liked it. I loved the ost "feel like falling in love," it was so romantic and catchy. Lastly, (spoiler alert) I liked how they split apart, but ended up missing each other so much at the end. Overall, i recommend, but idk if i would rewatch completely.

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Because This Is My First Life poster

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  • Score: 8.4 (scored by 83,499 users)
  • Ranked: #882
  • Popularity: #51
  • Watchers: 148,767

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