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It was a one hell of a roller coaster ride for this series. There are no dull episodes that will not make you laugh. As long as there will be Lee Yi Kyung, it will gonna be a perfect sitcom drama. I know Season 1 and Season 2 are different but i was really hoping that Dong Goo and Yoon Ah story will still continue SAME as Doo Shik and Soo Ah love story would developed. There were no clear lines that those two were dating at all. Hahaha. So far for the ending it was not bad and also not that good for me but so far I would rate this series 9.5/10 for the joy and the laugh that the series has gave me. Was this review helpful to you?
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Fantastic Comedy From Start To Finish
This has to be one of the best comedies I've seen. When I first started watching this, I couldn't imagine how they were going to be entertaining through 20 episodes, but they did just that, completely entertaining, non stop laughter, a great story & perfect acting.These six protagonists are so well matched with each other, it never gets boring watching the trouble they each find themselves in, then having to rely on the rest of the cast to get them out of the situation they got into in the first place.
It's very well written and has a small blend of drama, just enough to give a great mix to the story.
It's difficult to compliment each actor, because they are all great, but Jung Hyun is over the top brilliant with his timing and actions in each and every scene. Yi Kyung & Seung Won were equally brilliant, making for a great trio of best friends leaning on each other for friendship or support with their careers or romantic relationships.
The female actors fit like pieces to a puzzle, Each one blended the perfect combination to the male actors to make for a great series.
I haven't seen season 2, but seeing how two of the main cast members are missing due to real life problems, I'm not sure how well this will work out.
Complete thumbs up to this wonderful season 1. Well worth watching again!!
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The funniest kdrama
This must be the funniest and most enjoyable K-drama I've ever seen. The combination of humor, creativity, and genuine friendship among the characters makes it a standout in its genre.Story:The storyline is simple yet somehow creative. It doesn't burden you with heavy plots or complex twists, making it a perfect choice for light-hearted viewing. Despite its simplicity, it keeps you hooked from start to finish. The best part of the story is the depiction of friendship. The characters navigate their struggles in a humorous way, which not only makes you laugh but also endears them to you. The show brilliantly balances comedic elements with moments of genuine emotional connection, making it a truly engaging watch.
Cast: The casting is phenomenal. Each actor seems to have been born for their role. They embody their characters so perfectly that it's hard to imagine them in any other roles. Their performances are natural and convincing, bringing the story to life in a way that feels authentic and relatable. The chemistry among the cast members is palpable, enhancing the overall experience and making the friendships portrayed on screen feel real. Their comedic timing is impeccable, contributing significantly to the show's humor and charm.
Rewatch Value: The rewatch value of this K-drama is exceptionally high. I've already rewatched it about five times, and I still find myself laughing just as hard as the first time. It's the kind of show you can return to whenever you need a good laugh or a mood booster. The humor never gets old, and each viewing reveals new nuances and details that you might have missed before. This K-drama is perfect for those days when you want to relax and enjoy a good laugh.
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For the first time I have seen a neat comedy show without raunchiness. Creativity of the writers of this show is simply extraordinary. None can claim that their lives are free of trouble or they are living a life of constant happiness. These Waikiki people are no different. They are living an average regular life like most of us. They have dreams, aspiration and goals to achieve which is common for almost all of us. However, the only difference is how they handle the situations. As the genre is comedy, the humour is depicted through each character’s problem they face in their day to day life. Their troubles are unique and their technique to fight back or to solve a particular problem is also unique.
It is impossible to feel bored during watching this drama. Interestingly the whole drama is full of sarcasm within which there are mindboggling comic relief scenes enough to make viewers laugh their heart out. The story is typical yet could make a place in everyone’s heart due to its excellent unpredictable sense of humour ingrained in every dialogue and in every scene. Those were puckish but not obscene. Never for a second had it seemed that the humour was over the top or cringe worthy but rather capable of making viewers crave for more.
The story involves the struggle of three young men and three young women, who by the twist of fate somehow ended up living together at a guesthouse named Waikiki. Among three men: one was an aspiring actor, another aspiring director and another aspiring manga writer. Among three women: one was an aspiring pastry maker, another aspiring reporter and another fashion designer. We can all relate to their struggles and various difficulties they face everyday while making their dream come true. What they teach us is that it is extremely hard to live up to a particular target. We may fail repeatedly, our whole world may crumble after us but still to stand up and fight back with all honesty and sincerity is all what living means. Life is a bed of roses full of thorns. Nevertheless should we cry often getting pricked by the thorns or just pluck the thorns and keep on moving. The choice is all ours.
Through the depiction of these characters it is taught no matter how tough a situation is, at the end of the day it has to be taken lightly. Only then we can live life to the fullest. Being positive or always thinking positive is not the solution as a matter of fact. As a human being we are all fragile, we feel dejected, anxious, doubtful, tensed, emotional, resentful and so many other negative thoughts always dwell in our minds but to embrace these feelings and making them our strength can only make living possible. On top if we have supportive family or friends it s easier to relieve our stress. People of Waikiki though do not have any blood connection (except a pair of siblings) among them, had relationships much deeper and stronger. They stand strong for each other; give utmost support and assistance to each other. They fight and squabble with one another, abominate and reprimand each other yet confront crisis together. Their unity is lovable and deep down their affection for each other is commendable.
Having comedy as the main theme all through, though all the six main casts did justice to their individual roles, the show stealer was definitely Lee Ki Yung who played the role of ever unfortunate Lee Joon Ki. His dialogue delivery, acting, gesticulations, expressions and postures everything is tremendously funny. He is a well sorted, adept and a marvelous actor. Every single situation he faced in the drama was exceptionally hilarious and my heart seemed to explode while laughing. The second actor I personally feel did good job was Go Won Hee who played the character Kang Seo Jin. She also made me role on the floor literally. Except for professional comedienne, I don’t find any regular female actress funny. But this woman blew my conventional thought; she was on point with her role.
Oh how can I forget this tiny little character baby Sol played by Ah Reum. She was so adorable and one of the cutest creatures I have seen till date. I felt like biting that cutie pie every time she appeared on screen cackling with her chubby cheeks. She was out of this world adorable.
The background score composition was also intelligently done. Most of the sounds or music is blended comically regarding the scenes. Sometime it felt like rather than the dialogue or expressions of the ensemble these sounds made us laugh more or may be these sounds made the expressions even funnier.
The OSTs are also subtle and soothing.
All in all Waikiki is a riveting comedy show without a single profanity. I am not emphasizing that having profanity or raunchiness is outward wrong or unacceptable. Nonetheless, I could never imagine that a comedy can also be presented in such an aesthetically pleasing manner where a pure dose of laughter was only intended.
Hats off to the production team. My utmost respect for their hard work.
This is the best comedy Kdrama out there. So do not even give a second thought. Just watch it.
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Too long and honestly kinda repetitive
I enjoyed the start of this series. The first episode is really solid and the cast is all pretty great at comedic acting. The story is a good launch pad to some interesting situations. However, my interest waned pretty quickly.This series relies a lot of characters just doing incredibly ridiculous things to make a lot of plot points occur and it was a bit tiring to watch at times. When it worked, like the wedding episode with the eviction notice, it was really funny. When it didn’t work (in my opinion), like when Joon ki is running around trying to get a suit case Chewbacca was zipped in, it was too ridiculous for me to laugh at.
They drag out the main couple getting together for way too long. Joon ki and Chewbacca coming out about their relationship too so long Dong-gu looked like an idiot for believing their lies. And there were a few episodes where it felt like nothing really happened.
So, if you’re really looking for a funny show, this wouldn’t be top of my rec list. But if you’ve watched everything else, it’s not the worst show I’ve watched. Not sure that’s a real compliment.
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instant mood booster
the first two weeks of new year was pretty rough for me and i was looking for something very light and hilarious to distract me from everything and to my surprise, welcome to waikiki is the perfect drama to make you choke from laughter at 3 am and let your worries be washed away as every episode is nonsensically funny.there was not a single character that is squeaky clean or perfect, no barbie-like or ken-like type of characters. everyone is a mess and relatable i love it. the comedy can be quite over the top but it somehow works and the timing is done just right for such comedic scenarios. it's nothing clever but it's definitely entertaining and binge worthy.
what fell short for me is yoon ah's character and the useless love triangle. i didn't like the way they made dong goo jealous and interfere in yoon ah's relationship with hyun joon because while hyun joon did have feelings for yoon ah, i felt like the two were sort of going through a similar situation and it would've been nice to see them have more conversations. yoon ah didn't get much or any character development at all. she's just there because she's sol's mom and to bring in last minute drama with sol's dad which could've been discussed in the earlier episodes if the love triangle deal was shortened. in my opinion, the ending was a bit rushed.
nevertheless, this drama will hold a special place in my heart and the urge to rewatch is high. gwenchana gwenchana, pals.
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I had some problems with the first two episodes because some of the comedy felt forced and the introduction of some characters felt more irritating than funny (I had a feed discussion with some users on MDL and they say it's more of a cultural pet peeve, so I was able to get past it and let it slide).
I do think the real fun began from episode 3 onwards, where middle parts of the drama were the funniest, and with the extension of four episodes the last three episodes did feel like it was lacking in that rolling-on-the-floor-laughing-my-ass-off humourous impact, but that by no means takes away the enjoyability of the drama overall.
At the end of the day, I was able to easily forgive and bypass these small parts which probably did not match up to the funniest parts of the drama because most of the time, the comedy is so on-point and incredibly well done/played out. I have also seen some behind-the-scene footages of the late shows by Fallon/Corden and Colbert (USA night time talk show hosts) and was able to be more understanding that coming up with the ideas that makes a skit/joke genuinely funny is not an easy feat at all, so really all props here to the writers, directors and creative team staffs. Many of the scenarios that literally made us laugh out loud so hard are incredibly original and unique; it's really not easy to brainstorm these ideas in such a short period of time.
All the lead actors have done a really fantastic job at playing their characters. [add more here]
The BGMs are really great and fit the overall mood of the story, and this drama overall is incredibly rewatchable.
Literally a masterpiece, because they have made a Season 2 out of this, but the fact that only Lee Yi Kyung was able to reprise his role just made this statement official because the original casts are truly irreplaceable, especially baby Sol.
I am completely unhesitant to give this drama full marks because the joy of watching this easily surpassed watching any typical rom-com out there. It's a real comedy-drama with interesting love lines on the side. Definitely a must watch K-Drama of your lifetime. Enjoy!
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I really hope people will watch and they will have a better day after it as I did.
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Spell C-O-M-E-D-Y, this is it!
This is what a COMEDY should be! Almost every single episode will make your jaw hurt from laughing! All the characters are extremely hilarious especially Joon-ki! He was the top actor for me for this series. He's extremely funny yet very sweet and caring in his own ways. The love story part is so light that it was overpowered by the comedy-part.This show is more on comedy rather than the romance. That even the romance part is still hilarious. Though i must admit that the first few scenes almost made me stop watching it, but i was glad that i didn't because i would have regretted it extremely! After the 1st few scenes it was non-stop laughter!
If you want to feel good and forget all your worries and just be happy, this is the perfect korean series for you!
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Loved:
Comedy: The comedy was fantastic in this. I laughed out loud, at least once an episode, if not multiple. I don't typically laugh in dramas, so this is a huge plus for me. BUT, it is an acquired taste, comedy wise. My best friend, is more serious and logical, and I don't think would appreciate this sort of comedy. I on the other hand, love exaggerated comedy, and find ridiculous situations hilarious. I also have been known to laugh at body-related humor, another thing said friend doesn't appreciate. I would say if you love ridiculous situations and body humor, to go for this drama. If that's not your thing, don't go near it lol. This drama is heavily focused on comedy.
Satire: Comedy is good and all, but this drama often makes use of the comedy to point out faults in society. Something I for one appreciate. Many topics are covered here. Gambling, pressures of acting, college life, etc. The satire in this made me laugh a lot, but also made me think. Talk about on point satire, if you ask me.
Joon Ki: As many others have stated, Joon Ki, is in fact hilarious. The actor playing him does a really good of just bringing his character quirks to life. He comes across as hilarious, but not over the top. Something I've noticed many other actors struggle with. Joon Ki is definitely a gem in the comedy world.
Female Leads: Yoon Ah, Seo Jin, and Soo Ah, are quite amazing. They were all very different and unique, and added a special something to the show. While I wasn't sure about all of them at first, they grew on me, and by the end I was quite enjoying them. It's nice to see three totally different but amazing females come together and be friends in kdramas.
Feel-good: This drama just gave such wholesome vibes. Definitely a drama to watch if you're feeling down. Not only is it comedic, but it has some very touching moments. Had me grinning all throughout.
Didn't Like:
*would say hate, but I didn't hate anything in this show lol*
Dong Gu: Funny thing is, I originally came for the actor who plays Dong Gu. I'm finding I enjoyed his character in School 2017 a lot more. Now I don't hate Dong Gu, but I don't love him either. He starts out pretty good. Hilarious, immature, but still a good guy. In the middle tho, he just comes off really childish. Like an unhealthy amount of childishness. Even too childish for this drama. Which says a lot. He gets really petty with Yoon Ah, and it just made me slightly uncomfortable how incredibly petty he was over the love triangle. Again, I don't really hate him. He did have his sweet moments, and he could be quite hilarious. But his character got annoying a bit in the middle. I liked him in the beginning and end though. There he was as stated before.
Doo Shik: Doo Shik was sorta meh to me. He was funny at times, and his relationship with Joon Ki is too precious! But his countless romances were annoying. And sorta creepy...though I think that was the point. I think they were trying to make fun of guys who get way too attached to girls too easily, through Doo Shik. Anyway, he wasn't awful! Even his cringey romances were sorta funny at times, and sometimes downright hilarious. He just wasn't my personal favorite.
Character Development: I felt like there wasn't much personal development in many of the characters (not all), until like episode 18/20. BUT, this development was done naturally enough, and didn't cause me to roll my eyes. Just wish it happened sooner, or the drama was longer haha.
Overall, this drama was really good, and I would definitely recommend it! The things I didn't like, were more like slight annoyances. FYI, the reason the story is so low, is because it's not story based. It's more of a sitcom. One of the best korean sitcoms I've ever seen! Was worth it!
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The casts are amusing!
Episode 1 was boring, I just tried my best to continue it because I was in a drama slump. I was about to drop it but when I watched the episode 2, I laughed really hard.The casts were all humorous! Anyways I love the storyline, it is simply stupid but it fits since it's comedy genre. That kept me at the edge, I kept binge-watching it because all characters were amazingly funny.
Ofcourse I've been at the time where it constantly cringing me but I guess it's part of a comedy genre.
The couples inside the guesthouse are really amusing. I was hysterically laughing watching every scenes, call me an overacting but this series made my day.
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Best sitcom/comedy drama I've watched. The drama never fails to made me laugh every episode.Like there was no dull or boring episode for me. Every episode is really worth to watch.The writer-nim and staffs were being so extra and the actors doing it is being pro.
I love the whole drama and crying my heart out now I finished it. Sometimes it made me cry especially on the last episode. And sometimes it made me touched. From casts,OSTs,every episode, famous lines, couples. Everything. Didn't expect so many funny plot twists,couples,cameos from many actoes and efforts of the actors especially Lee Yi Kyung. And some parodies from other dramas.
I'll always remember those famous lines "Gwaenchana, gwaenchana" "Let's go! Let's do it!" "Chewbacca" "Bacca" "You will no longer be alive" the long "yooooooooooo" of Jun Ki.
It already has a special place in my heart uwu
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