Cute Melodrama
This was a good melodrama. Not out of this world, but engaging and heartfelt. At first I wasn't sure if I could buy the romance between our MLs. She seemed so aloof and detached. She also seemed to look at him more like a friend who amused her rather than a love interest. It got better towards the end, but it was never really a convincing relationship.Park Bo Gum was wonderful in this. His performance as the inherently happy, unflappable, young man who sees the wonder in simple things is on point. He is so adorable you just want to be his best friend. He is almost unbelievably perfect. There were moments though that I wished he had been more selfish and more protective of his own heart. But he surprises me and shows a wisdom well beyond his years. He was well cast in this.
I didn't think this was a great vehicle for Son Hye Kyo. For some reason she was giving off some negative vibes, as if she wasn't as invested in this show. Perhaps she felt is too melodramatic for her taste. I didn't get the feeling she was all in. I am used to seeing her in much stronger roles, so having to play an abused daughter-in-law at her age, was a bit of a stretch. The storyline felt implausible that such a seemingly powerful woman would experience so much abuse in her family and professional life. The romance, yes, is all about falling in love and that love making you strong enough to face adversity, but much of her suffering is both created and alleviated by those around her more than of her facing it for herself and finding the inner strength to push back. Some of the characters don't seem to develop well at all. A big example is the ex-husband. He was the weakest character and I feel the writers could have been a little more fair to him. His storyline at first seems to be something much more important than it turns out to be. I was hoping he would be more of a helper, but sadly the script deviated from this leaving me dissatisfied.
The supporting cast was low key and fun to watch. I prefer that they don't overtake the MLs as often is the case in some Chinese dramas. The supporting couple's careful flirtations provided a nice break from the intensity of the main couple. In general, at 16 episodes, it's a nice series to watch in between other dramas.
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When you find your one, that's that.
I had this one on my watchlist for a long time. I finally watched and glad that I did.However, I hated everyone around the couple...no, rewind. I disliked everyone around the couple and hated only ONE particular person. I also LOVED the few supporting folks around them, too, with the gist of my love going to the MVP, Mr. Teddy Bear driver. I had my fingers crossed in hope for him and his heart (I won't say what that means). I'll just hope that what we saw is them giving us that. Anyway, this was a good one. I usually don't care for older-younger romances, but this one ended up working out. I rationalized that his spirit just got in the line for his soulmate late, for a little spice in their next life. LOL!
P.S. I absolutely ADORED them visiting Cuba and allowing us to view in ways (beautiful appreciative ways) that many of us elsewhere aren't allowed to.
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Love as a form of personal liberation
This drama is so sweet, calm and a bit of a comfort watch and I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I ended up doing. It's quite the slow burn, built around emotional restraint, loneliness, class disparity and the idea that love can become a form of personal liberation.The drama showcases visual poetry, symbolism and a fairy-tale structure that's character driven rather than plot driven.
The drama didn't feel very conventional, it's more of a modern fairy tale wrapped in soft winter lighting, ocean imagery, quiet music and lingering silences. From the very first episodes in Cuba there's this dreamlike atmosphere where ordinary moments like sharing ramen, walking down the street at night or sitting together in silence have high emotional resonance.
The biggest message I got from this drama is that love can create temporary freedom from suffocating lives. The drama moves gently and deliberately, prioritising mood and emotional texture over plot mechanics.
I appreciated the reverse dynamic between the leads, where the female lead is the cold CEO type who's usually depicted as male in most other dramas and the younger, quirky love interest who is male rather than the usual female; there's another twist to this dynamic in that the male lead although younger, less rich and less powerful than female lead is still the hero who rescues her from the ivory tower. He rescues her by teaching her how to live as a person rather than as a business asset.
What makes this romance work is that it grows through consistency, patience and emotional steadiness. The relationship feels enduring because both characters slowly become a place of rest for each other and the drama takes its time showing how trust is built through countless small acts.
I've been enjoying the older, contemplative Kdramas that showcase "ordinary happiness" and Encounter fits the bill perfectly.
Park Bo Gum and Song Hye Kyo are well matched in their roles. It's my first time watching Park Bo Gum and I really enjoyed him in this role.
Beautiful, atmospheric, thoughtful and vulnerable. I give this drama 8/10
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Superb ensemble cast, settings and story
This is a long series with long episodes, perfect for zoning out after long days at work etc. Here we see PBG in a very early role, possibly written with him in mind, as a younger suitor with a mature and wise outlook to an older lady, who has never been in love. The series is cast well with high quality sets scenery and costumes, the attention to production values is evident. be warned the story drags a little in the middle episodes, but pay attention as the power and political side stories build. Enjoy!Was this review helpful to you?
Encounter is a quiet, emotionally rich romance
that lingers long after the final episode. It’s not a drama built on shocking twists or explosive chemistry—instead, it’s about timing, restraint, and the kind of love that blooms slowly in between pauses and silences.Song Hye-kyo plays a reserved, elegant hotel CEO carrying the weight of past sacrifices. Park Bo-gum is a bright, sincere younger man who lives with openness and heart. Their dynamic is tender, honest, and surprisingly mature. The age and status gap between them isn’t just a plot device—it’s the heart of the story. This drama explores what it really means to choose happiness, and how scary that choice can be when you've spent your life protecting others or being controlled by expectations.
The cinematography is beautiful—soft color palettes, quiet cityscapes, and that unforgettable Cuba sequence in the first episode. The pacing is slow, sometimes even meditative, but it’s intentional. Encounter invites you to slow down and feel every little moment unfold.
Pros:
✔ Deeply emotional, character-driven storytelling
✔ Subtle but magnetic chemistry between leads
✔ Stunning cinematography with a poetic mood
✔ Thoughtful exploration of freedom, love, and regret
Cons:
✘ Very slow pacing may not be for everyone
✘ Some supporting characters feel underused
Would I rewatch?
Yes—especially when I want to be reminded that gentle love stories can still hit incredibly hard.
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historia de Studio Dragon… no decepciona
Si ud es MUY nuevo en lo Kdramas, no arranque por aquí.Terminé de ver Encounter.
No recuerdo porqué la tenía en mis pendientes en Viki, pero se le llegó la hora.
Melosa en el bonito sentido de la palabra, porque el protagonista de la serie es una historia de amor; tan bonita, que ni lo cliché de los kdramas se sintió así. Amé cada capítulo y cómo se desarrolló cada personaje. Amé la banda sonora y como hizo que cada capítulo fuera aún más real.
No hay escenas más tristes que en las que Park Bo-gum llora (no importa la serie)
Soy una total romántica, qué puedo hacer pues.
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An Amazing Comfort Drama for romance lovers
Now this is my first review ever since using this app and I must say this drama had me smiling on days where life got tough. I am from the Caribbean so seeing cuba also represented in this kdrama it really hit home for me and I loved the cultural nod to cuba, the perfect blend to me. I loved this drama I still see clips on tiktok and I remember the happy feeling I got watching it. If you’re a hopeless romantic then this one is definitely for you and you wont regret it, from the acting, plot and slight humorous moments. Park Bo Gum has a unique charisma to him that whenever he shows up you can’t help but be amazed by his skills as well as the FLWas this review helpful to you?
Hidden Gem for sure
We're not sure why this doesn't have a higher rating. Everything was perfect. From the storyline to the acting. The chemistry was fire and the OST was awesome.This is a masterpiece as expected from Song Hye Kyo. But Park Bo Gum surprised us.
There was some moments that got our hearts pumping and Nam Myung Shik [Soo Hyun's driver] is officially at the top of our list for awesome side characters.
It has one of our favorite elements in a drama as well, older woman / younger man and it was done to perfection.
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A Heartwarming Journey: Encounter
This is series is really a heartwarming that beautifully captures the essence of love, second chances, and the power of connection. The lives of two individuals from vastly different worlds: Cha Soo-hyun, a wealthy and privileged heiress, and Kim Jin-hyuk, a free-spirited young man.What truly sets Encounter apart is its ability to delve deep into the characters' emotions and motivations. The chemistry between the lead actors, Song Hye-kyo and Park Bo-gum, is undeniable. Their performances are both nuanced and captivating, drawing the audience into their world.
The drama's slow-burn romance is both endearing and refreshing. As the characters navigate their complex relationship, viewers are treated to a series of heartwarming and poignant moments. The show's ability to balance light-hearted humor with heartfelt drama is commendable.
One of the most striking aspects of Encounter is its exploration of societal expectations and personal fulfillment. The characters' journey towards self-discovery and happiness is both inspiring and relatable. The show's message of embracing life's uncertainties and pursuing one's dreams is a powerful one.
I loved the poetry and how it conveyed the love over the poetry and it really felt in my heart and seeing them overcome the struggle together really touched my heart and cried tbh the series my not be for everyone but those who love and relate the hardship can really love this type of story.
Overall, Encounter is a must-watch for fans of romantic dramas. Its beautiful storytelling, strong performances, and heartwarming message make it a truly unforgettable viewing experience.
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Pure Romance
This romance had a sense of warmth from the beginning. The story itself was almost like a slice of life. The male lead was completely delightful. The female lead more conflicted and very self-contained. The fact that they could have a believable romance took a bit of story development. However, the male lead's complete love for her won my heart. The female lead's devotion and sacrifice toward him was frustrating but under the circumstances she had lived, she was displaying her intense love for him. I love how the Korean family dramas even the romances have such a sense of family warmth and loyalty. Even in day-to-day relationships there's a willingness to forgive sincere apologies and maintain or restore situations and relationships. I most definitely will watch this again!Was this review helpful to you?
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Simple Storyline well told
The story line of this drama is typical. But I found little flaw in the way the story was told and filmed.What impressed me most was that when I was expecting an action to take place,.. it happened.
I wish the story behind the last 3 episodes was different. It was obvious that Jin Hyuk mom had a "self-worth" issue and she was powerful enough to bring it out in our FL. But I wish Cha Soo Hyun awakening from dark to light was more profound. After all, Cha Soo Hyun is the heroine of the drama. She is the one who transforms the most. Jin Hyuk was her main support but really he didn't have many lessons to learn in life.
I give this drama 8.5 in this category because I think the story was told very nicely and made sense.
It was worth watching.
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