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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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Gentle and soothing, no melodrama, you really enjoy the character
Poetic, beautiful, great acting. The cinematography was excellent, and you really care about some of the characters.Feels very much like a slice of life. I really enjoyed the male lead character, his calm, his common sense, his adorable smile and positive spirit.
Female bee is a bit stiff, but she doesn't excellent job of behaving in a restrained manner
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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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Beautiful Encounter
I love this drama for various reasons. This drama tells the story of a young man who traveled to Cuba on vacation. Also, the daughter of a politician and business owner went on a business trip. One day, while on a business trip in Cuba, she meets Kim Jin-hyuk (Park Bo-gum), a free-spirited guy. They spend time together. After they return to South Korea, he meets her again as an employee in the Donghwa Hotel, which she received as alimony. They are attracted to each other, yet only their fate will decide whether they can be together.*I can’t get enough of it; I wish it were longer than 16. Overall fantastic. If you love, love, then this is for you.
You will cry, laugh, cry some more, and fall in love again.
This drama makes you want to visit Cuba and enjoy and appreciate its culture and people.
I love it. Happy Watching.
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