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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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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This review may contain spoilers
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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One of the best romances ever
Oh my! Everyone knows Song Hye-Kyo. The beautiful, charismatic, elegant Song Hye-Kyo. The one who everyone loved to death in Full House where she is funny, funny, funny! Oh well, guys, Song Hye-Kyo is eclipsed by the hypnotizing Park Bo-Gum. If you didn't enjoy watching him in some other dramas/movies, here you will love him to bones! This is a very loaded drama; full of unspoken feelings and regrets. I watched it 3 times and each time I enjoy it as first time. This is like a first cup of champagne drank as a teenager. Loved it!Was this review helpful to you?
This is a must-watch.
I liked this drama from the very first scene to the last.I don't know why it is categorised as a melodrama, because I could not find that. I am writting this review after watching it third time because it's really worth of writing a review.It is a romcom, smoothly going, sweet drama.. The chemistry between the main leads is really awesome and kind of immersing. Whether it is charming handsome park bo gum, beautiful, pleasant song hye kyo or the side character's real-like-acting one reason to watch the drama can not be pin pointed.
I really can't understand how can this drama get such a low and disappointing ratings where the lame story dramas are getting above 8.5 rating.
I shall not add spoiler, but if you want to rest from thriller, horror, blood, conspiracy, then you must watch ENCOUNTER.
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Noona romance with serious mood
This is my first Park Bo Gum drama that I watched. Park Bo Gum in long, wavy hair in episode 1 was mesmerising especially when he smiled.What I liked:
1) The first episode was magical perhaps due to "beach holiday" vibe of Havanna.
2) Jin-hyuk characterisation - I am not sure if it's because of Bo Gum's youthful look but Jin-hyuk has this charming, nice guy aura. He's personable but don't underestimate his tenacity and quick thinking.
3) The hotel - I liked plot surrounding the work at the hotel group.
4) Public figure storyline - I also liked this storyline because I got to see challenges faced by public figures. Pity that their personal life is scrutinised, often time unfairly, by media and the public.
5) Romance - This series is good at highlighting challenges faced by older woman-younger man couple especially when one of the pair is financially successful.
What I disliked:
1) Soo-hyun characterisation - It's great that she's a girl boss but she's giving this misery vibe whenever the camera is on her. I noticed that Song Hye-kyo has played several older woman characters but all these characters are so serious and gloomy. I wish there were more scenes of lightness especially when Soo-hyun and Jin-hyuk met in private.
2) Soo-hyun's overbearing mum
3) Jin-hyuk's mum when she asked Soo-hyun to break up behind Jin-hyuk's back. That's not cool
Favourite scene
When Jin-hyuk met Soo-hyun after she was conned. Such a romantic scene with Bo Gum's hair blowing in the wind.
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A Perfect Reversed Cinderella Story
Encounter is like a warm blanket. It allows the audience to rest while they watch it because of its warm feeling and the pacing is not rushed at all.I honestly love everything about it. The directing is great. The cinematography is top notch. I love the opening and closing arts, how it gives summary of the story that unfolds in the episode. The epilogues too give us more understanding on how certain things happens and what we don’t see on the main screen. The dialogues are also perfect. With the poetry and books citation, it gives more arts into this drama.
The chemistry between the leads is something that you would love too. Park BoGum and Song HyeKyo immersed themselves that I can only see JinHyuk and SooHyun. Their individual acting is also amazing. Both of them are equally great in showcasing their emotions that no one is being pushed back. The line delivery, especially from the male lead, is great too. He says such cheesy lines with so much sincerity that I never find it cringey at all. That, sincerity, is the key on why this drama touched my heart with so much intensity.
The reversal of usual rich male-poor female tropes is fresh too. Not only the character, but each elements is a complete reversal of cinderella story. You will understand it when you watch the drama. Especially on episode 8. The message of the drama is also the reversal of cinderella. While cinderella finds happiness in glory, this drama shows happiness in ordinary things.
Music is a great aspect that gives a big plus in this drama. I often find bgm distracting, or not suitable with the scenes. But you won’t find it here. Each bgm and osts compliments the story. Makes it more enjoyable and add feelings into it.
What I quite not fond of is the angst that comes late and makes the happy ending part in the last episode to be so short. But it’s not a major turn off. Just some minor aspect.
Overall, it’s a great drama in its category. Do not expect something that’s not the characteristics of a melodrama. This is a drama that stays true to its genre with huge focus on the characters instead of the plots. Recommend 👍
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Some scenes, dialogues, expressions and situations were just so heart touching.
It took me a while to get adjusted to the "real life Vs reel life" pairing, and I honestly couldn't enjoy their kiss scenes BUT, this drama was solid as a complete story, good depth of character, generous pinches of fairytale elements, great spring cast, logical and peaceful conflicts and over and above all, masterpieces of acting from everyone involved.
The music just tugs your at right places and you can't stop humming along with it.
A must watch if you enjoy good cinematography, meaningful dialogues, subtle expressions, great acting and peaceful paced dramas.
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This review may contain spoilers
We all want an Encounter like this!
This is a review of a re-watch of Encounter, which allowed me to notice things I did not the first time around. The scenery and cinematography are out standing. The scenes shot in Cuba, paired with fabulous songs created a canvas my imagination could build on. I was captivated at all the sights and sounds. It was like a mini vacation for me. The story line that was developed in episode one became a central theme that was used masterfully to recreate romance in almost every episode. Park Gum Bo shone as Kim Jin Hyuk who was strikingly contrasted by the typical uptight role played by Song Hye Kyo. Her character, Cha Soo Hyun, appeared to be more mature on the surface but in reality , it was she that needed guidance of how to have a relationship in the end. There were many familiar stereotypical undertones of false guilt, parental control, over reacting to society, and social mishaps that brought tension. I will have to say that I found the role that was developed for Kim Jin Hyuk's mother extremely irritating. She definitely over steps her boundaries and is forgiven, of course, in the end. The OST is wonderful! I highly recommend this drama to anyone who needs a break from the heavier dramas. There is plenty of drama in this one but it is a lighter fare than most.Was this review helpful to you?
