Simple, but a bit disappointing
I was waiting for this drama to come out and was very excited, because I loved the movie "So I married an Anti-fan" with Park Chanyeol. That movie was light, simple but very lovely and while there were a lot of comedic scenes the whole movie until the ending was beautifully filmed and I loved the whole plot of it.When it comes to the 2021 drama of So I married an anti-fan... It's a bit disappointing. I have to admit, the first half of the series were pretty good, made me excited to wait for the next episodes... and then it went downhill. Many important parts were over-rushed and some just disappeared and lost it's meaning. Main lead girl - at first I could relate to her - she was annoyed at everyone and sassy and did what she wanted, but in the last episodes - it was kind of pathetic. She becomes a very one-dimensional character and there is not so much u can add to that. The guy - he does things that he doesn't have to do as well and I'm just disappointed that they chose to do the last episodes like that. It's as if the last few episodes were written by a completely different writer or producer... The plot doesn't make sense, main guy does whatever non-sensical illogical things that he doesn't even have to do, BUT IT'S THE CLIMAX OF THE WHOLE DRAMA, SOMETHING HAAAAS TO GO "WRONG"... and while some cliche dramas make it seem cute or make it make sense... this one doesn't. It's as if they had to do it because it was the climax of the story, but not because it was logical or added something to it.
Don't want to spoil it, but if you're looking for a drama with a good and original ending - that's not it, sis. It gets very cliche at the end(and not in a cute and beautiful cliche way) - I honestly couldn't watch last episode not cringing. They made the ending so awful that the whole drama that I kind of liked before the last episode got ruined for me. All the romance got washed away because it was put in front of u so bluntly and without any shame.
Now, for the positive things, because although I really hate the ending... I fell in love with Choi Soo Young. She's such a great actress - beautiful as hell and of course - I loved her acting(last episodes were not hers as an actress fault) and she made it seem so simple and beautiful. Really memorable actress that I now will remember and watch all of her other upcoming dramas. Choi Tae Joon - it was my first drama that I watched with him as a main lead guy. Yep, he's charming and I really felt the chemistry between the main lead actors. They were really cute together, so if you're a sucker for cute romantic scenes between the main leads then it's a must to watch! They did a really great job.
SO, SHOULD YOU WATCH IT?
- Yes. Give it a chance. Ending might disappoint you, but you will enjoy this light and simple drama for sure. It's great for ppl who want something simple but cute and adorable with not too much drama or cliffhangers,
WOULD I REWATCH IT?
- probably no. At least, not for a while. The ending made me mad a bit, so as I'm writing it I'm still feeling pretty pissed at the way they decided to end it. But if later I decide to rewatch it - it will be because of the cute romantic scenes between the main couple.
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mediocre and cringey at best
Overly cringey and the plot is so poorly written. I've watched a ton of romcoms and have all the tropes memorised by heart, but this one is really not it. There is not much character development and the issues and obstacles they face as a couple are so backwards like a drama filmed in 2005.The second leads' characters were horrible and annoying, I did not sympathise with them at all, not to mention the ridiculous amount of similar flashbacks. Think they didn't choose the cast very well, there's not much sense of chemistry and the characters just turned out underwhelmingly stale. I hardly ever not recommend a stereotypical romcom bcos I love the genre sm but this was just so boring.
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This review may contain spoilers
This Could Have Been So Much Better
This drama was filmed back in 2018/19 and kept on the shelf until mid 2021. I don't know why it was kept in cold storage for so long, but I suspect that the producers thought they had made a bit of a lemon and hoped it might improve with age. It didn't.Choi Tae-joon stars as musician Hoo Joon is actually quite good in the role considering what he had to work with - an idol with not much personality and the usual icy demeanour. Choi Soo Young stars as Lee Geun-young. Geun-young should have been such a strong character, a reporter who was unfairly fired from her job and victimised by Hoo Joon's fans, instead she was just limp, excepting abuse and constant poor treatment.
The second lead characters were just awful, Huang Chan Sung as JJ, an abusive partner to In-Hyung (Han Ji An), a idol hopeful and full time sad sack.
There are so many ways that this drama could have written, a straight up comedy, or address the issues of domestic violence, or the craziness of the whole idol system - equal parts worship and then just as quickly condemning and ostracising. So much potential wasted.
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Went in with no expectations, stayed up all night watching - but there's reservations.
This is my opinion and it's absolutely okay if we don't agree.This is not a personal attack to anyone's preferences.
As I read the plot looking for a new drama, this wasn't my priority, however, because I was looking for something to watch casually, I decided to start.
On episode 2 I was invested and hooked and I didn't sleep to keep watching it and finish it. So much for casual.
While the story got me hooked, the hate to love trope was strong but not well developed because there was so much focus on the past love/friendship. The reality show plot could've been much more well used too.
The ending was bland and it felt rushed, but I have this feeling with all the dramas I've been watching recently, so maybe it's a me-problem.
Still, this wasn't a waste of time. The acting is good, I was giggling and kicking up my feet, the story is really interesting, it just could've been more well developed.
I have no plans of rewatching this one.
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Plot: So I Married the Anti-Fan is a story of a top star, Who Joon, and a magazine reporter (who was also named as Who Joon's anti-fan), Geunyoung, got in a reality show together. This is where their story started.
Things I liked about the drama
Light story with full of heart-fluttering moments
With all these heavy dramas (not only in the K-Drama world but also in real life), we really need a breather, something that will just makes us "feel good". And this drama is one of the dramas I can recommend. I was having a hard time with my job and all I needed is something to lighten up my mood. This drama is full of kilig moments. You will really wish to just be an anti-fan and experience everything Lee Geun Young is feeling. Compared to other dramas, you don't really need to think a lot with the plot. The storyline is very simple but that's what makes it special.
The main leads have a great chemistry
It's been awhile since I last shipped a drama couple so hard. The last time I remember was the Chinese drama, Skate into Love. The feeling I had with this pairing was the feeling I felt when I watched W: Two Worlds, like, I wouldn't really mind if they ended up together in real life. In fact, I would love that to happen! But the main reason why I am stopping myself from shipping them in real life is because both the leads are into a happy relationship. Sooyoung has been dating Jung Kyung Ho for a long time already and Tae Joon has been dating Park Shin Hye. I love all of them, therefore, I am happy for them.
The eye-pleasing kisses
Let's say that this drama has a lot of kissing scenes. I usually say galawang Who-Joon because he kisses Geun Young in a smooth way. For example, during the car scene. He was pretending to look for something in the car but mischievously kisses Geun Young. Their scenes will just make you roll out of your bed. I really got addicted with this drama that I'm having a separation anxiety with the characters.
Anyway, this drama will always have a special place in my heart. If life is stressing me again, I will just re-watch this to feel better. How about you, have you watched this series? It's available on the iQIYI app. So, download it now!
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Cute
It was a very cliche-filled cute drama. If you want an out of the ordinary plot, I suggest trying something else. If you just want to watch a cute little drama that reminds you of the 2016/2017 dramas, I recommend it. I think some people didn't like it because it looked older compared to other dramas that came out in 2021, but I didn't mind it. Some of the problems seemed like they could have been just talked out lowkey. The romantic scenes between the ML and FL were cute too and I liked their relationship.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
What do y'all mean Mediocre? This is a Gem!
I honestly started watching this drama because of Choi Sooyoung and was quite surprise on how many people left reviews with the word "Mediocre" so i'm hear to rip that off.This drama actually started rough for me, during those moments i kept asking "I need a 2nd lead" & "This drama lacks a 2nd leading man to console the Female Lead" but after few more episodes it all comes to me as to why the writer made it that way. It's simply because the Female Lead is a grown up woman who thinks rational and can decide for her own and that's her charming point that sets her apart from other FL out there.
I must agree the ML is a bit toxic at first but you just gotta hang in there and see how he turns out to be the nicest and most compassionate of them all. This drama doesn't follow the norms of the current trendy drama of 2020-2021 and that's the main reason why I love how this drama was delayed till this year, since it was able to give off such different vibe and made me nostalgic of how dramas were created 3-5 years ago.
Story - 8.5, The story is very unique that will remind you of how dramas were usually created back then. It helps me open my mind to various ways of how people can deal with tons of situations in a mature & rational way.
Acting/Cast - 10, Definitely!! The set of Artist of this drama made me feel so much and they all deserved an applause or two for that.
Music - 9.5, I may not have notice the Music and BGMs at first since I was too engrossed to the story but it will definitely hit you hard when you're at the middle part of the drama. Every song suits the scenes well.
Rewatch Value - 8, This is the kind of drama that i may not watch for months or so, unless I need to remind myself on how to deal and cope up with situations in a rational way. It has that significant Rewatch Value.
Overall - 9, Definitely a MUST watch specially to those people who needs inspiration and is on a pinch situation where it's hard to find motivation to remain positive and optimistic.
Please let me know how do you find my review. Hope it helps. =)
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Impressed
When I started watching this I was slightly questioning if this was going to get to a point that I could really get into it. I stumbled upon it and the whole “anti-fan”/idol thing was eh but then I realized it wasn’t JUST about that.The story was good, I really did think it was goofy then as the season went on it continued to get better as the characters changed and grew as well.
The acting was great! I’ve seen a couple shows e Hwang Chan Sung and I enjoy his acting. Choi Tae Joon and Choi So Young were amazing! They made me fall in love w the characters and them as actors! Han Ji Ann is a wonderful job! I really liked this aspect!
Music, SOLID! As in every drama a certain song plays and you just know you’re about to SOB for hours.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. Like I said at first I wasn’t a fan. Haha, I thought the concept was weird because I usually go for something different. The “villain” in my opinion kind of got old, but I know every story has one but eh..... I’d watch it again for sure!
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Not impressive
Some clips of this drama pops up in my feed, and I thought, wow.. it looked interesting and funny. Tried to finished it was a struggle. Turned out the funny part was only in those clips, the rest was just full of boring old cliche plot. Main characters were just unlikeable. FL is a 27 yo woman, have worked for years as a reporter, but all her actions was like a clueless-helpless little girl. Most of the problem she faced were caused by her own stupidity and passiveness. Many of her problem can be resolved, better yet non existent, if she chooses to act as an independent and responsible adult, as she should be. SFL was a very toxic, acting as eternal victim, using ML & SML as she pleases, and all of the characters around her just willingly treat her like this fragile white porcelain. And another thing i've had enough of, k-drama favorite cameo, the white truck of doom... why? please be more creative writer-nimWas this review helpful to you?
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Highly predictable, but easy to enjoy
There are things that So I married An Anti-fan have that I enjoyed when it comes to rom-coms; sarcastic, funny banters, and great chemistry. Basically, if it’s a rom-com and you have these, then there’s nothing I ask for. It’s only a bonus if the show managed to somewhat logically makes sense throughout its run.That is not to say that the story didn’t have any insights to offer. The drama managed to show a glimpse of the lonely life that idols live behind the incredibly lucrative world of the K-pop industry. Even though it wasn’t a lot, I felt that by showing us the vulnerabilities of these idols, the characters felt more real and human. Just like Geun-Young, I was able to understand and empathize with Ho-Joon and In-Hyung.
However, given that this was produced way back in 2018, it definitely felt outdated in some areas. It utilizes overly used tropes in the story and an awful display of emotional abuse. So take that into consideration when watching the show.
All that said, if you are a rom-com fanatic and fans of the lead, this is going to be a sweet treat for you. It’s one of those few rom-coms, where I didn’t mind being hit by those romantic clichés that it throw.
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Another staple in K-drama romcoms, filled with cliches, but I mean that as a compliment!
Plenty of cliché-filled shows are outright bad, while others fall into the usual cliched patterns to hit certain required emotions without packing any punch. "So I Married an Anti-Fan" stood out because it managed to work within its confines, made the best of what it had while maximizing its potential by using certain tropes in a fresh way. It is so nice not having to sit through tedious and frustrating misunderstandings!For me, I'm down for all romcom cliches as long as there's fantastic chemistry between the main leads, and I find their romance believable. Even better still if I can see passion, and that was where this show hit the sweet spot for me. Watching Hoo Joon's gradual change of heart towards Geun Young and how their relationship shifted into high gear after he realized his feelings for her was an incredibly cheeky, fun, and "feel good" ride for me. Choi Tae Joon showed how he can kiss a woman, and there was this intensity every time he as Hoo Joon kissed Geun Young. The way he held her neck, caressed her face, and pulled her in for intimacy. It's like a fierce "this is no accidental kiss, woman" vibe. I enjoyed Tae Joon's portrayal as Hoo Joon - an idol who rose to fame, fell from grace, and triumphed again but in a much better way. His character growth was well-written and well-acted, and that was one of the show's strong points. I hope Tae Joon continues to get lead roles since he certainly has the charisma, looks, and skills!
I liked Choi Soo Young in "Run On" and she did pretty well in this drama. Her acting was not as strong as Tae Joon's, but it was still fine. As Lee Geun Yung, she displayed a certain vulnerability underpinned by a quiet strength. No matter how low Geun Yeung felt, she always bounced back, and she was resilient to move on by herself. She was neither a pushover nor a strong, stubborn woman. I simply love how Geun Yeung gets all girly with Hoo Joon, and their moments together were always sweet and smile-inducing.
The best part, though, is the ending. So happy and lovely to relish! There was forgiveness and redemption, reflection and discovery of new purpose and direction, reconciliation and progression. Absolutely gratifying!
The OSTs were great and varied, but for a show that focused on the music industry, it would have been better if the music producers were more prolific. I enjoyed the songs and instrumental pieces since they lent a romantic and charming tone that underscored the show. Some songs, however, were overplayed and, at times, were not fitting for some scenes. I always like it when the actors contribute to the song tracks, and Choi Tae Joon sang two songs. For posterity, I have included the songs that I like the most below.
So far, I have focused on the positives, but there were flaws as well. Like the toxic relationship of the second couple, JJ/Choi Jae Joon and Oh In Hyung, which I have no doubt will infuriate many viewers. The story did provide enough details and background information for me to sympathize with JJ and In Hyung, although I did feel more for JJ than In Hyung. Ultimately it will all work out, though!
Overall, I hope that people will give this drama a try. It provides more of an emotional roller coaster ride with a good-looking cast than the run-of-the-mill romcom. Echoing some commenters, it would be great to have season 2 filled with more of the main couple's chemistry and kissing!
"So I Married an Anti-Fan" OST:
Pop Star - Choi Young Jae (GOT7)
Pop Star - Choi Tae Joon
Bittersweet - Choi Tae Joon
네가 분다 (When U Blow) - Kwon Min Je (권민제)
It's You - Moon Kim (문 킴)
이보다 더 좋을 순 없어 (As Good As It Gets) - Lee Shin Seong (이신성)
봄날 (The Spring Days) - Onew (김온유)
들리나요 (Can Your Hear Me) - Onew (김온유)
작은 아이 (Small Child) - Chae Myoung Joo (채명주)
Starlight - Ro Min (E'LAST)
Be lost in thought - Lee Cheol Won (이철원), Park Min Woo (박민우)
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Focusing on the few positives
I think there are plenty outstanding reviews of this drama & I agree with all the flaws. However there are few great minor characters that I thought were the only positives of this hard to watch drama.1. ML's Manager. He's an outstanding character. I loved all his scenes.
2. Female producer who just blurb out brutal honest comments for the comedy relief.
3. Female makeup artists for the show. Few funny moments but highlight of the drama.
4. Male ex co worker -- "Dimples" Seriously he doesn't need to say anything, those dimples are just worth seeing
5. ML's CEO - few humorous lines.
6. FL's Dad - Hilarious!
In the end you can't really out act a terrible script. I pretty much skipped all 2nd couple's toxic scenes and somehow manage to finish.
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