Romance Is a Bonus Book

I loved the story line but there were 1 or 2 things I'd change about the story line. I admit i cried a good few times. I didn't like Seo Jun, he seemed a bit of an asshole the more you watch. I was a bit upset for Hae Rin since she had no idea about their relationship. The ending was beautiful and heart warming. I overall loved the show but i could fine some things that could have made it better. i don't have anything else to say about it so...
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Completely took me by surprise...so good!!

Wow I really wasn't expecting a show titled "Romance is a Bonus Book" to be so good. I'll start off by admitting my bias with noona storylines since I just appreciate how many opportunities for trope subversion it provides. The noona angle, along with the fact that our protag is an older divorcé needing to get back into the workforce just felt so real.

This show is much more character driven than plot driven. It's great to see how the characters develop (mainly Dan Yi) throughout the series. It also has such a colorful cast that it never feels boring, despite not a lot necessarily happening plot wise. I will admit that Eun Ho doesn't feel like a character that ever changes, but to me I'm very okay with that. Despite the description of the show, it is about Dan Yi ONLY in my eyes. It's about her journey figuring herself out despite everything set up against her (namely, being a divorced mother with over a decade gap in her career). It's an issue that is decidedly female in the sense of societal pressure for women to quit their jobs to be the homemaker. It's just a refreshing show in so many ways, with the protag, the writing (Dan Yi actually talks casually about her sex life which is just amazing), and the conflicts (never feeling like a melodrama, just real sh*t that happens). ** MINOR SPOILER One extremely minor issue I have is how sidelined her daughter is... like they could have at least had one ep where she makes an appearance and bonds with Eun Ho, but it's a very small qualm.**

Guys, just trust me and push your way past the first episode which has a different tone than the rest of the show. If you like shows that focus on well developed female characters you'll like this one. Just overall a very warm, unassuming, quiet, and REAL show (while also being very cute lol).

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a drama unlike any i've seen

i'm gonna start by saying i never write reviews for anything because it's not my thing, so you can tell this drama moved me to the point of feeling the need to write about it.
first of all, speaking story-wise: i saw a few people complaining that they felt dani's past life as a divorcee and her life as a mother weren't explored enough, and i partially agree, but i chose to see it not as it being something that was excluded from the narrative but instead a choice made to show her story moving forward, and not dwelling too much on the past events. of course that's still part of her, and it shows that her daughter is the most important thing to her, but this story is about her building a new life and i feel like it's meant to inspire women to find their truth and their own charms and talents apart from the things that people use to define them.
so this is not a story about dani the mother, or dani the ex-wife, it's about current dani who decided to live her own life, return to work and meet that inspiration again that fuels her inside. this is made clear on a scene where she tells eunho that she was happy people were calling her by her own name again, because she was being acknowledged as a person. that's what i thought was most beautiful about this drama, and i was SO PLEASED to see that they carried her development until the end without letting the romance part of it outshadow her plot. i've seen countless dramas that do this, and it's the thing that turns me off everytime.
and i liked how they built up eunho's story with writer kang byeongjun too, i feel like this drama successfully balanced a lot of topics without mushing it all together and hoping for the best, it shows that dani has her own life and eunho has his too, and they don't have to make the other one's problems their own, as long as they stay by the other's side to support them through it.
overall, this was such a wholesome and envolving story, it showed a healthy relationship growing without any annoying breakups or angsty fights for the sake of having more story to tell. they had plenty of situations going on that made each episode entertaining and fun, so much that i glued my eyes on the screen and forgot about everything else (and i have ADHD so this says a lot), but without that cheesy overdone format that every romance drama follows (build up of the relationship, they get together for 2 eps, suddenly something happens and they break up until the last two episodes where they somehow solve it and live happily ever after). that's what i enjoyed the most

now i wanna talk about the ML a little. i always knew LJS but hadn't yet watched a drama with him, and i gotta say i was immediately infatuated with him, there's a charm and a grace about this guy that makes him so adorable and dreamy. talking cha eunho wise, AHHH he has become one of my favorite characters. he might be the stereotypical perfect-guy made for viewers to swoon over, but they really hit the jackpot with this one because he's mature, honest, kind, caring, understanding, i just wish he was real ngl. a man like this is very unreal and fictional but i enjoy it because i don't watch dramas to have a glimpse of reality, i watch them to feel warm and fuzzy inside.
when he told dani about his feelings and that it took him long to tell her because she would worry that he might suffer for her, his words really made my heart jump. he delicately told her that loving her never once made him suffer, and she never made him feel pain or frustration. this shows how pure eunho's love for dani is, he saw her so highly that even if they never got involved romantically nothing would change.
he's hardworking, kind to all coworkers despite his high status in the company, even the way he "rejected" haerin was nice and polite, done in a way as to not make her feel embarrassed. he was always honest to his feelings too, that he couldn't get into a serious relationship because he was already in love with someone else.
despite the age difference between him and dani, he was never portrayed as a little boy running after a much wiser and determinated woman, but a well-established and mature guy who deserved to be by her side. this was also partially the portrayal by the two actors, whose chemistry was so genius that the viewer could feel their relationship switching naturally from a noona-dongsaeng dynamic to a man and a woman one. i confess i was scared at first that i would always have that feeling like "ok they love each other but it doesn't feel like THAT, they feel like siblings" but like i said, the actors did a fantastic job together. i think eunho's words perfectly describe it, we don't know the exact point in which the seasons change, but we feel the difference in the air little by little.

about the secondary leads, i love how they both had feelings for the main leads but none of them acted immaturely about it. i feel like in any other kdrama, haerin would be portrayed as the jealous hag who upon discovering the man of her dreams is in love with her coworker/friend, would try to destroy their relationship no matter what. there's even a scene where she tells herself that she likes both of them too much to do anything petty so she accepts the reality and moves on while showing genuine happiness for the two of them.
and on the other side, if this was any other drama, seojun and eunho would continue having a little feud but no, when he was "rejected" by dani he also accepted it like a grown person and didn't bother her again, even after finding out the two were indeed dating. his story was very beautiful, how he kept looking for answers because all he wanted was to be recognized by the father he admired so much. a scene that particularly moved me was when he and eunho went to see writer kang byeongjun. there was such a tenderness and care between the two male characters that's rare to see, how eunho held his hand to comfort him was a genuine display of affection by two men in a drama without it being a gag. what a beautiful scene. also related to seojun, the part where he finds out dani is a mother and a divorcee did a great job at showing that there is still a taboo but also not making a big deal out of it.

the other characters were great too, my only complaint would be the portrayal of director go as a bitter and petty woman who was mad at the world because she never got married or had kids. plus there was very little development on her part until the very last episode where she showed a drastic change and got together with president kim. i wish they had given her character more attention instead of antagonizing her and then giving her a rushed happy ending.

other things i saw people complaining about regarding this drama, plot-wise:
"why did eunho not contact dani after the divorce and didn't help her out with anything?" i think the show made clear that up until then, they weren't contacting each other as much (which is the most realistic thing about the two of them because as an adult i never know what's happening in my friends' lives either) so therefore weren't so present in each other's lives, and also that dani was always the kind of person to keep things a secret from him because she knew he'd worry and go out of his way to help her. i mean she was cleaning his house in secret and living there while making him think she had a house and a stable financial situation after all.
"why did eunho not do anything when director go stole dani's promotional catchphrase?" despite him being a founding member, she was chosen as director of gyeoroo which means she is his superior in a way, and questioning it would make it too obvious that he was close to dani, which at the time would be an uncomfortable situation at their workplace. he questioned her about the marketing credits in the book though, and she gave a response that made sense, so eunho told her she was right but that she didn't have to be rude about it and could've just explained it to dani and the team which i agree. plus i also believe that he takes his workplace very seriously and didn't want his feelings for dani along with his high position to become some kind of advantage to her, because he knows that's not what she wants and that as an adult she's capable of handling her own issues which again, i appreciate so much. despite all his qualities, eunho wasn't portrayed as the prince charming and dani wasn't the damsel in distress, because frankly i've had enough of this kind of dynamic in romance dramas.

the photography is beautiful and the sets used all felt so warm and comfortable that i'm already missing it. this drama really feels like a warm hug and the winter setting makes it even more romantic and lovely. the OST was also great, with songs that had a dash of sweetness and innocence which matched well with the scenarios.

to conclude this very long review which idk if anyone will even read, this has become one of my favorite kdramas for sure and i can imagine myself coming back to it when i need some wholesomeness or when i wanna see lee jongsuk's pretty face again 😙 i started this without expecting anything but it pleasantly surprised me and i think that, just like they said in the show about the books, not everyone will resonate with it and it depends on where you're at mentally when you watch it, but for me it fit perfectly. it's definitely not gonna be for you if you enjoy intense, heart wrenching, angsty romance stories but if you came in looking for a drama that displays a healthy relationship that's easygoing and discomplicated this is the drama for you.
*sighs* now i have to find another drama that suits my taste as much as this one, something tells me it is NOT gonna be easy but 😬😬

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Another drama that I watched in less than 24h

This drama has honestly all that I needed.

A "normal" storyline, just a cute love story between two friends, which was really well built throughout the drama. A side-story with a little bit of cliffhangers, and answers I was waiting for.

A lot of side characters with interesting development, and relationships, which brought so much to the story.

Some heartbreaking or heartwarming moments.

A hot ML (not gonna lie, I watched this drama for him, and I'm not desapointed), as well as a hot SML, with great acting skills.

Great OSTs, which made me happy or sad, and were all beautiful.

Basically a great drama that I'll recommend to anyone.

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This is my favorite Korean drama of all time. Kang Dani is so flawlessly written that I can't help but fall in love with her character and her determination. Cha Eunho, you are the perfect man and you deserve the best. He was so patient with Dani and was always there for her, supporting her every move even if it meant harming his own life. Their relationship is simply so beautiful that it cant be beat in my mind. Their noona to lovers arc gives them a different twist on a typical love story, especially considering that she is older than him. They didn't make Dani a helpless naive girl who needed saving, instead Eunho compliments her and helps bring out her best character. They shine so brightly next to eachother, yet can flawlessly transition to existing independently. As for the settings and plot lines; even more briliant. I had always wanted to have a career somewhere in the field of books/literature, but before this drama I had know idea what, and often times questioned my motives. This drama solidified what I want to accomplish and achieve in my career lifetime. I devleoped a love for publishing and editing like the characters had, and it I felt like I was apart of the editing team. I truly want to do what they do for a living. The ending of the drama touched my heart so much and I definitely cried. Haerin was also such a beuatiful supporting character that deserves all the love. She was always so invested in her job, and we know she was the best at it. She never let her jealousy get ahead of her, and she deserves someone that loves her. Overall, despite the slow paced and (maybe) boring plotlines, this drama has brought me great pleasure. I feel at peace watching it.

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A story about Love, Friendship, Companionship, Colleagues and a love for books

"We make books".
That's the motto of Gyeoroo Publishing.
"Romance is a Bonus Book" is a story about love, companionship, passion, and comfort - and shows that everyone is bound together in a book. In fact, it's up to us on how we interpenetrate this book which we've written. How is it that your favorite novel - which you've read countless times - somehow seems different the second time you read. How is it that amidst the quotes which used to be your favorite, you're finding new lines which you never bothered to look at before.
That's the story of Kang Dan Yi and Cha Eun Ho.
As a woman who once dreamed of pursuing her dreams and ambitions, Kang Dan Yi was compelled to marry a man at a young age, and leave behind the aspirations she once hoped to achieve. As a full-time housewife, and dedicating several years of her life raising her daughter and taking care of her husband, she got divorced.
In fact, that was the turning point in her life and career.
As an unemployed woman in her late 30's, it's hard for her to find a job in her expertise - despite her qualifications.
That's when her life gets tangled with her childhood friend - Cha Eun Ho - a Chief Editor and Co-Founder of a Publishing company, Gyeoroo.

What I love about this story is that isn't a mere romance. It's more than that. As viewers, we get to see the progression of Kang Dan Yi's life in the publishing company - and she teaches us many morals and life lessons along the way. In fact, I learned the in and outs of a book publication process through this drama, which is quite astonishing. A book isn't always about the story, but what makes the story worth reading. Seeing the behind the scenes and little celebration moments that the staff shared together after seeing their books get published is so wholesome and heart-warming. Outside of work, Gyeoroo Publishing is a huge family who've shared the ups and downs of life among themselves.

The romance. Ah, the romance. I was waiting to see Eun Ho's unrequited love for Kang Dan Yi being reciprocated, and it didn't disappoint me. They were so natural with one another, and every one of their interactions made me internally squeal. As childhood friends who've known each other for 20 years, changing their status from mere friends to lovers is difficult. Especially when you happen to be living together, and work at the same company. But these two are so adorably cute with one another, it's amazing. Their romance also highlights the fact that age doesn't matter when it comes to relationships - all that's necessary is a mutual love.

The side characters. I adored them. They added an extra fluffiness, humor and entertainment to the story - and it's so hard to let go of them (although we got a small glimpse of their epilogue :P). Ji Seo Joon began with being a love rival, but I soon came to love his character, especially after his interactions with Song Hae Rin (they're seriously adorable). And, Park Hoon and Oh Ji Yul's story was just hilariously cute! Those two never fail to put a smile to my face; seriously. I also loved that the drama implemented character's facing problems with their own love life too, like Seo Young Ah and Bong Ji Hong's divorce, and Go Yoon Sun's tragic history with her fiancee and her independent but lonely life.

Last, I loved the mystery aspect! It kept me so entertained throughout the drama. Even though it was a subplot, I kept trying to churn the gears in my head, trying to subconsciously figure out the 'mystery' behind Kang Byun Jun's novels and his career as an author. It was so well put together :)

All in all, I loved this show. 10/10 and would probably watch again.

(I loved the OST too!)

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sad? feeling down? watch it, cry a bit, feel determine to overcome the difficulties in life ......

i am currently rewatching. it is such a lighthearted and warm series! the lady has acted with such a grace! her expression in sad is heart wrenching. even though the story is not anything out of the box, but the simple story acted by lee jung suk and others was just something u need when u are feeling down. it is gonna make u cry in the frst episodes and then in the later ones u will feel the friendship, love and the affection u imagine to get from your friends, loved ones and the workplace people. the songs are pretty good. the view of lee jung is as usual heart stopping <3

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What A Wonderful Surprise!

While waiting for more episodes to drop in a new drama I want to watch, I decided to try Romance Is A Bonus Book...and oh my what a wonderful surprise this magical drama is! And a "bonus" for me because the story takes place in the world of book publishing where I worked for many years as a book designer it was also fun for me to watch and remember what life in the publishing world was/is like!

Bravo to how well Korean Dramas portray the May/December romance stories...stories like Something In The Rain, Encounter, Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol, and She Would Never Know, etc., were all truly satisfying dramas dealing with the younger man older woman scenerio with such poise and class. And now I have one more to add to this genre...Romance Is A Bonus Book really tells a beautiful love story between 2 people regardless of age and circumstance. And it is a story of love that develops and endures through years of friendship .

Cha Eun Ho, wonderfully portrayed by Lee Jong Suk is a centered calm mature-beyond-his-years young man who has known and loved Kang Dan Yi, a mature woman who has maintained a childlike forthrightness and wonder even through some pretty harrowing life experiences, for many years. She is played beautifully by Lee Na Young. They truly are a perfect foil for each other...a perfect Yin/Yang, each complimenting the other...so satisfying to watch them come together as a couple.

There is just enough realistic angst to keep you interested and cheering for the many couples in this drama without rolling your eyes in frustration.

Definitely a drama I am so very happy to have discovered and will absolutely rewatch many times...

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A Beautiful Show for Book Peeps

I am a writer and a reader, so the storyline of this show touched me deeply. Seeing all these people bonding over a love for books as they discovered a love for each other made me all warm inside. It's probably my favorite drama right now. I never grew tired of it.

Practically, the pacing was rather good, especially when it came to introducing and exploring the stories of side characters. They all felt like real people with realistic lives that were not always over-the-top, allowing you to relate to them. Of course, the chemistry between the main two was to die for (and I died for it with every little look they exchanged), so that was a strong glue that held the show together. Basically...

I loved it! I loved it! I loved it!

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