And then, boom: a knight in shining armour who's also a childhood best friend, and practically perfect in every way? Yet nothing about this was off-putting, seemed like it was going to sacrifice a balance of power on the altar of sweeping romance, or made Dan-yi and Eun-ho transform themselves drastically in the journey of their friendship. Was it realistic? Absolutely not. Was it believable? Strangely, yes.
The most sweepingly romantic thing in this show, in fact, is its love of books and publishing: an old-fashioned, stubborn refusal to see books as anything but the great consolations of our life. Regardless of whether they end up with each other or no, that's who Eun-ho and Dan-yi are to each other, we realise: the book in which you learn yourself anew every time you leave your world and enter its own. As romances go, I can't think of a nicer metaphor.
Props to Lee Jong Suk for being a lovely rest for the eyes and bringing restraint and poise to his role: even his slightly out-of-character methods of pursuing Dan-yi seem rational and in keeping with the character because he doesn't crank it up unnecessarily. The supporting actors were all delightful, and brought such warmth and affection to their roles and interactions with each other. And a shout-out to the set designers who created perhaps the nicest office I've ever seen on TV: an inspiration!
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Romance Is a Bonus, but Friendship Is the Heart
This drama tells a story about ordinary people living ordinary lives in ordinary circumstances, but what makes it special is the extraordinary relationship between the main leads. The ML and FL share a 20-year friendship, and what I loved most is that neither of them wanted to ruin that friendship just because of romance.The story follows the FL, who has recently gone through a difficult divorce and is trying to rebuild her life. After being away from the workforce for years, she struggles to re-enter the industry and repeatedly fails. Meanwhile, the ML is a successful author and the youngest chief editor at a publishing company. Eventually, the FL manages to get a job at the same publishing company by lying on her resume, and that’s where her journey of rebuilding her life truly begins.
One thing I appreciated about this drama is that it has what I would call a mature love triangle… or maybe even a love rectangle. However, unlike many dramas, none of the characters become annoying or frustrating enough to make you want to skip their scenes. Every character feels human, and the story slowly unfolds their personalities and struggles in a very natural and grounded way. Credit definitely goes to the writer and screenwriter for creating such believable characters.
Some people say that the ML is a coward, but I personally disagree. To me, he felt like a gentle and emotionally mature person. He knew that his feelings were one-sided and that the FL didn’t see him romantically, so he chose not to risk ruining their long friendship. Instead, he patiently stayed by her side, even if it meant watching her love someone else. When the FL finally began to see him differently, he didn’t hold back anymore. Considering the history and depth of their friendship, his behavior felt completely understandable to me.
The overall tone of the drama is very gentle, and it is told in a calm, comforting way. Watching it actually made me realize how overstimulating many modern dramas have become with constant twists and exaggerated drama. This show is the opposite. It allows your mind to relax while still keeping you engaged, which is honestly refreshing.
If there is one thing I wish had been explored more, it would be the FL’s background, especially her life as a mother. We know she has a daughter, but the drama only shows them interacting a few times in the beginning. I would have liked to see more of that emotional side of her life.
Another highlight of the drama for me was the workplace environment. The publishing company and the atmosphere between the employees felt warm and welcoming. Watching the team slowly grow closer and support each other was honestly one of the most enjoyable parts of the show.
This is also one of those dramas where the writing itself stands out. The plot isn’t overly dramatic or filled with shocking twists, but the consistency and quality of the script make it very engaging. Maintaining that level of storytelling across 16 episodes is not easy, and it shows the strength of the writing. Instead of relying on unrealistic drama tropes, the show focuses on realistic relationships and personal growth.
The publishing industry was portrayed in an interesting way as well. Of course, parts of it were somewhat romanticized, but the drama also touched on some of the harsher realities of the industry.
What I liked most about the story structure is how neatly everything comes together. There are no unnecessary plotlines or dragged-out conflicts. The story progresses naturally, and everything builds up gradually until it falls into place in a satisfying way. It’s the kind of drama that makes you feel comfortable rather than stressed while watching it.
The characters are another strong point. Not only were they perfectly cast, but every character had their own development and emotional journey. Even the supporting characters were charming and memorable in their own ways. Their friendships and their willingness to support each other created many heartwarming moments throughout the drama.
One thing that stood out to me was how the main characters behaved like actual mature adults. Their conflicts were not created by ridiculous misunderstandings or random plot twists, which is something that usually frustrates me in dramas. Instead, they communicated, respected each other, and made decisions that were consistent with their personalities.
The female lead deserves special mention. She is written as someone who is strong, kind, patient, and resilient, and her journey of rebuilding her life is genuinely inspiring. Her character is portrayed with a lot of grace, which made her very easy to root for.
The main couple also had a very natural chemistry. Their relationship felt warm and genuine without ever becoming overly dramatic or exaggerated.
Even though I’m usually not someone who rewatches dramas, this is one of those shows I would definitely return to if I wanted something comforting to watch. It has the kind of story that lifts your mood while still feeling meaningful.
Another unique element that I absolutely loved was the outros at the end of each episode. They feature character monologues combined with beautiful quotes, and they often give deeper insight into the characters’ thoughts and emotions. I found myself watching them very carefully every time because they added an extra emotional layer to the story. Honestly, those heartwarming outros alone make the drama worth revisiting.
Overall, Romance Is a Bonus Book is a drama that doesn’t rely on intense drama or flashy storytelling. Instead, it focuses on warm relationships, personal growth, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. It may not have a groundbreaking plot, but the comforting atmosphere, well-written characters, and thoughtful storytelling make it a very enjoyable watch.
For me, this drama is a solid 8/10, and I would even add an extra +0.5 just for the beautiful outros. It’s definitely the kind of drama that stays with you and makes you want to watch it again someday.
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This review may contain spoilers
It's a story that focuses on the relationships of the characters.
I started watching this drama mostly for the Older Woman Younger Man trope. Jongsuk being in it is just an added bonus.In my opinion and based on the summary, the main plot or major plot of the series is of Dan Yi's struggle coming out of a divorce after years of being a housewife. Personally I would consider them wrapping up the major plot right at the start of Episode 2 with Dan Yi getting the job. That solved her major plot problem which is money.
After that all you have left to watch from the series is how Dan Yi and Eun Ho will get together, who Park Byeong Jun is, and Danyi and Seo Jun's interest with one another will develop.
I love the characterization for the characters in the series. Eun Ho and Dan Yi's relationship is so lighthearted that it will keep your worries away, Seo Jun and Dan Yi's relationship is comfortable and budding, while Dan Yi and Hae Rin's work relationship is just immculate. These relationships is really what kept me watching the show.
What I particularly loved in this series is how Song Hae Rin's. Her relationship with Dan Yi never changed even after she found out about Dan Yi and Eun Ho. She never become a hysterical crush, she never treated Dan Yi disrespectfully in their workplace because of her affections for Eun Ho. And that particular bit is so refreshing because we've all been bombarded with poorly written female characters that go ape shit because male writers suck.
Ms. Go's perspective for Dan Yi also didn't become overacting. She's meticulous and very career oriented. Her decisions are correct and is never against Dan Yi.
All in all this series gave me a few surprises, like the lesbian ex of Eun Ho, Song Hae Rin's great character, Eun Ho and Seo Jun's bromance. Unfortunately Dan Yi's personality failed to uphold til the end, that or I'm just expecting something different. I was expecting a little bit more struggle between Eun Ho and Dan Yi. But they never tackled about Dan Yi's daughter anymore after the first few episodes. I also get it why Dan Yi accepted Eun Ho's love right away, as she have that no nonsense attitude with love given her reaction to Seo Jun's attraction, but still it felt too easy.
In one of the scenes I expected her to be doing something on her own, but I was deeply disappointed to see that it was only motivated by the change around her.
This is not an female independence series that I was expecting it to be. I'm a bit disappointed but still would consider this series as a comfortable show I will watch if I want to feel something lovely in my dead cold heart.
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Underrated
It is my own opinion and it seems to be quite a minor opinion if we look at the global critic but I think it is very underrated. It is flat yes but flat doesn’t mean boring. The end might be disappointing but pretty much like a lot of romantic dramas. And the end to me doesn’t matter because that is not the message or the directing approach or storytelling the director wanted to tell (I think). There are beautiful quotes. tenderness, a lot of love sent to the viewers and you can identify yourself to a lot of situations… one sided-love, loving someone the society says you shouldn’t, loving someone for a long time and not saying it and so on, being in a relationship with no spark… and the letter (you know which one I am talking about) is like a big hug, for me and all the people who felt “why don’t you love me while I have so much to offer to you!” “what do they have which I don’t have ?” “how can I stop loving you, you who doesn’t deserve me”Was this review helpful to you?
I thought the relationship between eun-ho and Dan-i was cute. For people who like skinship and lovey dovey couple moments, you'll get a lot of that once they start dating but not too much to the point where it's cringy.
The whole childhood friend trope gets boring to me but I like the way this drama did it. It gave the main leads more of a connection to each other. I liked how dedicated eun-ho was to making sure Dan-i was happy and how he always put her first. he had always been looking out for her even during the years they grew apart and he stayed by her side throughout some of the most difficult times in her life. You really feel that he cared for her.
I actually really liked the supporting characters. I really enjoyed the banter and conversations between the coworkers at the publishing company( I love the whole theme of the book publishing company. It really shows you the work that goes into making and publishing a book. If you're a reader then you will probably enjoy watching the process :)) After a while, I found myself getting more invested supporting characters than the leads.
Overall I think this was a really good drama. To be honest I started getting bored the last few episodes but I stuck it out to the end however I definitely don't regret watching this. Definitely give this one a try. I give it a 8/10
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We are beautiful books of all kind
I have finished this drama with a warm heart and my chest full of emotions turning inside.First of all, it is very well written. Everything evolves slowly and coherently.
The actors, i just loved every one of them and character they played as it fit them properly i may say.
Their acting was amazing.
The music, oh, I loved every song I've heard and "shazamed" them to know about the beautiful voices behind them.
The book enviroment felt good. Indeed, I love books, reading novels and poetry and I write too. Seing people as books is a beautiful thought as we all bear our stories from birth to death.
I agree with Dan I when she says that when re reading her book she underlined sentences and discovered new ones and when Seo Jun says that the book does not change but the reader, it explains it all.
At different season of our life, it does not taste the same and more precisely when we start seing what only used to watch without aknowledging it.
I felt every bit of this drama and it makes re think about self and the life one lives.
Beautiful drama that shows the way to life fully, authentically no matter what. The path to writing a good book.
Romance is the bonus here indeed with all one goes trough and experiences, a beautiful romance that seems to be like an Albatros that cannot fly because of his to big wings but who finally discovers how to take of and how pleasant and beautiful it is and feels to fly with such powerful wings.
It's smooth, it's full, it's deep and it touches straight to heart genuinely. I felt in love with it.
Another lesson learned from it.
Thanks to eveybody in this drama.
Thanks for this beautiful realisation.
감사합니다!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Serious or Fun?
As others have written, I felt that this romance lacked passion. But my main issue was that it felt the writers were torn between serious and silly fun. The Gangnam Leopard scene and rich mom suggested silly fun, but then we had the suicide of the poet and the medical condition of the missing author. I'm ok with the a mix of fun and serious, but when the fun seems implausible (like the middle aged female being the biggest draw at a night club for a younger crowd) it lessened the impact of the serious. Regardless, i was bored through the middle episodes, but found myself genuinely enjoying the last three.Was this review helpful to you?
Love amidst books
Romance is a bonus book is a slice of life kdrama that captures the highs and lows of life in the most beautiful, vivid and captivating manner. The drama revolves around a woman, Kang Dan Yi, who puts her career on hold to focus on her marriage and raise her daughter. Unfortunately, her marriage ends in a divorce leaving her penniless, homeless and jobless. Kang Dan Yi seeks help from her best friend, Cha Eun Ho.As no company wants to hire someone who has been on a career break for years, Dan Yi bets on the one thing she knows best; her love for books and takes up a task support job at a publishing company where her friend Eun Ho is a chief editor. In the quest for achieving professional excellence alongside great friendship, their true feelings for each other comes to light.
The drama is uplifting, inspiring, comforting, motivating and realistic. The story thrives on the ordeals and struggles people go through to get a job especially those who haven't worked for a while. The drama captures the reality on the ground; the tears, disappointments, failed interviews and hopelessness of the unemployed.
However, this drama offers comforts and motivates one not to give up with the hope that there will surely be light at the end of the tunnel. Dan Yi's situation was pitiful and discouraging. This is a woman who couldn't even afford to buy herself a new pair of shoes. She could have shrank but she didn't. She continued to press on and even as a task support, she took on big tasks and contributed accordingly. At the end, her life took a positive turn.
The drama also portrays the day to day activities of a publishing company, Gyeoroo Publishing, which is the main setting of this drama. Every step involved in book publishing is shown and it appreciates the work of key players such as the editor, book designer, marketing and sales team, the illustrator etc. It also highlights the struggles publishing companies go through to make sure a book is a success.
The romantic aspect is not left out either. Dan Yi, in her quest to overcome the challenges of life finds love with her friend Eun Ho. Their romance is soft, sweet, beautiful and healthy. Friends to lovers and Noona romance troupe is exhibited in this drama; one that would make you smile, cringe and make your heart flutter as well.
This drama is one I'd call a masterpiece or a skillful piece of film making. If you're a fan of books, friends to lovers troupe, interested in the publishing world or in need of a drama to comfort you and give you a ray of sunshine, then this drama is for you.
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Warm, Cozy, Friends to Lovers with a Bookish Backdrop
This show. This show. *This show*. How do I even begin to describe it?Is it the best kdrama ever? Probably not. Does it feel like it to me and is it my favorite out of everything I've ever watched? Yes.
I wish I could properly describe how incredibly wonderful this show is. It's probably not for everyone. If you're looking for something super dramatic and crazy and intense, this isn't it. Come back to it later when the chaos around you is too much and you need something soft and quiet and cozy to wind down to. This is it.
Romance is a Bonus Book is warm. It's quiet in that it sort of sneaks up on you. You're enjoying it but you don't realize *how much* until you're in too deep. It's literally the equivalent of a steaming cup of tea (or hot chocolate, whatever your poison is) by the fireplace. It's *beautifully* written, the romance is soft and quiet just like the rest of the aesthetic of the show, but it's *so welcome*. I didn't realize how tired of problematic leads I was until this show. The ML is literally *the* most unproblematic, wholesome, beautiful, wonderful ML I've ever come across. There were scenes where I literally could not stop grinning because of him (and the FL). I also really loved the FL. She's incredibly strong and there's this quiet strength to her that really drew me in from the very moment she was on screen.
There isn't a *single character* I dislike (except for random people that show up once or twice but barring them). Scratch that, there isn't a single character I don't like and/or love. Every character is unique and brings something really special to the storyline. This isn't a plot-driven drama, it's a character-driven one, so this is incredibly important. Each character is like this thread in a larger, gorgeous tapestry. One after the other, their lives weave together and create this beautiful thing that is this show. The cast is great, the acting is wonderful, and I just love everyone! (I've always heard great things about Lee Jong-Suk and this show *truly* showed me why. Guess who's watching While You Were Sleeping Next?)
This show is about strength, about resilience, about friendship, and love. It's very beautiful to see the different kinds of love that people can have for a person, and how that love can develop/change over time. It's just ... ugh I love it so much. If you're looking for a friendship to lovers, this is it. This is wholesome and beautiful and makes me happy. The side couple is also *incredibly cute* and I love them to pieces. So much. As individuals and together, and that is so rare!
All of this, added to the absolutely *gorgeous* backdrop/theme of a book publishing company and it's the best thing I've ever seen. The publishing house is so clean and brightly lit, you love every scene spent there. Not only are you surrounded by books, but by people who love and cherish them too. The literature references, the way people talk about books, the different references to quotes/deeper things was just the bow that wrapped the present that is this show all together. It brings everything together so so beautifully. As a lover of literature, just the book storylines/backdrops alone were enough to make me like this show. Pair it all with the flawed but incredibly wonderful characters and it's now my favorite show ever.
It's not without its faults, don't get me wrong but the good far *far* outweighs the little things I'm not the biggest fan of. A certain storyline could have been handled better (or just omitted altogether), and I admit I sometimes want those fireworks/epic love kind of romances, but that's just not this show's style. It's just so soft and warm and cozy, so welcoming and quietly deep, when it ended, I lowkey teared up but they weren't sad or happy tears they were just ... wow this is done. I have to leave this show now.
I definitely plan on rewatching because just thinking about it makes me want to smile like an idiot.
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...
the production was good, I can't complain .I also say that the performance was incredible, it would be a sin if I complained.
I love the actors, I loved the characters.
Of course, not everything is perfect, I can't lie, but what a drama that doesn't have a single flaw.
So in conclusion, I recommend...
I say it's worth watching, maybe it's bad for some, but for me it was good.
This is just my opinion, you better watch it and have your own opinion.
I don't know what to say, because I think everyone has their own opinion.
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Did not expect this romance drama to be so good
LIKEThough I know what it means when someone asks "Do you want to eat ramyeon?" but I finally found out the real reason behind this phrase - it was a famous quote from movie One Fine Spring Day when Lee Young-ae asks if Yoo Ji-tae would like to have some ramyeon
When Dan Yi said why didn't Seo Joon ate ramyeon with her and if she was not beautiful enough - and what Eun Ho said after that
When Eun Ho said "The moon is beautiful." - what Dan Yi asked him after and he panicked! LOL
When Dan Yi told Seo Joon about herself and he almost choked on his food - funny
How all the staffs from publishing company gave their all for work - used their weekends saved for famlies to help resolve issues
DISLIKE
All good actually
MUSIC - personal fav
A Story I Couldn't See - Jannabi
Rainbow - Rothy
REWATCH VALUE
Yes will definitely re-watch again
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