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Engaging and unusual romance with techy rivalry background
Overall - one of the best romantic dramas I've seenSet against a context of a competition between two web companies for market share, each having a markedly different philosophy and ethos. One is very capitalist, managed by those who prioritise only profit and are happy to victimise their own staff to protect themselves, and the other run on more ethical lines.
Easy to vilify the capitalist teams, but this is slightly subtler, and there are always suggestions that the main manager in that company has other more complex motives
Set against this, we have three women, who are linked in a number of ways, which are revealed as the drama unfolds. Each is a complex character, and - unusual in Kdrama - each is both strong, and develops and grows over the course of the series
And for each there is a romance which also develops over the series. The main romance is between an older woman and younger man - a detail which she struggles with much more than he does. It's very engaging, but while it is well acted and fairly well written, is not really all that substantial : we understand that they love each other, and the issues for each of them - but we don;t actually see all that much of WHY they have these feelings, which appear to be largely based on appearances and - well - good sex. That said, even if the sex is good, for an inordinately long period (after their first encounter) they don;t actually have sex at all, so, yes, that's not very credible.
However, I would say that may be the biggest weakness here, and it didn't much bother me. The premis of an older woman/younger man romance can be difficult to pull off, but - frankly - the completely unrealistic beauty of these actors made it very effective. If they had been more normal looking, it would have needed a lot more depth though. However - spoiler alert - I was very struck by the way in which the (male) directors managed to capture the erotic nature of the female gaze, and also showed at times a different, gentler angle on male sexual attraction. Sweet. ... there is no even vaguely explicit sexual "action" though - not necessary.
Pacing - was mostly good. I often hate the pauses in Kd and liberally apply the FF button. Here, this was pretty lightly used. It's telling that most of those instances were during lengthy patches meant (I think) to be reflections on the romance/feely goings on, and I think this is probably an indicator that the romance between the M and FL could be much stronger.
The techy context was very glamorised (computer work is NOT this pretty) even though they were shown working long hours. For some reason, even though we were supposed to see them working 12-18 hour days, they still had lots of time for faffing about with their personal lives. My own experience of that is ... you go straight home, eat and sleep, and any other interactions (including hygene) are conducted at high speed using minimum of energy. You can't make a drama out of that!
The acting is wonderful, even more enjoyable because this is an ensemble piece, with a number of characters shown in the round. Of course, most of them are fairly snap-shotty, but many of those have evidence of more than one aspect of their personality and behaviour. Lots of strong female characters - even the b****ds. YAY! Males are good too. Nice. Very good writing
Much of the drama looks at commercial ethics and sketches in some dilemmas. A lot of that is simplified, but still thought-provoking. There are also issues of abuse and exploitation - including in a chaebol setting - some of it dark and stifling, but handled in quite a satisfying way, with it being resolved in an unexpected conclusion. Clever.
I must say something about the music. I confess I FFd a fair bit of it, when we were supposed to infer characters were reflecting on stuff. It is a pleasant OST, though. Latterly, however, after I was struck by something I saw / heard, I started to listen to more of the tracks. I found that - more than at any other series I've watched including Itaewon Class - the music added to the drama, actually reflecting the events, sometimes with gentle humour. Some of the music is really beautiful, with absolute poetry for lyrics. Don't be like me - give this a fair crack of the whip.
[It reminded me of Possession by AS Byatt - a brilliant novel about literature, with the narrative switching between times, and interspersed with poetry. I skipped the poetry on my first reading, but re-read it on a recommendation from a friend - and when I did so read the poetry too: it was stunning, that it so deeply added to the narrative and showed incredibly clearly and deeply the internal world of characters, set against their environments, and revealed insights into the central mystery of the plot. This drama is not working at that level, but there are similarities for me.]
Overall, yes, I loved this, and it's unusual for me to experience such an unmixed pleasure with a drama. Highly recommend.
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Innovative
I love how this is a female-based drama, Hyeon actually ended up being my most favorite character. The cast did well in their roles, but to be honest, I have gotten bored at some parts due to feeling like the story was super dragged on and mostly skimmed. The romantic relationships in this show seem very convoluted and appear more complicated than they should be. There are some minor flaws here and there. But, I do admit that this is one of the best dramas centering around technology. I would recommend everyone to watch this drama over Start-Up.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
So glad to see Im Soo Jung back in this female-centric and women empowerment drama written by Kwon Do Eun (the same writer of the hit 2022 masterpiece Twenty Five Twenty One) 2 years after the success of Chicago Typewriter, which was her comeback drama after 13 years of hiatus from the drama world since her last hit I'm Sorry, I Love You with So Ji Sub. Im Soo Jung joins Lee Da Hee and Jeon Hye Jin as the 3 main female leads here in this office/work-centric drama. Soo Jung plays the role of Bae Tami/Tammy, a strong-willed and competitive woman with an integrity, while Da Hee plays the role Cha Hyeon/Scarlett, a badass and savage one yet has a soft spot when it comes to her crush, the actor Seol Ji Hwan (played by Lee Jae Wook), and Hye Jin as Song Ga Gyeong, Tammy and Scarlett's childhood friend since high school, who is struggling to break free from her manipulative mother-in-law. Despite the polar opposites and misunderstandings between our 3 main female leads, they were able to overcome all of their struggles and rekindle their friendship once again, showing their essence as women.
Their leading men (played by Jang Ki Yong, Lee Jae Wook and Ji Seung Hyun) are all walking green flags, especially Jin Woo, who is a very supportive and understanding husband to Ga Gyung, and not a mama's boy unlike any other husbands out there in the drama world. Though Ga Gyung and Jin Woo didn't end up together, Tammy and Scarlett still got the happy ending they deserve together with their partners, Morgan and Ji Hwan.
The cinematography, locations and settings were perfectly executed. The cherry blossom scene with Tammy and Morgan was iconic, and also the one I loved the most in this drama. The OST was overall good, with Mamamoo's "Wow" topping it all. They also added a very artistic and modern intro on its Netflix version. I highly recommend this drama not just to female fans who seek women empowerment through female-centric dramas, but to fans of all gender as well so that their minds may be opened about the struggles of 21st century women, and how the society deals with them. Girl power at its best! ♀️🌸✊
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The cinematography- is so unique, I like how they we're able to do a different styles of drama.
The Cast- it is indeed perfect, I am still in awe of each pair. The looks really suit on their character
The Main LEAD- I can rate 10/10 I am still amaze how DA-HEE and Soo-jung eager to show their different side when it comes to acting
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Over all:
This drama is a must watch I like the ending, How justice is being served, the bravery of each individual. I like it totaly.
P.S
Still can't get over of JANG KI YONG
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This review may contain spoilers
Girl power for the win!!!
If you are doubting about watching this show or not please do. I was doubtful at first too but end up loving it.The story could be a simple one, in the end is the everyday life of three women in position of power (Director and team leader) and what they have to do to keep their companies and personal lifes afloat. What i think makes this show so great is the characters and how all of them are show to us.
-Bae Ta Mi: She is the FL, the one that is made dirty in one company and end up in the other. She is... intense lol. I like how she is so asertive and have that boss vibe at work but gets too emotional and a little crazy in her personal life. I read people complaining about her and Park Morgan being to cheesy and cringe but, i don't know, i actually like them a lot. it was different to see how they hook up the first day and how their relationship evolves. I think she is too focus on the future and needs to relax but, otherwise, they're fun together lol. Also really enjoy her relationship with the other lead, Cha Hyun.
-Cha Hyun: OMG she is crazy and i love her!!!! I really don't think i can't say anything bad about her, she is everything good in this world. Beating awful guys asses, watching the drama completely living it, falling in love with HER actor and crying like crazy when he has to go, drunk moments with Bae Ta Mi LMAO. she is really all that and is a pleasure to watch.
-Song Ga Kyung: Maybe of the three leads is the one that you notice last for her position but she ends up with a bang. oh how much i enjoy when she basically destroys her mother in law at the end. Just a great moment! also her relationship with her husband is cute in a way. He is clearly in love with her it is the situation that sucks.
The support characters are also great and it what makes the show so good and wholesome.
Of course i don't want to forget the music. Sooo on point and fitting for the show! i was with it in my head for a while after watching it (Still are lol).
Just watch it really is soo great :).
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Sisterhood Hype and I'm loving it
All I can say is: I loved this so much and I would even say that this is one of the best dramas I've ever seen, or one I enjoyed the most. I loved seeing women getting competitive but still respecting each other you know? This kind of competition is what we need! They cherish each other, they have history, but there is no hatred. They respect their opinions and act upon their own. Honestly, I was not very convinced in the beginning, I knew it's gonna be good, just looking at the summary and the overall vibe had me going: wow this show is def high quality. But I was never sure if it was my cup of tea. But hell yes it is!! It got so much better, the chemistry between the three girls was so good and addictive, I honestly want more. And the ending scene was so freaking satisfying!I also really appreciated the topics they touched on. All this is so important and relevant in real life, even if it's just fiction. But boys I tell y'all corruption is everywhere.
The only thing that I didn't enjoy that much was the romance between Bae Ta Min and Morgan. I mean, I get it. I get the conflict and everything, but even when they first met, I wasn't digging their story. Their chemistry was great and there were cute and heartbreaking moments, but in my opinion they could've cut their part a little bit.
But boy! Cha Hyeons and Seol Ji swan (the actors) romance story was so cute and I still want more! Oh and shout out to the story between Song Ga Gyeong and her ex-husband. I really really really loved that the writers decided to give them a non-toxic relationship. Even if it was a purpose-marriage and they never really fell in love with each other, they were so respectful to each other. I wasn't sure about her husband in the beginning, he was kind of shady, but after a while you could see and literally feel his affection and care towards Ga Gyeong. In the end you could really tell that they did grow to love each other and omg when she cried the moment she signed her divorce papers. my hearT.
I just loved everything and every character I can't even. and Brian! who doesn't love him!
OHHH and shout out to the directing and the cinematography because: did you see those shots! Appreciate that they chose unconventional camera positions so that we viewers dint get bored and feel the tension they want to convey! this is art i tell y'all. god i just loved it.
Also! the actors were all really really good. I nothing felt awkward to out of place it was just perfect. and damn we get to see older women act yesSs!!! you can really tell that they are pros.
honestly. i can't praise this enough. even though it was kind of hyped, I still think its underrated. anyway, thanks to everyone who participated in this drama!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Get a VPN!! Internet privacy is no joke! Oh, and this is a superb drama!
Just finished Search: WWW and absolutely loved it. Where do I begin?Cast - Our three protagonists carried this show - all strong women - no damsels in distress as is the drama norm. Instead, these were three powerful and very successful women (and in Lee Da Hee's character - she could literally beat you up!). All successful - not needing a man but end up having three interesting love stories. The guys were well cast with Jang Ki Yong's Park Morgan being the stand out as Bae Ta Mi's love interest. Their story will fill you heart with joy and pain throughout the show.
Similarly, Jeon Hye Jin's Song Ga Kyung's relationship with her arranged marriage husband is an interesting one and is an interesting one especially with the overbearing (and evil) mother in law who, being the chairwoman of a conglomerate, treats Ga Kyung like a dog.
My favourite however was Lee Da Hee's character - adorably bada$$ 💜 as was her love of cheesy kdramas... we can all relate to that!!
The supporting cast complemented the main characters well.
Story - the story is about the three girls with the backbone of the two internet portal companies battling for supremacy. It brings up ethic and privacy and I found it fascinating. Some may think that some of the pacing and dialogue is a bit slow at times but I think this was done intentionally. Im Soo Jung's AMSR style voice works really well in these moments. There is genuine tension at times and the writer/director found a great balance of calm before the storm.
Production - WOW! The cinematography is incredible with some beautiful shows. Shot in an ultrawide format the director really made use of that space to show separation and beauty in some of the scenes. Great use of the camera and movement to help tell the story. Would love to know who the cinematographer was.
Negatives - very few but will need to spoil a few scenes to discuss so will leave that.
Ending - well you'll just have to go and watch this to find out. Like the best KDramas, Search: WWW is beautifully contained. So what are you waiting for? Go watch it... and get a VPN to protect your privacy 😂
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Great Lines....
I am a bit prejudice when it comes to the May-December love affairs and reverses to boot ( where in the female lead was older than the male lead). But the chemistry of the leads was perfect, you can never ask for a better pair. The pull and push of their relationship have the right spice to add to the drama.Though the main theme of the whole drama was girl empowerment. All of them were strong women and can stand on their own.
What draws me into this drama were the lines of the characters. It has a well-written script to add to its appeal.
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i most like episode 1 and last episode they look cool and powerful
this drama so close about our life with internet, everyone using internet.
the things make me intterest to this drama is the cast, i have been watching another drama of the cast,
the love story actually good,
i like the connection of each character in this drama
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
i just like this drama but don't know how to describe in english
my english lang bad .-.
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This review may contain spoilers
-STORY-What I love about this drama are:
1) Fierce and very knowledgeable women. Women who knows how to run IT business, women who read books and know how to argue. I love how Tami conducted one-on-one interview to know her subordinate better (I bet she read so many books about human capital), love that she has willingness to learn and grow from people`s criticism and dissatisfaction toward her. I love how Scarlett always coming up with bright ideas (how to make trending topic bar much simpler), and I adore how SGG keep consistent with Unicorn image though they lost market share by slight margin. She says (in much simpler word ;p): "If Barro`s image is "friendly", I want Unicon keep their "unapproachable" image as it is". Go Unicon! I believe you still have many loyal users! :)
2. The main leads problems and roller-coaster relationship are mind-stimulating and successfully gather people to discuss their Point of view. I love to read comments and reviews on several platforms JUST to see how people react to the story development of our main lead, I am happy to see people discussing Morgan and Tamy personalities from various perspectives. I feel content, I feel brilliant after reading posts on the discussion forum hahaha
3. ISJ-JKY Chemistry. I love how they "play" with the viewers emotions through their instagram posts during the drama broadcast. I bet JKY really adore ISJ a lot hahahaha, go JKY you still have several years before military enlistment! go get your bae ta mi :)
really my friend! If the comments and review section of this drama is all about "Oh how cute you two!" Oh my puppy you are adorable"" "Awww why you so handsome!!", i will definitely drop this drama from the first episode.
-ACTING-
This is my very first time watching ISJ, JKY and LDH drama and wow they played the role really well. For ISJ, I applaud her for superb acting skill!!! I cant imagine other actress playing BTM Role... ISJ especially has soothing voice but when she talks in a meeting as the team leader, you can hear her tone become more firm and charismatic. I really really hope she could win Baeksang for best actress.
LDH is also a great actress, I hope she takes various roles and I believe her name will be on the Baeksang nominees again next year.
As for JKY..I watch his post drama interview and there he said he feel quite dissatisfied with his acting on the several first episodes. romance drama is hard he added. and yes I agree with his statements because as much as I love the explosive chemistry between JKY & ISJ, I can feel sort of emptiness on JKY`s face on the first 4 episodes. BUT! he indeed improved from Episode 4 onwards, and I am a proud viewer hahaha
-MUSIC-
A very nice music with lyrics that fit the story line. Especially Kim Na Yong -I Get a little bit lonely, wow is it Bae Tami herself who wrote the lyric???
-OVERALL
IF you are a fan of Japanese drama and feel hesitate to watch korean drama coz you hate cliche and cheesy line, you should try this one. This will change your perspective on Korean romance drama forever.
IF you like drama that has a good balance of business-work and romance then you will enjoy this drama for sure. If you are NOT OKAY with deep dialogues and constant interesting argument between main couple who has different point of view on marriage then you will not enjoy this drama. OR you will enjoy this drama a little bit but you will leave comments on every forum you signed in: "Please please this couple is boring, I need more screentime of other two couples" hehehehehehehehhehehehehehe
Thanks for the spectacular script, writer-nim!!
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