a hidden friendship becomes something more as they both deepen their relationship
Short Synopsis :-“One String Night” is a drama about the romance between two ordinary people. It tells the story of librarian Lee Jung In (Han Ji Min) who values the life she wants, and pharmacist Yoo Ji Ho( Jung Hae In) who is warm and sweet but has a fiercely competitive side. In the drama, Lee Jung In has mixed feelings about the idea of marrying her long-time boyfriend Kwon Gi Seok (Kim Jun Han), and is faced with further dilemma when she befriends Yoo Ji Ho, a single father who is direct with his emotions.
Review point :- The show is the slowest of slow burns, but that’s what makes it so wonderful.
One spring night begins with two adult protagonists running into each other and feeling strange attraction towards each other. The first few episodes are interesting, with "hidden tension" between the main characters. This romantic Korean drama then explores to a very real and mature subject: single parents and the possibility to start over again their life also this drama is not a regular love story; the characters encounter life challenges that every one of us can faces. It featured without antagonists, depending on their personality the characters can change into antagonists ( Kwon Gi Seok We see both of them struggle with Jeong-in's ex-boyfriend, who is an entitled jerk who doesn't want to leave them alone, not because he loves Jeong-in, but because he refuses to accept the reality that she is better off with someone else. and his father). This drama highlights the crucial nature of love, timing in relationships and emotions, and how, even as adults, you can't always predict how situations turn out at anytime.
PERFECT DIRECTION, PERFECT WRITTING, PERFECT SOUNDTRACK ,PERFECT VISUALS.
The show's director, Ahn Pan Seok, did not include any other elements. The pace of the drama is slow, however, it shows Jeong In's enthusiasm and Ji Ho's helplessness as his love for her grows.
This drama had some excellent writing; Kim Eun did an excellent job developing the storylines of the characters in today's society. The music in this show is fantastic and perfectly compliments the scenes it’s used in, Rachel Yamagata refreshed my OST playlist.
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Painful Acceptance, The Road not Taken.
This drama, GOD, where do I even start?First of all, you can't talk about this drama without mentioning Something In The Rain.
This drama is what Something in The Rain could have been, and I for one am GLAD that it wasn't.
This drama is like an extremely poorly made-version of Something In The Rain, I mean, don't get me wrong, it's a pretty decent and realistic romance drama compared to the usual unrealistic fantasy lovey-dovey K-dramas that we get, but in no way does it even come close to SITR's level.
But, each drama should be rated on its own merits and problems instead of just giving it a rating or review compared to how it was with other shows.
This drama started out really great, the first two episodes were VERY, VERY promising, but with each episode it started going downhill, the pacing of the story is the main problem that this show had, it was painfully tiring to watch, it took 16 episodes before the drama started going anywhere, that means out of the total 32 episodes, it took HALF of those before the story really started to progress, the story of this drama could've easily been crammed into just 16 episodes and ended gracefully, but the fact that it was unnecessarily dragged on killed my interest.
The other problem that this drama had was the absence of any REAL conflict, I mean there was absolutely nothing in this drama that can be counted as a real conflict, it was just a few useless skirmishes and arguments that didn't even lead to anywhere, the little conflict that the drama did have was completely forced and inorganic and could have been completely avoided altogether, it's like the characters were forced to create whatever little fake conflict; and the absence of any REAL conflict coupled with the fact that this show had 32 episodes is a complete disappointment, how can the writers and directors justify dragging the drama for SO LONG without having any real conflict or purpose?
And it was because of the absence of any real conflict that I just couldn't buy the fact that the two main leads were both in a relationship, absolutely COMPLETELY unbelievable.
The other problem with this show was the absence of chemistry between the two characters, I mean the chemistry and dynamics between them were forced, it didn't feel natural or very organic AT ALL!
The next problem with this show was the MUSIC, I mean what were the directors thinking when they played the SAME soundtrack ever since the first episode again and again, AND yet again?
This drama didn't have any emotional moments that made my heart flutter or shiver in the least, the drama basically lacks excitement, there's nothing in the drama that excites you and encourages you to watch it, there was nothing in the show which really showed how the characters bond became strong, especially in the first half.
This drama instead of focusing on the two main leads' relationship together, focused on other useless things that had no business being in there.
This drama didn't have ANY moments where it really showed the two main leads bonding with each other which made their entire relationship COMPLETELY unbelievable.
Now about the acting, the only good acting in this show is by the mother of the girl, the rest of the acting in the show by every character is a complete rip-off, especially by the girl's new boyfriend AKA her friend.
The dialogues of this show were again one of the problems, no proper meaningful dialogues or impactful conversations were held by the characters with each other, there were absolutely ZERO emotional moments.
Now let's compare it with Something In The Rain since this drama is by the same director, Ahn Pan Seok.
It's like with this drama, the directors and writers figured out everything that was wrong with Something In The Rain and managed to multiply it 100 times!
Something In The Rain for me is the Gold Standard of realistic romance dramas and I can comfortably call this drama the bottom of the barrel standard.
The show started out amazingly in the first few episodes but by the 8th episode I had to force myself to watch it, I was hoping that something in the next 2 or the next 2 episodes after that will have something exciting happen that'll captivate my interest completely, and I watched the drama till the first 16 episodes and there was absolutely nothing that excited me, by the 16th episode it was just a matter of watching the drama JUST to end it.
This drama didn't just break my heart because it was so bad, it made me so angry and disappointed because I can truly imagine what it could've been, it broke my heart because I know the potential it had and the fact that it wasn't able to fulfill it.
I can imagine how amazing it could've been, and the fact that it wasn't is just truly heart-breaking and extremely disappointing!
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Of course there were certain short comings in the writing but you can easily overlook that when you feel the naturalness of this drama. The development of the characters felt so real, this triumphs any up and coming romantic drama for me. Nothing felt remotely fake, there were some strong potrayal of women and not just one but a few. This drama overcame the stigma of society pressure a little.
All in all for me this is a drama that I'll definitely recommend.
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Disregard for my time
Starts interesting, but quickly drops the ball.Absolutely nothing happens on most episodes. One after the other you feel like you've watched the same episode all over again.
Too many times I felt like the show did not respect my time, and was just forcing itself to fill the 55 minutes of screen time.
It doesn't make any sense that the ML and the FL feel attracted to each other. Other than the first episode, all they do is exist in the same room. They don't do things that are attractive, don't demonstrate affection, no nothing. It's only because it's on the script really.
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Kinda flat
First the good, the OST is quite good and I still listen to it...particularly the Rachel Yamagata songs. Beyond that, it's a monotone exercise in melancholia. Appropriately, most of the scenes are rather dark as if electrical lighting outside of the pharmacy maybe, doesn't exist. The characters seem to sleepwalk through their scenes wallowing in their minor yet seemingly intractable problems. There just never is any change of pace or real energy to liven up the show. I get why people like it, but definitely a disappointment in my book.Was this review helpful to you?
Καλοί ηθοποιοί- Ενδιαφέρουσα ιστορία
Μια ζεστή και ανθρώπινη ιστορία χωρίς τρελές ίντριγκες, που δεν λείπουν κιόλας. Είναι ένα αρκετά διαφορετικό θέμα για Κορεατικο δράμα μιας και αφορά ερωτικό τρίγωνο μεταξύ μιας γυναίκας και δύο αντρών. Το ασυνήθιστο είναι ότι ο ένας εξ αυτών είναι μονογονεϊκή οικογένεια χωρίς μητέρα. Αυτή του η κατάσταση αποτελεί ταμπού για την κοινωνία, εντελώς μακρυά του δυτικού πολιτισμού. Μου άρεσε πολύ αλλά στα μείον είναι ότι ήταν εξαιρετικά αργή.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Conclusion: cheaters, aka Jeung In, are just unlikable like that
Went into this series right off the back of SITR and mainly for the sake of Hae In. I didn’t have that huge of expectations but this still managed to disappoint.The story seemed like it was put together last minute and no amount of good acting could save the nonsensical plot, lines and actions of the characters; particularly the female lead.
Jeung In was portrayed as this strong, decisive confident person while in reality she was just self-cantered, self-absorbed, and anything but decisive.
And her inability to communicate properly was the cherry on top. It made any attempts at trying to portray her character as this private, independent kind of person who keeps to themselves fall flat as all she only managed to appear as was defensive and childish.
From her being passive aggressive to her EX instead of just breaking it off completely to her continuing to still meet up with him after each “break up”; being all moody screaming at him one day and inviting him to wine and dine the next, and dear lord don’t get me started on the cheating which for some reason everyone avoided calling it that. Making it seem like her actions were justified and instead shifting the blame to the male lead.
Speaking of which, Ji Hu’s character I did not mind but at times his relationship with his son seemed.. off and yet again I blame it on the bad writing. His feelings for Jeung In were unjustified as she was nothing but rude to him. Was he just desperate? I don’t know. Their whole relationship didn’t make sense; how they jumped from liking one another to being crazily in love, none of it made sense.
As for other characters, her older sister’s inability to just get a divorce and get it over with just annoyed me. I get it societal pressure and what not but, yet again, it must be the poor writing ‘cuz I did not feel none of it. As for the youngest sister, even though a lot of people seemed to like her, I couldn’t. She was imposing and immature and the way she kept on stalking that dude was just creepy.
Each and every episode was basically the same thing. The plot didn’t go nowhere. Characters would meet, converse in lines that, despite the good acting, felt extremely shallow, argue about struggles that were very difficult to relate to when you couldn’t make sense of the plot and that was pretty much it.
And while SITR was not my cup of tea when it comes to k-dramas, it was a well-written show and I overall enjoyed it. The fact that OSN was by the same director was even more disappointing.
Using the same themes and “concepts” like the osts for instance. Has the show been more well-written I wouldn’t have minded it, but as the episodes continued it felt just lazy.
As far as realism goes, they did get one thing right. People who cheat are damn unlikable.
But to give credit where credit is due, and after finishing this drama (skipped forward a lot of it), The female lead acting in silent moments; or when nothing seemed to be happening i.e. having food, lazying around the house was very natural and I honestly was impressed with a lot of these “just hanging around” scenes.
Yet again, the acting was never the problem.
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This review may contain spoilers
Naturally, this will draw comparisons to Something In The Rain. Similar backroom staff, same male lead, similar vibe in the story but this plays out much smoothly and has a way more satifying ending. The love story is heartfelt and relatable even if you're not in the same situations. The ordeal with the parents and side characters is more bearable and fleshed out. I like that there was no real villain. Ki Seok's character is bullish and arrogant but in some way, he's still down to earth and you can feel for him at times despite the character's stalkerish tendencies. The marriage proposal was wonderfully laid out. It was so casual yet loving and perfect. Getting the kid to do it for you - a magical moment. The acting was super strong and nuanced. I can't rag on any of the cast for their performances. Whether it was the leads or the side characters, everyone had a distinct, interesting character. Everything seemed to natural and seemless. I had no probably parashuting into this world and accepting the characters for their choices.
The soundtrack might cause a few debates. The song list is limited but the songs are memerable and add to the scenes they are used for. That's all that's required.
I think the re-watch value is in the Jung Hae-In and Han Ji Min chemistry and on-screen relationship. Every scene is worth watching with them in, from the beginning of a reluctant friendship to a blossoming relationship.
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A Reflection on Love and Honesty
Do you ever feel that you don’t want a kdrama to end, like ever? You feel satisfied just watching the characters go about their lives without sophisticated plots or noteworthy events. This kdrama gave me those feelings. A huge part of it was the chemistry, not only between the female lead and the male lead, but also between the sisters, friends, and parents.At first, I was afraid it would become a cheating/affair drama. While many see it that way, I don’t. Yes, the FL did have some curiosity towards the ML while being with her boyfriend, but this doesn’t mean she was emotionally cheating. She told the ML about her boyfriend and offered him friendship instead. The intimacy between her and her boyfriend was already fading, and it had nothing to do with the ML; she was going to leave him sooner or later.
What I liked about the FL is that she didn’t settle just because she had to. As she mentions multiple times throughout the show, “I don’t want to marry someone just because I’m a suitable age for marriage.” As a woman, I couldn’t agree more. She made it clear that she wasn’t thinking about marriage and didn’t manipulate her partner.
Many people thought the drama started very slow and complicated, but this is how adult relationships are. You don’t just meet someone and, boom, you’re dating and they’re your soulmate. When you’re mature enough, you’ll know that even in love and relationships, you’ll have to do some thinking.
As for the ML, I liked his personality. He was nice, caring, and understanding. However, what I didn’t like as much was that he wasn’t completely honest with her. When he got drunk and expressed his fears, that was the moment he was fully honest. I know it’s difficult to talk about your fears, especially in front of someone you admire, but to have a healthy relationship, you should express your fears and let your partner be aware of them. This eventually happened, so I have nothing to complain about regarding the flow of the show.
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"We could still be happy"
There are some dramas that you just don't watch for mere entertainment instead they make you think, leave you speechless and leave an impact on you even after days of completing it. One Spring Night was exactly that for me.After watching the first episode itself I knew this one was going to hit me hard emotionally. I am not saying this drama was perfect because well, it's not everyone's cup of tea considering the fact that it's a slow burn and has minimal humour. But the way it portrayed the lives of some imperfect people perfectly was enough to get me hooked.
It tackled some of the very hard pressing problems of living in a prejudiced society in an extremely realistic way that every viewer might just find it relatable at one point or another. The main focus was obviously on the relationship between the leads but the inclusion of family traumas and taboos like single parenthood, infidelity, domestic violence and male chauvinistic pride in the plot as heavy and loud backdrop will make everyone sit up and take notice even if one doesn't wants to.
Coming to their take on relationship and intimacy. Oh, it was such a beautiful journey to watch. I could probably feel them fighting their emotions but at the same time also surrendering to it. As problematic as it seemed, it was dealt with absolute care. The romance wasn't rushed at all. The leads took their time at resolving both their inner and outer turmoils one by one (as it should be) while also acknowledging and accepting their feelings for one another. I mean every plot arc hits so close to the heart in this one. Which just shows the realistic and mature efforts put into it as a whole.
Cinematography was so breathtaking that every scene can be screenshoted and put up as wallpaper, no kidding.
The background music can come off as a little repetitive at times but that's only because the music matches the vibe of the drama perfectly and Rachel Yamagata's voice is so soothing that I couldn't possibly have complaints in this department.
At some moments you'll wish to fast forward this drama but control that urge, know that you're gonna miss out on its essence. This drama unapologetically sets its own pace and I had a wonderful time following through each and every second of it.
Also, bonus points to the writer for creating such independent, fierce and strong willed female protagonists. You hardly see that anymore.
So if you're tired of watching them cheesy rom-coms and need something close to reality that pulls on your heartstrings with great plot and even better acting, this one's probably it.
I gave this drama an 8.5 rating initially but considering the fact that it keeps replaying on my mind at random moments, I had to do the needful.
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This review may contain spoilers
Sweet yet Angsty
When a pharmacist & single father has a chance meeting with a librarian, they start seeing love & relationships in a brand new light.Thoughts I had while watching this:
- Clingy, obsessive exes are incredibly annoying. Trying to control/sabotage someone isn’t love, it’s just stupid pride.
- Yes, we should be grateful to our parents for raising us, but that doesn’t mean we owe them our lives. They’re our parents, not our masters.
- Single parents are no less deserving of happiness & love than anyone else. Their children aren’t a “flaw”, nor are the parents “damaged goods”.
- Yes, break ups can be unilateral decisions. It doesn’t matter if the other person wants it or not, justified reasoning or not.
- Love is worth fighting for. It’s worth taking the risk. Not the fake stuff so often portrayed, but real, true, abiding love <— that love is worth it all.
This drama had sweet moments, painful moments, frustrating moments, & victorious moments. Some characters needed punches to the face, while others deserved all the hugs. 💗
Look up the lyrics for the OST - they really fit the drama —> “We Could Still be Happy” by Rachael Yamagata <— loved this song!
_________\\__________//________
-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-
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…
….
……
The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.9💋
- Together : ep.9 👩🏻❤️👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💖
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