Mystic Pop-Up Bar

Watching this went so much faster than I thought it would. I started it just to see what the hype was about and ended up nearly done with the whole thing by the time I realized how sucked in I was. Lol

I really liked a lot about this show especially the unique way that it told the past and present story, and they did it in such a way that -- well ... I didn't hate it. Lol I tend to hate things that bounce back and forth but how they managed to do it was really interesting and kept me hooked through it all.

The acting by everyone was really amazing even though they kept introducing new characters (which honestly annoyed me to no ends but still I couldn't hate it) so big and little roles were well played and meant a lot to the story.

I think the main issue I had was the last episode, while no, I wasn't expecting that kind of ending at all, I feel like I was on drugs through most of it. I don't know if it's because of how it bounced around or what. But half the time I was asking myself "are they asleep? Is this even happening?" and by the time I realize it was actually happening, something else would happen and I would be lost as hell. I mean it made sense in some ways I guess? Oh what am I saying - it didn't. Least not to me with what had been said through they whole show. So when all that happened it really threw me off and left me feeling like I was tripping balls or something.

Yet in the end, I do still love the drama and think this is one of those shows that everyone should take a peek at to see if they like it as well.

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Loved the Series!!! - Mystic Pop Up Bar

I was exploring this particular genre of "Reap what you sow" and this came in one of the recommended of one of the darker shows I had watched. Honestly, it did not disappoint. I loved it and I am glad that I picked this one. I loved the supernatural elements, the parallel worlds, the tinge of comedy and romance while the main crux of the problem revealed itself after.

There were a lot of things I really enjoyed.

The Story Line
I absolutely loved the story line . It was perfect but yet there was some want left in the end.

I loved how the drama started, pushing us to the past and how the current setting came to be. And i loved how the drama answers the questions the viewers had regarding the past. The concept of getting your grudges fulfilled is already an existing concept but adding a twist of a bar was very interesting.

I love how the backstories were introduced and many of the cases felt very realistic despite the supernatural touch.

Each of the characters were well played and likeness of each character was also well placed. I loved the little family that was beginning to form despite the truth that came in the end. It really felt like destiny played a huge part in their lives.

The moral of the drama was well utilised. That for family/love, we even sacrifice itself and that if it is true, no matter what, we will never regret it. It was very wholesome to see the main characters sacrifice for the sake of loved ones though the whole thing began on a misunderstanding and a very obvious villain.

However, there were a few points that got me a little dissatisfied.

Even though, the story had tied up all its knots well, answering all questions, there was no proper epilogue, showing a happily every after. So the emotion there got cut-short. I would have loved to see the true happiness of Kang Bae with his new found family and girl friend.

Along with that a few of the moments, especially towards the end could be explored. Like what exactly happened to the villain, what is the condition of the villains dad, did kang bae's ability disappear, what about cinnabar now that kang bae is normal. It felt a little messy when tying up the ends. Episode 12 was way too rushed towards the end.

Also I was a bit unhappy of how the villain was built. He felt way too powerful except for when it was really needed and he was defeated in a pathetic way, though i wouldn't really be able to judge that as it was not really shown.

Acting & Cast
When it comes to acting and cast, there is two things I notice majorly.

Are the Actors able to do justice to the characters?
And
Are they able to move the Audience?

All the actors were able to do a really good job and have portrayed there characters very well. I liked the leads and disliked the villain - as it should be. The only part where I would give a slight lower rating is there were moments of slightly cringe acting, maybe to give a comedic effect.

As for were they able to move the audience? Of course, I smiled at parts that were adorable like when Kang bae and cinnabar were exploring their first love. And I teared up towards the end because i hated what a grave situation they ended up in due to a misunderstanding they were in.

Over all, this drama was a really good and worth it watch for me. But I would give it a slightly lower score just for those few areas. I might watch it again if in a mood but not till the end.

P. S - my rating for music is low because there wasnt really any music except for the competition and the karaoke. So it doesnt really count.

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Heartwarming mystical dream story

●HOW I CAME TO IT
It was on my PTW for a few weeks and I suddenly netflix recommended it so I gave it a go.

●STORY
Wol ju did a grave sin in her mortal life so as the heavens punishment she is sent to living realm and settle 100000 people grudges. She has been doing this for 500 years, and is only 10 grudges more to go which seems easy but is difficult, as in modern days nobody opens up about the problem. She then hires Han Kang Bae as people start to ramble their problems when coming in contact with him. There is also Guibanjang who keeps an eye on wol ju, the three together try to achieve the quota of grudges.

●PLOT VIEW
The storyline was intriguing and uplifting. Every episode has one case of grudge settlement, which gives a very fast pace to the drama which keeps it away from getting boring and unnecessary plot fillers.
Along with that popup bar owner story gradually keeps unfolding. The climax is fab but somewhat predictable. It is smooth-flowing and consistent. It doesn't have confusing flashbacks throughout the episodes. There are no cliffhanger at end of episode which is why I liked the drama more.
Romance is just a bit in the drama but then it makes a huge impact to the story.

●ACTING/CAST
Everyone acts excellent.
Hwang jung eom as Wol ju was excellent, I had always watched her in dramas where she is crying whit heavy volumes, ouch which hurt ears. But this drama she had mild cries and very humorous and energetic.
Yook Sung Jae as Han kang bae is fun and light. He gave somewhat Goblin vibes. As a living human in between the mystical creatures he surely show great lively, honest and lovely nature. His face does all the work for him.

●MUSIC
BGM is done nicely and sets the mood and soul of the scene. OST were good but the one I like is Dive by Jung jin woo, it has an upbeat music. Other songs were slow which served as good BGM but I cant remember them.

●REWATCH
It is rewatchable having light romance with hilarious and fluff story. Its not depressing.

●APPRECIATION
The amazing and funny cases, which each shows that we should act more cautiously and not hurt others by our actions and words.
The action scenes were well choreographed and the CGIs were excellent.
The awesome food in each episode, it seems so yummy and makes me hungry every-time.

●CRITICISM
The plot seems interesting, but when I started watching, it felt a mix of Hotel Del Luna and Goblin. And Yook sung jae acting is very similar like in goblin, which sometimes made me irritated.

●FAV SCENE
Lat scene of the last episode

●AFTERTHOUGHT
This drama is definitely underrated. The show has comforting story which bring a sense of satisfaction at the end of episode.

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My Soul is CLEANSED with wholesomeness

I'm speechless. This drama came out of nowhere for me - I was literally just browsing through shows and this just so happened to intrigue me with its extravagant title. Little did I know, this one click of a button spiraled down to a 12-hour long session of cleansing my soul and spirit. This charming drama was EVERYTHING I didn't know I needed.

(+) Fantastically executed storyline
(+) Unique 'mystical' theme that references into some shaman cultures in Korea 🎪
(+) Very likable main cast
(+) Great acting
(+) Plot twists done right
(+) Wholesome scenes ❤️❤️
(+) Quirky moments but never over-the-top

REVIEW
Now I can go on forever about the details, but to be honest, this is a drama you want to go in blind. I think part of what is so tasteful about the story is the discovery - like I said, this is a very well thought out story. The mystical theme introduced in the beginning may throw you off and cause some confusion but just trust the plot and you will understand eventually. Once you have a decent understanding of the main premise, there will be specific details the director will leave out until it is revealed at the right moment. These are the qualities of an effective story-telling, which this drama really excels at.

This is probably biased from me being completely whipped by this drama but there is absolutely zero reasons for you to not give this a chance - this is by far one of the most well-crafted stories I have seen in a long while, and that's not an overstatement. Unless you hate watching anything that is not 100% realistic, I'd strongly recommend to just give it a shot. I will say this drama is not perfect though, but the entire mood and wholesome intention of this drama has absolutely captivated me and won me over. And I don't consider myself an easy critic or reviewer either - which should tell you that much more about the potential greatness this drama can bring to you.

Now go on and enter that mystical tent you've always been curious about!

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You are going back and forth on earth and dream world

One of the pretty interesting fantasy dramas I have watched! Every charecter has their different storyline and were also tangled with each other in drama! Every charecter has a realtionship with every charecter in the drama which you'll slowly get to know as you move forward!! And it was not boring as all the episodes made sense . The twists in the story were so stunning that once you get to know the purpose of each character it tells you why exactly the charecter was build that way! Fantasy can sometimes make absolutely no sense but this one did!
The actors did a great job in playing their role pn point ! if you hate a charecter in the series who is doing a evil role he's doing his job perfectly!
Lastly the sweet chemistry between main leads gave the drama a different glow! At first you'll not understand who the main male lead is or is their any but once you get to know you'll feel that it was a perfect match !

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We All Need Someone to Listen to Us!

Life is about two things: connecting with your Self and connecting with others. In the end, you find that they are both the same thing. However, until you are able to connect with your Self, you will find that it is impossible to connect with anyone else.

Mystic Pop-Up Bar is a delightfully sweet series about Wol Ju, who is sentenced to resolve the grudges and grievances of 100,000 people to avoid eternal damnation. Yes, you just have to go with the Judeo-Christian spin on things. Responsible for committing suicide, destroying the Sacred Tree 500 years ago, and inadvertently causing the deaths of 100,000 people, she’s required to make amends. Chef Gwi, the bar's primary cook, serves with her. The bar pops up on various street corners, hoping to bring in customers who have grudges and grievances to be resolved.

Wol Ju is a somewhat temperamental woman, who finds her task to be tedious, especially among humans, whom she appears to have a great disdain for. However, we quickly learn that she cares much more than she lets on. She’s simply blinded by her own resentment and grudge from her lifetime 500 years ago, in which her mother was murdered, which caused her to commit suicide. She also harbors a grievance against the Crown Prince of that time period, a man she fell in love with, and who promised to protect her.

Chef Gwi is a lighthearted and kind man who endeavors to do all he can to help Wol Ju achieve her goal and avoid eternal torment. It’s fairly obvious that there is something between the two, but this doesn’t come out until the end of the series. We also find out that Chef Gwi is also a reaper who occasionally assists in the capture of evil spirits.

Finally, we have Han Gang Bae, a likeable but fairly naïve young man who works the customer service counter at a local supermarket. Whenever he touches someone, he compels the person to share their innermost thoughts and feelings in a completely truthful way. As soon as Wol Ju finds out about his abilities, she recruits him to help her find people who have grudges to settle. Wol Ju promises to help Gang Bae get rid of his ability in exchange for his services.

The episodes are beautiful as the trio begin to find and help people in dire need. The series reminded me of “Tomorrow” another wonderful K-Drama in which a trio helps others. There are a number of touching and heartfelt moments. People enter the bar, have a drink, along with some food, and find themselves disclosing what is troubling them most. It’s not nearly as superficial as someone walking into a bar, settling down for a drink, and then disclosing their problems to the local bartender, or perhaps someone wandering into a church to talk to a priest or minister for the same reason. In short, we realize that everyone needs someone to listen to us, and that is the focal point of this series, and why it is so thought-provoking and relatable.

We also come to realize that the real reason Wol Ju is so determined to make her goal is to stop the pain and suffering of her child, who was conceived by herself and the Crown Prince, and who was an unintended victim of Wol Ju’s suicide. It’s ironic how things always tend to come “full circle.” Wol Ju learns that Chef Gwi was the Crown Prince in their previous incarnation, and Gang Bae is actually their son. Families are never formed by accident.

This is a truly uplifting series that demonstrates that, no matter what “sins” we’ve committed, nothing is truly unforgivable. We must also remember that our thoughts, words, and deeds are like boomerangs and will come back upon us at some point. Such is the Law of Karma. Mystic Pop-Up Bar endeavors to show us that we should appreciate those who are in our lives, and not waste a single moment. Learn to love and appreciate all of them!

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where do find this bar…??

i think i saw somewhere a long time ago, people talking about a show or a movie about a bar appearing out of nowhere and the bartender listens to everyones struggles. i was always intrigued by this plot idea and wondered if it would ever come to life. much to my surprise, netflix recommended me this show with the exact same premise and of course i had to watch!!

first of all, if you watched the k-drama ‘tomorrow’, it’s almost the exact same. people come to them and they settle grudges, in tomorrow, the ‘entities’ find people who are on the brink of giving up their life and save them. it’s essentially the same idea, and since tomorrow is one of my favourite shows, this was really nice to watch and made me have a feeling like i was watching tomorrow’s twin show!

i liked everything about it. the plot, the comedy, the reveals, plotwists- you name it.

even the characters were cool! i really have nothing to complain about. although i have to admit, some of the major reveals in the show were so easy to spot so they didn’t really come off as shocking lol…i was more so happy and excited everytime i got a guess correct.

such a wonderful story with a beautiful message! i recommend it!

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A true gem!!!

Was so engaged that I binge watched the series. Laughed and cried as the story developed and learned how the characters stories twisted, turned and interacted. There are definite dark and sad moments, as well as heartwarming and joyous. The ending suited the story line and the characters, which doesn't always happen. Wish there was going to be a Season 2
Weol-Ju runs a mystical poja. In her youth, she was sent to help the Crown Prince heal from the nightmares he was experiencing. After being betrayed by those she had trusted, she makes a rash decision that impacts the rest of her life.

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