When I Was the Most Beautiful

Powerful Cast and Emotional Depth

When I Was the Most Beautiful is a quintessential romantic melodrama that is powered by an excellent cast, a tightly-written intricate story and an emotional depth rarely seen on television dramas. It has unexpectedly become one of my favorite dramas of the year. And Lim Soo Hyang, Ji Soo and Ha Seok Jin deliver exceptional, must-watch/must-experience performances.

The developing love triangle may be the initial hook in the series' first few episodes. But When I Was the Most Beautiful quickly delves into the lives and relationships of our three leads and the broad cast of characters that fill their world. Dealing with themes such as (but not limited to) family, tragedy, forgiveness, healing and loneliness, the series does an almost masterful job juggling them all while never taking the focus away from the characters.

The series is able to build what is actually a very intricate web of characters that fill the world the story is able to draw upon. Every character that is introduced in the series has a role to play in the grander narrative. And in pretty substantial ways too.

It's important to point out that our characters are all flawed. Just like real life, no one is perfect. No one makes the right decisions 100% of the time. That realistic depiction of everyday life helps the series be as relatable and affecting as it can be. There are consequences, there are joys. It is not always a fairy tale ending. Nor is it all doom and gloom either.

The series' stunning cinematography and careful, purposeful directing also help to truly make the entire experience one to enjoy.

But the biggest part (and strongest aspect) of the series' overall success is its excellent cast. I think this may be a career performance for Ji Soo especially.

When I Was the Most Beautiful takes on heavy, realistic human emotions. The well-written, fast-paced plot engages a large cast of fully developed characters. Things move at a brisk pace, but you are never left lost or behind. The emotional roller coaster is one you don't mind finding yourself on. You will laugh, you will cry (a lot). You will get frustrated and you will cheer. But you will definitely feel the emotional connection.

With an excellent cast to top it all off, When I Was the Most Beautiful is indeed a beautiful, bittersweet, but meaningful journey well worth your time.

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What a beautiful mess!

I started watching this show out of zero expectation for anything light-hearted, knowing that it's a melodramatic, most likely dark and controversial like "Secret love affair". It didn't disappoint! The acting was superb and the characters were complex and three-dimensional. It's not a story for the faint of heart. It requires maturity and appreciation for the inherently flawed beauty of the human condition. If you're looking for a light-hearted, superficial idealistic love story in this drama, move on and watch another one. This drama isn't so much for entertaining purposes as it is to stir up the depth of emotions in the inherently flawed nature of human experience. All the characters have strengths and weaknesses, internal conflicts which they struggle to resolve throughout the drama. The whole story is full of internal angst and strife, which makes one wonder how much self-torture they can persist to continue doing to themselves and others. Yet in some way they are all relatable as human beings.

The story moves very slowly yet very quickly at the same time. It is as if their emotions are capsulized yet have endured changes of time as well. The forbidden romance of a teenage boy turns into the self-torture and self-sacrifice of a man who continues his path of redemption when he doesn't need one.

Maybe because I'm a Westerner and too open-minded for kdrama but I didn't see anything wrong with Hwan's love for his school teacher and subsequently sister-in-law. The fact that he had so much self-restraint to sacrifice everything for her and his family is as pure and idealized as you can get from any character (in some ways, this is probably the most unrealistic part of the story). The flawed and selfish love of the other characters in the story stands in contrast to Hwan's sacrifice and purity, yet his love for her and his family seems most unpure because of society's superficial moral judgments. If anything is sacrificed in this love story, it is the purity of love in the name of moral values, when all those acting as if moral were all out for themselves. Ye Ji's mother is branded the same way when everything she did was in the name of love and self-sacrifice.

This drama is a mess. It's a beautiful mess that challenges the dominant narrative of society's superficial surface relationships and dwells into the complexity of being human: inherently selfish, flawed and capable of immense beauty and selflessness as the same time.

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Loving the Mess

This drama will make you feel like everything is happening so fast yet the story progresses slow. The actions of some characters may also be difficult to understand for some level of unreasonable causes. Other characters just pop out from nowhere. Im So Hyang took this drama into a new level compared to Gangnam Beauty, seemingly perfectly fit to the depth of the story. Ji Soo always hits the right emotion needed. And Kim Mi Kyung once again proved why she could be the best mother, aunt or confidant. My biggest respect to this actress for giving her all in all her projects. I did not get the ending I want, as usual just like in many K Dramas I've watched. It kept me on the edge and teased me until the last episode wanting for more and then this Thank You message popped in. I'm half broken. Over all, it was a great series - I don't care about the mess, I loved it!

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A Well Written Drama

Wow, I could not help but enjoyed this drama. Absolutely riveting and a well written script. Complicated, yet fascinating, keeping us guessing how it will end. Great acting. Maybe more for a mature audience as it does involve going through the dynamics of relationship between brothers, family, friends and self love. Everything is believable and the emotions can get so real.

Seo Jin (Ha Seok Jin), sophisticated, good looking, appear confident, but is dealing with a trauma left from a past incident of his father. His younger brother Seo Hwan (Ji Soo), simple, young and determined, instead have to cope with adult responsibilities after their father's accident. Then walks-in Oh Ye Ji (Im Soo Hyang). whom both brothers fall in love with. All hell breaks loose as we watch the roller coaster of emotions, frustrations as the two brothers compete for her heart, putting their brotherhood relationship also, to the test.

The director did a really good job in making us feel anything could happen towards the end of each episode. I was anxious every week waiting for the drama to load. I liked that the drama managed to portray all the flawed characters so well. Even at it's worst kind of love, everyone chose to do the right thing. All tastefully done and pretty classy. However, I had one little issue with Im So Hyang's character in this story, but I will not mention here, to avoid giving a spoiler.

I will not be surprise if Ji Soo wins an award, or at least get a nomination for this drama. His part in this drama has given him the ability to flex his acting talent all round. Convincingly frustrating at times and understandably soothing at other times. However, Ha Seok Jin is truly the remarkable actor to the core, but his role required less of him in this drama. Nevertheless, so glad he is in it and he held his own part really really well.

Cheers! K-drama forever!

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Beautiful Drama

I really loved this one. The cinematography, mood set-ups, music and much of the dialogue were really fantastic. I thought Ji Soo and really all the actors did a great job. But Ji Soo, in particular, can bring the tears to my eyes every time. He's just a master at emoting the heartbreak in everything I've seen him in. Sure, the ending is a bit of a let-down, but it was actually better than I expected considering all the circumstances, and I will watch the finale episode again as it was really good. Plus, I have a good imagination and in my mind the very end was even better than depicted.

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frustrating love triangle still at episode 9

The story line has shifted back and forth between two brothers that love the same woman. I honestly do not know which brother to root for. As the storylne has progessed I have been been on each brother's side at different times. I am a fan of Im Soo Hyang and Ji Soo so of course I have an affection for them. The oldest brother does have his sinister side, but at this point it has been revealed he may be otherwise. His motives may have been misunderstood. After episode 9 the story is at a very pivotal point. I will not give spoliers but episode10 it is definitely going to be a decision moment. I want to seriously know when is Ji Soo going to be the lead?! This is not a fluffy love story by the way. It does have the cliche kdrama types. It has false guilt, it has rivaling siblings, it has the over bearing MIL, it has the gentle father figure, it has the victimized female lead (who drives me crazy every once in a while with all the stereotype KDrama plots), it has the crazy ex-girl friend, it has the mob, it has classism, (should I go on? ) I am not overly fond of the female lead at this point. She has treated Ji Soo horribly in a couple of episodes, perhaps justifiably so. And he has shocked us in an episode as well. His character is soft one moment and stern the next, which makes the writer seem a bit schizophrenic. I will say there was an ah - ha moment in episode 8 when we were given insights into the older brother's behavior. This is definitely not a boring drama, and there are a lot of tense moments. One treat in this drama is the supporting role played by Kim Mi Kyung. And I dare say, it is a very different role for her. This drama is by far not my favorite, but I will watch it to the end , and hope for the best for everyone involved! Now is still a good time to hop on because there is still a lot of intrugue left. Not for those looking for light romance. Mature story line. Definitely drama, drama, drama.

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Fireworks of raw real emotions - Most underrated drama !!!

It's my first review, I just couldn't wait even until I finish it. I've seen underrated shows, but never that much underrated and unfair critic. In drama world full of cheap cliche stupid series, people critic this amazing drama..??

This drama even in first 4 (7-8) episode has everything that you can see/feel only in 10% of dramas. I already have feeling that I saw one of amazing story full with emotions, chemistry, depth...

It has amazing cinematography, great GREAT acting, original and not stretched story, no filler scenes, complex characters with layers, great soundtracks, life realism, deep emotions, subjects that make you think, exquisite dialogs without any cliche.

We fans often complain about cliches and dramas that repeat all the same stories seen multiple times before, all same architypes and situations, complain because writers don't dare something real new, bold or even little bit tabo, but when we have something different critic it like this drama, I can't understand it...

p.s. I'll edit this review after finishing, but even if there will be nothing at all in rest of the show (12(25) episodes), I'll rate drama minimum 8'5 only because first few episodes, which are brilliant.

***
I finished it and loved more, it was fireworks of raw real emotions. I've never saw show with so many emotional scenes and dialogues. this drama has enough story for 3 complete dramas, when you think that story goes so fast (in good way) what could be happened more, when you think you watch event that should be near of the end but you are at the 5th episode, or in the middle of the show, but it has so much more to offer, every episode had new emotions and real life story. every character is so real, not perfect, not unrealistic bad, they are real humans, with sins, good and bad choices, weak and strong, they don't do stupid unrealistic things like 99% of drama characters;
There are soo great development of main characters, real development.
there are so many different real life subjects and different emotions. In every drama even if characters are multi layered, emotions (love, hate, jealousy, to need someone/something and more) are one dimensional, easy, but here relationships and emotions are difficult like in real life...
Ending also was perfect, like the drama, REAL, not too happy and and not too tragic.

there are so many things I could say about this show, but it would be better if you watch it and watch well, see all details, feel every emotion (GREAT acting will help it very well, someone must be stone to not feel emotions of these characters, especially young brothers, though old brother and FL are great too, they are all individuals and have their own personalities worth to love, understand, sometimes pitty, be mad or praise )

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Love

This is one of the best love triangle stories . I must say, I am immediately struck by how beautiful the cinematography and scenery are – just breathtaking. I missed Im Soo Hyang since her fantastic portrayal of Su Ki (she will forever be that in my head), so I am glad to have her here and look forward to seeing a different side to acting. My main reason for watching this is Ji Soo, although I’ve watched him in other dramas, I cannot say I noticed him (shame on me), but something about him in the trailer caught my attention, and I cannot wait to see what he brings to his role as Seo Hwan. I am also excited to see Ha Seok Jin (he has the best smile) back, I loved him in 1% of Something and know how skilled he is at his craft. That said, the unfortunate thing about unrequited love is that it’s an infinite curse of a lonely heart. I just hope it doesn't take a drastic turn to relieve that curse

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beautiful cinematography and scenery

This is just a review based on the first episode. I must say, I am immediately struck by how beautiful the cinematography and scenery are – just breathtaking. I missed Im Soo Hyang since her fantastic portrayal of Su Ki (she will forever be that in my head), so I am glad to have her here and look forward to seeing a different side to acting. My main reason for watching this is Ji Soo, although I’ve watched him in other dramas, I cannot say I noticed him (shame on me), but something about him in the trailer caught my attention, and I cannot wait to see what he brings to his role as Seo Hwan. I am also excited to see Ha Seok Jin (he has the best smile) back, I loved him in 1% of Something and know how skilled he is at his craft. That said, the unfortunate thing about unrequited love is that it’s an infinite curse of a lonely heart. I just hope it doesn't take a drastic turn to relieve that curse

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A typical tale of Korean TV

As expected the series offered nothing with its first episode.

Same good old innocent FL haunted by her mother memories, failing at job encounters poor SL, who becomes shoulder to cry on, circles around her, helps her only to be sidelined by ML. I am already feeling extremely sorry for Ji Soo, whose character is going to be sad one, as always. And then there is female ex, her face is enough to tell that she is cunning, devious and one tortuous character.

The acting wise is going to be amazing, it was the only rating I could give 10 by 10. Others, I am not sure, as this the drama, whose is story is told million time in different style in Korean television industry.

When on earth they will Ji-Soo a leading role and not a SL or whatever, he deserves more than this!!!

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Tellement décevant et frustrant

Au-delà de toute la polémique autour de Ji-Soo, j'ai décidé de regarder ce drama.
D'abord par ce que j'aime bien Ji Soo, l'acteur (rien n'est blanc, rien n'est noir...et je ne suis personne pour juger ce que je ne sais pas).
Ensuite une histoire de Noona, cela faisait longtemps que je n'en avais pas vu. Mais je n'ai pas pu aller plus loin sans vouloir me taper la tête contre le mur. Comment le scénariste a-t-il pu nous pondre une histoire pareille?

1 : Le LF est tout sauf attractive. Je n'étais pas déjà une grande fan d'elle, je le suis encore moins. C'est usant de voir des personnages torturés par le passé de leur parent, d'en porter le poids passivement et ensuite d'en rejeter la faute sur les autres. Je n'ai pas du tout ressenti d'empathie à son égard. Elle me portait sur les nerfs et comme vous le savez, s'il nous est impossible d'aimer les personnages, c'est presque perdu d'avance.

2 : La relation entre les deux frères. WTH! Une minute avant, ils s'embrassent joyeusement à leur retrouvaille, sont heureux de se voir et la minute suivante, cela se tape dessus pour une femme à peine rencontrée ( Si, si dès le troisième épisode, ils en venaient déjà presque à se haïr) ...
Je n'ai pas pu, ne serait-ce qu'un peu, aimer Seo Jin. Mince, si je voulais une relation immorale et remplie de rage et de haine, j'aurais été chez les américains. Comment un frère, un ainé qui plus est, peux draguer ouvertement la nana que son petit frère aime de manière si innocente et ouverte??? Comment, au nom du ciel, ce frère peut-il juste déclamer à son petit frère qu'il n'est qu'un gamin incapable de protéger une femme, et blabla de manière aussi peu diplomatique?? Personnellement, cela m'a choqué que Seo Jin ne prenne pas du tout en compte les sentiments de son frère, qu'il les piétine comme de la m****. Alors, peut-être que la suite des épisodes me donneraient tort, mais je n'ai pas pu en supporter davantage.

3 : La romance, du moins le début de romance est fade, ennuyant. On ressent le malaise, la gêne. Comment un amour peut-il naitre de cette façon??

4 : la tante complètement folle, l'ex petite amie qui n'est pas mieux....La mère pas du tout mère, le père sympa mais inexistant...Bref, des personnages secondaires méchants et/ou inintéressants.

Un drama déprimant, où on ne ressent aucune joie, aucune émotion si ce n'est de la frustration et un certain malaise. Il est fatiguant d'avoir des dramas (question de goût personnel) où tout le monde souffre, où ce sont des "je t'aime moi non plus". Comme certain l'ont pointé, la vie est déjà assez triste comme cela, pas besoin d'aller se jeter à corps perdu dans ce type de drama démoralisant. C'est donc sans remord que je passe à autre chose.

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