This review may contain spoilers
Healing, Nostalgic With Excellent Cinematography and OST
Our Beloved Summer" follows the story of two ex-lovers, Choi Woong and Kook Yeon Soo, who are brought back together years after filming a viral documentary in high school. Choi Woong, seemingly naive and free-spirited, harbors deep aspirations that he begins to pursue for the first time in his life. Meanwhile, Kook Yeon Soo, who once aimed to be the top student, is now an adult grappling with the harsh realities of life. As they find themselves back in front of the camera, their past and present collide, rekindling old emotions and unresolved conflicts.The show excels in its realistic portrayal of character development and relationships. The chemistry between Choi Woo-shik and Kim Da-mi is palpable, making their on-screen relationship believable and engaging. The narrative beautifully oscillates between the past and the present, offering a rich, layered storytelling experience. The cinematography is visually stunning, (Watch out for a shot of them in the rain) capturing both the beauty of mundane moments and the intensity of emotional scenes. The soundtrack complements the mood perfectly, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
While there is second lead syndromes with supporting characters, i like the way things turned out for them towards the ending of the show each finding their own closure. The scenes where the main leads realizing their lost love and rekindling their romance, ML confronting his past trauma , Their clear bickering with each other all were really cute to watch.
Overall, If you are looking for a drama enemies to lovers trope with a great OST and a warm watch, this drama would be perfect for you. I would recommend this 10/10 and this would clearly be in most of the k-drama viewers top watched shows.
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This review may contain spoilers
Our Beloved Summer had a very unique and beautiful tone. It was funny and sweet, but also heartfelt and sentimental, even heartbreaking at times. The writing, the characters, and the acting all felt very special. The two leads had beautiful chemistry and they depicted the emotions between the different stages of their relationship wonderfully. The dynamic of rivals to lovers to exes to friends to lovers was done so well.The documentary was a different idea I don’t think I had seen before. The character interviews, the stolen glances, the emotions they didn’t realize others could see on their faces were all fantastic and it makes me want to watch all the documentaries in their entirety.
The main characters, Ung and Yeon-su, felt like real people with their complexity. I loved both of them individually and together. All of the secondary or side characters also felt very real. I often get annoyed by side characters and find myself fast forwarding through those scenes, but I never skipped a scene in this show. I found every character compelling and they explored very interesting dynamics between them all. Love triangles can be very hit or miss but Ji-ung was such a sympathetic second lead that I always found compelling to watch. There was never really a doubt as to who she would end up with but Ji-ung displayed such heartbreak with his unrequited love.
I’ve seen people complain about Yeon-su but I loved her. She was very relatable and her backstory made her current day struggles and decisions make a lot of sense for her character. The way that Ung spoke about Yeon-su, even when they were broken up, brought tears to my eyes several times. Her relationship with her grandmother was also a highlight of the show.
There is very little to take issue with in Our Beloved Summer. The main thing that I wanted was just a little more exploration and resolution of the couple’s struggles and emotions in their present day relationship. Yeon-su had such issues opening up to Ung and it seemed like she never fully revealed her past struggles to him. It would have been great if they actually had a discussion about their breakup in detail as well. I would have liked to see her explain her reasons to him and for him to also acknowledge some of his shortcomings in their relationship. The realization that Ung had never told her that he loved her in years and years of dating stung a bit.
All of the three main characters could have had their backstories fleshed out a bit more but what we did get was great. Even the secondary couples had great dynamics and I would have liked to see even more of them.
The final episode was perfection and exactly what you want from a romance. This would be a great comfort show and is suited so well to be a rewatch.
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Beloved Indeed <3
Where to start, this show was amazing!! I've been waiting for this show since the description was put on MDL and I was not disappointed. This show was beautiful from the characters to the music :)Story: It's great! We see many different stages of the main couple (enemies to lovers in school, dating, post-break up, when they meet again, and rekindled/back together). The writers do a good job telling the story of the 2 main characters which I appreciate. You see that neither of them are bad people, just lonely.
- It's also more on the slow-paced side but it makes the show even more meaningful and beautiful.
- I will say this show gives of lowkey melo vibes rather than rom com. There are many comedic moments but the emotional and tension-filled might be more prevalent to you like it was for me... I still love the show and I laughed and smiled a lot but just a mini heads up hehe
- I wasn’t the biggest fan of the love square but not enough for me to knock it down from a 10/10
Acting/Cast: This is my 1st time watching Kim Da Mi and Choi Woo Shik and they were amazing!! Their chemistry was great and they embodied their characters :) All the other characters were equally great and I loved seeing some actors again like our favorite best friend Park Jin Joo, and Jeon Hye Won. Also, Ung's Parents have to be some of the best Dramaland parents I've seen, they were wonderful.
Music: Absolutely one of my favorite drama osts, it's stellar!!! My favorite is "Maybe If" by BIBI <3
Rewatch Value: I don't rewatch shows because I have a long watchlist lol but if I did "Our Beloved Summer" would be on the list, especially the couple moments :)
Overall, this show was soothing and I loved watching Ung and Yeon Su find their way back to each other. I recommend this show if your a fan of any of the cast, enjoy aesthetically pleasing shows, or looking for a good story & soundtrack! If you're not a fan of slow-paced shows this one might not be for you but I think it's still worth checking out, Happy watching!! :)
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This review may contain spoilers
Love language!
By far I really enjoyed watching this Kdrama. Am amazed and in awe at how they understand each other love language although they always let their ego gets the best of them! Yes, they both are egos but not like any other ego couple that cant put two and two together okay. I am attached to this Kdrama. I don't want it to end but am excited to see how it ends!! You feel me? If any of you are in the mood to watch K drama but don't know where to or what to watch, Our Beloved Summer is definitely a good start for you!Was this review helpful to you?
What A Cute Drama!
I have been waiting long for this drama since last year. Since I started to like Choi Woo Sik. And yess....applaused! I love their chemistry, I love all the soundtrack, I love the drawing, I love the friendship between them especially Choi Ung and Ji Ung.And this story succeed to bring me back to my school life and my crush during that time. How miss crazily to that time. And there's a few scene that makes me nearly to cry.
Choi Woo Sik, I am your fans since I watched you in Rooftop prince and I think I will continue to be your fans. To the director of Our Beloved Summer, please make this drama happy ending. Pleasee. Since this drama still on going. So please make happy ending. And, please send someone for Ji Ung. Don't be too cruel to Ji Ung. I started to like Kim Sung Cheol also. Hehehehe....
Anyway, I love the whole story. This masterpiece really touched my heart. 😘 10 stars!!
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refreshing af
this kdrama is something else! it's still airing as i'm writing this, but seriously consider watching it.it has a stereotypical breakup and get back together trope, but the directors do such a great job at making every episode intriguing and original in its own way. the cast is so perfect and the chemistry feels super real.
also as an army i love V's ost Christmas Tree. also maybe if and drawer are two other amazing osts.
this drama makes my mondays and tuesdays so refreshing :) i love how relatable the plot is and the supporting cast is so cute. getting serious second lead syndrome though ;-;
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PLEASING STORYLINE! ✨
I am so certain that many of us have started watching this series because of the cast, at least I did.. but the plot, the storyline that has kept me going!!I can't belive how amazingly they have portrayed the roles of the said characters. The development shown along with their vulnerability as a whole made it a must watch, and a re-watchable series!
And to not forget the OST, I've come to like all of the songs, and the way each of them give a meaning to the storyline and the characters.
I believe that this was such a pleasant beginning to us kdrama stans in this 2022.
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Season changes so does character's emotion
✅ Cinematograpy✅ Good acting
✅ OST
✅ Writing
✅ Impactful story
✅ Great direction
✅ Realistic
✅ Entertaining
What else do we need?
Still this drama won't be everyone's cup of tea as it may seem as a simple story with complicated narrative along with stupid misunderstanding but this is what actually happens in real life. It's character and emotion of the people after all complicated to understand especially of your loved ones at times.
Still my favorite episode would definitely will be 8th episode
P.S Loved Choi woo shik
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Magic unveil on 2nd watch - Power of Perceptive
I have to admit that I thought this drama was just so-so after I first watched it. Was expecting more of the typical light-hearted romantic-comedy dramas with occassional splashes of comedic scenes thrown in, but was slightly disappointed by it falling short of my expectation. (Please read till the end of the review!) My initial reaction was that it the first few episodes was quite funny, but mid episodes got draggy and ending was alright. I thought it will be better with more funny scenes thrown in. I was wondering "Why does it get so high rating?" Despite that, the chemistry between Kim Da Mi and Choi Woo Sik is undeniably blazing. I ended up search for BTS clips and got hooked in even more. A comment on Youtube about how the editing brings out the power of the Rain Kiss in Ep 8 and that triggered the realization on the main theme of the show -the Power of Perceptive.What sets this drama apart is the way the scenes were presented to the viewers. Clippets of flashbacks were shown slowly bit by bit as the episode/drama progressed which is very different from the usual drama. This creates a different perception of the characters in the plot. When I watched it for the first time, I didn't really understand why the characters in the drama were so emotional in certain scenes and couldn't really fully emphatize with the characters or understand their actions. I felt that Yeon Su was too distance and cold, while Choi Ung was so cute in the show. The most memorable episode that left the biggest impression was Ep12 with all the cute moments. I also liked the occassional comedic scenes that were thrown in once a while throughout the drama. That was how I felt on the first watch. (Looking back now, this seems quite superficial as there's much more the drama has to offer!).
I decided to rewatch the drama again and boy was I surprised at howmy whole perception of the drama changed.
THIS IS WHERE THE MAGIC OF THE DRAMA BEGINS!
It's the first time where I rewatch a drama and had a different feeling towards the characters, plot and how good the drama is!
The magic of the drama unveil itself on the 2nd watch. With the background and context of the characters in mind after the first watch, the 2nd watch of the drama left me with a complete different feeling despite the fact that the scenes, characters and entire show is exactly the same! Thats the power of perception. After understanding the reasons and background of Yeon Su and Choi Ung, I could feel the strong emotional scenes come to live in my 2nd watch (which the audience will not fully understand on the first watch due to how the scenes were edited throughout the drama). I also came to appreciate the beautiful cinematic which I didn't notice in my first watch. It brings forth new perspectives.
The theme of Perception/Perceptive stood out the most to me in the drama.
Different characters have different perception towards Yeon Su and Choi Ung's relationship.
Firstly, our perception is shaped by how information is presented to us. The public thinks that Yeon Su and Choi Ung were enemies in school due to how the scenes where edited in the documentary. Similarly, Yeon Su's colleague thinks that they are enemies, and Mr Jang and Yeon Su has a thing going on. On the other hand, the PDs, Yeon Su and Choi Ung's friends think that something is going on between them.
Secondly, the difference in perception is not only affected by what is presented to us, but also subjective on the individual level. This is shown in the scene where Yeon Su went up the stage were presented in Yeon Su, Choi Ung and Ji Ung POV.
Lastly, on a even more micro level, our own perception may change depending on how we choose to look at the situation too.
Yeon Su's own view on her life changed when she changed her perspective that she's always alone and had no friend, to one where she noticed that her friends and colleagues were always supportive of her throughout her life.
The difference in perspective is not only applicable to the drama itself but also in real life as well. Just like how the audience and characters are affected by these difference in perceptive, viewers of "Our Beloved Summer" are affected by how the producers edited the drama and how the scenes are presented to us as well. This is apparent by how the flashbacks scenes and different POV of the various characters on the same scenes are presented. It's magical how the producer managed to replicate this change in perspective of the characters in the show to affect the audience watching "Our Beloved Summer" in real life as well! (At least that was the effect it had on me!).
I'm not sure whether this is intentional, but it also draws parallel to real life as well. Kim Da Mi and Choi Woo Sik were enemies in the movie "The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion" just like how Yeon Su and Choi Ung were portrayed as enemies in the documentary they were featured in their schooldays. But behind the scene, they were friends. Then they were reunited (Da Mi and Woo Sik in this drama and Yeon Su and Choi Ung in the documentary). Not sure whether this was done delibrately, but just like in the show where the behind the scene unedited clips of the documentary were the best bits, behind the scene of "Our Beloved Summer" were even better than what were shown in the drama. Just look at the BTS of the kiss scenes and extremely comfortable physical interaction between Da Mi and Woo Sik (in interviews too) !
This drama is like a sweet onion with so many layers waiting to be uncover. Just like in life; You got to slow down, take a step back, give it a chance and be open to changing your perspective to truely appreciate this drama completely - its plot, editing, cinematic, actors acting and chemistry. The show is much deeper than it seems. You'll be pleasantly surprised by what it will bring to the table!
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L’amour est la poésie des sens ~ Love is the poetry of the senses <3
This drama took me by surprise.I didn't watch it as soon as it started airing but after seeing an edit of instagram about the characters I had to take a look.
I was hooked from the start. I have eagerly awaited Mondays and Tuesdays ever since I started the drama. Watching this drama became the highlight of my week. I think it's fair to say it is now my all time favourite. Which to be honest is strange, as I usually lean more towards things with action/thrill as well as romance. I just ended up loving every part of this drama.
The story was phenomenal. Each character played an important role and each character was a joy to watch over the course of the show. Their story arcs were unique, interesting and filled with the rawness of true emotions. I liked the jumping between the past and the present, slowly piecing together the whole story and I loved the documentary aspect to the drama. I also loved the artistic part of the story linked to Choi Woong. I thought it added a depth to his character and his story.
The cast were incredible. I thought everyone did a superb job at playing the character they had been given. I could not and would not want to see anyone else play these fantastic characters. From Kim Da Mi to Park Jin Too and back to Choi Woo Shik everyone was amazing at bringing the characters to life.
The music was unique and beautiful. From the intro to the hit Christmas Tree by V, each song added to the beauty of this drama. I for one have been listening to the music non-stop.
Like some kdrama watchers I struggle to re-watch a show all the way through again no matter how much I loved it. But I can see myself rewatching this drama very soon and loving it every bit as much.
So… would I recommend this Korean drama? Yes, yes I would. That's not to say it would be for everyone because it definitely wouldn't suit some people's tastes. However, I would really recommend this if you are looking for a show with a gripping but beautiful storyline and deep and meaningful characters.
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Surprisingly warm and cozy
I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. I went into this drama not expecting much but it surprised me in a good way.I loved the format of the show. The documentary style point-of-view-switching between the characters. It gives us more insights about each characters that made them much more relatable to us. I am never this torn about who to root for between the leads. They are opposites but they sort of represent both of my extreme personalities. Most of the times, I feel like I'm Yeon Su struggling everything but sometimes I feel like I'm Ung who does not really want to care about my ambition.
The actors nailed their roles. I haven't seen much of any of them. Choi Woo Shik made a pretty good impression on me when I watched him in Parasite. Although I loved Itaewon Class, Kim Da Mi wasn't really someone I loved in that show. But here in this series, both of them sneaked to a little place in my heart.
I wished they could've shown us the documentary as some sort of special episodes though. I think it would be a nice bonus to the show.
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Lit drama ngl
I’m not even gon cap, this drama fr beautifully executed mane. I love this OG Choi w💫💫shik but the chemistry between him and his ex. Dawg this drama making me high key miss my ex but reality is what’s over is over on to the next fr.Top tier cinema photography and dialogue, what you thought was going to be a fun and light hearted drama the first few episodes turned out to be a eye opening, jaw clenching, fist opening, teeth pending enlightenment of the deep intricate details of a relationship that really matters.
Also I ain’t fw the 2nd male lead, guy boring and his mum an L fr. The girl lead Lawd have merthy, her acting is truly the work of Vincent Van Dough. Her sheer ability to act cute is definitely not a feat in it self as she is evidently a cute person behind the cameras. I’d like to thank god for blessing me with this kdrama, and I want to give a shout-out to my mum for just being there unlike 2nd male lead.
9/10
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