The Beauty in Second Chances
Our Beloved Summer felt like a balm and like cool air at dawn. It was a completely refreshing watch that ultimately bewitched me and held me in its world. This story was a masterclass in character driven narratives that demand your deep attention and examination. Where others might characterize this drama as slow in pace, I understand it to be less of a meander and more of a intentional stroll through the complex lives of a group of young people trying to find themselves. They search for glimpses via validation in their careers; they try to see themselves reflected back to them through others. They're dysfunctional and messy and honest and afraid and I think that's a part of the charm of this drama.This is my first experience with Kim Da-mi and Choi Woo-shik and I was not disappointed. Kim Da-mi offers a compelling "difficult" woman whose life experiences have created a hardened shell to shield her from the harshness of the world. But beneath that shell is a vulnerable, fragile and scared woman looking for a soft place to land. Choi Woo-shik's vulnerability and honesty were chef's kiss. His capacity to portray someone so deeply in love that the ache of losing them haunts both their waking and dreaming was felt. Together, they showed the depth of love - how it pulls and pushes, how it hurts and heals. In fact, each character makes the case for love's fulsome capacity. That, regardless of our desires, love bends not just to our individual needs, but it also curves with life and life's journey.
Definitely a favourite watch of this year and has easily slid into my comfort watch list.
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The writer makes their character choose the most realistic choice in their life. And the directing just fits in my eyes and my heart, they know so well about what the viewer wants to see through their character. So, although the main love story is quite common, I enjoy it very happily. I smile after finishing each episodes.
Our Beloved Summer will stay in our heart for a long time.
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glamorized dullness
Cursory watch.Glamorized boredom, kind of dull. Waste of a great soundtrack, cozy but overproduced with insta looking cinematography and ridiculous plot elements like a graphic artist having a manager babying him (which graphic artist is so rich they have a practically live-in manager duh).
Dislike the FL actress and character. I don't get her appeal at all, which is a lethal flaw for a romance drama which centers on the development of the relationship and main characters. Love both the SL actors and characters. NJ is "the least annoying female SL ever" which seems to be the consensus, and I agree. The second lead is quietly heartbreaking in his guarded stoicism. Honestly, the drama could have been so much better with those characters more in the spotlight.
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greatest krama of the decade
Honestly theres much that can be said about this drama and trust me i could write essays about it but imma keep it simple. This is the only drama that made me come back to it 4 TIMES, thats how much i like it. Everything about it is precious for me and I keep seeing new things every time I watch it. The ost is worth memorizing, the acting and directing is so outstanding that I keep forgetting that its just a show and the one thing above all that makes me come back is the chemistry. Oh the chemistry, the actors have known each other for years and u can tell, since the first moment of them together theres tension. Anyways, if you are looking for a light but emotional (forgot to mention i cry every episode of this show) ride this is the one.Was this review helpful to you?
A good second chance love story
I'm kind of undecided whether this is a 3.5 or 4 stars (out of 5). On the one hand, this is quite a well-made character introspection narrative/drama about two people coming together and trying again. On the other hand, the middle part really drags and I wish this was 12 or (at the maximum!) 14 episodes, instead of the current 16. I stopped at around 11/12 coz of losing steam.I like that this is very character focused and really tells the stories of the two leads and the side characters. The palette is so nostalgic, like Hatsukoi and Makanai san, and the school days segment gives me the feels for Someday or One Day (I'm not over that heartbreaking ending 😭). I think the skillful use of flashbacks and character voiceover narration actually works to the show's advantage because it feels like a diary at times, and I love the glimpse into the character's inner lives.
My gripe is really the length. 16 episodes is really way too much. Where the first 8-10 episodes feel better paced in terms of introducing the characters, their motivations, angst, and their perspectives on the break-up and their lives, by episode 10-11 it feels like the show is just dragging it out. (Also Kim Ji Woon's angst is just. So. Well written!!!)
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well made story of rekindling an old flame
Our Beloved Summer - 8,5/10 kdramafirstly I am in kinda drama slump now and to even start this one I had to force myself. It was really good, but I cant say it saved me from slump.
Drama at start tends to skip between past and present timeline, but its done quite well.
This drama got really high quality story which is quite on :ordinary life side:. I mean characters backstory aint really ordinary like silver spoon, celebrity, :single parent family child etc. But happenings in this drama are modestly ordinary at least if you compare it to most kdramas.
Chemistry... yeah it was there, but again not in some passionate or cute way[was cute sometimes].
Yeah this drama will show you more of relationship based on old feelings which still lasts and some kind of spiritual solace between main leads.
plot - at high school ML and FL was part of documentary which became successful thanks their very different school social standing and personality which resulted in nonstop clashes and bickering through whole documentary. Later on they ended up as couple for five years just to go through hard break up.
Now 10 years after documentary aired it became viral again and both leads was pushed into joining new documentary about their life now. Will such sudden meet up after 5 years from break up, spark a fire between main leads again?
genre - romance, school, love/hate. second chance
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This review may contain spoilers
The Weight of Seasons
I delayed watching 'Our Beloved Summer' for nearly two years, initially dismissing it based on its trailer. At the time, I wasn't in the mood for a story about seemingly immature high schoolers entangled in trivial romances and breakups. However, watching it now, two years after its release, I realise that my earlier mindset might have prevented me from appreciating the drama’s true essence. Recently, I decided to give the trailer another look before diving into the series, and a particular detail caught my attention. Choi Ung, portrayed by Choi Woo Shik, was holding a copy of my favourite book, 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being.' This unusual choice for a romcom immediately signalled that 'Our Beloved Summer' was not your typical K-drama filled with clichéd conflicts between the main characters. The screenplay ingeniously incorporates the theme of eternal return, a pivotal concept in both the book and the drama. This philosophical thread, reminiscent of themes explored in 'Past Lives'—another stellar example of Korean storytelling—suggestively weaves together notions of destiny and interconnected fates, or what some might refer to as 'yoon-myeong' or the 'red string of fate.' This creative narrative choice not only sets the drama apart but also enriches its depth, making it a profoundly unique viewing experience.
Choi Woo Shik's portrayal of Choi Ung in 'Our Beloved Summer' masterfully subverts the conventional 'low-achiever' archetype often seen in dramas. Contrary to expectations, his character isn't compensated for academic shortcomings with a boisterous or charismatic persona—attributes typically assigned to such roles to bolster their likeability. Instead, Choi Ung is depicted as quiet, pensive, and introspective. Despite his youthful immaturity, there’s a depth to his demeanour that defies the usual clichés. Although deeply loved by his adoptive parents, Ung carries the weight of knowing he was adopted after the tragic loss of his parents' biological child. This knowledge, discovered early in his childhood without his parents' awareness, instills in him a profound sense of living a 'borrowed life.' This internal conflict is eloquently captured in his reflection: 'At times, nothing is the best you can do when you’re living a borrowed life.'
This sense of indebtedness and the fear of being inherently 'worthless' manifest in his aimlessness and aloof demeanour, despite the introspective qualities suggested by his eclectic book choices. Ung admits, 'Deep down, I was afraid that I might be a worthless person. That’s why I pretended not to know anything and that I wasn’t interested at all.' This confession reveals the layers of his internal struggle—how his academic disengagement and reserved nature are not merely personality traits but a protective facade against deeper fears of inadequacy.This thoughtful characterization not only challenges stereotypes but also adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making Choi Ung a relatable and compelling figure. His unique traits enrich the story, offering viewers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a protagonist in a youth-driven narrative.
One of the most poignant aspects of 'Our Beloved Summer' is its unflinching portrayal of poverty and its impact on personal relationships. A line from Kook Yeon Soo (Kim Da Mi) particularly resonates: 'I wish I was only poor to the point I could bear it. Please just for once.' This statement not only underscores the crushing weight of her financial struggles but also profoundly illustrates the emotional and psychological toll it takes on her. It’s a pivotal moment that clearly delineates the heartbreak and realism of her character’s journey, providing insight into the reasons behind her eventual breakup with Choi Ung. While Choi Ung is not exceptionally wealthy during college, his relative financial stability allows him the luxury of dreaming—a luxury Yeon Soo cannot afford as she is compelled to enter the workforce immediately after college, foregoing further education. This stark contrast in their circumstances breeds an inferiority complex in Yeon Soo, and understandably so. Her decision to end their relationship, driven by a fear of eventual resentment despite her love for Ung, is portrayed not as a failure on her part but as a painful act of self-preservation and practicality. Reflecting on their breakup years later, Yeon Soo labels her younger self as immature. However, from the perspective of her dire financial pressures, her choices appear both rational and sadly necessary.
The dynamic between Choi Ung and Kook Yeon Soo exemplifies a more nuanced approach to the 'enemies-to-lovers' trope. Unlike typical portrayals where stark opposites attract, their relationship is grounded in subtle yet profound similarities that make their bond both realistic and enduring. Both characters navigate their own forms of loneliness, insecurity, and a sort of premature maturity forced upon them by challenging childhoods. These shared experiences and traits—thoughtfulness, introversion, and a blend of immaturity coupled with wisdom beyond their years—forge a deep mutual understanding. This foundational connection is what makes their reunion, five years post-breakup, feel so natural and inevitable rather than forced. The concept of 'eternal return' woven throughout the drama doesn’t just recur in their fate but resonates deeply in their aligned personalities and past experiences. This thematic and emotional congruence ensures that their relationship stands the test of time, making their narrative not only compelling but also heartwarmingly authentic.
Additionally, the series delves into Kim Ji Ung's (Kim Sung Cheol's) poignant struggle with loneliness, accentuated by his unrequited love for both Yeon Soo and his emotionally distant mother. His role as a documentary producer, which compels him to observe life from behind his camera, initially appears as a safe detachment but increasingly becomes a suffocating cage. This metaphor of entrapment is profoundly illustrated when he chooses to film his dying mother—a decision intended to pave a path to reconciliation. However, this resolution doesn't evoke the sense of closure one might expect; instead, it leaves a lingering sense of sadness, as if the reconciliation is just another scene in his array of observed lives rather than a heartfelt connection. The character NJ (Roh Jeong Eui) also presents a compelling narrative, grappling with the dissonance between her public idol persona and her private identity. She finds an unexpected refuge in Choi Ung's art, which helps bridge her internal divides. Meanwhile, Yeon Soo’s evolution is equally significant. Her realisation towards the series' end, 'the only person who made my life seem pathetic was me,' marks a pivotal moment of self-acceptance. While her struggles with poverty initially isolated her, she eventually recognised the support system she always had in her friends and in Ung. This newfound acceptance and confidence enrich her character's journey, illustrating the transformative power of self-awareness and support.
'The documentary metaphor' that the series employs is especially striking, suggesting that it's the ordinary moments of our lives that compile our unique stories. This notion is beautifully encapsulated in the exchange, 'How pitiful,' 'Who?' 'Just us...us...and everyone...' It reminds us that while we may often feel trapped in the minutiae, it is these very moments that define and distinguish our lives. 'Our Beloved Summer' excels in portraying these subtle yet significant life experiences, making it a memorable and reflective drama.
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This review may contain spoilers
Pretty good, overall nicely done.
This drama turned out pretty good. It wasn't really on my radar, but it kept popping up in my feeds, so I decided to give it a watch as the general premise sounded at least somewhat alluring.Towards ep14 I was feeling like they should just wrap it up but the last 2 episodes did have some good moments.
My biggest problem with this drama was the 2nd FL, the character added barely anything to this drama. Through and through, I would class this as a drama with just one couple in mind. the 2nd FL has this whole backstory and persona built up making you feel bad about her and giving her a rich character but not actually using her for the story. You get somewhat of a 2nd lead syndrome but nothing serious like School 2015 *cough *cough. Either way any screen time she had just made me feel bad makes me want to go rewatch YAMG which keeps the main couple in focus at all times and brings 2nd FL/ML in only for short moments and doesn't develop their characters that much. Or Intense Love for that Celeb x "normal person" drama which you wish NJ could get.
The music was quite good and did bring out emotions from me so no problems with it. But when it comes to rewatch value as I stated above the interest just dwindled from ep14 and onwards. Usually rewatch dramas are the ones that keep me hooked to the end. But overall it was a enjoyable watch with a interesting story definitely worth checking out but it's not going to top any of my charts. 8/10
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Não só de um romance fofo se vive.
Tenho muito o que falar sobre "Nosso eterno verão" mas serei breve. O drama apresenta o romance de uma forma diferente da qual o público está normalmente acostumado, o que poderia ter sido ruim, mas pelo contrário, trouxe as emoções, os sentimentos e as ações de maneira humana, profunda e complexa. Os personagens também tão complexos e muitas vezes frustrantes, eram puros e imprevisíveis. Alguns momentos senti o drama um tico arrastado mas não atrapalhou tanto no ritmo. Our beloved summer é calmo e ao mesmo tempo intenso. Se aprofunda nos protagonistas de maneira que podemos sentir suas dores, aflições e paixões. Recomendo para quem gosta de roteiros sensíveis e poéticos.Was this review helpful to you?
forgettable
on paper the plot was good, but it could've been executed so much better. i genuinely don't remember watching this show, like even a week after. it wasn't really as memorable as the other stuff i've watched. but maybe i judge it too harshly. i loved the scenes in school and the story itself is cool and also the artwork is insanely good and the ending was neat. its just that none of it really stuck with me. (maybe because i relate too much to ji ung and have decided to block that from my mind). the music i very much did not like though.Was this review helpful to you?
Our Beloved Summer Review - ZyKuu
"A documentary that reunites two exes" - The story was special in it's angled approach, I loved the actors, it was one of the most balanced and talented casts I've seen and I enjoyed everyone's role. Both main leads Choi-ung and Yeon-su were perfect and had great chemistry. I loved their personalities as individuals and relationship dynamic. The second and third couples were interesting in their own regard as they had different dynamics. One critique I have revolves around the relationship between Ji-ung and his mother, as the unexplained animosity did not make sense to me. Besides that, I admired the relationship Choi-ung had with his parents along with Yeon-su and her grandma. The show is funny and excels in the romance department. Overall the acting was superb and the OST was nice. I took my time watching this series and one thing I know for sure is that this show will go down as a classic.Was this review helpful to you?
This series is a warm blanket around you, keeping you warm in a cold winter.
How difficult love can be sometimes! How many misunderstandings can we tolerate in one single life? It's insane how many were in this series. This series may have a slow pace during some episodes, but we can not expect something to happen in every second of it.I was overwhelmed by this, because I saw myself in them. Sometimes we expect a lot from some people, and we realize that we never told them what we wanted in the first place.
I can resume this series as follows: misunderstandings (a lot), lack of communication (both), falling in love, second chances, and resilience.
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