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Good at First But Then....
The story itself isn't bad. I like both the FL and ML, the idea of them both being introverts and falling in love is what struck me to start watching. I really loved both Bom and Jaehoon, Jaehoon was super cute and his love for Bom was unmatched. But what made me drop this drama was on how the drama addressed Bom's abusive father. I couldn't get over how every single character (except Jaehoon <3) was emotionally manipulating her to think that her father's actions towards her was okay. Even the FL yelled at Bom for bad mouthing her father despite Bom being in the hospital due to her father stabbing her.Was this review helpful to you?
I Wish This Was A Healing Drama
My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.I decided to watch this because I was feeling a cozy town romance. I was surprised when I got something different.
Acting/Cast: This drama is well cast. I’m not too familiar with Kim Seol Hyun (김설현), who plays the female lead, but she was good. I am a fan of Yim Sin Wan (임시완), however. I know he can act. I don’t think this was a role that required a lot from him, acting-wise, but he fit the role nicely. I like Shin Eun Soo (신은수) as well, as I always enjoy her acting. The cast had good chemistry together. 7.5/10
Writing: Um…this is weird for me to say but...the murder mystery stuff wasn’t necessary. I felt like it took away from the story. I was really vibing with this drama, too. It had a My Liberation Notes feel to it at first. The female lead is really dumb in the beginning. People are telling her straight to her face how they feel about her and she’s somehow still surprised by their actions towards her. It’s frustrating, but that just means there’s room to grow...or maybe that was just a directing issue… Because I don’t think she really changes from being a doormat. She instead finds a place where people appreciate her. So, there is no real character growth. There's also a weird story arc about an abusive alcoholic father, who, for some reason, gets a free pass. This young girl is miserable, and everyone rather protect the alcoholic. It was really strange and seemed to go against the female lead's quest for freedom from assholes (since she doesn't actually become stronger, she just finds a chill place where she doesn't need to grow). Shin Eun Soo's acting was on point though. She has no protection at school, she has no protection at home, but SHE'S the problem? I could feel her frustration and desperation. Although, it made the other characters reactions to her situation even more strange. Anyway, the female lead’s revelation early on in the drama was inspiring to me. The idea that she has worked for years for terrible people, saved up some money, and now she can just go do nothing in a new place with no pressures. That’s awesome. It actually helped me a lot to stop stressing about my job (of course this only works for people who are good at saving money and budgeting). That’s why I wish this drama was just of the healing and romance genre. It has really good vibes. I feel like the murder mystery stuff just rained on my parade. The romance aspect was too light, as well. This isn't a slow burn romance...it's a no burn romance. The story with the high school kids is more romantic. There’s more of a focus on past trauma due to murders...you know, the usual. It was nice to see her build bonds with the people in the town...until the murder of course. Don’t you just hate it when random murderers are running around some nice, peaceful town? If I had a nickel… Don’t mind me. I’m just annoyed that this drama harshed my mellow. Anyway, the ending is alright. 3.5/10
Direction/SFX/Music: I like the tone or aesthetics of the film style. It has a relaxing, calm feel to it. The OST is alright. It has a feminine or girly feel to it, which isn’t exactly my style. I still liked some of the songs though. 6.5/10
Entertainment Value: This was a nice watch for the most part. It feels comfy. Since it deals with a problem that everyone encounters in life, it’s relatable and inspiring. I was interested to see how the female lead’s revelation and big life change worked out for her. I wish it was a bit more easy-going for her. I mean, the murderer stuff isn’t very realistic or applicable to most people. There was a disconnect for me because of that. The treatment of Shin Eun Soo's character was disappointing, as well. 5/10
Overall, I gave this drama a 5.5/10. I keep comparing it to My Liberation Notes, which is much better written. I really like the cinematography and the overall feel of this drama, but there was a lot about the story that disappointed me. However, it was easy to get through and didn't drag.
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Got comforted by this drama at times when I least expected it
Guys, at first I hadn't liked the drama much on its first two episodes. So I had even dropped it but then again later on I carried on and tried to watch it. Guess what I loved it so much more than before. It brought me sincere happiness to my heart even if it's just for a while. Thanks to this drama "Summer strike", I felt at ease. I tend to enjoy any movies and dramas based on my current interest, mood and my current life circumstances. It was raining today and I kinda felt myself being stuck in my life and I had nothing to do. But I started giggling like a child and there was a sincere smile on my face while watching. The camera quality was somehow darker and unusual than any other dramas like Hometown Cha cha, Welcome to Samdalri, but it was comforting to me despite of not having a brighter screen, I guess that's the speciality of this drama. To comfort us at times when we least expect it to.Was this review helpful to you?
One to serve my Comfort Pick days
/ I watched this bit by bit. It was much better that way./ On a certain level of reality, I, for one, would definitely relate to what Yeo Reum did from the demands of the society. I'm just amazed by her bravery to give it all up and live on the countryside alone (which I didn't have the means because of economic reasons lmao). It is quite impressive enough.
/ Loved the atmosphere that this show made me feel.
/ This is a piece of gem to pick up on idle days and moment of blues.
P. S. Wished it was longer so we can tackle on the developments of other stories behind the characters.
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Comfort
This drama really gives me comfort. THE SLOW BURN AAAHH, the way they speak slowly and softly to each other, their awkward but cute glances !! LIKE THEM HOLDING HANDS IS ENOUGH FOR ME😭. Their love is so calm and healing. AAHH they are just so pure 😩 This type of kdrama will always be my fave, it heals me.After watching this drama, I realized the beauty of finding and choosing yourself. You don't need to fit yourself just because of the "standards." Do whatever you love ! Don't think about what other will say to you. Just live your life and you'll find your happiness. <3
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my new fav romance drama <3
I really loved this drama, and I would definitely recommend watching. It embodies that small-town vibe where everyone's just one big friend group, regardless of age (which actually sounds weird on paper, but it's really sweet). In this drama, there's always SOMETHING to keep you watching. Although it may be a little bit borderline traumatizing at certain parts (people getting killed...), it's overall a heartwarming and emotional story that just depicts humans trying to navigate life. The main romance is not too flashy and overdone like other k-dramas, I would say it's just right. Although there's no kiss or direct confession in the drama (between Dae Beom and Yeoreum at least), it's very clear that they had feelings for each other. It was just so sweet and refreshing. I could say so much more, but I'll end it short here. Definitely would rewatch!Was this review helpful to you?
Heartfelt relationships and character growth
Summer Strike is one of those rare K-dramas that feels like a deep exhale. It’s not flashy or fast-paced, but it’s quietly powerful in the way it captures burnout, healing, and the courage it takes to simply stop and breathe.The story follows Yeo-reum, who walks away from her draining city life and lands in the sleepy seaside village of Angok. What unfolds isn’t just a physical relocation—it’s a slow, emotional unraveling of grief, loneliness, and rediscovery. Watching her settle into this new rhythm, surrounded by strangers who slowly become something more, felt like therapy in drama form.
The chemistry between Seolhyun and Im Si-wan is subtle but sincere. Their characters don’t fall into dramatic tropes—they just exist together, quietly supporting and understanding one another. The show also shines in its portrayal of found family, especially Yeo-reum’s bond with Bom and her grandmother, which felt incredibly genuine.
That said, the pacing might not be for everyone. It leans into stillness and introspection, and the mystery subplot, while adding some tension, occasionally felt like a distraction from the emotional core. But if you’re in the mood for something reflective and emotionally honest, this drama delivers.
Pros:
✔ Beautifully captures the nuances of healing and self-discovery
✔ Strong, understated performances
✔ Heartfelt relationships and character growth
✔ Gorgeous cinematography that complements the mood
Cons:
✘ Slow pacing may not suit all viewers
✘ Mystery elements sometimes detract from the main narrative
Would I rewatch? Yes—especially during times when I need a gentle reminder that it’s okay to pause and just be.
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Minority opinion here
I'm all for a comfort drama, but all I could think about throughout the whole show was, "where the heck is the romance?" When romance is listed first on tags, there should be romance! No chemistry, they held hands at the end. When does a show go from slow burn to watching paint dry?The FL spent most of the drama apologizing. The ML spent most of the drama just there, not doing much. There was the typical trope of a woman that's liked him for years and can't admit that she's in the friend zone.
And don't even get me started on the families! The 2FL's dad almost kills her, and her grandmother wants her to lie so he doesn't go to jail?! It would have been a perfect opportunity for him to dry out. That whole storyline really bothered me. Then, toward the end of the drama they at a murder mystery that just comes out of nowhere and doesn't add anything.
I did, however, really enjoy the young second couple, and once they all became friends. There were really a lot of not very nice townspeople.
Add to that, Netflix gave up on subtitles four episodes before the end. Thankfully it was on Viki, even though I felt it was a waste of time anyway.
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profoundly comforting
as an introvert this drama has been one of my comfort drama. this is not your usual slice of life healing drama. it's a hidden gem and very underrated alongside My Liberation Notes. i'm thankful that i discovered this drama in the midst of one of the lowest point in my life. this gave me the comfort and warmth i never knew i needed. i love how they portray the female lead here as an average person like so many people who struggles with their life and needed to take a break from life. at some point in our lives we all wanted to leave everything and be somewhere very far where we can start a new life and move forward in our own pace. the male lead is really cute. i love how observant he is with even the tiniest thing, it shows how genuine he is as a person. i love how this drama showcases simple gestures that shows how sincerity should be. the chemistry of the two main lead is palpable even through silence you can feel their connection. their relationship wasn't rushed and forced. the lack of kissing scene and not a single "i love you" from this drama was not a hindrance to make the viewers see the beauty of this drama."happiness - the state of not lacking anything"
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The best summer drama!
This show is so fun to watch! The summer vibe of the story and place is so warm, you will love it. I love the tandem of Lee Yeoreum (Seolhyun) and An Daebom (Im Siwan) so much. They look super adorable, especially Daebom; he is the perfect definition of a golden retriever personality. Siwan played the role so perfectly in this drama. Deserving of 10/10! All the characters are interesting; it would be more fun if this show had more than 12 episodes. This drama definitely deserves a lot of attention.I get the point of view of some of the reviewers; this would be a wholesome drama if they just removed the mystery and thrill genres. I love this show, but it would be better if it were just a romance or slice-of-life Korean drama. Nonetheless, I still give this a perfect 10 since I love everything about it. I hope to see all characters in more projects too!
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This Drama is ALL THE GOOD FEELS
I don't know what it was about this drama, but it just called out to me. And I drifted towards it like a siren song... just soaking and absorbing all the good feelings that this drama had to provide. This reminded me, once again, why I come back to K-dramas again and again and again to energize myself.The premise of the story was pretty simple. A city person escapes to a small town to escape from her life and her work and meets kindred souls in the small town, all of whom help each other heal.
The FL, Kim Seolhyun, is a normal 9 to 5 working lady in Seoul, but due to various circumstances, feels drained out and numbed out by life. That's how she lands up in Angok. Then we have the ML, Im Siwan, who has his personal inner demons to fight, and he's working as a librarian in Angok. There are other characters from the coastal town, each with their own stories and struggles. The characters are well fleshed out, and each character had their own trajectories to follow, which was so well done. The pace of the story was rightfully slow to encapsulate the easygoing pace of the town and the life of the FL.
The romance between the lead pair was also lovely and mature to watch. There were no over-the-top, exaggerated romantic gestures, no corny lines, nothing strange either. What made the romance even better was the representation of introverted characters. Both the lead characters were shown as introverts who would rather sit in comfortable silence next to each other than make bold gestures of love and go out on extremely ACTIVE dates. For an introvert, a date that is a bucket list of things to do is a NIGHTMARE (Speaking as a fellow introvert). The writers understood that pain so well, so here we have dates that are quiet, peaceful, and just spending time together in silence. HEAVENLY!
The subplots were a little extra, but that much drama is permissible. Otherwise, it would run the risk of being too boring. The music was soothing to the ears, nothing great to write home about, but not harsh and jarring either.
Coming to the actors now... I am officially in love with Im Siwan. I watched his Run On earlier and had heard of his performance in Hell is for Other People, but with Summer Strike, I am totally sold. That guy is so adorable and has the most beautiful and expressive eyes. Kim Seolhyun also did a beautiful job. Her character demanded her to be a quiet and laidback person, which she delivered. I personally could not relate to the sisterly bond between Seolhyun's Yeoreum and Shin Eun Soo's Bom, it felt a little too giggly and happy. But in times of distress, their support for each other felt pretty real. So that's okay, I guess.
But can I take a moment here to hail all praises to the writers of the webtoon/show for depicting the ML in the story as A Ph.D. RESEARCHER?! THANK YOU for showing research/ a researcher with all his frustrations and anxieties regarding work. WE GOT REPRESENTED FINALLY (cries happy tears)!
As I said earlier, there's nothing grand in this drama, it's the small things happening here and there that are the proper show-stealers. And these small realizations verbalized through Seolhyun's monologues in the background are what make the drama so worthwhile. Hearing the most relatable life facts stated in a drama like this left me with wispy eyes and a smile on my face even after this drama ended.
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Casting was good but the story gets on ones nerves.
There is probably an audiance for this kind of story and looking at the rating, there are a lot. Or it's because of the cast.Anyway, for me this kind of story is just not bareable. Seeing the FL stuttering not beeing able to bring out one simple sentence.With the head down taking everything in without response.
With zero communication skills. Bowing and noding to everyone who yells at her and insults her for no reason, I can not watch something like that. Seeing a woman beeing treeted like that and without satisfying resolve of any of the situations that come up its just no story for me...
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