Love, Loneliness, and Light: Experiencing ‘Doona’
I was looking for something that could truly captivate me, and I happened to come across “Doona.” From the very first episodes, I was struck by the extraordinary subtlety of its atmosphere and direction: despite the project’s popularity, it seems to breathe with a unique, almost artistic life that sets it apart from other dramas. And this is hardly surprising — behind the series is a heavyweight of the Korean industry, the director of the famous “Crash Landing on You,” which also gave us some of the most beautiful and memorable on-screen couples.In “Doona,” he chooses a more mature and daring path. Eroticism and sexuality, rare in Korean dramas, appear naturally, at precisely the moments necessary to reveal the characters. Without this, the depth of the characters would be lost, and their chemistry impossible. The series moves beyond the usual clichés of romantic dramas, approaching authorial cinema, where every detail, every scene, is filled with meaning.
Suzy is astonishingly organic in this role. Her character embarks on a true internal journey, returning to what once gave her life brightness and purpose — her singing, her first passion, which had gradually dimmed. Behind the image of a charismatic and charming idol lies a profound loneliness, skillfully hidden behind lightness and coquettishness.
Yang Se-jong embodies naturalness and sincerity. His character is serious, responsible, without ambition, yet with a strong human core. Meeting Doona helps him open up, taste life, and grow as a man. He sets the sensual rhythm of their scenes: in his gaze, his restraint, his desire, and simultaneously in his vulnerability and tenderness, there is real emotional power. Their chemistry feels almost tangible, like music playing between the frames.
The director masterfully weaves symbolism into the narrative: the ice falling to the ground during a kiss, their meetings under the bridge by the “No Entry” sign. Every detail organically builds the atmosphere, and the nine-episode format gives the impression of a complete film rather than a standard drama. The cinematography, lighting, and composition are flawless.
Unlike other show-business stories, where characters often feel empty, the heroes of “Doona” are real and alive. Even the producer, who is usually turned into a caricature, here becomes an interesting and multifaceted character.
“Doona” is a touching, mature, and truthful series about personal healing, self-love, and love for life. A true discovery.
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Doona What!!
First you can never hang the whole drama on the fact that you have an Idol. Bae Suzy acting did nothing to enhance the drama . Doona character smoked cigarettes well, did sexy well, had zero chemistry with the lead & displayed the angst of stardom. Other than that unless you are a Bae Suzy fan could have left it. I watched because of the way Vang Se Jong performed in the series. He was awesome & the supporting cast did a great job as well. The ending was anti climatic but I found that the most believable part of the series. It did show well the angst between Doona & Lee Won Joon mostly because of Vang Se Jong's acting ability. Bae Suzy was very pretty & extremely sexy & that to me is where her character began & endedWas this review helpful to you?
UNPOPULAR OPINION: I LOVED DOONA
this show is actually so beautiful. it's about a broken girl and a guy who comes into her life, gradually healing her. i know she can seem toxic at times, but it's because of her trauma and past experiences that she's like that. won-jun is genuinely such a good guy, you can't help but root for him. i felt that doona perfectly captured the sense of young adulthood- the feeling of drifting along, unsure of your purpose or direction in life. it's very relatable to those in college-early 20s who are still figuring out their youth. that ending was bittersweet, but it's realistic- not everyone comes into your life to be a permanent part of it; sometimes people are lessons that we have to experience in young adulthood to gain memories and learn what it means to be human.i genuinely love this drama so much, it shows not only the good, but also the bad, melancholic parts that come with finding yourself. and although the plot was just the simple/mundane moments of everyday life, i really enjoyed it. every person has a degree of brokenness in them, and doona really explored how that trauma can affect your relationships- hurt people hurt people. but at the end of the day, won-jun was always unconditionally there for her, and loved her even though he saw her at her worst. that's the truest form of love to me
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With this one you will need to towel off.
Doona is an exquisitely paced romance rich drama, which will leave you needing to towel off after viewing. It is one of those Korean dramas which you do have to sit through to the very end, however. The Koreans always show you how to make a romance rich and sensually alluring drama without even showing much skin at all. The romance scenes never get above PG 14. However, with the great natural acting talents of Suzy Bae and Yang Se Jong and the fire hot chemistry of this physically attractive couple in this unique drama, you might feel that a rating of PG 14 is too low. (Scenes do contain smoking and some slight cursing).The story centers around a college kid named Won Joon (Yang Se Jong) who becomes a tenant in this share-house near his College campus. One of the long term tenants in the share-house is a burnt out former big name K Pop Idol named Lee Doona (Suzy Bae), who is from a popular girl group. Won Joon is a 21 year old green kid, a young man who is more versed in books than life. Won Joon is not impressed at first by the credentials of this older woman named Doona, and he just finds her to be someone who seems always to be in his way. The slow evolution of this romance may leave some impatient, but this pace is meant to leave you irritatingly anxious and fully invested in the lives of this couple. Both actors give stellar and sensual performances, befitting of their characters as defined. Doona and Won Joon have close to 80% of the screen time in ‘Doona’. This is physically and emotionally challenging for actors.
Doona is actually a female Korean name. For me, the title is a play on words for the word noona (older sister). The drama is based on the Webtoon titled ‘The Girl Downstairs’.
Suzy Bae (While You Were Sleeping, Start-up) and Yang Se-jong (Still 17, My Country: The New Age)
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Good story but nothing too unique
I really liked this! The story was good, and I liked the main two characters a lot! I thought they had great chemistry together! Doona does give typical pick-me ex-idol a bit but it's not so much that it's annoying.This may be a little random, but I loved the coloring in this show! It made everything feel depressing and really fit with the vibe of the show.
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I am still wondering why I watched six episodes of this story
I started Doona! for its atmosphere and strong acting, and for a while I was drawn in by the mystery around the heroine. But her toxic behaviour made it hard to stay engaged, and by episode five I saw only heartbreak ahead. The tone shifted from intriguing to drawn-out and emotionally draining, with several women circling the same gentle male lead. Beautifully filmed, but not the kind of story I want to end my evening with. (Dropped after episode 5.)Spoiler:
I did watch the final and I was right about the impossibility of their relationship. They both end up alone, each in his or her own world. And I ended up wondering why on earth I was watching this.
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Here for Softie Won Jun
Doona, an idol, is escaping reality and meeting an ordinary uni student, Won Jun who happens to live next door.Won Jun, a male lead i wanna protect at all costs. Innocent, cute, reluctant but straightforward at the same time. When he cried, i also cried with him :')
I love his character development. I wish Kdrama writers write more male lead like him just like Ji Ho from One Spring Night (2019).
People debating the ending, it's happy ending for me. Just like we all know, idol is dating in private.
There are several drawback from the story
First, the transition was too fast from lovey dovey to their separation. I wanna see Won Jun happy and smile, not overwork.
Second, Doona got caught had jjangmyeon with Won Jun was not portrayed as "scandalous", i want something being exaggerated just like in real life when we find idol is dating someone.
Third, they don't have scene when Won Jun tells Kooksu that he has been dating Doona. Throughout the episode i wanna know his reaction, tho.
Overall, 8.5 from me. It was because Won Jun i stayed :D
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just lean into it
this was the perfect filler drama in my mind. not a ton of emotional commitment needed but moved and enjoyable pace.sure you could say more episodes more context more explanations
but what we got STILL felt really good.
sure the ending is open ended but I choose to believe they are together in secret and not for public consumption... as it should be.
they're an electric couple to watch- Suzy is at her mesmerizing best (man that hair and the outfits) and the rest of the cast is perfection.
let's not forget we're here to be entertained, and Doona! it's exactly that.
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Not everyone’s cup of tea
I feel like Suzy always takes on important and emotional roles which I love . Someone called her acting stiff but I disagree .In this series, the roles were reversed . Usually, Suzy’s character or personality would be played by the ml . The ml was very in touch with his emotions which was good to see as well .
The drama did feel like it lacked depth . They focused too much on the sl having feelings for the ml and vice versa . If it was a 16 episodes drama, it would’ve been fine but it wasn’t fine for a 9 episode drama . I expected them to focus more on how bad her life was as a celebrity and why she was so lonely . They just showed pieces and expected us to put the puzzle together.
If you already know about the entertainment industry, it would be easy to understand and get into the flow but if you have zero knowledge about the inside or behind the scenes of the industry, you may not truly connect to the series as much .
Overall the pacing of the drama was nice though and I enjoyed it . It’s best to binge watch it on 1.5x speed .
The chemistry was great too .
I’ll rate it 7/10
Extra point because Suzy looked very stunning . So , 8/10
P.S the ending was uncalled for and made me wonder if the writers are unloved at home
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He was sunshine, I was midnight rain
October 23, 2023Doona, this kdrama hits so hard, because I feel like it is a perfect story regarding the behind the stories of romances of idols/celebrities with "ordinary" people. This kdrama made me cry at the end because I know the pain of having to choose your career over romantic relationship.
The OST hits so good as well, but Midnight Rain by TS really captures the storyline of Doona and Wonjun. I know a lot of people are mad about the ending being unsatisfying, but I think this drama is about the reality. And the sad truth is not everyone will experience that happy-ever after ending that they dream of. Donna is a perfect example of that.
So please, to all the ones who is asking for that reality melodrama spiced up with angst. Please give DOONA the love that is deserves!
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The mental health of a celebrity
It makes you feel that all celebrity are people and have personal life, and how much that can efforts their life. Really enjoyed watching the drama u can see how much work they put in to make the series and how much knowledge (from personal experience or just thoughts that they think may happen) what they want to say is to not judge celebrity for what they do and why they do it so harsh. I don’t think will watch this ever again but it was enjoyable and unforgettable to watch it. I highly recommend you to watch the series at once and understand why they make such series and what they want to say to the audience by creating them.Was this review helpful to you?
A Subtle Change of Atmosphere
Admist all the hustle and bustle in the world, we all need some tranquility once in a while.And who would’ve thought that a miniseries like Doona would be the embodiment of just that. Doona! Is the type of film you’d watch on a downcast day, socks off, on the couch while you’re stuck inside admist a huge downpour. It is a healing, serene, and realistic film unlike any other dramas I’ve seen so far. It is unconventional, and surprisingly, some aspects of it are even thought-provoking.
Compared to CLOY, I found that the director experimented with Doona a bit. Still retaining his own unique, creative flair, the film had many "silent" moments— that is, moments that had no on-cue soundtrack placement, since it’s just background noise. Although it did feel awkward and a bit of getting used to at first, I later realized how songs that were used in the drama were so strategically placed. Although silence is there for a majority of the film, I find that the background noise is what sets the films tone. In a way, it allows one to interpret the scenes better.
Acting-wise, you really can’t go wrong with Yang Sejong and Suzy. Although an unexpected duo, these two had insane chemistry that completely swept me off my feet. Characters were dimensional, fun, and flawed. The characterization in this drama was great, and it was only made possible by the actors portraying them.
All in all, Doona! is a really good drama if you’re looking to find something to munch on. It’s may be a mini-series, but the production of this drama is actually really good— as expected from the same director of CLOY, and the plot gives some nice food-for-thought.
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