Crash Course in Romance

not to be the woke friend but...

i don't usually write reviews, because many times my thoughts have already eloquently been put into words by another user, but this time i actually did feel the need to say something i didn't necessarily read on here. because while i do agree that this drama is a whole mess and everything went downhill just after the midpoint, the way everyone is talking about the female lead is so extreme in my opinion. yes, she is way older than what the drama makes her out to be, but almost everyone on here wants to pretend that a man can't fall for an older woman and it looks ridiculous and she dresses like a grandma and all that. i'm sorry but the way you guys are talking about this issue reeks of misogyny lmfao. yes, she is older than her late thirties and yes she dresses almost exclusively in knitted sweaters and big puffer jackets, but does that really make it hard to believe that a younger man would be interested in her? the chemistry was not as bad as everyone makes it out to be, i have seen way worse in other drama's. and when its an older man with a younger girl, those same people will stay mute on the matter. it bothers me a lot how 80% of the reviews on here are talking shit about the female lead this way, when really what made this drama bad is the extremely poor writing.

which, yes, does include the female lead and her best friend being written as caricatures of middle aged single ladies. i have to be honest and actually say i think the writing also reeks of misogyny. dressing up two single middle aged ladies as grandma's, having hysterical mothers act like tyrants around their children and making the same mothers obsessed with scandals and gossip. everything here feels like an exaggerated stereotype, and i really didn't appreciate that. i think the teenagers is where this drama shined the most, with roh yoon seo as nam hae i. i also really did like the acting in this!

but that's also the only thing i liked about this drama i would say. there were so many loose ends, so many plotholes and twists (especially in the second half of the drama) that really didn't belong. i really don't understand why this slice of life romance drama had to turn into a murder mystery plot, it was really stupid. and then to not even wrap it up at all and leave so many questions unanswered, makes you wonder if really this needed to have its own plotline at all. it's too bad, i would have liked it way better if all that hadn't happened and it had just stuck to being a romance drama. because, unlike 80% of reviewers on here, i didn't mind the female lead at all and i don't think the chemistry was as bad as everyone makes it out to be :)

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Too much going on, but really ultimately, not much is completely fleshed out

I’ll start with what I liked:
The acting, in general was very good.
Jung Hyung Ho as Chi Yeol, the man knows how to play quirky but still vulnerable.
Oh Eui Shik as Hae Woo, Haeng Seon’s brother. Eui Shik tends to play kind of over-the-top characters and I thought he did a wonderful job reigning himself in for this role. I found it very believable.
Shin Jae Ha as Ji Dong Hee, Chi Yeol’s secretary. Wow, he had a fantastic character arc.
The teen’s story line – slight romance, triangle, developing friendships.
The show was pretty good until about episode 10-11. Nothing fantastic, but somewhat enjoyable.
What I didn’t like:
SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!
Terrible name for the show. I’m sorry, if the words “Romance” or “Love” are in the title, that should be where the focus is. It was not the case at all here.
Jeon Do Yeen as Haeng Seon. This actress was very poorly cast for the age she was supposed to represent. She was MUCH older than they talked about her being at the beginning of the show, and I just laughed when multiple people said she looked too young to have a teenage daughter. She looked a lot older than all the other moms.
Why did they dress her like a grandmother?!? She had the most awful wardrobe I’ve seen in a while and everything made her look even older.
Lack of chemistry between the leads. Why did they like each other? The writers told us they were supposed to like each other, but I certainly didn’t feel it at all.
Then there was the over-abundance of story lines-
Despicable, power hungry, gossiping moms – every one of them, other than Haeng Seon. I guess that was to make her look good, but how many terrible moms do you need in one place?
The pressure on the kids to excel. I understand that’s a thing, but though it was pretty much a main focus of the drama, there was no positive resolution in sight. Then to have the teachers blame everything on the fact that the kids are drinking power drinks and eating sugar.
Student Suh Ah. I get that her mother pretty much made her the way she was, but she was over the edge, having hallucinations, anger issues, etc. and seriously needed counseling, and then suddenly at the end of the show she’s going to med school!?!?!
Ji Dong Hee’s storyline – I loved his portrayal but was so disappointed in the direction they took him and the total cop-out with the suicide. I was also disappointed in the fact that they didn’t address the trauma that Chi Yeol MUST have experienced to be betrayed like that. He had an eating disorder because of prior trauma, but this whole thing was just glossed over. They could have done a good job of addressing this without all the extra people showing up.
Haeng Seon’s niece’s kidnapping – again a traumatic experience that was just glossed over.
Haeng Seon’s brother and her best friend – just no. It was thrown in at the end like they needed to fill some time. It was off-putting and fake.
The real mom coming back – again, filler. She was a terrible person and we already suffered through a bunch of episodes with OTHER terrible people! She left a bad taste in my mouth (which was probably the writer’s intention, but it was pointless)
I didn’t really feel that the mom’s learned much through what they put everyone through, especially the lawyer mom. She was a liar, a cheater, she treated her kids terrible and then made her son sound like a nutjob to get him out of jail, when she actually thought he was guilty.
Then there was an ex that showed up for three minutes in the last episode, just long enough to start rampant rumors.
Two-year time jump. PLEASE, this is used all the time, but it got on my nerves here, a lot. Haeng Seon has tried multiple times to get her physical fitness certification and failed. What’s the deal, does she not study, are the writers intimating that she’s stupid? I don’t know. Then, I hated the lack of closure/end for the teen couple. He asked her over two years ago if she would go out with him. He’s waited all this time and then she just gives him a peck on the cheek and walks off?!?!?

I realize that a lot of people enjoyed this show, but for me it was over-scheduled and under-developed.

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Cosy comfortable with a shot of blood

Once you get through the obligatory starter course of processed cheese, the first four or five episodes turn into a gentle, warm, carefully observed drama-romance with credible characters. Then the romance stretches like melted mozzarella for a number of episodes before just about righting itself; the cottage cheese style comedy tries to spice itself up with some hot chilli crime and the plot turns into gruyere, with holes so big you could run a mouse through them. Unfortunately, I could see where it was headed like I had a grandstand view down a wormhole.

Okay, let’s put some spoiler-free depth to those claims.

First the romance. This is a noona romance and visibly so. I have no problem with the age of the FL, or the fact that the characters are played by actors with at least 10 years between them. But at times I found myself wincing because in the script the FL acts more like the ML’s mother than anything else and at one point the ML behaves like a teenager, and those things I did have a problem with. However, once the romance got going things settled down a bit, but there is precious little chemistry going on. It’s all very cosy and comfortable, so be prepared for that.

It seems that the writer wants to give the drama a bit of weight and chose to do it in two ways. One of which definitely added something—educational child abuse in pursuit of excellence. Because of the setting in a tutoring academy it was fully explored and provided some real depth by documenting the impact on the students. This part of the drama was good and was credible alongside the romance. But the other theme—heavy-duty-crime—really didn’t mesh well and was totally unnecessary imo. Also the execution of that whole plot thread was obvious and clumsy.

There’s a fashion at the moment to try mixed genres, but it rarely succeeds. Okay I admit, it could be that I just need to change, get with the program and embrace something new, but … I think that there are genres for a reason. And that’s because any drama is an exaggeration of life in a certain direction. The imaginary world created by a romance is fundamentally different to that of a crime thriller because it is designed to evoke different emotions and responses. Things that are credible in one world aren’t in the other. When you mix the genres it’s like being emotionally and psychologically pulled in opposite directions so that you twang like a rubber band from one to the other. In the time it takes to cut to the next scene the viewer has to heave out one universe and drag in another. Jeez, it wears me out…

A bunch of corrupt mothers were required to fulfil both the comedy and the serious commentary on educational abuse. But neither the writing, nor the acting/directing was subtle or clever enough to exploit this killer opportunity for black humour. Satire is an art-form, and anyone who wants to check it out at its absolute best should watch “Heard it through the Grapevine”. Here it was mostly a clumsy mish-mash.

Hwang Bo Ra was delicious again as the mercurial but minor character, Lee Mi Ok. She could have made a much better job of the self proclaimed leader of the mother’s group than Kim Sun Young and brought out the dark humour. She is such an underrated actor imo. Lee Chae Min as the student Lee Seon Jae and Jang Young Nam as his mother were notable, and the scenes between them were little gems. He’s a Song Kang lookalike but with acting ability… In general the performances were really good and that is what kept this drama afloat for me.

To quote Skitc’s excellent review for “Stranger’s Again”— beware the trebuchet!!!! Another traffic accident. Really!!!

Okay if you are a writer in need of ideas of how to injure someone in an urban environment that doesn’t involve a car, here are some pointers (feel free to add more in the comments below)
• bitten by a zombie escapee from “Happiness”;
• pushed down a manhole into the sewer;
• Dorothy’d into the sky by a tornado;
• half encased in setting concrete;
• an eye gouged out by a drone;
• garrotted by a kite string;
• savaged by a flurry of rabid hamsters.

F**king anything pleeeeeease except being hit by a car.

What my rating means: 7+ A watchable drama, but nothing exceptional. Good enough to qualify for the race, but finished with the pack. The sort of thing that promises more than it delivers.

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Crash Course in Romance? More like crash course in blotchy mystery featuring romance as a side dish

일타 스캔들/Crash Course in Romance, as a social commentary, showed the unfortunate norm of hypercompetitive education in the Korean society well. Although it was not groundbreaking since there are already shows that only focused this issue, but it was still distinct on its own in that it added some flavor to the story literally and figuratively, especially the cuisine, romance, and towards the latter part, mystery/thriller.

The budding romance between the star teacher Choi Chi-yeol (Jung Kyung-ho) and the nation's best side dish maker Nam Haeng-seon (Jeon Do-yeon) is as typical as a Korean rom-com story can be. There were some clichés as expected, but for this show, its edge is that it was a middle-age adult romance done realistically. What also added to the successful execution of the romance part was the chemistry between the actors themselves. They knew how to act their characters well and their emotions and mannerisms were just amazing onscreen. There were issues regarding the FL's age and fashion that honestly didn't made sense with me as someone who doesn't like pure rom-com Kdramas. I am more concerned with the romantic connection and not the petty unrelated stuff.

The plot was well built-up. There were several substories in the beginning and the later episodes that were portrayed well and thus, making the pacing exemplary on the 1st half. Won't be spoiling them but basically, it was just entertaining to see everything, from the different side dishes, to the dizzying world of math (shows how weak I am on this subject LOL). In terms of flavor, the romance and proper pacing on the 1st half represents the sweetness.

Speaking of sides, the side characters were just as entertaining to watch as well, most notably, Su-a's mom. She really epitomizes the tiger mom "I don't give a damn as long as I'm the #1" attitude with just 1 goal. She may not be as dark as the FL in Sky Castle, but she too, had her almost dark moments. In terms of flavor, she represents the bitterness.

But why won't I give a perfect 10 rating on the story?

First and foremost is the mystery. As mentioned, the story was well built-up and that includes the mystery part. There were some plot twists and misleads, but it still added some tension and grit, in a way. It's just that after the shift from romance to mystery in the 11th episode there were little to no moments on the relationship anymore. I wanted to know more about them, and the mystery was a necessary for this show to hit 16 episodes. Still, I was accepting with how it stole the screentime, thinking that it may be a turning point of some sort. Yet it only culminated in just a splash, literally. It was disappointing and blotchy with how it ended. In terms of flavor, the mystery represent the sourness.

Also, is the out-of-the-blue almost slapstick "romance" between 2 side characters. It was just a "stop trying to make fetch happen" Regina George to Gretchen Wieners moment. It wasn't needed since it was obvious that it was more logical for them to have a brother-and-sister relationship, and it was just better if it didnt happen. Although in real life, I won't be complaining since I can't control their feelings. However for this show, I was salty about it, hence the salty flavor it represents.

The finale tried to salvage the messy thriller somewhat successfully, but it was already predictable at that point. It gave the boost needed from the mediocre previous episode. The charm was still there, and it wrapped the story as necessary. There was fluff and redemption from various characters, albeit some were rushed.

Contrary to some, the last "obstacle" for me was expected and was not contrived at all. It was a decisive moment for Haeng-seon and Hae-e's relationship and love for each other.

Then again, this show was more on being a social commentary about Korean education rather than just a pure romcom. It was not expected to fix the system overnight, but this show was quite successful in conveying its message across.

With that in mind, Crash Course in Romance? More like crash course in blotchy mystery featuring romance as a side dish.

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Crash Course in Laughter

It is hands down the best kdrama of the year, and we're only a few months in! As a self-proclaimed comfort K-drama enthusiast, I was so excited to watch this show, and it did not disappoint. One scene that I particularly enjoyed is the one involving the belt, which takes place after Chiyeol spends the night at Haengseon's house and is discovered by her best friend and Chiyeol's assistant. The resulting hilarity is pure gold, as the two try to explain themselves and the situation spirals out of control. It's a classic comedy of errors that will have you laughing out loud.
But what really sets this show apart is its ability to balance humor and heart. While you'll be rolling on the floor with laughter one minute, you'll be reaching for the tissues the next as the characters confront their deepest fears and vulnerabilities.

If the chaotic family dynamics and crazy competitive mothers were not enough, the addition of Mr. Ji's plot was excessive and unnecessary for a romantic comedy that could have been one of the best. As such, the murder plot was the only aspect that I disliked. Minus 0.5 for that.

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Comedy / Drama / Suspense rolled together

This truly was a great series from the very beginning right through the end. I'm always a fan of Kyung Ho and he did not disappoint in his unique role as Chi Yeol. He and Do Yeon make great entertainment together in this sometimes drama, sometimes comedy. I don't get the craziness everyone has for an advanced math tutor, the trillion dollar man, but once I get beyond that, this was extremely enjoyable to watch.
There's much more comedic situations early on, gradually changing into a much more dramatic format blending with some definite suspense tones later. From episode 11 on, everything really takes an enormous change of direction. The shocking revelations that take place in the later part of the series makes for some fantastic entertainment.
Eui Shik & Jae Ha, seeing them in other roles, you really appreciate their performances in this drama. Truly impressive.
The rest of the supporting cast, Chae Min, Yoon Seo & Min Jae really complete the puzzle in making this a great series to rewatch a second time.
I think what stopped me from giving out a 10 as an overall rating was the final two episodes. I really didn't get the long lost mother showing up from Japan, creating a new drama story that really wasn't needed. Not only showing up, but her departure in the final episode was so casually accepted, it was hardly spoken of after her exit. We were still reeling from the shocking chain of events that occurred in the previous two episodes, it was not necessary at all to add that in.
That being said, this is definitely a series to enjoy. Great entertainment!!!

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Annoying FL but good storyline

I just finished this.. I would say second half is definitely better than the first half. Many opinions did not like the mystery/ crime aspect, but I actually found that more interesting and engaging.

The biggest issue I had with this drama was the FL. Had to have 3 pauses, could not binge watch in one sitting as I found her character too annoying. It’s not the actress’s fault.. it’s the writers. They tried to make her look like a late thirties woman? With comments like “she looks too young to be Hae-Ee’s mother” DID NOT HELP at all. I understand many productions use actors and try to write them younger or older… but in this case it backfired. Also- her character was TOO DARN annoying!! She talked wayyy too much, was too nosy trying to butt in and control every situation. The first half of the drama was just intolerable to watch… I only continued because I DID LIKE the storyline and found it engaging!

Some reviewers also commented on the FL’s dressing and hair- also not her fault but the writers and producers. I did not like her hair, and even though she is a working mum per say, having a tough life juggling the business, raising a daughter and taking care of her brother.. she could have been dressed better overall.

Everything else I quite enjoyed. The superstar teacher, the crazy mums pressuring their kids to study hard, the romance etc.. although there was this one scene where the FL came out of the door, and the ML was looking completely smitten by her ( I went ewww.. not likely! I’m ashamed to say but that was my first thought) The chemistry between the leads were mediocre, just couldn’t jive with it. The romance between the teens could have been explored more- did hae Ee really make Sun Jae wait for TWO years before giving her answer? That’s tough man!

Anyhow.. give this a try. It does get better after episode 9 ish.. The last episode was good, found myself tearing quite a bit. Just have a few pauses in between if you’re getting annoyed ;)

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I expected a bit more

The show got me straight away! I liked the premise and the acting. I enjoyed the FL and ML because I think they looked great together. I think my main issue was that you didn't get enough chances to see the chemistry develop between them, but overall, I did like them together.

Hae-e and Sun-Jae made no sense to me because there were no flirty parts. Geun-U was way more assertive about his feelings than Sun-Jae. He was there for her consistently and helped her out a ton. So it just felt like that was a cop-out out really.

What I really hated was the last episode. I found it quite difficult to get through, I wanted to fast forward through it because of the unnecessary added storyline of Hae-e wanting to go to Japan with her mom???? It made NO sense. Hae-e barely talked about her mom the whole show. She doesn't ask about her mom or wonder why she hadn't reached out, but all of a sudden, she wants to leave her whole family behind for her???? Ugh, it was sooo annoying. It would've been better if the mom had left after Hae-e went off about the money.

The other part that was annoying was the serial killer storyline. It could've worked, but right after the assistant died, they completely dropped it??? Like, the story never existed. It was just pointless.

What made it even more pointless was that the ML was never suspected of committing a crime. Like, realistically... you're telling me 1 teacher had 4 people die in connection to him, and not ONCE did you think he could be a suspect??? Makes no sense. . It made more sense for the ML to be at fault. The logic here was missing.

Overall, it's fine. It just could use much better writing.

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It's a lot more better than people say it is.

Despite some of the reviews here. in the complaints about the age gap and the lack of chemistry between the cast and how the female lead was not right for the part is total garbage.

we'll have a different perspectives and this is mine I thought the casting had great chemistry the age gap doesn't bother me at all I really don't care I thought the female lead did a wonderful job. it's my understanding the show didn't do so well in Korea and apparently a lot of people don't like the show and are complaining about the fact that I got a high rating list on here. I definitely think the show was worth checking out even if you end up not liking it it's different than your typical Romance romcom drama there's a lot of interesting side stories to it which made it more appealing and interesting for me I know some people complained about it and felt like it was unnecessary but I felt like it added more to the show.

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Started off strong, bogged down by nonsense and useless plots

This show started off strong with some great character things and romantic development. It made math fun for a bit! Unfortunately, this show suffers from "should've only had 12 episode"-itis and it showed. Once it hit 12 episodes, everything was nonsense. The murder plot was not only ridiculous and needless, IT WAS ALSO RESOLVED POORLY without any of the emotional impact it could've had. Was this only added to pad the episode count? What was the POINT? The last-minute unearned redemption -- NOT character development as others will say -- of several characters who have never shown remorse until the last episode was salt in the wound. The teens were awesome. Haengseon and Chiyeol, when not bogged down by that ridiculous murder plot, were amazing. Haeyi and Haengseon are really the heart of this show. Too bad it failed them.

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