This review may contain spoilers
Crash Course is a drama that has everything that you can think of packed into one show. Scandals, crazy moms, romance, school drama, murder mystery... It can seem like a lot, but it is honestly quite an enjoyable watch. I only found myself being really bothered by 3 plot points overall. Why bring in other plots right at the last 2 episodes? I've always hated this in other dramas as I feel it takes away from the main story you're wanting to see. Especially towards the end of the show. While time could've been spent towards more interesting storylines such as Soo-Ah's illness-stress-thing going on. Even more scenes of Haeng-Seon and Chi-Yeol would've been better than the random plot they threw in for seemingly no reason. Also, one of the main plot points in this drama is that he cannot eat any food without getting sick besides Haeng-Seon's and her mom's, but that's never really explained or given a good explanation entirely other than it's just used as a purpose of him being in the shop all the time + lovers fate trope..
The acting in this show is amazing especially the Male lead, Jung Kyung Ho. I loved watching him and his character in Hospital Playlist and it was nice seeing him play a character that's quite the opposite from that one. He portrays the snobby yet only cute and sweet towards you character really well. The side characters honestly shined the most though, which I always tend to favor them in dramas more anyways. Roh Yoon Seo as Hae-Yi did an incredible job and I was hooked on seeing who she would choose in the end. Lee Bong Ryun always steals the show in any drama that she's in and I loved watching Kim Young-Joo find love. Especially not with someone I was expecting. It was an exciting surprise in the story for me. Oh Eui Shik also did a great job playing Haeng-Seon's younger brother.
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This review may contain spoilers
Crash Course in Romance - Trillion Won Man Meets Underdog Energy — Romance Ensues
📝 Review (WARNING: Potential Spoilers — I’m Not Saving You from Emotional Damage)Nam Haeng Seon retires from her career as a national athlete and now runs a humble side-dish store—peaceful, quiet, and exactly what she needs. Enter Choi Chi Yeol, the “Trillion Won Man,” a private instructor so successful he’s perpetually grumpy. Sparks fly, worlds collide, and suddenly I’m caught up in a story that’s funny, heartwarming, and—miracle of miracles—actually avoids that classic K-drama dragging syndrome.
What makes this one stick? Timing. The jokes land, the romance develops naturally, and you’re never stuck staring at a wall wondering what the heck a character is doing for five straight episodes. It’s light, entertaining, and bingeable in the best possible way—perfect for ignoring snacks, responsibilities, and occasionally even sleep.
💭 Final Mood:
Fun, romantic, and consistently charming. This is a weekend binge you can finish with a smile, not an existential crisis.
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Tough one. Stuck with it - Kinda...
This one was a tough one to watch. In the beginning, some of the characters are so irritating that I was disappointed to find that they would be a love interest or, still in the story 4 episodes later. I thought, casting wise, this group was a bit of a mess. Maybe, closer to reality? But, I just couldn't see the two leads together - at all. She was so mean and so unforgiving. He went out of his way to continue to patronize her business, replace the phone, etc. and she still couldn't let anything go. Who cares if we see a character show regret if they don't follow through? A character should not be rewarded for being a thorn in someone's side.As usual - some stellar performances - the only reason I watched a portion of every episode. , Ji Dong-hee (Shin Jae-ha) was brilliant. To change his personality on a dime like that - perfect. I could understand why he chose to die in the end. All the actors/actresses for the high school characters were perfect. Lee Chae-Min's breakdown while taking the exam was perfection - you really felt what he was going through.
Jeon Do-yeon's Nam Haeng-soon and Jung Kyung-ho's Choi Chi-yeol - did not work for me. I could not get to the point of accepting that they were suitable for each other as a couple. I could see them helping each other out in their own ways but, it would have been nicer to see them end up with other people. The late addition of the true mother was a waste of time on everyone's part. It wasn't even needed - especially, since she had zero redeeming qualities. Jae-Woo(Oh Eui-Sik) - eh - did not like that his issues all pertained to what the story needed to keep moving. Writer's convenience = lazy.
Also, regardless if it is life-like or, what - just because characters are together in a scene - you don't have to fill every waking moment with their nonstop conversation. I got to the point every time certain characters showed up - I knew I could fast forward through their whole time and not miss a single thing.
Really hated how hard the writers worked at making the whole cast have a happy, fairytale existence in the end. Villain? Takes his own life. Leads? Happy successful life. Teens? Exciting happy college life - not a speck or, mention of therapy or, how they healed anywhere. Parent's - awful to the core - ruined people's lives? All forgiven. Ruined and nearly put your own children in the hospital or, the morgue? All forgiven. Ruined marriages because you focused on all the wrong things? No worries.
Thank goodness for the fast forward button.
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A drama with romance, murder and mayhem.
What's not to like here? This K-drama is amazing the acting is good.The story follows a popular middle-aged male teacher and a woman with a restaurant as their romance develops. A town full of kids being pressured to get the highest grade by their parents and if you want to be successful then he is the teacher you need in private school.
While the romance is slowly percolating between adults and of course students. Can't have a school setting without a little romance drama and my favorite unrequited love.
There is some mayhem and murder and other sad events. This drama is full of the crazy pressure these kids face from their parents and peers and some of its effects.
Differently a good watch.
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Started Out Better Than It Ended
I was loving this show up until about ep 10 or 11. It reversed some expectations. It was funny, it was light, it was heartfelt. The cast is brilliant. Jung Kyung Ho knocked it out of the park from start to finish. That being said, I didn't really feel much chemistry between him and Jeon Do Yeon... She's a good actress, but their relationship had "mommy issues" vibes. Anyway, the whole cast was great. The guy who played Jang Hui Jae, for someone who barely had any lines, was stellar.I was really enjoying the humour, the plot, everything. I was invested in the stupid scandal being solved. I was invested in the education system plot. I LOVED that the "villains" (the mom group) had a strong motive and were believable.
So, what went wrong? Three things. It kind of went off the rails in 3 different directions in the last quarter of the show.
1. I felt the murder plot was unnecessary. That time would have been better spent fleshing out characters like Su-ah. They had so much material that they could have worked with in an engaging way... but they went the murder plot route, which cheapened the storyline.
2. Why bring back the mom for a brief moment? And why did Hae-e need to end up in a coma? This all felt so unnecessary. I would have really enjoyed if they used that time to better flesh out the dynamics of the teen group. That felt hurriedly wrapped up, which brings me to my last point...
3. Not everyone needed to be paired up in the last 10 minutes... that was awkward and unnecessary. Also, Nam Hae-e and Geon-hu had good chemistry, and it would have been sweet to see his hard work in school pay off with a kiss from Hae-e. Conversely, Sun-jae and her never had anything other than friendship vibes. Having Yeon-ju hook up with Jae-woo was just unrealistic. That whole last episode was bizarre and unnatural.
Actually, 4 things.
4. Not everyone needed a redemption arc and a happy ending! I was looking forward to seeing Su-a's mom unmasked for the jerk she was by her friend group. Yes, she had a messy scene and was shamed, but it's not the same. Instead, everyone ends up with their happy little ending, everything neatly packaged and wrapped up and tied in a bow. Su-a's mental/stress issues magically vanish and school is fine. Hui-jae goes into the army, etc. you get it. It just felt very hallmarky and kind of undersold how nuanced the story could have been.
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Well I loved it
I'm in the UK and initially I was put off by the eccentric characters and weird storyline but in 2 or 3 episodes I was finding this series funny and well worth watching. It was a touching romance and a brutal picture of how parents can behave in South Korea. Certainly an eye opener. I appreciated the fact that suicide wasn't shied away from and that sometimes the youngsters were the best people to help. The damage done by teasing, gossiping, and plotting was chilling to watch.I warmed to all the main characters and thought they were acted with thoughtful evolution through the series. You can still fall in love if you're a bit weird. All the masses of students who did not have speaking parts did seem to represent a real institution. So well done everybody.
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I liked this one.
Crash Course in Romance had K-drama from the 2012-2016 vibes, including all the annoying tropes that I’m not sure work as well in 2023, but it made me happy and nostalgic watching this show so I’m definitely tossing it into the recommendation pile. I’m not sure I will ever understand the competitive nature of college entry in South Korea, and I will certainly never be able to wrap my head around math… but it was cool to learn about these study schools and watch this struggling lady strive to ensure the best possible future for her teenager. The romance between the celebrity math tutor (I know, right? what a weird world) and this hardworking middle aged lady made me kick my feet in the air it was so cute and stupidly adorable. What can I say… late to love stories work for me.Was this review helpful to you?
Math + Food = Love
Crash Course in Romance (2023)Likes
1. Choi Chi Yeol as best math teacher and boyfriend of 2023! Love Jung Kyung Ho's comedic timing too.
2. I havent really watched a lot of Jeon Do Yeon's works but i hope she stars in more romantic and lighter dramas and movies because i love her smile!! Although her character has many problems she was wonderful as Haeng Seon.
3. I also love Haeyi and her friends. I was rooting for Geonho but Sunjae is not bad too.
4. Best character growth is Sunjae's mom. I was crying when she went on a trip with Hui jae.
5. Chiyeol having his own bestie in Jong Ryeol!
6. The final episode was so warm and happy i really hope everyone will live brighter and less stressed.
Dislikes
1. This drama could have been even better if there were no serial killer storylines. And even how they resolved it was bad and felt rushed.
2. Didnt like the pairing of Jae Woo and Yeong Joo, or even Su A and Geun Ho. Almost everyone had to pair off with one another for a "happy ending".
3. I'm so done with Kdrama mommies being too toxic to fellow mommies and their kids.
4. Haeyi's mom didnt need to come back and create unnecessary drama in the last eps.
Rating: 8.5/10
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Fun, heart-flattering and unique
I really loved it. The first time i liked a kdrama i watched as it aired till the end.I wanted more romantic scenes between the leads and sunjae and haeso i think they should have shortened the storyline of the murder and the aunt( the birth mom storyline shouldn't have been there) .
Also i am confused how fast some characters changed ( sua and sunjae's mom mainly) and what the hell was up with sua storyline ( where she freaked out implying she had something to do with missing hae) they just left it.
Other than that, i really enjoyed my Saturdays and sundays.
Editing me( mar 21 2023)
I think i enjoyed the first have way more than the second coz of that, i am reducing the rating to 8.5 or 8.75 instead of 9).
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This review may contain spoilers
A slice of life romcom laced with the harsh reality of the korean academic rat race..
I hadn't heard of this drama before it first started airing if I'm being entirely honest. I had one of my close friends watch the first ep and tell me that it was nothing like they've ever seen before, and I was thoroughly intrigued. Now that it has ended.. It doesn't feel real.. Waiting every weekend for a double episode only to have to wait another week to see what happens next, and having continued that until today has been a very memorable experience. This drama did that for me.The title "Crash Course in Romance" obviously suggests a very kdrama-esque romcom but I was very pleasantly surprised to see the evident elements of the academic competition in Korea and how serious it can get, including our group of helicopter mothers and very stressed and emotionally unstable students driven to the edge because of this life of grades and success. Nam Haengseon, our lovely FL is presented as someone who would never enforce decisions on anyone, not even her niece Hae-yi. We can see how Hae-yi has organically become better at studying based on her own motivations and receiving almost no pressure from her family; and that starks in comparison to some of the other kids we see in the show (*cough* SUA *cough*)
The whole history with Chiyeol's former student and her brother was very striking personally. Like I'm not an emotional person, but knowing how Suhyeon said that he was one of the only adults she trusted made me feel so bad for them, especially because of their mother (her daughter fell to her death but she wants her son to study harder because he's "now her only hope"????? That's messed up.) I felt so bad for Sua until the very end and I knew that the shit she was going through isn't entirely her fault but the show made me hate her so much and I hated that so much - speaking of which, the geonhuXsua pairing is lowkey SO underrated I really really really wanted to see more of them they're SO CUTE
Ji Donghui (or rather, Jeong Seonghyeon) really scared me since the BEGINNING yeah at the start the pairing was lowkey cute and I had NO clue it was going to be him but I had a HUNCH... I'm also confused about how everything just died out at the end when he died? like okay yeah it was sad for a bit but I love how everyone forgot about it soon after?
The whole plot was played out very well, in fact. Recently I've been having quite the blackout with kdramas and I seem to get bored REALLY easily. The spacing of this one was incredibly even and I think that's a major factor is the longevity of a drama for me! Portraying every single aspect of the plot from almost every single character's perspective is an important feature of a good drama and this one definitely did it for me!
The ending was incredibly satisfactory thankfully! - I was so afraid we were going to get a Hae-yi and Haengseon separation moment BUT HER MOTHER DID SOMETHING RIGHT FOR ONCE! - I loved Sunjae's mother's redemption arc! The picture she sent Sunjae of her and Huijae made me tear up:"( and when huijae came back on leave from the military:"((((( I really love happy endings! - The Sunjae and Hae-yi moment:"( It was too late for me like I would have appreciated a whole episode with them together - and the same for Geonhu and Sua!! When he went to pick her up saying that he was going to enrol in her university:"( Underrated AND unexpected pairing but I loved it! - and lastly, our main couple!! As if them proposing together wasn't cute enough, him rooting for her throughout her examination preparation process was the most wholesome thing ever :"(
As if I haven't spoiled the entirety of this show in my review already, If you still made it to the end and you HAVEN'T watched it, I suggest you do!!! I know I will definitely be rewatching this in a few months!!! <33
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binge worthy
I absolutely loved this drama from the first episode.The romance is adorable and original, you fall in love with every character, the storyline never gets boring and the casting is amazing. This drama doesn't only focus on the love story but also has a detective story, a high school story and it really is an ode to love and family. The colors and fashion as well as the music are so refreshing. I also really loved the cast.
Disclaimer: this drama does deal with very sensitive topics.
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Messy and ill-fitting female lead
It began very interestingly with a view into the intense education demands of the country.Characters looked different and intriguing too. The teenagers are all lovely and their friendships/ relationships were very refreshing. The female lead's brother was wonderful - very touching to watch him.
It had the tag of romance - which is the only genre I watch - so was looking forward to a different kind of story.
However the zero chemistry romance fizzled, the appeal went flat, the genre decided to embark on its own path.
The female lead was so ill-fitting in her role that it soured the whole drama. She may be considered some kind of hero in her country, but she was the least appealing. Grandmother outfits, greasy hair, bony hands of an older person pretending to be young. If she is considered a great actor then please give her intense roles. Not romcoms where she destroys the sentiment of romance.
Even the nasty mother's club had more appropriate actors.
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