This review may contain spoilers
Watch it!
After my big dissapointment on her Big Mouth series, Im Yoon Ah came back alive, Lol!King the Land, I would say, is a great piece. Though the storyline was ordinary, predictable, the creators were able to blend some interesting plots to keep me wanting for more. They were able make it interesting even without friction or the "misunderstanding" trick on the storyline. ML's sister did a great job on her role, she is one of the reasons why I irritatingly hoped that the next day after Sunday is Saturday, Lol! At one point, I hoped that this woman will hit rock bottom, so hard that she would become a street beggar by the end of the series, Lol! That was how effective she was in portraying her role. My blood pressure even goes up just by staring at her. Sesang-e! Lol!
I personally like Jun Wo, I have seen him in some of his series like Just Between Lovers, Wok With Love, Good Manager among others. He is a great actor. What I like about his role in KTL is his being so understanding and considerate to his girlfriend to the point he even cancelled his proposal just to give way for her dreams. Cool!
So far, I have not seen that many KDramas ended in a wedding. But the wedding part was was just right for the series.
Im Yoon Ah is likewise great with her performance in this series. For me, she is the right pick for the role. Bubbly, independent, has positive attitude towards life and determined to fulfil her dreams. Like I mentioned above, I was so dissapointed that about what happened to her in her Big Mouth series. That was so unacceptable to me to the point that I placed the series on hold half way through after I accidentally read a spoiler. I think I could still continue, I just dont have the heart. Seeing her again in KTL was so "reincarnating" for me, Lol! Im a big fan of her- her beautiful face, mesmerizing smile and enchanted voice. Both leads are "natural" actors and so the result is obvious.
Supports were all good. Great soundtracks.
I enjoyed watching. I can rewatch this without the skips. Lol!
-B-
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This review may contain spoilers
Heartwarming, exciting and funny
At first I was a bit skeptical because of some bad reviews, but wow, I really loved this drama! I watched so many dramas with several episodes of heartbreaks, break ups and sad moments that I really enjoyed the mostly positive flow of this drama. Of course there are some problems for the characters to overcome, but no problem lasted too long and it all got cleared up without too much unnecessary drama. I think the story is well written and shows many important points of mistreatment at work and the importance of friendship and family. It kind of motivates to keep on working hard and pursuing your dreams. I really liked to see how the woman main lead always gave her best, despite her colleagues who treated her really bad in the beginning. The story doesn’t feel boring and had a perfect length. For me, the romance was very cute and had many heartwarming moments. I really enjoyed to see them grow closer and become so precious to each other. Same for the hilarious and absolutely cute friendship of the group, which develops very nice through the story. The characters decisions were mostly understandable and they didn’t leave each other for odd reasons. Plus, I haven’t laughed that much while watching a drama in a long time. For me, it was the perfect balance between romance, comedy and tension. I absolutely recommend it!Was this review helpful to you?
Adorable (10+++ to differentiate from other 10 rated series)
Things I loved:1 The grandmother and the relationship with both the leads. What a great character, so moving and real. She reminded me of my grandma.
2 The male lead. So charismatic and he made me love him while I thought at first that he'd be far from being good in the role.
3 The female lead. What a sweet and capable actress. She was perfect in her role.
4 Her friends. I loved both, their friendship felt real and I loved it whenever they were together.
5 The main lead's assistant. I loved, loved his character. He cracked me up every time he was on screen and he was also moving sometimes. I loved his relationship with the male lead and the heroine.
5 The episode they went to Thailand. It was so lighthearted and beautiful, and funny and romantic. LOVED it.
6 The chemistry between the leads was off the charts. I think from all the series I watched until now they have the best chemistry topped only by the Suspicious Partner leads. I even think that this couple has a small lead in the chemistry department. It was easy to see they had fun and were close to each other. Wonderful couple.
7 The kisses. Finally some real kisses. The kiss in the kitchen was the best ever.
8 The character of the heroine. I loved how caring and sweet and capable she was and that she followed her dreams.
9 The ending. So moving, romantic and I loved the support they had for each other and that she ended up pursuing her dream.
10 The small boy and his scenes with the female and the male lead. Adorable, moving, I cried quite a few times.
11 That the setting was a hotel. I love everything that has to do with hotels.
Things I liked:
1 The father. He was a good person but I didn't like him all the time. He irked me a few times with his passivity and his past didn't work in his favor.
Things I hated:
1 The sister. I wish I could make her disappear with a magic wand. Hated everything about her and I certainty didn't feel sorry about what she supposedly went through. She was an awful person and she deserved much more than what she had in the end. She got out scotch free and I hate that.
2 I hate that the series has such a low score on IMDB. I'm not sure I understand why when other series that far from have this have high ratings. I'm being objective here and can see why some people wouldn't like some things, but the IMDB rating is so low that doesn't make any sense.
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King the Land Has Brought Genuine Smiles To My Face
I just finished binge-watching King the Land for the second time because I couldn't resist knowing how good it was when I first experienced it a few months ago. Upon watching it again, I am glad that I feel about it the same as I did when I first watched.I've seen a couple of articles saying that the drama didn't do very good and comparing to other shows like Business Proposal, which to me was odd because I actually watched Business Proposal before but after a few months I truly was wondering if I had watched it, I couldn't remember anything and had to look for some scenes to trigger my memory.
But anyways, enough comparing and talking about other stuff, let's get to the review:
— STORY
The plot is nothing extraordinary or even amazing, but it hooked me both times and didn't let go. I never once felt bored or like skipping scenes or even noticing time pass. I loved pretty much everything about the story and how it unfold, with only a few critique here and there.
There's no big cliche moments, or love triangles or "villains" or anything. It's a very simple story but it does so explendid in it's simplicity that made me love it.
— CHARACTERS
Gu Won and Sa Rand are by far the best part of the drama. They are both so lovable, funny, respectful and so mature. The way they interact with each other and their chemistry truly makes you feel in love.
I don't think I can out into words how much I love these two and the pure joy they brought me. I binged the show and by the end of episodes I noticed my cheeks hurting from smiling so much, this happened in almost every episode and also during my first watch. I love that the drama had this affect on me so much and made me feel so happy. That's what a romance drama should be all about.
The other characters also did a great job, specially the grandma and Gu Won's secretary person.
— VISUALS
Everyone and everything looked so beautiful that I cannot think of a single moment or character that looked anything but amazing.
— MUSIC
The music was absolutely fantastic! The kind that touches your soul, makes you feel the love between the characters and that sticks with you throughout days. There were some misuses and overuses here and there, but aside from that it was beautiful.
— RATING
King the Land is an extremely beautiful drama that touched my heart and makes yearn for love like theirs. It is such a beautiful and emotional experience. Although I didn't cry much, the amount of happiness I've felt watching this was everything to me. My hurting cheeks from smiling too much at the screen are proof of it!
Sadly not everyone could enjoy it, but for those of us who did and know how special the show is...
Hermés :)
My personal rating for the show is a very well deserved 9.7/10.
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Breath of fresh air
So happy to find a show unlike others trying to be edgy, complex and woke. It was a proper comfort show with very sweet and often funny episodes that are best enjoyed slowly (i.e. not binging). I think people who miss older kdramas with a straightforward love story, little ups and downs and overall wholesome vibes will like it. It is not like recent Netflix shows which I really appreciated. Acting was great, none of the characters was annoying to watch, and the story progressed at a chill pace with a very satisfying feel.Was this review helpful to you?
GRUMPHY AND SUNSHINE??? [BOUND TO FALL IN LOVE]
A CLASSIC ROMANTIC COMEDY.Do you all remember the old kdrama??? The 2016 kdrama era??? When kdrama use to be fluffy without unnecessary murder mystery, bully and revenge trope.
This is THAT kind of drama. The Nostalgia i felt watching this.
It will make you laugh till you have tears in your eyes with its humour. It will make your blush like a teenager with its romance. It will make you wanna hide with the second hand embarrassment. It will make you want to crave more.
The drama is amazing. Its definitely is the romcom of 2023 just like business proposal was of 2022.
Light, fluffy and ridiculous. The romance is swoon worthy. The humour is amazing. The plot may be a little old fashionable and cringy but don't we all crave it once in a while!?
And the way he look at her. Cares for her. Looks after her. IS CHEFS KISS.
There may be instant care and attraction but their love grows slowly. Its not instant. It grows from a bud to a flower that blooms. Yes, it can BE EXTRA sometimes but who doesn't like a CEO spending all his love, attention and money on a girl like a love sick puppy??? LIKE who doesn't like that!?
ACTORS/CHEMISTRY
The cast is perfect. Not just that mainleads but even every single side character. And the chemistry between the main leads is absolutely EXPLOSIVE.
Like you can feel the connection and chemistry between them from episode 1. The way they look at each other, ahhhhh!!
Overall, JUST WATCH IT. People are over analysis a drama they shouldn't. Even with the massive post hype i will say it lives upto the expectations.
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Overhyped
Honestly cannot tell what went wrong with this drama but.... I was excited when I saw the cast. I have to admit the visuals are there, friendship, chemistry but .... not sure where it started to fall off, maybe episode 8? And then watching this drama started to become a chore..Story
Another romcom, feels like business proposal with the whacky characters and humour. Didn't mean to compare the two but if anything, Business Proposal was done better. I'm okay with cliches and stereotypical ceo-cinderella romance but something about this drama is just boring. I started to find the main couple cringey and even started skipping their parts. I know I'm not the only one when I say this (my friends feel the same) but the air stewardess' romance is better, more heart-fluttering.
Acting/Cast
Like i mentioned above, the cast was well-chosen. Yoona and JunHo are both good idol-turned-actors and the others in the friend group also do their part to make the show interesting.
Music
Quite nice but I must admit I don't remember any OST from this drama...
Overall
This drama has a very strong start that makes you want to continue watching but do be warned, you may start to feel bored just as I did. I was so bored that I put off watching the last 2 episodes of the drama for a while... low-key wanted to drop it at that point.
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So much Sweetness that it will give you DIABETES!
"All the fan service and cringe of K-dramas rolled into one drama" would be the best description for this. What's the point that the writers wanted to convey would be one question few would have answers to. Another one of recent addition to K-dramaland which started strong but after 6 episodes became a chore with repeated sequences and cliched love scenarios. There is nothing in terms of screenplay and story building.Positives: If you are in the 'honeymoon' phase of a relationship with your partner this would feel like a good watch. The side characters had better development than the leads.
Negatives: Should have been a 8 to 10 episode drama. People who don't like stories dragged like a chewing gum should avoid it.
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A Story to dream.
This TV series has meleted my heart. It is a wonderful rom/com that makes you dream.The story is not to complicated but brings up a several real life aspect such as: Family, Frienship, Love, boundaries, work skills, work relationships.
If I have to rate it following some topic words I would describe like this: Humility, Determination, Kindness, Love, dedication, self growth.
The chemistry between both actors it’s insane and I loved every second of their relationship.
Everything makes you dream, everything it is very elegant, sophisticated and a lot of attention has been dedicated to details.
I’m going to rewatch very soon because it has become one of my favourite of its genre.
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Sweet
In a word, this was a sweet show.Not too serious, not too plot heavy, not too emotional.
The "evil" father wasn't all that evil.
The "evil" older sister was dealt with, and she didn't do too much damage.
The friends were a hoot.
The ML and FL were cute.
Their chemistry was on point!
They communicated like adults, so yay for that.
Music and scenery were overall an 8.
If you like fluffy romances with cute moments, and laugh-out-loud moments, then this is for you.
It's sweet, easy viewing.
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I have never understood the trope, "I am madly in love with you, so I will torture you for a couple of years to later passionately confess and break your heart." Instead, you'll see people reaching out to each other's hearts and, in a rather light manner, overcoming obstacles on the way to form a wholesome union.
While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, the drama has its target audience. I was not into K-dramas, as the chemistry between the leads quite often seems so forced that I know it's acting and can't enjoy the show.
In the case of "King the Land," I was amused by the chemistry between the main leads. That's something that allures people—you feel like getting cavities from all the honey-dripping moments. Which is exactly what my heart needed: to see that love still exists, at least in fiction.
The actors did an amazing job portraying two people who just love each other. Their love wasn't dragged out; there were no unnecessary break-ups or cheating because they're "in love," like other shows often portray. There were just two people being awkward at certain times and willing to open their hearts and drown in love. I didn't struggle watching their love scenes, as they looked so natural—like they were actually enjoying all the making-out sessions.
The secondary characters were also reasonable and had their own closures. The humor, though, might be quite uncomfortable to watch at times, but the cuteness of the male lead made it fade away and helped me truly enjoy the show.
Rewatch value? When I feel down, I constantly find myself coming back to rewatch the show.
Who do I recommend it to? People who need to see a healthy relationship and love fairy tales.
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This review may contain spoilers
good boy down bad
started this drama on a vacation in december 2023. i was mostly alone on that trip and wanted something light and fun. this 100% fit that bill, except it turned out to be really cute and good and i had to share it with my husband. he joined me on episode 5.the female lead, cheon sa rang, is so cute i want to scream. the male lead was selfish and rude in the beginning (gu won go to therapy) but the growth!! he started simping so hard and being absolutely pathetically in love, which is very appealing. this man cares for nothing besides cheon sa rang and it is a whole mood. on paper he has all the power, but then he's out here tripping over himself just to get her to look at him and is big sad when she doesn't. she is so independent and powerful, and he basically devotes his existence to serving her; we love to see it. her best friends are also amazing, i love them.
the music in this drama was top tier. the synthwave "outrun the night" vibes of "Confess to You" by Lim Kim were perfect in every scene. i liked seeing awful bosses get what was coming to them, and i think the show overall made a thoughtful critique of unjust labor systems. at the same time, the best solution it was able to offer was "put nice people at the top," which isn't much. still, this drama made me happy and hopeful and i love it for that. plus it is very pretty to look at and the conflict is low level so i just got to vibe while watching and that is mostly what i come to kdramas for.
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