Destined with You

Give it a try!

**Disclaimer: This is just my opinion, please don't take anything I say personally. We don't have to agree and I'm not here to argue with anyone.***

"Destined With You" is one of those dramas that you have to stick with until it gets better. I’m not going to lie it was so hard finding motivation to keep watching but after episode 7 it started to pick up and I have to say I started enjoying the plot twists, mystery and thriller aspect of it. It is seriously so interesting. I especially loved the backstory of Mu Jin and Aeng Cho. Though their love was ill-fated from the start you can see he killed her to ensure they would not dismember her and that she would live on through the curse. The fact that Mu Jin said in another life let them be happy… and this life they want to be happy but were unable to because of the curse and that crazy psychopath of a man (Na Jung-Beom) was so frustrating and unfair.

Rowoon looks so gorgeous in this drama… that was enough to keep me watching haha 😭 Idk but something about him with the slick back hair as the serious / brooding lawyer is. He also was giving a buzz and then when its all combed down he looks like a cute puppy / golden retriever. AHHH I love how he’s giving us rangeeee and I can’t wait to see him in his next projects.

Bo Ah is such a good actress the way she conveys what she’s feeling through her eyes alone is literally a talent.

For once I actually prefer the latter half of a drama rather than the usual trend of the drama falling off / being disappointing the end.

Let’s talk about Rowoon and Bo Ah's chemistry in episodes 13-15, 15 especially – it was off the charts! I'm talking about that kiss, whew! — I can see why shaman lady (Eun Wol) called the next morning and was like Shin Yu and Hong Jo would be conceiving a girl. I mean, I got pregnant just watching that scene haha. Jokes aside, I'm not sure why people were doubting their incredible chemistry, but you know, there will always be haters or people who don't receive media in the same way and have no appreciation for the effort / artistry that goes into it. I think the writers did a good job of neatly wrapping up the ending. Obviously they would have needed more episodes to really delve into the magic and the lore of Hong Jo’s shaman powers / lineage etc… but so far they did well with the little they were able to keep / use.

I also liked the various side characters stories especially between Mr. Gong and Ms. Ma. They were kind of on / and off all the time but I'm happy they worked out their differences and got married in the end. At first I did not like Hong Jo's workers but I warmed to them because they are very funny / silly. I also liked the side story about Shin Yu's mother and father... it seemed like they were always playing cat and mouse with each other, and you thought they were going to divorce - but in the end, they're going to have a baby. To say I was surprised is an understatement. To be honest, I thought the mom was starting to like Shin Yu's lawyer friend and that they'd end up together, but the drama didn't go in that direction at all.

I didn't particularly like Mr. Kwon / Jae Gyeong, but I'm glad he remained a good guy until the end. Life is all about timing, and he completely missed his with Hong Jo, so he can only blame himself. I thought it was a little cheeky of him to tell her that if she doesn't marry Shin Yu within the next six months, she should call him, but whatever - at least it ended amicably.

One aspect of the show that I dislike is their inability to finish the shamanism/curse storyline. They expect me to believe that the curse has been magically broken and Shin Yu is completely healed? Honestly, I was wondering if there was something missing or if there was more to it because the final scene shows Mu Jin, of the past ,walking away with a spell book of the heavens or something? I'm also curious if Hong Jo's near-death experience, which included almost being poisoned and then being resuscitated... is what broke the curse in the end? Little details like this being forgotten / not being explained is what kind of irritated me about the drama and made me take off points.

In my opinion, the ending was very touching and adorable... I was smiling the entire time and was relieved that it didn't end on a sad / bittersweet note with the main characters suffering. Spoiler alert: Hong Jo is not pregnant, but they will get married and live happily ever after. It took them 300 years to get here, but they did it!

The OST they chose is just so beautiful and heartfelt. The songs perfectly complement the story and will stay with you long after you finish watching the drama.

I for one am impressed and proud of myself for not dropping this drama and I guess I would rewatch it for the vibes and cute moments.

If you enjoy light fantasy, mystery, and reincarnation dramas, you should give this one a shot. Hopefully, you will not be disappointed.

With that, I give this drama a resounding 8/10.

Thanks for reading & happy watching!

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

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Rowoon's transition from music to acting is a promising one

Destined With You is a 16-episode Kdrama that had me hooked from the very beginning. The primary reason I tuned in was the talented Rowoon, who left his band SF9 to focus on his acting career, and boy, was I not disappointed. Rowoon's acting prowess is undeniable, and he effortlessly brings his characters to life with his captivating smile and the mellifluous timbre of his voice.

The storyline follows the classic romcom formula, complete with the standard Kdrama setup and tropes. While it doesn't break new ground in terms of plot, what sets it apart is the remarkable ensemble cast. Each actor, both in lead and supporting roles, delivers stellar performances, making the characters relatable and endearing.

One of the standout features of this drama is its cinematography, which beautifully captures the essence of the scenes and adds depth to the storytelling. The humor is perfectly timed and adds a delightful touch to the narrative, keeping the viewers engaged and entertained throughout.

The OST is another highlight, with its soulful melodies and emotional resonance that enhances the viewing experience. It beautifully complements the emotional moments in the series, creating a profound connection with the audience.

What truly impressed me was the outstanding wrap-up in the final episode. It ties up all loose ends and leaves viewers with a satisfying sense of closure, which is often a rarity in many Kdramas.

It may not reinvent the wheel when it comes to Kdrama plots, but its stellar cast, picturesque cinematography, humor, and heartwarming OST make it a must-watch. Rowoon's transition from music to acting is a promising one, and this series showcases his talents to the fullest. Whether you're a fan of Kdramas or new to the genre, this show is an excellent choice for a heartwarming and enjoyable watch.

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A complete package of romantic comedy, fantasy, horror, and thrillers.

*CHEF'S KISS*
Started watching this show primarily because of Bo Ah and Rowoon & the synopsis sounded fascinating. I had high hopes going into this, and you know what? I wasn't disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed every episode.

The best part of this show is the chemistry. With such lines LMAO, this show could have easily been cringe, but thanks to the actors, it turned out to be a cute one. ShinHong can easily go from being cute and funny to hot and sexy in just a few seconds. Rowoon and Bo Ah whenever on screen, the scene is gonna be lit for sure.

CHARACTERS: For the first 3 eps, Bo Ah's relatable portrayal of Hong Jo, our FL, her sense of loneliness and emptiness initially drew me in more. And I thought Shin Yu was more of a jerk, but as the plot progressed, he steadily grew into the most ADMIRABLE character on the show. Unexpectedly in the last 8 eps, he transformed into a green flag. I adore him so much. Kwon Jae Kyung our 2ML was a smart & nice character I liked each and every scene he was in.
* SPECIAL MENTION to Mr. Gong and Ms. Ma. They both were so adorable. Loved Mr. Gong's unwavering support for her.

ACTING: Bo Ah nailed bubbly Hong Jo, which deserves praise because it differs so much from the other roles she has played, which have tended to be more smart and strong. However, Rowoon's performance deserves special mention because he made such significant progress. I've always appreciated him more for his characters not acting but here he earned praise for the emotions he displayed and acted as Shin Yu. The emotions of being lonely, being in love, and the fear of losing Hong Jo etc etc.. were shown so realistically by him.

The director balanced the emotions well; if one episode was filled with strong emotions, the other was just as lighthearted and enjoyable. There are many minute details in the scenes and dialogue. The present story has a cute and happy ending, which balances out the backstory's sadness and tragic end.
The cinematography and camera angles were nice. But editing could've been better.
At last, I'm gonna miss them, miss the excitement I felt on Wed and Thu. Miss my SHINHONG couple.

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Rowoon and Jo Bo Ah bring out the best in each other

I'll start out with what I didn't like:

1. Hong Jo deserved better friends. There were plenty of strong female characters, but I am disappointed none of them were HJ's age.

2. Shin Yu's mom deserved a better partner. It bothered me that she didn't go through with the divorce. SY's dad being nice for 10 minutes doesn't make up for him calling her stupid. She was such a sweetheart and I think that makes it even worse.

3. There was way too much time spent on HJ'S senior coworkers relationship. Those are the only scenes I skipped during rewatch. It wasn't poorly written and they are decent characters, but I would have liked that time spent elsewhere.

4. They should have made it explicitly clear whether or not the spells worked. I feel like the director left it up to the audience and basically asked us...do YOU believe in magic lol

What I liked:

There is so much that I liked, that I'll have to be broad and brief or I could go on forever:

1. The flashback scenes paired perfectly with the modern day story. None of these scenes felt like filler and the tragedy of Aeng Cho and Mujin was heartbreaking. Sometimes Joseon flashbacks can feel like an extension of the modern day filming...idk if that makes any sense lol But the Joseon scenes had a magical quality and seemed to be from a completely different show. I loved that they were shot on location and that there was minimal green screen used. The snowy scenes were especially beautiful.

2. The chemistry between Rowoon and Jo Bo Ah really made their characters come alive. Do yourself a favor and watch the bts on YT. HJ and SY almost seem like an extension of Rowoon and Bo Ah. Literally everything about their scenes together made me smile. Even in the beginning when SY annoyed the sh-- out of HJ lol That's why this drama is a 10 for me. I want a rom-com that makes me smile.

3. Believe it or not I liked the "love triangle" between HJ/SY/Kwon Jae Kyung. I think it's because HJ and KJK played it off without any true toxicity. The scene where they are both racing to HJ's apartment is one of the funniest I've seen. Rowoon and Ha Joon played really well off each other. It's not obnoxious and you get the sense that these two men actually like and respect each other. It also helps that KJK isn't a sore loser.

4. An OST can make or break a series and the Destined with You OST was perfect. Delicate and gentle are two words I would use to describe it.

At its heart, DWY is pure romance with sub plots of supernatural and comedy. The point of the show is HJ and SY were destined to be with each other. The storytelling never wavered from this trajectory. The only way I see this plot falling flat is if they didn't end up with each other or if someone died. The spells, the curse, etc. were all minor plot devices made to push HJ and SY towards their destiny.

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One of the best kdramas from 2023

I started watching this drama two months ago without any expectations, and just because I like Rowoon and Jo Bo Ah. I have to be sincere but the first two- three episodes weren’t the greatest, and at that point I wasn’t liking Jang Shin Yu at all, but then episode 4 was the light at the end of the tunnel. That episode is one of my favorite one from the whole drama. It has the cheesiest phrases ever. So you will be laughing like crazy after watching it.
This drama isn’t for everyone because at some point there were so many plots that maybe for some could be distracting or annoying but everything had a reason.
I really liked the chemistry between them! They were adorable together. And they started hating each other and then loving deeply and their love surpassed the barriers of time and it was proved that they were destined to be together forever.
I have to say that this is my favorite performance of Rowoon, his portrayal of SY was top notch in so many ways and has improved a lot since his last drama.
I really will miss this drama 🥹🥹🥹

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A Rollercoaster of Romance and Mystery definitely a Must Watch

So, I just finished watching the last episode of "Destined with You" today, and I've got some mixed feelings about it. The ending left me a bit torn because it started out all intense and scary for like 15 minutes, and then bam! It was all hearts and happiness for the next 45 minutes. I was kind of hoping for a bit more of a thriller element, but it turned out to be a swoon-worthy, feel-good drama.

Rowoon, oh my goodness, that man knows how to deliver those cringe-worthy lines with so much charm! My heart couldn't help but skip a beat when he was being all cute and straightforward with his lovey-dovey dialogues, even though he thought he was under some kind of love spell. The embarrassment that followed was just adorable.

The characters, Bo Ah and Rowoon, are like two peas in a pod. When she's feisty, he's feisty, and when he's all cute, she's just blabbering out those cheesy lines. Their chemistry was undeniably cute, and the romance was on point, but like I said, I was hoping for a bit more of a thriller to balance it all out. Maybe my expectations were just too high in that regard.

All in all, it's a must-watch K-drama, and I only started watching it because of Rowoon, but I'm definitely going to check out "The Matchmakers" because of him. I loved "Destined with You." Though I have to admit, the bloody hand and the gardener were a bit creepy, but I'm glad I stuck with it. The curse explanation was really well done, and I appreciated the flashbacks to the past to help us understand everything better.
The character development was a nice touch, too. And let's talk about Shin Yu – he went from being a perfectly made-up doll to a real live man. Loved it! ❤️❤️❤️ This drama really stood out for me, and I might just rewatch it someday.

On the flip side, I have to agree that the addition of new twists and plotlines every week got a bit overwhelming. It seemed like they introduced more mysteries before solving the previous ones, and I was left scratching my head. The whole Red Hand haunting Rowoon one moment and then disappearing was a bit confusing, and the sudden introduction of a stalker was unexpected. But what really gave me the "ick" was the whole past life lovers from the Joseon period plotline. It felt overused, boring, and repetitive.

In the end, "Destined with You" had its moments of greatness, but it also stumbled along the way with a messy plotline and too many twists. Nevertheless, it's still a drama worth checking out for the romantic moments and some fantastic character development. Just be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of plot twists.

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showed improvement, but didn't fill in the gaps

It started off weak and I found the FL insufferable in first few episodes.. she does improve, if only slightly. I'll be honest, I stuck around the beginning and middle for visuals of ML and second ML but as the ML and FL accepted their fate and the chemistry improved, I did enjoy the show more. There are massive plot holes and weird story lines that fall off and pick up out of no where, not to mention extremely annoying "support" characters-I couldve done without the entire work crew????

In the end, I still enjoyed the couple and their growth/ chemistry. It was probably the only reason I didn't drop it. It tries to hit every genre and falls flat for nearly all of them but I still can't say I hated it.

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Keep watching, don't listen to the haters. ( I finished this series and loved it)!!!!

All I can say right now is Rowoon has won me over again!
Only at episode 4 while I am writing this quick review and it was so hilarious.
If your the type of watcher that likes to laugh and just enjoy a fun
filled drama, then start watching. The negative reviews are just
from so called watchers who think they could create a better story and
they can't. Bringing down a Drama at first 4 episodes when it's
so fun, only tells that these people are simple targeting greatly
made dramas to keep down the ratings on MDL. In fact it's already
greatly received.

Update after finishing this series-
This was beautifully made and loved how they did not reveal everything in
one go and also loved that the M & F leads had a lot of time for their relationship scenes.
The paste was steady flow, not rushed and the last 5 episodes were wrapped up nicely,
It's quite refreshing to how this story telling was done, most dramas always overload
the last episode but this one paste it and kept what they needed to until the last 2 episodes.
Very good all round cast and the scenes in the office with the co workers made me laughed
alot especially Mr Gong, he somewhat filled the show with his witty unserious character.
My score at the start was 10/10 and it remains the same.

The OSTs were so good especially "I'll Always Be With You" by lyn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKpQUlDgG8I

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Gets better episode after episode.

I think I have a soft spot for K Dramas and there aren't that many that I find terrible or stop watching, so my review is probably influenced by that but here is goes.

I enjoy the main leads separately, but in the first few episodes them together annoyed me a little bit. The ML's wishy washy I love you because of a spell, but I'm going to be mean to you at the same time personality paired with the FL's it's all about me.. drove me nuts.

However getting in to further episodes when it starts to reveal what's going on and they get past all the nonsense it becomes one of my favorites. They have chemistry and are cute together and their back story brings them alive.

The gardener and obsessed ex-girlfriend storylines further the show.

I really enjoy it. If you bear with them at the beginning and accept it for the cute romantic comedy it is , I think you will enjoy it too.

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Another 16 hours wasted ^ᗜ^

Okay, so this series started as a seven for me, I'm not a huge fan of any of the actors, so I went in with no bias as the premise sounded interesting. The first two to three episodes were quite good, a bit slow but because I had high hopes I gave it the benefit of the doubt... but then it all fell apart. The fl just got dumb and dumber, the ml just basically turned into a gaslighter under a disguesed as a man in love, so so many plot holes, side characters no one cares about, and many questions were created just to be left unanswered. When I reached the 10th episode I felt like I watched a 30-episode show where nothing really happened, most events were just fillers, new plot twists got added randomly, and so many more stupid things happened to make this whole show into a disaster. I sped through the last 6 episodes like lightning because I had gotten so far and didn't want to waste all my efforts.

As I write this, I originally wanted to give it a five, but the more I write the more I feel like it doesn't deserve it.

Spoilers from here on:
All the things that ruined this show for me:
-I have no clue why they decided to go the cheating route. No matter what the ML thought ro felt he was still dating the SFL. Granted she was a b**ch herself but still, you can't really like a cheater.
-His "love" started because of a spell. There was no reason or any event to trigger true affection. So how did they fix it? With the classic "actually he has loved her all the time... like since their past lives" Please... that's so freaking dumb and overused.
-He was sick, haunted. But then suddenly he wasn't for the longest time, but then it came back again randomly. like what??
-FL just carried the love potion around in her tumbler and every single man just decided to drink it. Like girl, you've already used it on the person you wanted (not really lol), so either pour the sh*t down the drain or keep it at home.
-SML just randomly fell for the FL because "oh, wow. now she's liked by another guy huh, I'm suddenly interested." •ᴗ•
-Why do all Korean dramas just NEED to have their main leads have met each other before? Its always: childhood, past life, they met one time before and one saved the other. UGH! Not to mention, one of them always has some sort of trauma.
-And WHy, OH WHY!? do they have to break up for like half an episode just to get back with each other again? Its just lame.
-also the past story was just lamer... it could have worked with better writing but this show lacks that along with all sense so...¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Things I liked:it was fun
-I liked the sass of the ML
-and what else... Um... FL looked really pretty in her past life ৻( •̀ ᗜ •́ ৻)
-Oh wait... The main leads did have good chemistry I'll give them that

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