CRUSHES, CONVICTS AND CRINGE: A TALE OF SECOND CHANCES AND MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
I usually steer clear of rom-coms, but I decided to give this one a try because I'm a big fan of the male lead, Tae Goo. I'll try to give an unbiased review.*Positives:*
Firstly, the concept of a former gangster starting a company that employs ex-convicts is fantastic. It’s refreshing to see a story centered around giving people a second chance and the idea that redemption is possible. The narrative explores the belief that denying criminals opportunities often leads them back to their old ways, which is a compelling angle. However, it does raise questions about the criteria for who gets a shot at "Thirsty Deer," as some individuals may not be suited for reintegration.
The characters are another highlight. I absolutely adore the male lead. His portrayal of a man seeking redemption, although somewhat cliché, is well-executed. He embodies the belief that circumstances shape people and that change is possible. Despite his gangster past, he understands that nothing can completely erase his wrongdoings, adding depth to his character.
On a personal note, Tae Goo’s voice is incredibly appealing, adding to his charm. It’s interesting to see him in a role that contrasts sharply with his shy off-screen persona. His portrayal of a man in his late 30s who awkwardly navigates crushes feels authentic and relatable.
The female lead is equally captivating. She's a kids' content creator who makes educational videos and DIY toy tutorials, primarily for children whose parents may lack the time or resources. Her content is not only creative but also deeply meaningful, reflecting her own challenging upbringing. She's open and communicative, believing in people's potential for change, much like her "oppa." Her positive outlook and willingness to see the good in people make her a relatable and inspiring character.
*Negatives:*
For a story centered on ex-convicts, the series falls short in providing sufficient background on the Thirsty Deer employees, especially the supporting characters. It would have been more engaging to see how they struggled after being released and how Thirsty Deer helped them reintegrate into a society that often shuns them. A deeper exploration of how Ji Hwan approached them or vice versa, showing them they could change their ways and look forward to a meaningful life, would have added a lot of depth. It would have been fascinating to see the challenges Ji Hwan faced while establishing Thirsty Deer and how he worked to create a supportive environment for his employees. Is it too much to ask for a bit more backstory and character development?
Another issue is the male lead's poor communication, especially with the people who care about him, like the female lead. While his struggle with his past and the stigma of being a former gangster is understandable, his lack of openness becomes frustrating. After the big past reveal, he should have communicated better with her. It's crucial to be open with loved ones, especially when trying to move past old mistakes. His tendency to withhold information, even with good intentions, can be annoying and detracts from his character development. Communication is key, my guy!
Additional Negatives:**
The second male lead is a significant downside. Honestly, most of the time he was on screen, I felt like fast-forwarding. For a guy who works in law enforcement, he doesn't seem to believe in the concept of change or redemption, which is baffling. Isn't the whole point of punishment to encourage rehabilitation? At least he stopped being a judgmental jerk and corrected his ways in the end. Also, get a girlfriend and stop obsessing over Eun Ha!
Also the female lead's recklessness adds to the frustration. For instance, after being kicked out of her house, she chooses to stay with the male lead, whom she's only met a few times, instead of going to her friend's place. Her reason—that she didn't pick up her phone—is weak, especially since her friend is like family. It's hard to believe she wouldn't feel comfortable just showing up. Another frustrating aspect is that she doesn't know when to draw the line, especially with the second male lead. Her interactions with him often blur boundaries, making it uncomfortable to watch. It's frustrating that she doesn't establish clearer limits.
As for the villains, they're utterly pathetic. They lack any real threat or depth, making it puzzling why Ji Hwan bothers with them at all. He should just let them continue their clownish antics and let the police handle them. They don't add much to the story and come off as weak antagonists.
The plot also starts to feel repetitive after a few episodes. The characters fall into a mundane cycle—wake up, have breakfast, do something, and go back to sleep. This monotonous routine makes the story drag and loses its initial appeal.
I can’t believe they dragged everything out just to rush the ending. They didn’t even give us a decent wrap-up for Eun Ha and Ji Hwan! Are you seriously telling me he proposed and they got married offscreen? What?! And he’s still living with his gang? Where’s the privacy? Plus, he’s filthy rich—why not just get a new place for them or his gang? Eye roll.
I was hoping for some fluffy, angst-filled moments and maybe a few steamy scenes (even though I know the actor's usual restraint). Instead, I got just a few kisses, a lot of clownery, and an overwhelming amount of second-hand embarrassment. Thank God for Tae Goo and his charming presence; otherwise, I might not have made it through.
*Conclusion:*
Guys, I was here for some gangster healing, and they robbed me of it. Uhm Tae Goo in a romance doesn't happen often (this is his first), and who knows if it'll happen again. While the series had a lot of potential and some standout moments, it ultimately fell short of delivering the depth and emotional resonance I was hoping for. If you're a fan of Tae Goo like me, it might still be worth a watch, but be prepared for some frustration along the way.
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Mostly known for secondary roles in films and dramas popular among critics more than fans, Uhm Tae Goo (Night in Paradise) plays the sweet mobster himself, Seo Ji Hwan, a reformed mobster, son and heir of mob boss Seo Tae Pyeong whom he willingly serves up to the prosecutors who promptly throw him in jail. Ji Hwan takes over what is left of his father's criminal empire, the Bulldog Gang, which he dissolves in an instant to start a new life as an ordinary man.
Stern and frightful in the true mobster way, Ji Hwan turns on his sweet side after he meets struggling youth content creator Go Eun Ha (Han Sun Hwa, Backstreet Rookie). After early encounters riddled with wrong impressions, she looks on him disapprovingly even when he is quite easily smitten. With fate playing a part in a way seen only in Korean dramas, Ji Hwan and Eun Ha rediscover what they both lost after being broken apart so abruptly many years ago.
My Sweet Mobster never really strays too far off the beaten track exploring common themes of crime, poverty and second chances. Yet the storyteller renders a fresh and certainly delightful take on an already familiar story. The writing is simple but sharp even when it is being silly. It is heartbreaking and comforting in turns, and uproariously funny most times.
Though not strikingly handsome, Uhm Tae Goo delivers a winning portrayal of Seo Ji Hwan, master in the ways of crime yet green and gauche in the ways of romance. Deep, raspy and sexy, Tae Goo is all about his voice, the happy result of an accident that hurt his vocal chords. His Ji Hwan is firm, decisive and shy. He may be flawed in a lot of ways, but Ji Hwan is a hero in every way. In a role that fits her just right, former idol Han Sun Hwa plays Go Eun Ha with an innocent charm and selfless spirit. The wonderful chemistry between Tae Goo and Sun Hwa builds slowly as the romance between Ji Hwan and Eun Ha comes full circle with the reveal of the real Oppa Hyun Woo feeling more like a nail biter than a predictable outcome.
A lively mix of crime drama, action comedy and gushy romance, what My Sweet Mobster really comes down to is Uhm Tae Goo. He is a mobster or indeed was, and he is sweet, oh absolutely.
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Funny love comedy
I think it's the cutest, lightest drama of the year. I was afraid before I started that it would be a clichéd drama, too childish with a story that doesn't hold up because it lacks logic. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this drama, which has allowed me to escape for a few hours over the last few weeks.The plot is simple but effective, with twists and turns that don't slow down the progress and development of the characters but, on the contrary, allow us to get to know them better and gradually understand the links and relationships between each character.
Given the large number of characters, I was worried that it would be too difficult to get attached to them, but on the contrary, it was a no-brainer. Each character, particularly Gwak Jae Su, Jung Man Ho , Yang Hong Gi , Lee Dong Hui , Yang Hong Gi and Ju Il Yeong, allowed us to tackle several themes, including the need to look beyond prejudices and appearances. Gwak Mae Su is a perfect example.
As for the couple formed by Go Eun Ha and Seo Ji Hwan, I enjoyed the reunion of two souls who were destined to be together and it was so sweet. The fact that Ses Ji Hwan is a Tall loser to Eun Ha was funny and contrasted with the serious, cold nature of his character. Similarly, Eun Ha's childlike side, which is contrasted with her maturity, served to underline the importance of keeping that carefree side while remaining mature.
The acting is great, the chemistry between the couple is definitely there and you can feel the comfort between them. That's what makes this drama so comforting and enjoyable.
I never thought I'd get so attached, laughing so much thanks to the film's editing, its very child-friendly content and, at the same time, the depth of the messages subtly conveyed. There are a few tears ( quite a few towards the end) but lots of laughs and smiles when watching this drama.
If you're sad or down in the dumps, this is typically a drama that will lift your spirits thanks to its lightness, cuteness and comfiness . It was with a twinge of sadness that I finished this drama.
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A Diamond in the Rough ?❤️?
Eiii!!! I am thrilled beyond words that this incredible drama has reached its conclusion. It surpassed all my expectations and truly captured my heart. The pairing was so unexpected, yet it added a special charm to the storyline. Let's take a moment to appreciate Uhm Tae Goo's deep, mesmerizing voice and his ruggedly handsome features. Oh, he's absolutely irresistible! And Kim Hyun Jin, who reminds me so much of Park Hyun-sik, brought another layer of depth to the drama.Every character in this series was a delight to watch. Man Ho and Jae Su's hilarious antics had me in stitches, especially Jae Su's mispronunciations and quirky interpretations of words. Even the secondary characters, like Prosecutor Jang, who initially annoyed me, won me over by the end.
I could go on and on about this drama and how adorable each character is. Let's not forget about Kang Gil, who, despite being one of the villains, managed to steal my heart with his undeniable charm. While I thoroughly enjoyed the series, there were a few flaws that caught my attention.
1. The awkwardness of the kisses between the ML and FL
2. The questionable decision to make us like the Kitty Kang leader with his initial cuteness 😒
3. The unnecessary interruption during the intimate moment between Il yeong and his wife in the final episode
Overall, I adored the friendships portrayed in the drama, like Seo Ji Hwan and his kids, and the heartwarming bond between Man Ho and Eun Ha (chuckling in "Hey, little mouse"). Witnessing his transformation from her biggest hater to one of her biggest supporters was truly heartening. I wholeheartedly recommend this drama to anyone looking for a solid 10/10 viewing experience.
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Return to classics
After a fairly long time this was a light romcom that brings back the classic old Kdrama feel. The main draw is of course Uhm Tae-goo, a genius move casting him as the titular sweet mobster. The acting from all characters including the villains was just so good it smoothed over flaws here and there. I blame the bad old summary section spoiling the identity crisis for the live watch because initially the drama was building it up well till everyone pointed out it was already revealed in the summary given. This drama is based on a webnovel which also has a webtoon based on it which is incomplete and its fun sifting through both and comparing for strengths and weaknesses of the source and the drama(for eg: as kids they were 10 and 13 in the webtoon but 7 and 13 in the drama). Theres some biblical allusions which aren't too deep. Much of the plot followed an idea of subversion which sometimes worked much better but sometimes weakened the plot of the drama.Uhm Tae-goo and Han Sun-hwa had more chemistry in Save Me 2 I feel- but that wasn't a romance drama. Their acting in My Sweet Mobster was genuine in a way it made the drama that much sweeter than it would have been with the usual lot and their relation comes out nice and strong. Of all their interactions the drunken playing in playground remains the best and highlights the duality of both. I love the FL's character in terms of her integrity and principles about children's content- it was one of the well done messages of this drama. She also has this strength and maturity you can tell she faced a lot of hardship in life and doesn't let anything make her compromise though it makes her more like a mother to the cast. She was also frank and clear about drawing lines and deserved more honest communication by people around her(which is why Deers and her bond is the strongest). The found family aspect steadily became stronger in the second half than the romance once the couple actually start dating and they grew too shy, with odd moments of immature possessiveness. The online comment war was hilarious however. The SML came across as annoying in his interactions with the FL ever since he said he was never rejected in his blind date of the past as it painted a poor picture of hidden ego and he kept acting two-faced. The character himself was written to be nice and had many things that make for good relations but something always felt jarring. The SML however was great when dealing with the bad gangsters though his thawing towards the main group was a tad marred because even that came only because of personal biases because it was connected to FL than in a properly objective manner.
I may have started this for Uhm Tae-goo but I fell head over heels for Yang Hyun-min: Jae-soo was the greatest. Ever. May nothing separate Jae-soo and Man-ho for eternity. Hong-ki won me over with his straightforwardness and he became my third favourite. The way they love and support each and every one of their found family was beautiful. I love Miho's actress and thus I easily moved past her and her beau's archaic trope to like the straightforwardness(Miho), and the impulsive couple they made. Her parents were hilarious. The found family made of the Deers getting their second chance is however where one of the biggest issues lie- the Deers needed far more plot dedicated to them than was. Their lesson shown in absurd song and dance sequence that was as cringe as Mini Eonni's videos but they could have used the idea of lessons to reveal more about each of the Deers themselves(like in the webtoon) which would have bolstered Eun-ha's choice of future kid's content as while their background was clear to her, it was only vaguely implied for the audience. The message part of this KDrama about not judging ex-cons was weakened by the superficial manner it was handled- oversimplification the likes of which I'd expect of small children's cartoons. The choice to erase the original ML's face scar and tattoos was a different type of choice I get but adds to that feeling of appearances nonetheless defining things. I know KDramas are pretty black and white and harsh about even petty crimes and this is one small step but to me its too puerile to make the point especially the way they overdid the reactions of children and 'normal citizens'(strawmanning much?). The lack of actual plot for Deers and the Cat gang members was a big part of this. Yena too needed more screentime- I liked her in the last few episodes but don't quite get her in the first half. Yena is a foil to Eun-ha the way Yang-hee is to Ji-hwan. But for both the 'bad' ones the logic behind their characters is weak and shallow.
On the thematic front Yang-hee is a proper villain. His ridiculousness fit the overall absurdity of this drama and at the same time his sinister expressions and pettiness underlined the dark gangster world. He alone showed wanton criminal tendencies beyond an aesthetic. A foil to Ji-hwan in every aspect from poor leadership to being the black yin to his white yang, an epitome of scrappy street crime that won't just disappear and fit in to be good for the sake of being inherently good. He however sucks at being a gangster unlike Ji-hwan who fits the life like a glove. The tragedy of their all their criminal loves is quite apparent in the police station scene in how the police look away from those brutal injuries and Ji-hwan for all he has achieved is also in a similar boat till a clean prosecutor vouches for him. But the others will always stay in a cycle where they themselves believe that once a criminal they'll always have to stay as one. It was surprisingly impossible to hate Yang-hee even when he almost kills people. The drug arc, with those kid's candies that are exactly like Yang-hee's duality, was dark but well done as a serious arc and the Taek guy was used well. But when the father comes in fulltime, the gangster part becomes aimless outside of Ji-hwan's father issues and undermines everything Ji-hwan had been established as being with backstories so far- into a bluff almost. The march of the goons was brilliant cinema but empty. All tiger moms and dragon dads are the same so its not very gangster at all(in webtoon he has Ji-hwan kidnapped at 13 and with Yang-hee trains him to be a gangster since that young age). Other significance of the dad's- to humanize and turn up Yang-hee's resentment to the max with his vacillating treatment. It pays off when he finally explodes. If he doesn't snap and strike, Ji-hwan can't show his father that its time to give up because his father would never let such issues go beyond a certain line(honestly it might have worked better if they did a temporary hatelliance like the two in Doctor Prisoner to get their lives out of the dad's web and fixed the dad's attitude with less bloodshed). Seo Tae-pyeong couldn't make up his mind if he wanted to be a bloody gangster whom his men feared getting punched around by(patterned kkangpae shirt) or the honorable mafia(hat+dark suit) who follows codes he isn't consistent about. He was a power broker according to his character page and we know he owns millions and a hotel he'll retire comfortably to when released from prison. The father being redeemed because of being blood 'father' was shallow because of how they initially framed the backstory as an extremely abusive father and the tragedy of Ji-hwan's mother being on the run from him for decades to give Ji-hwan a better life opportunites than ending up a gangster(again different from the webtoon).
Similarly for Yang-hee too, they didn't have much of an idea outside of Cain and Abel which doesn't work because Yang-hee isn't an adopted brother but a much older pretentious right-hand man so his monologue sounding like daddy issues makes very little sense. His character page calls him a petty cat burglar who was groomed into a gangster by the dad and they could have played this as him being a weak financial criminal instead of an inefficient low tier goon turned puppet leader with no bark nor claws? Didn't make sense why he was kept on as a second-in-command in name only after he tried to kill the same child ten years ago and has always been a volatile liability. Yang-hee was also if Im Chul-soo was playing Ahn Gi-seok again, more bumbling but evil and more of a okama type punchline, dressed like a royal cat granny with a villainous perm. His final look was aptly gangster and made him look like discount Giovanni(he already had a not-Persian) which would make a Pokemon knockoff theme with his not-Pikachu tattooed goon. The Cat Gang theme was nicely "over"done since the four actors end up very much resembling cats and their gang's everything revolving around cats was funny. Il-yeong's equivalent, the extremely efficient Kang-gil, while really intriguing was also left a blank slate and it was hard to tell his real feelings which keep getting contradicted by his contradictory actions and inactions. That is, aside from his relation with Yang-hee with whom he has whole conversations between shared glances alone(mainly over Ji-hwan) and represents a long cycle of boss-underboss abuse.
Overall, the romance and sweet interpersonal relations win in feeling genuine even when tropey and its one of the best found-families in Kdramas. The drama itself has a lighter vibe to it with so much heart, and is not too cliched but old-school nonetheless. One major thing to add is how creative the concept of the Hit Like and Subscribes were. I absolutely love the OST and background music. The song Beautiful Woman's music in Ep 1 playing for the Deers scene and then the ringtone... I really liked the opening song, Everything, Ring My Heart, The Way and See the Moon are so beautiful. Quite a few of the scenes had a good cinematic vibe and the slapstick comedy was mostly good. They should have kept the darker part of it much lighter and comical instead and characterization oriented. And added a more clear redemption for Kang-gil, all based on the scope of how far they wanted to actually take things with the characters, instead of trying their hand at mixing various darker genres just for the sake of trying them all out.
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My Sweet Mobster was ultimately not the adorable sweet rom com I was looking for. I totally understand that the point of the show is to have a former mobster who is gentle and sweet but his characterization felt a little odd at times. The chemistry between the leads felt pretty lacking and also very juvenile when the male lead is supposed to be like 40 years old. The love triangle was so bland and I had to skip most of the scenes with the prosecutor. The entire mob and villain storyline was so over the top silly that I couldn’t watch it. The backstory of their intertwined childhoods was dragged out to such an unbelievable degree that it was very frustrating to watch. It felt very similar to What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim in that aspect for me. The childhood connection, especially one that’s executed like this, just feels really overdone and boring.
There were many parts of the show that I did not enjoy but I did end up finishing it because there were certain things that kept me engaged. The forced cohabitation is always a fun trope and not it was especially cute to see her develop relationships with all of his friends. The found family part of the show was definitely a strength and seeing their friendships with each other, as well as the female lead, was very sweet. The business hiring ex-cons was very interesting and I would have liked to see even more of that, as well as the friends backstories. I really enjoyed the second couple and I wanted both of those characters individually and together to have more screen time.
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Best rom com!!! ??
you definitely need to watch this. it’s the best rom com i have watched in a while. i love the leads so much they have this unlimited aura and cuteness both of the leads are different and unique. Ml is such a cutie. all the seconds leads are so funny and entertaining trust me you’ll love them so much. Last episode was great too we got to see a lot of happy moments. second couple story is so interesting you’ll be so invested in them. this my top 2 favorite drama of the year. no other drama have ever made me this much laugh. 10/10!!!! 💞 worth everu secondWas this review helpful to you?
The mobster of our dreams!
I saw the growing hype around this show online so I went in with high expectations. The first episode is very unique in its style of comedy that might make you not want to continue BUT BARE WITH IT AND WATCH FOR ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS OF THE YEAR. You slowly get used to style of rom-com and it’s gets funnier and cuter with every minute. The shift from noir to cutesy is so well done, especially by Taegoo (male lead). He truly carries both sides of the show, but you can fully immerse in it due to Sunhwa’s (female lead) portrayal of her character. Yes, some supporting characters are trope-y but they are so lovable. There are MANY tropes in the story but it’s well done and doesn’t bore the viewers. Just get ready to squeal, twirl your hair and kick your feet watching this amazing drama!P.s I can’t believe this is Taegoo’s first ever rom-com role, he’s so brilliant in it. BOOK HIM MORE COMEDY ROLES!
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A Fun Mix of Love and Laughter
I found "My Sweet Mobster" to be a refreshing take on the usual story of a good girl meeting a bad gangster. This time, the male lead is an ex-gangster who is surprisingly innocent and kind. His sweet nature and care for his friends made him a character I couldn’t help but love.The love story was cute and engaging. There's a fun love triangle with a prosecutor that kept things interesting. Watching their relationships develop was both exciting and heartwarming.
The drama is a perfect mix of comedy and romance. The funny moments were well-timed and never overdone, making me laugh without being too much. The side stories with the other boys were also cute and added extra charm.
Overall, "My Sweet Mobster" is a complete package of fun, love, and unique storytelling. If you enjoy a good blend of humor and heart, this drama is a must-watch!
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Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.
Super fluffy rom-com with charming characters and a cute story. The underlying social message really elevated it for me."Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done" Is a quote from the Bryan Stevenson book "Just Mercy" about people condemned to death. The ex-cons were unemployable, cast aside by society. The drama did a good job in providing back stories for each and sending a message that everyone should be given a chance.
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Tooth-rotting romcom with loveable leads
I really enjoyed watching this drama weekly and I'm so sad to see it go! I had a few issues with it, but overall, it was so refreshing and the bright spot of my Wednesdays and Thursdays.Main Leads:
-This was my first time seeing the leads Taegoo and Sunhwa in anything, and I loved their performances.
-Starting with Jihwan, he was a very loveable ML. I like how he was willing to put in the work to improve whenever Eunha checked him on his behaviour. I loved his protective and caring attitude towards the other Deers and his employees overall. Taegoo has a very commanding presence and was definitely the highlight of the show for me. He was great at portraying the hardened ex-gangster and just as good as portraying the lovesick fool. I really liked his journey over the show of overcoming the guilt he harboured during his time as a mobster. His struggles were very understandable. The show was more enjoyable to watch knowing how introverted Taegoo is in real life lol. And ofc I love his voice too. He's definitely going to have a lot of new fans after the show lol.
-Sunhwa also did great and I really enjoyed Eunha as a character. She was kindhearted and headstrong. At first, I was annoyed that she didn't really seem to stick up for herself, but over time, she was more willing to voice her feelings and opinions, especially when it came to Jihwan. Though their relationship had its ups and downs, Eunha was always the voice of reason and wasn't afraid to check Jihwan on his behaviour. I just wish we could've seen more about Eunha's backstory and her life in the period after Hyunwoo/Jihwan left, like what she was doing after her parents divorced and what her life was like, how she met Miho, etc.
-Taegoo and Sunhwa had amazing chemistry that felt believable. Their scenes were very very very sweet, maybe a little TOO sweet lol I wish things got a bit spicier! I know that it's Jihwan's first relationship so I guess that's why, but I feel like the directing on their kiss scenes could've at least been better. Anyway, I always looked forward to seeing Eunha and Jihwan's relationship develop, I loved the angst they had, and despite some hiccups, I love how they were able to resolve their problems quickly and communicate with each other. I wish we could've seen them get married though :( I know this is their second project together, so hopefully they can do a third 🙏🏾
Supporting Cast:
-Initially, I was annoyed by Hyunwoo (prosecutor) because of his strong prejudices against Jihwan, but the more I think about it, it really wasn't that bad because you can't tell me you wouldn't be apprehensive about an ex-gangster lol. I do think his whole philosophy of "people can't change" was definitely a negative point though, and I'm glad that he was able to change this way of thinking by the end of the show. By the way some comments talk about him, you would think he kicks babies on a daily basis 💀 he really wasn't that bad. He didn't actually do anything to break up the leads. Even after he confessed and she rejected him, he did have that moment of "I'm still going to pursure Eunha" (which annoyed me) but nothing really came of it and he eventually moved on. He was integral to the plot of taking down the Kitty Gang, and I think his presences was necessary to make Jihwan actually act on his desires. Overall, Hyunwoo was fine and people are doing too much by hating his guts
-I liked Ilyoung and Miho a lot. I was put off initially by the pregnancy plot but I think they had good chemistry and I liked them as a couple. One thing I will say though, it is crazy that they got married without even really dating each other haha. I guess that is something that happens in real life but hopefully not to me!
-Hongki and Jaesoo were my favourite Deers, especially Jaesoo. Jaesoo was literally the most hilarious and entertaining character in the drama and I cannot believe he made me cry more than once lol. He was great at the more emotional scenes towards the end
-The Kitty Gang was mostly funny to me. Yang Hee was the funniest of them all like I'm sorry but even in the scenes where he's doing horrible things and being threatening he was still funny to me 😭 Tae Pyung definitely had a threatening aura, and I can see why Jihwan was terrified by him.
Character Dynamics:
-Expanding more on Jihwan and Eunha, I haven't watched many Korean romcoms or kdramas in general, and I think that helped because I wasn't turned off by the childhood trope like many others I saw in the comments while the show was airing lol. I think it was interwoven into the plot well; it's there from ep 1 and isn't something that is thrown into the show in the last 2 eps. Both Jihwan and Eunha's childhoods had such a huge impact on their lives, it's easy to understand why they would still be holding onto it (or trying to bury it in Jihwan's case) for so long. I like that Eunha fell in love with Jihwan before she knew the truth, and it didn't feel over the top that she was still looking for him, as he was the only bright point in her life when she was a child. He's the one who inspired her to become a kids content creator in the first place. I did feel like they dragged out her finding out a biiiiiiiit too much but I can fully understand why Jihwan didn't want to tell her, as he was very ashamed of the person he used to be. Taegoo and Sunhwa really stuck the landing in the more emotional scenes of the drama, I loved the scene where Eunha finally realizes 🥺
-One of my favourite relationships was Jihwan and the Deers but more specifically Jihwan and Ilyoung and Jihwan and Jaesoo. I could really feel the love between Ilyoung and Jihwan, they had a very sweet older brother/younger brother dynamic. I also really loved Jaesoo and Jihwan, they were so funny together and when things got serious they made those more emotional moments feel believable.
-I also really loved Eunha's relationship with Donghui, she was basically an older sister to him and it was very sweet. And I loved the progression of Jaesoo and Eunha's relationship, from calling her a rat to "little mouse" (lovingly) lol.
-By the end of the show, all the Deers + Eunha really felt like a family and I loved that so much 🥺 It's cute that Hongki, Jaesoo and Manho will continue to live with Eunhwan after they get married lol
-Eunha and Miho's relationship was also nice, I like how they went to each other for advice and they supported each other. But on that note, it kind of annoyed me how Miho basically didn't say anything to Eunha about her relationship with Ilyoung before he announced it to everyone. They seem to share everything else with each other so I thought it was weird that the writer chose to just have Miho not say anything
-I think Yena and Hongki had good chemistry but she annoyed me for the majority of the show lol. I think it's fine if Yena and Hongki and Hyunwoo and Officer Song didn't get together if both relationships have people (Yena and Hyunwoo) who still aren't over their crushes.
Plot/Story:
-I really liked the themes of redemption, loyalty, forgiveness, second chances and overcoming prejudices and overcoming guilt in the drama. I love that the drama was able to tackle more serious/heavy issues without losing the essence of the show. I know that some people hated how serious it got towards the end but I didn't mind it, these are ex criminals and gangsters we're dealing with so I expected this to some degree, and it was never anything soooo serious that made you think "wow is this the same show?"
-Somehow the show was filled with cliches while also defying expectations. At multiple points when we thought they would break up, they didn't and I was very happy about that!
-This show was genuinely hilarious and I found myself laughing every ep. Shoutout to Jaesoo who is the funniest one in the show lol. Jihwan is a close second 🤗
-There were definitely some lose ends towards the end, specifically when it comes to the Kitty Gang. I would've liked to see more about Kang Gil, how he got his scar and his relationship with Jihwan. I also think the writing for Tae Pyung could've been better. Last ep was definitely a bit rushed lol
Overall, it was a very refreshing show that I looked forward to watching every week! I'm very sad to see it go and will definitely be rewatching 💖
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Perfectly cast ML pulls of both "swoony" and "adorkable"
I am not the biggest fan of slapstick... and yet! Don't let the silliness deter you! I thoroughly enjoyed this warm and cute drama. The OTP were lovely, while the excellent and perfectly cast ML, in particular, was both adorkable and swoony. I know this is how Uhm Tae Goo's voice sounds now, but in certain scenes, the cadence and tone felt like such a hilarious nod to Marlon Brando's Godfather. The comedic homage to western gangster films in some of the background music and other details was also just enough to be cute and funny without crossing into grating and tiresome.I am used to watching Im Chul Soo in likeable, earnest comedic roles, so watching him portray this perfectly detestable weasel with such energy and swag was an unexpected surprise. The reformed "criminals" and "gangsters" were also a bunch of teddy bears and just as enjoyable to watch!
Overall, a sweet drama with an important message about second chances.
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