Perfect Marriage Revenge

A MEMORABLE MINI MAKJANG!

***DISCLAIMER: This is just my opinion. We don’t have to agree and I’m not here to argue with anyone.***

I'm gonna keep this brief because I don't have the time to say everything I want to say.

Main Takeaway: "Revenge is a dish best served cold."

IDK IF THEY PUT CRACK IN THIS OR WHAT BUT FROM THE VERY FIRST EPISODE THIS DRAMA HOOKED ME AND I’VE NEVER LOOKED BACK. IT IS SOOOO ADDICTING!

First things first, "What’s better than a contractual time travel romance with mystery, revenge and lots and lots of drama?!" This show legit has it all. They said spicy makjang in 12 episodes and thats exactly what they meant!

When I tell you the pacing feels just right and no episode feels like a filler, just know I’m being so serious. I have never been bored for even one second. This drama starts out confusing in episode one but by the end of the episode and onwards you understand everything perfectly.

I LOVE LOVE LOVED the chemistry between Do Guk and Yi Joo!!!! These two are masterful performers and you can literally feel the tension, angst and passion dripping from them anytime they have a really intense scene together. The chemistry between these two is to die for and I feel like they truly fed us with the development of their relationship. They have definitely made top 5 best kdrama couples of 2023 for me.

AHHHH I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS DRAMA. Even the characters I hated… you must know they’re doing an amazing job for me to want them to die, rot in jail or be hit down by the infamous big white truck. I know I keep saying it but drama is just so so so so good!

Like many others I do believe it is one of the best webtoon to drama adaptations. They kept the major plot points and original webtoon readers seemed to be satisfied with the outcome. So there aren't much complaints here!

One of the main things I disliked about this drama was the 3rd act conflict breakup. It was cliche and unnecessary to say the least. I also feel like Yi Joo struggled and endured so much even when she set out to get her revenge. It was heartbreaking watching her be in constant pain and agony as she uncovered all the secrets as the story unfolded.

Another minor thing I disliked was Do Guk's wardrobe. It was evident the production team went ham and spent all the money on the women's wardrobe leaving very little for the men. They definitely could have budgeted better and put more of an effort into our leading man's fashion. To be honest I just ovelooked it because Sung Hoon's visuals and performance made up for all of that.

Additionally there are some plot holes and aspects that could have been more properly developed but I feel like they did the best they could with the 12 episodes.

In my opinion, more makjang's should take a leaf out of this one. Unlike others it did not need 100+ episodes to make a good and convincing story. I feel like had the drama been any longer then people would have started to lose interest.

Perfect Marriage Revenge is definitely one of the most enjoyable dramas I've watched in 2023 and I would rewatch it in a heartbeat!

If you are on the fence about starting it I suggest you do so immediately! It’s seriously such a treat and you do not want to miss out.

With all of that said I gave this an 8.5 rounded up to a 9/10.

Tysm for reading!

❤️

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Perfect balance of angst, romance and vengeance

The last quarter of 2023 saw a rise in time travel coupled with fake marriage k-dramas. Perfect Marriage Revenge is one of these. The kdrama blends romance and revenge but how does it set apart from the other shows?

The story follows Han Yi Joo (played by Jung Yoo Min) a naive and trusting woman who taught everything in her life is picture perfect. After learning her husband is in love with her stepsister and her stepmother is only using her, she suddenly dies in a tragic car accident. Moments later, she woke up but seemingly travelled back in time 1 year prior and she is now determined to take revenge on the people who have wronged her.

Jung Yoo Min effortlessly play the innocent and demure character as well as the fierce and strongheaded woman she has become when she was given a second chance in life. Watching Yi Joo get deceived and trampled by her stepmother and stepsister will remind of every cinderella remakes. But what I appreciate the most about this show is how Yi Joo came to realize her worth and she is not a damsel in distress who needs saving. She is determined in changing her destiny and living a life full of love instead. Yi Joo transforming from the naive girl into a girlboss will make the viewers rooting for her.

Seo Do Guk (played by Sung Hoon) is the epitome of a leading man - tall, deep voice and toned body. On top of that the way he talks and acts around Yoo Min just exudes good masculine vibes. He protects Yoo Min not because she is weak but because she is important to him. There is also a power balance here as Do Guk turns out to have a traumatic past that still haunts him. Later in the story, we learned that there is an invisible string between the two of them.

On top of that, there is also a palpable and sizzling chemistry between the leads which will keep you glued to the screen. Every time Yi Joo and Do Guk has a scene together, I bet viewers will be left with heart-shaped eyes.

This show was surprisingly entertaining and addicting to watch even if the plot is one that we have seen many times. There is lots of melodramatic turns that keeps you on the edge of your seats and drooling over Sung Hoon's deep manly voice.

The show also sometimes gives off classic sitcom vibes despite the turbulence going on in romance, revenge, sibling rivalry and traumatic pasts. It also offers larger-than-life stepmothers and their flamboyant dresses. Seeing them clash and go head-to-head is another hidden gem of this series. We have a wicked stepmother trying to look sophisticated but in truth, she's rotten and evil inside. Then, we have another stepmother who has a penchant for flashy color dresses but tries her best to treat all her children equally.

Conflicts and misunderstandings are also not dragged for too long. It's refreshing to see how smart and witty leads are able to catch up with the villain's evil plans.

All in all, Perfect Marriage Revenge is definitely a guilty pleasure watch with the perfect running time. It keeps the storyline short and easy to follow yet contains all your favorite romantic tropes and, of course, irritating villains. This show is certainly not groundbreaking but Sung Hoon and Yoo Min's earnest portrayal of a couple who will go against all odds and even destiny will keep you running back for more.

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