Love Scout

Gentle and Heartwarming

This drama came to my attention through recommendations in my Role Reversal Club. And while I saw the role reversal - the ML is definitely the homemaker, the caregiver and the FL is the dynamic, workaholic CEO with a hard shell around her heart, it was also so much more. Sometimes the RR dramas have over the top FLs who are aggressive in their pursuit of the ML however that was not the case here. This seemed to be a mutual case of pursuing gently and with intention. I returned to Kdramas with this show after almost 6 months of watch Cdramas, mainly because even though I prefer Kdramas, nothing released was capturing my attention and I am so glad I decided to watch it.

I like that the leads are more mature, in their 30s/40s and have lived a life. They are not impetuous, but stable and yet there is room for growth. The OST is beautiful and the head hunting industry is explained well and woven throughout the show, so at no time are we focusing on just private lives where the work is just a backdrop. It is through their work that they meet so it makes sense that work continues to be a binding force bringing these two people together and allowing them to see each other as human and also in their work persona, at the same time giving them opportunities to discover the things that makes the other person attractive to them. The image that came to mind throughout the show was the FL like a parched earth who was soaking up the gentle rain of support and affection from the ML to gradually return to life.

They are both wounded people, however they have chosen to deal with their hurts very differently. Eun Ho has devoted himself to raising his daughter and providing a loving stable home for her while Ji Yun has closed herself off from humanity and placed her heart in a bunker not even a tank could tear down, choosing to focus instead on her work to the exclusion of everything else. These are both typical trauma responses (people pleasing and hyper independence), however having a daughter who needs him has given Eun ho a reason to retain his warm, sunny personality. The support cast was great, the office employees had their own distinct personalities, and the cut-throat business of talent scouting is a thrilling aspect of the show. There are some comic moments, some heartbreaking ones and some that leave you cleansed. The romance was done really well, as well as the supportive relationship they are creating. The gradual changes in all the characters, not just the leads felt natural and organic.

I have knocked off 1 point for the whole previous connection and shared traumatic incident. I find it is used way too often and I do not like the lazy writing to tie up the characters together. Why can’t they just be people hurt in the past because of various
reasons and find each other as adults??

Overall this gentle yet blossoming of couplehood was very healing to watch and I will definitely be going back to watch it again some time.

Read More

A "mature" romance

I don't know why I put off watching this drama. It was really good, and showed a more mature (read non-school-age) couple. There were no misunderstandings, no noble idiocy, no lack of communication, or any of the other tropes that I've come to expect.

Han Ji Min as Ji Yu was excellent. I didn't like her for the first couple of episodes (which was the writer's intent), but she did a wonderful job transitioning from working automaton to a boss that you'd like to work with. There was a lot of comedy with this character. She knew NOTHING aside from work. She called everyone by the wrong name, she didn't know what the company car looked like, but she didn't care.

Until Lee Jun Hyuk came along as Eun Ho, the most efficient man, best secretary ever. He has an intense gaze that you can get lost in. I found their relationship to be very organic and it totally made sense. Most of their conflict was from outside sources, which was a nice change of pace. Once they got together, they were so cute to watch.

I have to mention Gi So Yoo as Byeol, Eun Ho's daughter. You liked her from the get-go. She was smart, but not bratty, and the relationship between her and her dad was so special to watch. I especially loved how she came to like Ji Yu on her own, without any interference from dad.

The second couple was cute, but I think a lot must have been left on the cutting room floor at the beginning, because Jeong Hun kept showing up at the company, but it wasn't made clear what his purpose was until later in the show. By that time, I was frustrated because he seemed so out of place.

All of the office staff was well-cast. They worked seamlessly together with no one for me being a standout.

There was one thing that I couldn't get past, though. The lighting/makeup were not well-done at all. A lot of the scenes in the office, the outside light was really bright on their faces and you could see all the blemishes/whiskers under their makeup. For me, the most egregious was the makeup for Ji Yu. There is glowing, and then there is sweating. There were so many scenes that I felt that someone should give her a tissue to blot her face, especially her nose and cheeks. Maybe it was so hot in the workplace that she actually was sweating, but it wasn't a good look.

Apart from that, I'm so glad I watched it.

Read More

"Han Ji-min and Lee Joon-hyuk’s Stellar Chemistry"❤️

If you're considering watching Love Scout, here's a detailed review to help you decide:

Plot and Themes

Love Scout is a workplace romantic drama featuring a fresh storyline with elements of humor, emotional depth, and heartwarming moments. It follows Kang Ji-yoon, a headhunting company's CEO, and her secretary, Yoo Eun-ho, a single father. The drama explores themes of personal growth, professional ambition, and second chances at love, offering a mature take on romance.

Strengths

1. Strong Chemistry: The leads, Han Ji-min and Lee Joon-hyuk, deliver stellar performances with palpable chemistry that makes their evolving relationship believable and engaging.

2. Refreshing Take on Tropes: While it incorporates common K-drama elements, the series adds a unique spin, avoiding clichés and keeping the story dynamic.

3. Realistic Characters: The characters are well-developed and relatable, particularly Yoo Eun-ho, whose single-parent narrative adds depth.

4. Cinematography: The visuals are polished, with vibrant shots of office settings and intimate moments, adding to the drama's charm.

Criticisms

1. Pacing: Some viewers have noted that the initial episodes start slow, but it picks up momentum by the third episode.

2. Side Stories: While entertaining, a few side plots might feel underdeveloped or unnecessary.

Who Should Watch?

Love Scout is perfect for fans of workplace dramas, slow-burn romances, and those looking for a balance of lightheartedness and emotional depth. If you enjoyed shows like Her Private Life or Something in the Rain, this drama is a great pick.

Overall Recommendation

This drama is highly recommended for viewers seeking a mature, heartfelt romance with a modern workplace backdrop. With its strong performances and engaging plot, Love Scout is likely to leave a lasting impression.

Read More

When Scouting for a Non Toxic Drama

Love Scout is definitely one of those feel good dramas of the year. It’s rare because:

1. FINALLY, a k drama without a toxic workplace environment. You get to see kind people working together from management to staff.
2. Role reversal from typical cold male CEO and clumsy but lovable female secretary. Here, we get an unbothered FL CEO and BRIGHT GREEN FLAG ML secretary. He’s so green he’s fucking NEON.
3. No idiotic fights or break ups.
4. No stupid love triangles. Just little crushes here and there but mature and healthy.
5. Supportive and mature second leads who act in the best interest of their one sided romances
6. No draggy episodes just to fill 16 episodes, but 12 episodes of sweetness
7. A mature love story about mature adults who are honest with their feelings. I love how bold our FL is with her love for the ML. She wants him and she wants the world to know.
8. No dragged out conflicts.
9. Open and honest communications.
10. Overall, they touched the surface of your typical kdrama issues but not enough for you to pull your hair and shit yourself in frustration.

Read More

A light and heartwarming drama for every rom-com lover.

This drama has everything that a person needs to watch in a drama. No unnecessary fights, healthy relationships, character development, beautiful OST, perfect writing and casting.

Yoo Eun Ho’s character was so well written. He is an organized, kind, reliable, amazing Dad and neighbour. His cooking skills were not inferior to any chef's. A greenest flag which every woman deserves in real life. He had an amazing work-life balance. Always available to help his coworkers which made him a great team leader for his career. I often see people neglecting their children when it comes to their health or just well-being. They do not spend time with them with the ultimate excuse that they are busy but this drama never showed that and that's what makes this drama so special. Nothing is more important than his daughter for him. This is how a parent should be even if they are a single parent. This drama showed the struggles of single parents so beautifully even in that case where a lady was fighting for custody. Though I wanted to see more of their father-daughter bond.

Kang Ji Eun was a cold-hearted and straightforward character with past trauma who needed warmth to see what actually living life to the fullest means. She was a great CEO who knew what she wanted.
‘A good partner will bring out the best in you’ so beautifully this drama portrayed this. She might be a cold-hearted person on the outside but she always wanted the best for her clients even if she had to show her soft side to them.

Their chemistry was not like any other Kdrama with cute voices and kisses but a very mature one. Their level of emotional maturity made this drama so special. They know how to communicate and resolve things without wasting any unnecessary time. Seeing Kang Ji Eun in love was like seeing a teenager falling in love. It was so cute and heartwarming. Her confession made my jaw drop. It was so smooth. I just love her straightforwardness. From late-night talks to him curing her insomnia and treating her like she is a kid who is experiencing things for the first time. Misunderstandings were resolved so naturally and they did not take the whole episode as a plus point to watch.

This drama handled the past traumas and family dynamics so well. The kids need separate awards for this show. I watched her in good bad mother and she was damn good. I am glad she got this project. She was a smart, kind and understanding daughter which was perfect for Yoo Eun Ho’s character. So naturally she became close to Kang and even knew that his father got a girlfriend and never threw tantrums because of that. Her moments with Kang Ji Yun were so special. My favorite was when she slept with her while cuddling. It was such a beautiful scene. It was like she had accepted her as a mother.

The second couple’s chemistry was shown only in the last two episodes before that they were drinking buddies with the same wounds. Their bond was more on the friendship side but I liked that. I got to see different chemistry in the same series. But I needed more of their screen time.

My only disappointment is why they didn't show Kim Hye Jin’s downfall properly. She did so dirty and even blamed someone else for the things she did.

If I am not wrong this drama is Lee Jun Hyuk’s first rom-com where he is in the main lead. The casting was amazing because I have watched his other dramas and they were great. He is a great and experienced actor but in some scenes, it felt like he was trying too hard to show the audience that he could fit in this genre as well. Maybe I am the only one who noticed it. I am sure this drama will open huge opportunities for him because everyone starts at some point.

Overall this drama may have the same plot as other dramas but after watching it, it will make you realize that it is so much different. I strongly recommend it to everyone, even those who typically don't enjoy rom-coms. It's appealing because it avoids being cheesy.

Read More

Mature Love in the Workplace

What sets this drama apart is its refreshing take on workplace romance between two mature adults. The relationship develops slowly and naturally, making it both relatable and heartfelt. Set against the backdrop of the human resources and recruitment industry, the show weaves the characters' professional lives into the narrative seamlessly. Each episode highlights unique stories of individuals finding their dream jobs, adding depth to the overall plot.

The lead characters are portrayed with incredible nuance. Han Ji Min shines as Kang Ji Yun, a strong yet lonely workaholic CEO. Lee Jun Hyuk is equally compelling as Yoo Eun Ho, a devoted single father who always puts his daughter first. Their chemistry feels genuine and is complemented by a wonderful supporting cast, including a secondary couple with their own endearing storyline.

While the drama is overall a delightful watch, the last few episodes lose some of the spark. The "you-were-the-little-boy-my-late-father-saved" twist and the supposed villain arc fall flat, lacking the emotional impact or tension they aim for. The resolution of the rivalry with the competing agency also feels rushed and underwhelming.

Despite these minor shortcomings, this drama remains an enjoyable and easy watch, perfect for anyone looking for a more mature and grounded love story. It's a heartfelt journey with memorable characters and a touching message about love and connection, both in the workplace and beyond.

Read More

And just like that, 2025 is off to a great start!

“Love Scout” has set the bar so high for 2025. I felt like 2024, in my opinion, was a year of drought for good dramas (with “Lovely Runner” and “Blossom” as two huge exceptions), but this right here gives me so much hope!

This show was a masterpiece romcom. What a story, and what a cast! The character development in our FL was heart-wrenching but oh so beautiful, and when the healing came, I wept with joy. This drama should be the golden standard for writing conflict in a couple. The situation came, and they took a break (not a break up) until she was ready to handle it. Then, they were stronger than ever.

The cast was awesome! Our two leads? Phenomenal… and with AMAZING chemistry. The ML’s daughter, Byeol? Absolutely the most lovable kid. Our second ML and FL? So adorable and so easy to root for in their subplots. And the quirky office staff? Well, same here. This was a great ensemble that delivers a solid performance.

The journey of healing shines so brightly through every bit of the show, and the writers give us an ending that truly does wrap everything up so beautifully. I was quite literally squealing like a little kid during some of those moments.

If for any reason at all you’re hesitating to watch this one, do yourself a favor and pull the trigger. “Love Scout” is a gem and making my all time favorites list.

Read More

"Love, Charm, and Unforgettable Moments – Love Scout Delivers Romance at Its Best!"

Love Scout is a drama that truly captures the essence of romance, emotion, and heartfelt storytelling. From the very first episode, it draws you in with its well-crafted narrative and beautifully developed characters. The love story between the strong, elegant female CEO and her devoted secretary is both touching and captivating. Their journey from professionalism to deep, undeniable love is portrayed with sincerity, making every moment feel meaningful and genuine. The chemistry between the lead actors is outstanding, bringing warmth and passion to their relationship, making it easy for viewers to root for their love.

Beyond the main couple, the drama also delivers an equally charming secondary romance. The second couple adds layers of sweetness and humor, complementing the main love story without overshadowing it. Their interactions bring balance to the show, creating a well-rounded romantic experience.

One of the biggest strengths of Love Scout is its phenomenal cast. Every actor, from the leads to the supporting characters, delivers a standout performance. Seo Hye Won is an absolute delight in her role—her overwhelming cuteness and natural charm make her character incredibly lovable. She lights up every scene she is in and brings an infectious energy that makes the drama even more enjoyable. Another standout performance comes from Gi So Yoo, who plays the male lead’s daughter. Despite her young age, she delivers a performance filled with emotion and depth, proving herself to be an exceptionally talented actress.

The drama also does a fantastic job in creating a lively and engaging workplace setting. The employees at the company are not just background characters but play an integral role in the story. Their camaraderie, humor, and heartfelt moments add richness to the show, making it feel more immersive and realistic. Whether it’s the loyal friends, the meddling colleagues, or the supportive team members, every character contributes to making Love Scout a joy to watch.

In addition to the brilliant performances, the production quality of Love Scout is excellent. The cinematography is beautiful, with stunning visuals that perfectly capture the emotions of each scene. The soundtrack complements the drama wonderfully, enhancing the romantic and emotional moments with well-chosen music.

Overall, Love Scout is a beautifully written and exceptionally well-acted drama that offers everything a romance lover could ask for—passionate love, heartwarming moments, humor, and a fantastic cast. Whether you’re a fan of slow-burning romance or enjoy stories filled with emotional depth, this drama is a must-watch. Highly recommended!

Read More