This review may contain spoilers
Awwwwwwww
Such warm and fuzzy goodness. The leads were both super charismatic and lovable and I loved watching their relationship blossom. I appreciated their kindness, their strong communication skills, and the complete absence of contrived conflict. The beer stuff was handled in a way that was accessible to a teetotaler like myself. The direction was creative and I appreciated how the show used the beauty of the natural landscape and certain visual tricks such as animations and selective employment of black and white to enhance both the comedy and the emotional stakes of the drama. A few things were glossed over a bit too quickly or introduced haphazardly (such as the ML's past suicide attempt, the second ML's PTSD, the ML's father's change of heart vis-a-vis "proper" masculinity and displays of emotion) and the second couple's courtship initially felt random. A very satisfying finale that made me tear up. A sweet, warm puppy of a show that will charm the pants off of you.Was this review helpful to you?
Brewing Love? More like Snoozing Lager—romance so flat it needs CPR and a shot of espresso.
6.5/10: A Frothy Mess That Goes Flat Fast🍺 THE GOOD:
- **Kim Se-jeong as Chae Yong-ju** – Former special forces turned beer sales queen. Yes, she can kill a man and pitch a lager in one scene. Iconic, but wasted here.
- **Lee Jong-won as the sensitive brewmaster** – Looks like he cries to jazz and brews IPA with feelings. Sweet, but this ain’t *La La Land*.
- **Pretty scenery** – Countryside shots so nice, you’ll forget you’re watching a drama about *beer marketing*.
⚠️ THE "ALMOST, BUT..." MOMENTS:
- **Slower than foam settling on a flat beer** – The “slow burn” romance is more “no spark, just yeast.”
- **Subplots go missing like drunk texts** – Characters vanish, conflicts die, nothing really sticks.
- **Too much biz, not enough buzz** – It's more corporate training video than rom-com. I didn’t sign up for a business degree in Beer-onomics.
💔 STANDOUT SCENES:
- When Se-jeong’s character tries to emote and you’re like “girl, save yourself from this script.”
- Every time Min-ju stares into the distance like he knows he should’ve taken another role.
🎯 VERDICT:
Feels like they brewed this romance with expired hops—bland, confusing, and mildly depressing.
Watch if you're folding laundry. Skip if you value your sanity.
Best paired with:A real drink, a low attention span, and something else to do while it plays. 🫠🍺
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Heartwarming brewing!
A really nice story that touches on various important topics such as trauma and societal pressure. Darker themes are introduced rather briefly and are mostly left unaddressed at the end to maintain a light-hearted tone. There was a lot of potential for endless tears, but the cast was better suited for a lightweight drama and comedy was sprinkled generously.What made this show really stand out was the portrayal of the relationship between the main leads - especially, the growth they experienced individually and together was just beautiful to watch. Also, I learned a lot about beer brewing and, most importantly, about myself 🍺🧡
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Brewing Love Review - ZyKuu
"Alcohol is the catalyst to love" - The story is very unique and was a breath of fresh air for me as a viewer. It introduced me to the craftsmanship of beer making which I found very neat. Chae Yong-ju and Yoon Min-ju are the main leads of the drama and I found them to be terrific in their roles. Yong-ju did a great job but I enjoyed Min-ju's performance even more. He excelled at portraying his role of an empath. The main romance between Yong-ju and Min-ju was very thoughtful, caring and supportive which I admired. Oh Chan-hwi and Bang Ah-reum were the second main leads, and their romantic relationship was my favourite as they were innocent and gentle towards one another. I have a tiny crush on Ah-reum as I found her visuals to be stunning, I found the side characters to do well in their part but the one that stood out the most to me was Yeom Jang-goon. Jang-goon is a compelling character because he portrays himself as a villain, but deep down he is a hardworking man allowed his greed and jealousy to overtake his ethics and morals. The OST is great and I always found each soundtrack growing on me through each listen. Overall this was a very entertaining drama and it was easy to binge. I highly recommend everyone to check this one out!Was this review helpful to you?
It's nice
Many reviews complained about the slow pace or lack of complexity in the plot and storyline. However, the drama doesn't disguise itself as something it is not. It is a lighthearted romance drama that very lightly addresses issues such as grief, trauma, and self-destructive behaviors. I say this lightly because these more serious topics are not given many plotlines, but, like in life, they are a part of the character's identity, not completely who they are.The romance is youthful and light, and somewhat reminds me of Strong Girl Bong Soon. It was something that was made to be easy to watch and to smile at.
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Romance without over the top drama and with actual character growth
A comfort drama through and through. If you are looking for intelligent dialogs, developed characters with feel good moments and lots of cliche, this is it. It’s Romance at it’s finest. Not murder-mystery, not fantasy. Just Romance. And like all good Romance, it makes us imagine and dream about what is possible and learn new things while at the same time hearing a story we have heard countless times. There were so many scenes that are examples of emotional maturity and development that make us feel proud of the characters and wish a little bit more of that in our own lives without leaving the feeling that is too “cookie-cutter,” or text book right. The characters are not perfect but they show up because they want to and that feels genuine and possible. The cast has chemistry and the main actress has perfected her acting style, whatever she does, regardless of liking it or not, it is obviously a choice, intentional. And if I had one word to describe this kdrama this would be it: intentional. Beautiful photography, beautiful script, beautiful chemistry, beautiful soundtrack. A 10/10. And I would hug it if I could. Be aware, this could be boring for you. I does not mean it is not good. There are no surprises, it is predictable in a meeting an old friend kind of way. The most surprising thing is actually the lack of an over the top, unnecessary and torturous drama based on misunderstanding. If you like that, maybe this is not for you. We actually see various examples of healthy relationships. I will definitely watch it again on a rainy day with hot chocolate.Was this review helpful to you?
Love brewed well <3
Overall 10/10🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This drama is the perfect feel good drama to binge watch! With 12 episodes total it is not overwhelming and it doesn't leave you feeling like they should have made it longer. It's perfect as is! The friendships and relationships between the characters are so beautifully developed and shown. The comradeship of the characters blew me away. I highly, highly recommend watching especially if you're looking to watch something that feels like you are a part of the community. It's short and sweet. I also loved that we can take things we learnt from the drama and apply it in our own lives in order to help our process if overcoming obstacles in life like they did in the drama. Chae Yong Ju really hit close to home in some aspects and it felt very comforting to see her grow.
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This review may contain spoilers
I Can’t Stop Smiling.
I never planned to watch this drama. In fact, I only found out about it when episode 1 aired. But from the first episode, it was already so interesting that I decided to give it a try. And I couldn’t stop smiling throughout the entire episode.If you liked the drama Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy this one too, because it has a similar vibe. The female lead is strong, even stronger than the male lead. That doesn’t mean the male lead is weak—they just have their own way of protecting the people they care about.
The storyline of this drama is well-organized and neatly packaged. With only twelve episodes, all the conflicts are resolved. Similar to Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, this drama often breaks the cliché scenes typically found in dramas.
In my opinion, this drama was even intentional from the beginning in breaking stereotypes that exist in our society. For example, the idea that men must always be masculine and aren’t allowed to cry, or that women always need men to protect them. In this drama, Min Ju cries a lot because he’s sensitive. However, this doesn’t take away his masculinity at all—in fact, it adds to his charm.
Similarly, Young Ju’s character always tries to solve her problems on her own. She doesn’t need the male lead to save her. She’s the kind of person who will save herself no matter what. While portrayals of strong female characters like Young Ju are becoming more common in dramas, I think Min Ju’s character is quite new and something I haven’t seen in other dramas.
The relationship between the two leads is so sweet! I love that this drama doesn’t drag things out and wraps everything up in just 12 episodes. But because of that, I’m sad that next week I won’t get to see this adorable couple anymore.
The PTSD experienced by Chan Hwi’s character reminds me of the movie Shutter Island. In that film, it shows how many war veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress like this. I love that this drama explores that topic.
What I also appreciate is that even though this drama highlights the theme of “independent women,” the writer manages not to belittle men. In this drama, we can see that women and men actually complement each other, not compete.
For me, episode 8 is the best episode of this drama. The emotions take you on a rollercoaster in a single episode. I absolutely loved the voice note from Young Ju’s grandmother—it freed Young Ju from her feelings of guilt and, at the same time, freed her grandmother from her own guilt. That voice note liberated them both.
I also liked how the main leads’ relationship transitioned into romance without any over-the-top love-bombing scenes. Instead, they gave us small, sweet interactions that were enough to make me grin from ear to ear while watching.
The resolution for Young Ju’s career conflict was also great, in my opinion. Young Ju is so competent that if she continued working at Jisang, she’d definitely get promoted. But maybe that’s not what Young Ju wants. She’s spent almost her entire life living for others, and finally, she starts living for herself. It’s also reassuring to know that Min Ju is by her side.
I absolutely love all the characters in this drama, including the people in the village of Bae Gok. They aren’t just comedic relief but also drive the plot forward. Their characters are so fresh—not just drama clowns.
Two couples in one drama, and both of them have solid stories. The first couple shines so brightly, but the second couple also gets their moment. I’m beyond satisfied with this drama. Finally, in 2024, I got to watch a rom-com drama that’s truly filled with rom-com moments :) Lately, I’ve been falling for clickbait dramas (if you know what I mean).
This drama is so sweet that I can’t review it in as much detail as I usually do because I was too busy smiling while watching it. Honestly, I think you should just watch it yourself to understand what I mean, lol.
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A truly a gem among dramas.
Brewing Love is an absolute treasure in the realm of dramas. Right from the opening episode, it effortlessly tugs at your heartstrings with its heartfelt storytelling and delightful characters, each brimming with personality and depth. The charm of this drama is simply unparalleled, making it stand out in a crowded field. The narrative unfolds in a way that is both engaging and heartwarming, peppered with beautifully crafted moments that resonate deeply. Whether it’s the tender interactions between characters or the compelling plot twists, every scene keeps you eagerly anticipating what comes next. I wholeheartedly believe this drama deserves every bit of recognition and appreciation it can garner.Was this review helpful to you?
A Whiff of Beer and Bubblegum
Sometimes a drama lands in the middle ground—not bad enough to rant about, not good enough to rave about. This particular romcom feels like white noise, a pleasant enough background hum that neither surprises nor offends. It’s just there.The story, ostensibly about beer (and maybe a covert PSA for liver transplant hospitals), checks every box for its genre. It’s bubbly, light, and packed with characters whose childlike antics make you feel like you’re watching a cartoon version of adulthood. While the premise is quirky, the execution doesn’t quite pop.
The second couple, though, steals the spotlight with their adorably sweet interactions. They’re a joy to watch and, honestly, more compelling than the main storyline at times. Thankfully, the drama avoids some of the genre’s most tired tropes—no love triangles, no catastrophic miscommunications, and (hallelujah!) no noble idiocy. Instead, we get two couples who actually talk to each other and work through their issues like emotionally intelligent adults. A rare win for healthy relationship portrayals in romcoms!
However, the narrative feels so light it’s almost forgettable. The pacing meanders, and there are plenty of moments where you might find yourself zoning out. The “special forces” subplot? Let’s just say it’s absurd enough to make you question its inclusion. And while the music is cute and inoffensive, it doesn’t leave much of an impression either.
If you’re looking for depth or a strong emotional arc, this isn’t the drama for you. But if you’re in the mood for something breezy and low-stakes—complete with a classic Kopiko ad cameo—it might scratch that itch.
Ultimately, this drama is like a glass of beer on a lazy afternoon. It’s light, frothy, and gone before you know it. Not every sip is memorable, but at least it doesn’t leave a bad taste.
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Brewing self-care should be the subtitle
This was a sweet watch though I did get distracted a lot. I loved the topics laced in about mental health (though therapy needed to be introduced), social care/mental health for vets and so much more from a Korean lens, I loved that. I enjoyed our Green Flag of an ML. I enjoyed our FL though her purposeful fake masks did start to irritate me as well (which I know was on purpose). She did well in that.Outside of those great things, including our secondary characters, somehow the story itself felt lacking, and it's hard to put a finger on what exactly was making it so substantial. It's odd. This had all the makings of a strong K-drama. It might have been the chemistry between our two leads, it kind of came off fake (more on our FL's end). I'm not sure. Either way, this is a good in-between watch.
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Simply beautiful!
I have only just started this drama and I find it beautiful! The story simple but endearing. I love the leads and the exploration of their different personalities and the ways they handle their emotions. I really related to the male character lead. He is someone who is sensitive but isn’t weak. He is full of emotion and is truly kind and not afraid to be himself. In a world that tells people kindness and being full of emotion is weakness, this show depicts how beautiful it can be. I like how this drama touches on masculinity and how men who are a bit more on the emotional side, who are a bit more quieter are often seen as weak and not manly enough. Yet the female lead challenges this thinking. I also love how it shows her more tougher side but also showing the need for her to let go and be open and vulnerable with how she feels. I’m great full for a show showing true kindness, attentiveness and not stereotyping male and female personalities and characters. I’m excited to see how this drama evolves and how they bring out the best in each other. I know this drama may not be everyone’s cup of tea but this drama has truly impacted me, in the way they love and treat each other.Was this review helpful to you?
