Loved the ML
It's kinda hard for me to rate this one. Up until around the halfway point, it was quite good and I enjoyed it (7/10). Then, things started going downhill FAST. It was like the story was already over, but since they still had 6 more episodes or so to do, they started creating dumb drama only for drama's sake. To the point I actually rage quit it, and it took me nearly a week to come back to it. All the characters became idiots (4/10).Also, this show has to have one of the most selfish FL I've ever seen in any romance drama ever. I found her character to be extremely unlikable. Especially when contrasted with the ML who was a selfless, vulnerable, considerate little fluff ball of chaotic sunshine.
The last episode partially made up for all of the bad writing decisions, since it was a festival of cuteness and had me smiling basically the whole time (8/10), but not enough for me to actually recommend anyone watches this.
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Also, I unexpectedly ended up liking the secondary couple more than the main one (they were so freaking adorable!)
This was my first time watching Seo Hyun-Jin, and I gotta say she's an amazing actress. I don't think I've ever seen anyone else cry so convincingly! The bad side to that was that by comparison Lee Min-Ki seemed really wooden and dry. And while I get his character was supposed to be stoic, I feel like Park Seo-Joon played that type of character much better in What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. He was a bit of a disappointment to me.
Another disappointment was how weakly the very last conflict was approached. It was basically thrown out there and then resolved with lightning speed. Made the last three episodes seem a bit pointless.
But the drama was interesting enough. I loved all the little side adventures Se-Gye did while her face was different. And the soundtrack was awesome, too!
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OST FTW
It's weird how overall empty this season felt given that it spanned eight hours. Like, nothing much happened. She met a guy, started dating him, they broke up, she kinda got together with the other guy.However, I was engrossed and thoroughly invested throughout. None of the episodes felt boring and long, which is often the case when stories don't have much going on. But I was hooked.
I especially loved all the autumnal colors. Gold and red leaves everywhere. Aesthetically gorgeous. And the music matched the tone of the show very well, too. Very mellow, chill songs.
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A well deserved happy ending
Absolutely loved the premise! The fact the Cheol was, initially, a fictional character inside a webtoon, then, one day, he becomes aware and free will starts coming into play against the webtoon's creator wishes.Honestly, it was amazing and flawlessly executed. The "cartoonization" was so incredible! I loved all the special effects and transitions that were added.
Both leads were great in their roles. I especially loved Kang Cheol's character. It's not everyday one comes across a k-drama lead who's comfortable in his sexuality and an outrageously charismatic, arrogant flirt. The main couple had great chemistry and were so earnest and emotional in their performances. I couldn't help but root for them and shed a few tear during the heartbreaking moments.
The drama was insane and never ending. And it'll all get worse before it gets better. Like, way worse than you'll imagine. But if nothing else, this show guarantees you a crazy, entertaining ride.
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The main couple is the main reason for that. They had such good chemistry and were so sweet. I'm a sucker for the "enemies to lovers" trope, which was executed so very smoothly. I also really liked the relationship between the producers for the variety show. Joon's manager, wardrobe lady and Geoun Young's parents were very likable characters, too. The parents had a few hilarious scenes, and it was cute how Ji Hyang was their first shipper.
On the negative side, the second couple was so very toxic. Which was only made worse by the fact that they were two sides of the show's love triangle. It, perhaps, would have been better if JJ died. He was such a mean, manipulative and emotionally abusive character, and I don't think he deserved the weak attempt at a redemption arc they gave him. He was nowhere near damaged enough to justify him being that absolutely awful to other people. In Hyung was not much better. So pitiful for no apparent reason. She made her choices, picked her path and then refused to take responsibility for her own life. I don't really like "woe is me" characters who don't do anything to change their circumstances.
But, all in all, this show was extremely bingeable and so much fun! Would recommend.
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I've been turned into a Park Bo-Gum fangirl
This drama is what you would get if you were to mix a star crossed lovers story, a la Romeo and Juliet—except, you know, with a big social class gap between the two main characters—Mulan, and maybe a little bit of Cinderella, and set it all as a historical drama set in the Joseon period of Korean history.This was my first foray into the world of sageuks, and I must say, it was an excellent choice.
Had its fair share of laughs as well as angsty, teary moments. I enjoyed it very much, and the leads were absolutely adorable together! Had great chemistry. The supporting characters were also very good.
I would definitely watch it again!
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I actually liked this so much I watched it twice
At times it was silly and quite ridiculous. But when it aimed at your emotions? It hit true every single time. Hold on tight and reach for the tissues box. The chance of ending up in tears is high with this one.This was my first time ever watching a K-drama, and I've gotta say, never before have I seen as much crying as I did on this show. Every single episode either one or both leads ended up crying, and it may or may not have tugged at my heartstrings (it definitely did).
The main couple was marvelous and had incredible chemistry. And all the supporting characters were also great. I especially loved Captain Ri's subordinates. So many laughs with those four. The provided amazing comic relief and were a bunch of lovable goofballs.
Thoroughly enjoyable first experience, I look forward to watching plenty more.
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And here are a number of extra characters to comply with the 500-minimum rule.
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All Hail Hee-Kyung Eonni
If you're thinking of starting this drama, you should definitely consider watching Extraordinary You first. Trust me, it'll make watching True Beauty all the more fun.This drama would be worth watching for the eye candy and fun references to other k-dramas alone, but it had so much more to offer!
The first few episodes were totally chaotic, extra and over the top. Kinda crazy, but a lot of fun! Then a few more serious topics like low self-esteem, bullying and psychological trauma were brought up. Honestly, the show struck a good balance between kooky and serious. It was funny and lighthearted, but also emotional and deep in certain aspects. It succeeded in making me laugh, swoon and pulling at my heartstrings.
And the casting! The 3 main actors look like the webtoon characters come to life. Which is insane. And they delivered solid performances all around. But I have to admit the older sister completely stole the show. All of her scenes were hilarious.
I absolutely loved this show and would recommend everyone who loves romance dramas watch it.
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So much better than I'd thought it'd be!!
I may be biased because I love fantasy and idol dramas, but this show got a lot more hated than it deserved to. All the bad comments and low scoring I saw it get made me put off watching it, and I wish I'd just gone with my gut (the poster and description were right up my alley) and started it when it first came out.So much happened in each and every episode that it was impossible to get bored. I remember thinking by episode four how it felt like I'd watch double the amount of episodes because of how much story had already been tackled. And even if "good vs evil" is not my favorite trope (villains being bad just for the sake of it is boring), I still really enjoyed every other aspect of the show.
The leads had good chemistry, even if perhaps their romantic spark was a little lackluster. But I liked their rapport, especially when Gam Jae was added into the mix. I also really liked how the show blended its serious moments with lots of little, hilarious pockets of comic relief. The cute sound effects and switch to funny music during weighty scenes had me laughing more than once.
Another aspect that was a positive was how Lembrary helped each of his group members overcome their emotional pain. I thought the camaraderie and brotherhood idols develop with their group members was very nicely portrayed. And I think dedicating a little time to show how each of them wrestled their feelings of disappointment and discouragement after not seeing all the blood, sweat and tears they'd poured into becoming successful pay off, made it all the sweeter and more significant when they finally overcame these dark emotions and finally got to reap the benefits of all their hard work. Fractured groups coming back together is my favorite aspect of idol dramas (besides, I have the softest spot ever for BTS, and Wild Animal living all on top of each other and their company being small heavily reminded me of how they started off). The one thing I will say, though, is that I would have liked to see more performances. There wasn't nearly enough singing and dancing.
Final positive aspect? No love triangle. And the bonus of the unexpected twist involving Redrin.
I think for anyone that enjoys idol culture and shows, and fantasy, this'll be a good fit. Personally, I thought it was great!
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Definitely had a good time watching it :)
I know absolutely nothing about EXO, but I loved this mini drama! It was so adorable and fun. And even though I wasn't expecting much acting wise (this is not my first time coming across k-pop stars acting in dramas), I was pleasantly surprised! Solid performances all around! I had a smile on my face almost the whole time while watching this.Moon Ga Young totally kicked ass in this. The more I see of her stuff, the more I like her.
Also, the bromance between Yeon-Hee's wacky younger brother and Sehun was priceless.
I wish all k-pop groups did little dramas like this.
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A fun drama that doesn't overstay its welcome.
Was the plot predictable? Yes, but most romance k-dramas are, so I can hardly fault it for that. With what little I know of Idol culture, I think this drama did a good job portraying how overwhelming and stressing it can be to stand under such a huge spotlight and all the pressure attached to that kind of fame.I liked how each member of the band had their own little side plots. Well, except for Woo-Yeon. They did him dirty. I wish they'd given his character more of a backstory or something to do besides being the very far removed tip of the love triangle.
The music was actually good! (edit: Luna even has a Spotify account!) I'll probably be looking a few of the songs up to add them to my Spotify. And the instrument playing looked legit (edit 2: There's a behind the scenes video on YT of all the guys playing the songs live over the tracks while filming) Also, I hugely appreciate that when there was only a guy with an instrument on screen, the song reflected that and didn't have multiple instruments and people singing.
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I wish it would have been longer
They went all out with the aesthetics for this one! It was a beautiful looking drama (kinda reminiscent of the soft, dreamy feel of Love Alarm and Nevertheless) and with a ridiculously good looking main couple.Super chill vibes and quite interesting use of silence and pauses, both with the music cutting out at pivotal moments and also letting the characters reflect in moments of quiet that somehow made them more poignant. Which, if you consider this show is all about music, from the name to the plot, using sound in such an understated way to enhance the storytelling was such a smart choice.
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It would have been better as a 10 to 12 episodes show, and cut out all the random, not-relevant-to-the-main-plot bits. Honestly, 80% of the last few episodes just felt like a never ending epilogue.
The small town community was fun and full of colorful characters, and all the cast did an amazing job and had fantastic chemistry, but of all the dramas I've watched so far, I still think the one that did that aspect the best was Crash Landing on You.
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Something a little different, but not all that exciting
I liked the plot and how there were various cases the royal secret agent had to investigate. Also, Joseon dramas are always just so beautiful to look at with the locations and costumes. But as it's happened with pretty much every single Joseon drama I've ever watched, the whole thing was brought down by the villains. I always hate the villain's plots in these kinds of dramas, They're always predictable. For once I'd like to be surprised, for the villain not to be revealed until a breaking point in the story.Also, the B-plot with the relationship between Yi Gyum's little brother and his ex girlfriend was so unnecessary. The actress they cast had one single facial expression and her delivery was so dry and unemotional. She was a pointless character that the story could have done without.
Other than that, the drama was fine. The three main characters had great chemistry and banter and I really liked Da In's character and story. Not much romance to this one, though.
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